Swingin’ Tern Dances: DOUBLE DANCE: Alex Deis-Lauby & Annie Kidwell with Grand Picnic

• Double Dance: Alex Deis-Lauby & Annie Kidwell with Grand Picnic
• Michael Gorin—fiddle; Bill Peek—piano; Marco Brehm—bass; Sam Zygmuntowicz—fiddle; Jody Kruskal—Anglo concertina
• Schedule:
  • 3:45 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Advanced Contras with Alex Deis-Lauby $15 adults/$5 students
  • 5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
  • 7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
  • 7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance with Annie Kidwell $15 adults/$5 students
• Grand Picnic will play for both sessions.
• All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ
• Our hall is air-conditioned! Vaccination and Masks Optional

Hams that they are, Grand Picnic shows their rye humor as they sandwich in tunes as long as we can mustard the strength to ketchup. The toast of the town, Alex and Annie assemble a double dance double decker of Wonder-filled no-loaf contras. The best thing since sliced bread, Grand Picnic rises to the occasion with tunes you knead to get your dogs dancin’ and your buns cookin’. Roll in with your bun and only, it’s the yeast you can do. Don’t be sconed, leave your muffin the car and wear a flour in your hair.

Alex Deis-Lauby

Alex Deis-Lauby began contra dancing in 2011 while at school in Chicago. After catching the contra bug, she began calling in 2014. Alex’s smooth voice, clear teaching style and engaging dance selections delight dancers from coast to coast. When she’s not calling, you can find her on the dance floor twirling away! Alex will be calling the advanced afternoon contras session. Video on YouTube.

Annie Kidwell

Annie Kidwell is an up-and-coming caller based in Boston, MA, having called at BIDA and Greenfield. We are thrilled to debut Annie’s spirited calling in NJ where they will be calling the all-level evening dance.

Grand Picnic

Grand Picnic first graced Swingin’ Tern’s stage in 1989 and has been serving up a musical feast of high-energy contras ever since. This dance will feature the original lineup as shown in the boy band picture above with Michael Gorin on fiddle, Bill Peek on piano, Marco Brehm on bass, Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, and Jody Kruskal on Anglo concertina.
Video on YouTube
Full calendar

Useful Information:

• Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
• We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
• All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
• We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
• We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
• Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
• We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles.
• Swingin’ Tern Name Buttons may be ordered at the dance or at our website.
• We welcome the return of home-baked goods at our dances—contributions welcome! Please bring your own water bottle which can be refilled at the kitchen sink.
• $15 adults/$5 students