Contra dance pros run Oahu workshops

Contra dance connoisseurs: Two touring bands and a veteran caller will be in town for dances, workshops and concerts over the next two weeks.

First up is Crowfoot—known for its fusion of musical influences from England, Ireland, Quebec and the Appalachian Mountains. The band plays for a contra dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Kapiolani Community College Chapel on Diamond Head Road.

Crowfoot also will teach style and technique at a musicians' workshop, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Church of the Crossroads on University Avenue.

Next week, Notorious brings its mix of fiddle-driven traditional American, Celtic and Eastern-European sounds. The band plays a contra dance and leads a workshop, both on Jan. 31. Times and places are the same as those for Crowfoot.

Nils Fredland—a veteran of 20 years leading contra dances across the United States and in five countries—will be the caller for both dances.

A donation of $8 to $10 for the dances and $15 to $20 for the workshops is suggested. Call 392-8774 or visit www.sls.hawaii.edu/contra/.

The bands also will play concerts at Ward Rafters—Crowfoot tomorrow and Notorious on Jan. 31. Call 735-8012 for time and prices.