Pictured, O’Shanigans is the featured band for the Contra and Square Dance planned for Jan. 18 at Tioga Trails Café, corner of Lake and Main Streets in Owego.
O’Shanigans is the featured band for the Contra and Square Dance planned for Jan. 18 at Tioga Trails Café, corner of Lake and Main Streets in Owego.
Combining the skills of two of Ithaca’s most experienced open music jam leaders with an incredibly talented young fiddler and violinist, The O’Shanigans consist of Phil Robinson on guitar, Tim Ball on fiddle, and Michael Ludgate on mandolin.
The O’Shanigans perform Celtic, American and world fiddle from New England, Southern Appalachia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Finland, Sweden and the Middle East.
The contra dance band O’Shanigans was originally formed by Phil Robinson to fill a fun gig for Saint Patrick’s Day in March of 2009. The members shift and change a bit, but Phil and Mike are usually at the core. Yes, you guessed the name was coined as a spin off on the word shenanigans and that first Irish gig!
Contradancing is easy to learn. It’s so easy to learn that you don’t take lessons. Just show up at a dance and by the end of the dance you’ll have learned Contradance moves and you will be able to enjoy the next dance even more.
People are friendly and welcoming to beginners. The age range is from kids to folks that have been around for a while. Both singles and doubles come to contra dances and women as well as men ask people to dance.
It is usual that you change partners after every dance. You will meet people in a relaxed, pleasant, smoke free atmosphere. The patterns of the dance can be a tad confusing at first, but remember everyone had a first time and that other dancers will help you.
Listen to the caller and the music and go with the flow of the dance. Some people find they get dizzy at first. Looking directly at the person you are dancing with eliminates this sensation. For many, the music is what keeps them coming back as it is exciting and lively. People come to dance, hear the music, socialize and have a good time.
Contradancing, like square dancing, is done to a walking step and is easy to learn. No experience is necessary.
TBA will be teaching and calling contra and square dances. Each dance is taught and prompted. Bring friends, family, or come by yourself. Partners not required.
General admission is $7, students and seniors (55 and older) is $5, and the family maximum is $15.
For information call Stu at (607) 687-4034 or April at (607) 657-8067.
This project is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA’s Decentralization Program administered regionally by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.
