Wild Asparagus with George Marshall as our anchor caller.
Wild Asparagus are a very popular band that have played at many dance events over many years. They played for our Contra Holiday in Medieval England in 2005 and 2015. “The heartbeat of Wild Asparagus is Ann Percival on piano, guitar, and vocals. Ann’s playing is highly inventive while still maintaining an irresistible rhythm. David Cantieni, a wood-wind wizard, pours forth lively melodies and liquid harmonies on his flutes, tin-whistle, oboe, saxophone and bombard. Becky Tracy‘s masterful fiddling is that rare combination of energy and beauty. George Marshall is an accomplished English concertina player and also provides driving rhythms on bodhran.” Joining them on bass will be Mark Murphy, and joining them on percussion will be Mark Hellenberg. Both played in Ely with Wild Asparagus in 2015.
Our anchor caller at our event will be George Marshall, who has been calling for dances since 1978 and been sharing his passion for contra dance while touring nationally as well as internationally. George’s specialty is teaching and calling New England-style contra dances. He is renowned for his knack of working with bands matching music to dances, and for his humorous, smooth, concise teaching and warm presentation. He called at our events in Ely in 2005 and 2015, and is well known for his excellent teaching and calling.
Adding to this, we will have Janet Shepherd and Terry Doyle.
Janet is based in Atlanta GA where she has been a mainstay for 30+ years. With smooth walk-throughs, infectious humor and a dash of southern charm she has delighted dancers throughout the Southeast and states beyond. Whether with zippy contras, rowdy squares, or quirky odd formations, she is always brewing up fun for every crowd.
Terry has been a loving, competent and enthusiastic contributor to contradance culture for over two decades as an expressive dancer, and a warm and clear, energetic, melodic caller. A community college educator by profession, and from a musical background, she is well-suited to enhance any dance weekend.
On Sunday evening, April 6, 2025, we will have a special “Brit with Brits” dance with the British band Contrasaurus comprising L to R David Ledsam (bass and jaw harp), Adam Rich-Griffin (guitar), Alan Brunier (accordion), and Benjamin Rowe (fiddle).
The caller will be Charlie Turner, who first learned to call in the SF Bay Area and now brings her clear, friendly teaching and satisfying dance selections to contra crowds at dances and festivals in the UK and Europe.
Quentin Fletcher will be our sound master. We are thrilled as he has provided us with superior sound at all eight of our previous dance weeks!