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Nils Fredland
Nils Fredland
hails from Keene, NH, but his travels as a dance caller, song leader, and musician over the last two
decades have have taken him all over the map. He is the dance caller, trombone player, and occasional vocalist
for the popular dance bands, Elixir and Maivish; he can also be found sharing the stage with some of the
best-known contra dance bands on the National circuit, such as Great Bear Trio, Mean Lids, and Notorious.
Nils is widely respected for his expertise and skilled leadership, and beloved for his sensitivity, generosity, and
community-minded approach. |
Linda Leslie
Linda Leslie
comes to American Week from Southeastern Massachusetts. Her warm, resonant voice instills confidence and
enjoyment for musicians and dancers alike. A skilled choreographer and caller, she has over 150 dances to her credit.
With these and a broad repertoire of dances in her collection, Linda’s programming is always a dancer’s delight. She is
a long-time leader and a member of the NEFFA Board. Linda is highly sought after for her skills and leadership in the
dance community; she has traveled extensively throughout the United States, and is just back from a calling tour of
England. Get ready for a joyful, heart-felt dance experience when Linda is in your dance hall! |
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Bands
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Ryan McKasson
Fiddle and Viola
Ashley Broder
Mandolin and Fiddle
Jeff Spero
Piano and Keyboards
Christa Burch
Vocals and Bodhrán |
From dance floors to concert halls, The Syncopaths bring a fresh, contemporary spin to music and songs rooted in the Scottish, Irish, and American folk traditions. Evolving beyond their contra dance origins, they are creating a “chamber folk” sound characterized by the compelling, rhythmic interplay of fiddle and mandolin, rich vocals, and unexpected colors and rhythms from the piano and bodhran. The exuberant joy they derive from the music and each other is palpable and contagious. Ryan McKasson - fiddle and viola; Jeffrey Spero - piano and keyboards; Ashley Broder - mandolin and fiddle; and Christa Burch - vocals and bodhrán.
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Clew Bay
Stuart Kenney
Bass
Peter Siegel
Mandolin, Guitar
Owen Marshall
Guitar, Mandolin
Alden Robinson
Fiddle
Matthew Kenney
Percussion |
Rooted in deep musical traditions, Clew Bay brings a melting pot of Irish, Appalachian, Cape Breton,
New England, and original compositions to the dance floor. These veteran musicians propel the living
traditions of dance music into your heart and soles. Named for a bay off the west of Ireland, Clew Bay
represents music where the tides of timeless traditions meet. Alden Robinson (fiddle), Peter Siegel
(guitar, mandolin, and vocals), Matthew Kenney (percussion), Owen Marshall (guitar and vocals),
Stuart Kenney (upright bass, five-string banjo, and vocals).
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Laura Light
Fiddle, Vocals, Yoga
George Paul
Piano, Accordian, Composition |
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Laura Light is the founder and core of The Avant Gardeners, and George Paul is known as The Energizer Bunny of
Contra. They have long been at the heart of AmWeek, and we are thrilled that they are continuing this
year. Laura’s yoga class is a highlight of the day for many campers, and George’s tunes begin each day in a
glorious way. They will again lead the incredibly hot Camper Band, as well as adding their unique
musical touch to workshops and evening dances through the week.
Sound
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Marty Brenneis
Marty Brenneis, a valued “gizmo guy,” was a rock-n-roll sound
engineer in a former life. It wasn’t long after he
started contra dancing that he began twiddling the knobs
on the soundboards for dances … and he hasn’t
stopped yet. |
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