Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"

Our first band will be fabulous New England band Stomp Rocket. Their facebook page promises:

Beacoup de stomping pour le contra danse, avec Dave Langford on fiddle, Glen Loper on mandolin and banjo, and Bethany Waickman on guitar and sometimes piano.

Rick Szumski from Ann Arbor, Michigan has contra danced across much of North America for more than 25 years. As a caller, Rick draws upon his dance experience to deliver a broad selection of lively, fun dances wherever he calls. Known for clear, concise, and enthusiastic teaching, Rick helps dancers of all skill levels connect with the music & dance on their own terms. His ready smile, pleasant voice, and relaxed presence encourage everyone to enjoy contra dancing as much as he does.

Rick will call to the delightful beat of Jon Cannon & Adam Iredale-Gray.

Jon (http: //joncannon.net) is a truly multi-talented person. He is a researcher, musician, educator and entrepreneur. He has studied a wide range of world music, including Jewish, Romanian, Celtic, and American fiddling. He performs regularly on violin, sometimes as a member of award-winning Boston klezmer band Ezekiel's Wheels.

He is also in demand as a contra dance musician, both on fiddle and on guitar accompaniment, and has played for over 150 contra dances up and down the Eastern Seaboard. He has taught violin students across a wide range of ages and levels, both in private lessons and in workshops at camps, festivals, and schools.

Adam (www.adamiredalegray.com) is a versatile fiddler, guitarist, producer, and engineer with deep roots in traditional music and a commitment to innovation.

Nominated for a 2019 JUNO Award for Instrumental Album of the Year, he's a compelling performer and an in-demand collaborator.

Adam started playing professionally at the age of 14, and by the age of 17 was gigging 6 nights a week in Victoria BC playing Irish, country, bluegrass, and early music. Adam attended the Victoria Conservatory of Music, studying jazz and classical music on the violin and upright bass, and later graduated from the performance program at Berklee College of Music (2015) with a minor in jazz theory. At Berklee, Adam studied violin with Simon Shaheen, Matt Glaser, Darol Anger, and Bruce Molsky, and music theory with Daniel Ian Smith.

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2025 Schedule: Coming soon

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Important Notes:

Toronto Contra Dance uses the gender-free role terms Lark and Robin. We are a consent-based dance community. For more information, please see our Code of Conduct.

Further details about the health precautions for this weekend are coming soon.

Toronto Contra Dance is SCENT-FREE. For the well-being of all dancers, please plan ahead and avoid all products containing fragrance on your body, hair or clothing.

Bring a WATER BOTTLE! We will have water for you to refill it (no juice), and masking tape for labelling it with your name. Also bring a TRAVEL MUG; there is a cafe across the street, but please help us avoid needless garbage by using a travel mug if you go there.

Please let us know of any allergy concerns; snacks will be provided at break time and we'll do our best to accommodate everyone. If you are bringing your own snacks, please note: there must be NO NUTS in the hall. St. Barnabas Church now requires all events to be nut-free.

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Venue

St. Barnabas Church Hall (side entrance):
175 Hampton Avenue, Toronto

Map and directions

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For our American guests

Welcome! We're glad you are coming.You can visit this US Department of State web site regarding entry into Canada and returning to the United States.

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Questions?

Please contact us at thaw@tcdance.org