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Wescustogo Dances

August 11, 2007

Musicians and callers on stage had been at Maine Fiddle Camp all week. John Cote led the young fiddlers through tunes and sets... Maggie and Pam led the calling program. Thanks to an enthusiastic dance community for their support and encouragement!

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Saturday September 9, 2006 found members of the Wescustogo Ramblers headed for Chebeague Island to play at a contradance demonstration. This was all part of the Fisherman's Country Fair... proceeds for the CIHCC Roof Fund.

Our adventure started with a boat ride across the bay in Ken & Sandy's boat. Their generosity allowed us to arrive and leave the island without waiting for the ferry. The weather was absolutely perfect for being OUT ON THE OCEAN.

The Wescustogo Ramblers, famous for regular appearances at the Wescustogo Hall Family Dance on the second Saturday of each month during the school year, are also part of the Thursday night Pownal Jam session. Saturday's trip to Chebeague included (left to right)Jeff, Val, Eric, Pam and Richard.

Unable to reach our intended ride by telephone to let them know we'd landed, we discussed the options and possibilities of getting from the dock to the Community Hall, which was quite a distance. Now, we all like walking, but it's a different story when hauling instruments and gear along. We experienced a wonderful dose of island hospitality when this resident offered us a ride... we joked about how we were arriving for our gig just like a 'real band'... coming in unannounced and having our limo handy for transportation! Looks like the Ramblers are all ready for the big time now!

Festivities centered around the Community Hall and included children's activities,a bake sale auction, olive oil tasting, and numerous displays and exhibits. Our role was to play music for a contradance demonstration.

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Out on the green, a local wood turner had set up his Kubota tractor and some of his handiwork. Jeff is a fine wood turner himself, and had no problem striking up a conversation. You never know when you'll find folks with similar interests... all it takes is getting out into the community and talking with people.

Richard and Val, discussing potential tunes and medley arrangements.

Some of the wooden bowls and plates on display.

Thanks to all who made this day possible!

Wescustogo Family Dance

The Family Dance at Wescustogo Hall is becoming more popular every month, drawing families with children into the world of contradancing.

The Family Dance takes place from September through June!

Jeff & Maggie and the Wescustogo Ramblers play for the Family Dance. Led by Jeff Raymond and Maggie Robinson, most of the Ramblers take part in the weekly jam session in Pownal. Meeting regularly to share tunes is an important part of any contradance band... not only is this reflected in the music, but in the friendships that develop.

Moms, dads, brothers, sisters... all take part in the learning and the dancing!

Regular caller for the Family Dance is Kathryn Larson. Kathryn introduces new dances as much as possible, but she has quite a following and the children request their favorites.

Thanks to Jocelyn for taking and sharing the photos from the November 2006 Family Dance!

The protestors gather...

...the banjo is flung...

... it takes a lickin'... he keeps on pickin'!

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