Anadama is a Boston-based contra dance band and the product of “that one time at folk-dance camp.” Amelia Mason (fiddle), Emily Troll (accordion), and Bethany Waickman (guitar) first made music together in the wild woods of Plymouth, Massachusetts while working at Pinewoods Camp in 2007. After many blissful summer afternoons spent jamming under the trees, the trio decided to take it on the road, and have since been touring the US and Canada, bound by a shared love of cheese, beer, and country radio.
Anadama finds its roots in the traditional music of New England, Ireland, and Quebec. Held aloft by the dark pulse of Bethany’s open-tuned guitar, the trio has no need for a bass or drums. They infuse old and new tunes alike with a distinctly modern kick, fiddle and accordion woven together in tight, driving harmony. It is dynamic, earthy music, all—from sweetly rolling jigs to breathless, freewheeling reels—played with vigor and honesty, and dance at its heart.
These three fine musicians have long roots in the New England dance tradition, growing up in families with strong ties to their local dance communities. Emily, Amelia, and Bethany are experts at providing dynamic, lyrical, driving, and always wonderfully danceable music. They are a pleasure to share the stage with.
Contra dancing is about fun and connection, and Anadama is a band that brings that same spirit onto the stage...and into their music. I love calling dances, but when I'm working with Anadama I REALLY love calling dances. Bethany, Emily, and Amelia are all skilled musicians who happen to love playing for contra dancing, as well as being some of the most excellent and fun people I know
Anadama is a compelling blend of fresh energy and thoughtful artistry. They make it easy for the dancers to respond--what more could a caller ask for?
Listen to more Anadama music on Bandcamp.
Refresh calendars |
Jun 29, 2017at 6:00 pmto Jul 3, 2017 | 4th of July weekend campPinewoods Camp, 80 Cornish Field Rd. Plymouth, MAExcited to be joining the likes of: Lisa Greenleaf, Karen Axelrod, Kate Barnes, Ethan Hazard-Watkins, Anna Patton, Joanna Reiner, Barbara Finney, Natty Smith, Chris Cartridge, Rebecca McGowan, Nathaniel Diamond-Jones, and Jamie Beaton for a long weekend of music, dance, song, and merry making. www.cds-boston.org/july4/july4.html |
Nov 9, 2017at 7:30 pm | Contra danceCaller TBA The Concord Scout House 74 Walden St. Concord, MA www.neffa.org/Thurs.html |
Nov 11, 2017at 7:30 pm | Contra dance Dereck Kalish will be calling Wesley Methodist Church 114 Main St. Worcester, MA www.worcesterdance.org |
Jan 12, 2018at 8:00 pm | Contra danceDela Murphy Taylor will be calling Bates College, Muskie Archives 70 Campus Ave. Lewiston, ME www.freewillfolksociety.weebly.com |
Jan 13, 2018at 8:00 pm | Contra danceAlex Hennings will be calling Topsham Grange Hall 47 Pleasant St. Topsham, ME contradancetopsham.wor.....ions/ |
Feb 3, 2018at 8:00 pm | Contra danceWill Mentor will be calling Peterborough Town House 1 Grove St. Peterborough, NH www.monadnockfolk.org/ |
Feb 22, 2018at 7:30 pm | Contra danceDugan Murphy and Hannah Chamberlain will be calling Portland Intown Contra Dance State Street Church 159 State St. Portland, ME www.portlandintowncontradance.com |
Feb 23, 2018at 8:00 pm | Contra danceCaller TBA St. Denis Parish Hall 298 Grand Army Road. North Whitefield, ME www.deffa.org |
Feb 24, 2018at 8:00 pm | Contra danceHannah Otten will be calling Lenox Community Center 65 Walker Street Lenox, MA www.lenoxcontradance.org |
Apr 12, 2018at 7:30 pm | Contra danceDugan Murphy will be calling The Concord Scout House 74 Walden St. Concord, MA www.neffa.org/thursday-contras/ |
May 18, 2018to May 20, 2018 | Contra dance weekendGaye Fifer will be calling Berkshire Outdoor Center at Chimney Corner 591 Hamilton Rd. Becket, MA www.formtheocean.com |