Announcing TWO Open Band dates!
April 14th - Common Floor Contra
July 27th - Kennebunk Contra Dance
We call ourselves the Rage Potatoes.
Welcome to an open and informal group where people play for contra dances, at a variety of levels from absolute beginner on up. I’m teacher and conductor, and cheerleader too. We are brave and silly, and have a very good time.
So come join us, and don’t delay!
This is YOUR opportunity to play music on stage for live contra dancers! YAHOO!
Musicians of all instruments, all ages, and all levels of ability are invited. We have a lead fiddler and lead rhythm player who create a musical wave for the rest of us to surf on. Or maybe we’re all the wave. In any case, it’s really fun and there’s lots of momentum. I play conductor and guide the band in spontaneous arrangements using signs like “crescendo!” and “fiddles only.”
The Open Band started under the loving care of Portland Intown Contra Dance in 2017. Now we play around the Portland area and have two upcoming gigs: Common Floor Contra on April 14th and Kennebec Contra on July 27th.
**We are available for hire! Please reach out if you want a festive, inclusive, goofy band for your event (ideally within an hour of Portland).
FAQs
WHAT IF I’M SCARED OF PERFORMING?
We’re friendly and we can hide you in the back. You’re welcome to play as much or as little as you like. As soft or as loud.
WHAT IF I CAN’T PLAY TUNES UP TO SPEED?
The band is big and other folks will have that covered, so no worries! Nobody will hear you in the commotion, I promise. So you can really do whatever seems fun and right for you and let the band carry you along! You can play the first note of every 8, and work your way up to more notes. Alternately, you can say “tunes shmunes” and join the rhythm section. Or even just sing along or hoot and holler.
WHAT TUNES DO YOU PLAY AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?
Most of the tunes we play can be found in the (West Coast) Portland Collection tune books, or on The Session. Email me for the current tune list, as we’re always making additions!
WHEN AND WHERE ARE REHEARSALS?
For that privileged information, you will need to join the email list. But generally speaking, we have one rehearsal the week or day of the gig.
WHAT IF I PLAY AN INSTRUMENT NOT COMMON TO FIDDLE MUSIC?
The more variety we have, the more we are like a true orchestra! The most common keys we play in are D, G, and A.
IF I PLAY MULTIPLE INSTRUMENTS, WHICH ONE SHOULD I BRING?
If you are choosing between a big instrument and a small one, bring the small one. Keep in mind that we like to limit percussion, just to achieve band balance.
I’M READY TO JOIN. WHAT DO I DO?
Email me with “Open Band” in the subject line and let me know your name and preferred instrument. Congratulations, you passed the audition. You’re in the band!