Santa Barbara Contra Dance This Sunday, March 16th
Schedule
Sun Mar 16 2025 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Carrillo Recreation Center | Santa Barbara, CA
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CONTRA Dance LIVE BAND THIS Sunday March 16th 6-9pm Santa Barbara Carrillo Recreation Center 100 E Carrillo in the large sprung-floor ballroom
The band: THE FIDDLE TUNAS
The caller: JEFF SPERO
$10 Cash / VISA / MC / VENMO
We match all newcomers with experienced dancers for the first few dances. It helps make if fun and easy for everyone!
The FIDDLE TUNAS BAND
We've once again been able to hook the Fiddle Tunas to play for our Sunday contra dance, with a bonus catch of JEFF SPERO at the mic!
Fiddle Tunas is based in Santa Barbara / San Luis Obispo and is comprised of Michael Mendelson on fiddle, Amber Roullard-Mueller on fiddle/bass, Tom Wolverton on banjo and dobro, and Mike Mullins on mandolin.
After many years as a bluegrass guitarist and singer, Michael Mendelson switched to the fiddle because it was louder and easier to carry around. Over the years he has played a variety of styles, from old-timey and bluegrass to Texas-style and swing to New England and Cape Breton. Michael has composed many fine new fiddle tunes, and works with several contra dance bands.
Amber Roullard-Mueller has been playing Appalachian music since 1985. She plays fiddle, bass, piano and guitar and also enjoys clogging and has taught at several camps. We've enjoyed her music often in Growling Old Geezers.
Tom Wolverton has been playing old-time 5-string banjo for over 35 years. In addition to banjo, he also plays dobro and various steel guitars. His skills have been used in various central coast string bands including the Gap Tooth Mountain Ramblers and the Rattlesnake Creek String Band.
Mike Mullins is widely regarded as a top-tier mandolinist and has been a regular fixture on the California acoustic music scene for over 30 years. He toured and recorded with notable bands and musicians including renowned fiddler Phil Salazar, The Acousticats, The Hay Dudes, The Tom Corbett Trio and The Cache Valley Drifters
Jeff Spero does the calling honors. Jeff is multi-talented and has been part of calling workshops and plays keyboard with many bands.
BELOW: Future 2025 Contra Dances
(1st, 3rd, Sundays $10, quarterly free dance :)
DATE BAND CALLER COST
March 16: Fiddle Tunas w. Jeff Spero $10
March 30: Anvil Sky w. Lindsay Verbil (FREE DANCE)
April 6: Contra Capers w. Jean Gorrindo $10
April 20: Anvil Sky w. Lindsay Verbil $10
May 4: Whole Hog w. Chris Page $10
May 18: TBD w. Jean Gorrindo $10
June 1: Whole Hog w. Chris Page $10
June 15: Corwin & Grace w. Jeff Spero $10
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Also, L.A. area dancers can get more dancing per mile by attending our English Country dances in Santa Barbara in the afternoon before the contra dance. March 16th Santa Barbara English Country Dance – Come dance to some Irish tunes and Irish themed dances!!! Wearing of the Green is encouraged (but not required) Calling by Susan Evans to musical recordings related to the Green Isle
Beginner Introduction to ECD at 1:45. Dancing 2 – 4:15 pm with a 15 minute break for water and snacks. First Presbyterian Church, 21 E Constance Ave, Santa Barbara. Admission - $10 Youth 18 or younger Free when accompanied by an adult. Looking Ahead: March 30 – Live Music with Green Willow – Jeff Spero, Frank Hoppe and Laura Osborn, Guest Caller Lindsay Verbil
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Where is it happening?
Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2111, United States,Santa Barbara, CaliforniaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
