Flying Shoes Community Dance & Contras Friday

BELFAST — On Friday, Aug. 2 let your shoes fly at the monthly Community Dance & Contra Dance, an evening of social connection presented by Belfast Flying Shoes.

The intergenerational and chem-free evening begins at 6 p.m., when the All Comers Band warms up and chooses tunes. The band is open to all ages, instruments, and skill levels; tunes are posted at belfastflyingshoes.org. The easy-to-learn Community Dance led by Chrissy Fowler and Lisa Newcomb starts at 6:30. Whirling around the floor are families, new folks, and longtime dancers.

This month the 8 p.m. contra dance features the music of Stomp Rocket, with calling by Gaye Fifer of Pittsburgh. Besides being a skilled dance leader, Fifer is the past president of the Country Dance & Song Society, a national organization that promotes social dance, music, and song. The band Stomp Rocket will launch the dancers into a state of euphoria, fueled by the driving fiddle of Dave Langford, propulsive picking of Glen Loper, and rock-solid rhythm of Bethany Waickman. Plus plenty of stomping!

The First Church is at 8 Court Street in Belfast. Admission is $15-20 (or $1 kids $2 adults for folks only participating in the Community Dance.) Masks provided for those who wish to wear them. For information, First Friday FAQ, and BFS Community Care Policy, visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org or contact belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com .

Support for Belfast Flying Shoes is provided by the Green Store, Searsport Shores Oceanfront Camping, Belfast Community Co-op, and First National Bank, as well as other local sponsors, grantors, and individual contributors. Founded in 2005, Belfast Flying Shoes builds community and cultivates well-being through the joy of traditional music and dance for people of all backgrounds and identities in Midcoast Maine. Among its diverse programs, the nonprofit offers concerts for older adults and a weekly show on Belfast Community Radio/WBFY.