Janine Smith

The Janine Smith experience is what you get when you cross a howdy-ma’am-BBQ-and-beans Honky Tonk with Zoom contra and sprinkle on some twinkly lights for sass. She’ll bring you a night of fun dances, from squares to contras, whether you’re sitting, standing, or somewhere in between. Her teaching is clear and to-the-point, though she has been known to goof around a bit. She’s a founding member of the DC Square Dance Collective.

Dead Sea Squirrels

The Dead Sea Squirrels push the boundaries of the Southern American style with fiddle and fiddle/guitar harmonies. You might also find them exploring transplanted British and Celtic-influenced tunes; African-rooted rhythm and blues; Cajun waltzes and two-steps. Based in Boston, the band features Cathy Mason on fiddle, Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, and Henry Yoshimura on guitar.

They play widely for contra dances and are known for their danceable tunes arranged in medleys designed to closely match and enhance the movements of the particular contra dance being taught/called. Since all the musicians are also dancers, they understand the importance of the interaction between dancers and musicians, and how to use rhythm and dynamics to augment the feel and excitement of a dance.

The Susquehanna Folk Festival is happening all weekend, August 9-11, and includes lots of FREE programming as well as concerts and dances. See full schedule of events.

COMBO FESTIVAL TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE: Day Passes, All Festival Dances, and (for a limited time) All Festival Concerts.

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society (SFMS) presents a full calendar of traditional arts events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, jam sessions, open mic nights and coffeehouses. For almost 40 years, SFMS has been bringing a wide variety of world-class artists to local audiences. Visit SusquehannaFolk.org to see upcoming events, including 2024-25 Concerts to be announced this summer.

With admission discounts, a membership to SFMS can easily pay for itself!