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July 4th Weekend Blast with Kingfisher + Crossover + Bob Isaacs + Luke Donforth
July 4th Weekend: Kingfisher and Crossover
Four 4-hr sessions with Bob Isaacs and Luke Donforth
Kingfisher is Cecilia Vacanti and Jeff Kaufman.
Crossover is:
- Alex Cumming (Accordion/Piano),
- Len Bittenson (Viola/Fiddle/Recorder) and
- Carol Bittenson (Fiddle).
Callers:
- Bob Isaacs
- Luke Donforth
If you’ve ever danced a Bob Isaacs contra, you know he’s a master of musical momentum—crafting choreography that feels both intuitive and exhilarating. With his rich repertoire, crisp teaching style, and uncanny instinct for flow, Bob has earned a national reputation for calling dances that are as satisfying to the brain as they are to the feet. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or an aspiring caller, Bob brings clarity, wit, and a love for the tradition that lifts every hall he enters.
This July 4th weekend at The Dancing Fish, Bob Isaacs will lead a special Caller’s Workshop Series open to all who wish to explore the art of contra calling. Sessions run Friday through Sunday (July 4–6, 2025), culminating in a workshop-led dance on Sunday morning. The full workshop series costs $25. For the full schedule and details, download the event flyer or contact Bob directly at gridnik64@gmail.com.
Luke Donforth brings a warm and inviting playfulness to the hall with his calling. Contra caller and choreographer, based in Burlington, VT, he calls new and traditional contras at weekly dances, festivals, barn dances, weddings, and parties. Luke has shared the joy of dancing far and wide — in over a third of the US and a fifth of Canadian provinces.
Dance Sessions:
- Friday 6-10 pm
- Saturday 12-4 pm
- Saturday 6-10 pm
- Sunday 11-3 pm
Friday, July 4th:
- 10 am – 1 pm: Boat Parade
- 2 pm Callers Workshop
- 4 pm – 6 pm Potluck Dinner
- 6 pm – 8 pm Contra Dance (Bob Isaacs + KingFisher)
- 8 pm – 10 pm Contra Dance (Luke Donforth + CrossOver)
Saturday, July 5th:
- 10 am Callers Workshop Contra Dance (Bob Isaacs + CrossOver)
- 12 pm – 2 pm Contra Dance (Luke Donforth + KingFisher)
- 2 pm – 4 pm Contra Dance (Bob Isaacs + CrossOver)
- 4 pm Callers Workshop
- 4 pm – 6 pm Potluck Dinner
- 6 pm – 8 pm Contra Dance (Luke Donforth + CrossOver)
- 8 pm -10 pm Contra Dance (Bob Isaacs + KingFisher)
Sunday, July 6th:
- 9 am – 11 am Workshop Rehearsal
- 11 am – 1 pm Contra Dance (Bob Isaacs + CrossOver)
- 1 pm – 3 pm Contra Dance (Luke Donforth + KingFisher)
Admission
- Adults
- 1st weekends: $15-30 per dance session or $30-60 for weekend pass
- 3rd Saturdays: $10-20
- Youth (under 26)
- 1st weekends: $7.50-15 per dance session or $15-30 for weekend pass
- 3rd Saturdays: $5-10
- Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
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Payment should be made online whenever possible, (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.
Camping
Campers are welcome, but be sure to contact DF property manager Pat Ward first before coming. Text him at (703) 509-3820 or write to patward562@gmail.com.
Potluck Dinner
- Cheese/crackers
- Main dish- cooked or to be grilled
- Vegetables – cooked or to be grilled
- Salads –
- Dessert –
- As always, we will have picnic tables, a sink, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee maker, two propane grills, ice, water, and cups.
