SEARSPORT, Maine — More than two dozen musicians will gather at the Searsport Town Hall Theatre Saturday, Sept. 19, for an evening of traditional music followed by a community contra dance.

The 6:30 p.m. program is part of Strung Together: A Maine String Band Weekend, a three-day gathering of musicians and music lovers at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground.

Performers include Owen Marshall and the Wooden Nickels, Alden Robinson, Twitchell Hill Fiddleheads, Skip Gorman, Laura Feddersen and Joel Wennerstrom, Torrin Ryan and Amy Law, and Jon Kerr.

Several ensembles formed especially for the evening will also perform, including The Mandolin Team, with Dan Simons, Stan D’Aubin, Dan Sowder and Tom Fowler; The Fiddling Gang, with George Fowler, John Pranio, James Hyland, Bob Hammond and Jim Burke; and Guitar Pros, with Fred White, Art Bryan and Will Brown.

Following the performances, Pat Dancsen will call a traditional contra dance. No previous contra dance experience is necessary. The caller will teach the dances and guide participants throughout the evening.

Rather than featuring a single headlining act, the program celebrates the tradition of musicians gathering and playing together. Fiddle tunes, bluegrass, old-time music, mandolin, guitar and traditional dance music will fill the historic Searsport Town Hall.

Music That Gives Back

Admission is by suggested donation of $20.

Proceeds will support musician scholarships for Strung Together and the instrument-lending program at the Searsport Carver Memorial Library, which gives community members an opportunity to borrow instruments and try making music themselves.

The event is sponsored by the Makers Guild of Maine and Belfast Flying Shoes.
Strung Together organizers say the Saturday evening gathering reflects the larger purpose of the weekend: bringing people together through music, dancing and traditions that have long been part of Maine’s musical culture.