Whether you're an Old-Time music veteran, a casual fan or wondering "what is Old-Time music?", the Baltimore Old Time Music Festival is a joyous, interactive and inspiring celebration of where this wonderful style of music exists today. Join your festival hosts and beloved local Roots musicians Ken & Brad Kolodner as they welcome you to the Baltimore Museum of Industry April 17-18, 2026 for a music celebration fun for all ages! Concerts, workshops, square dancing, jamming, food/drink vendors, kids programming and more on the gorgeous waterfront campus of the Baltimore Museum of Industry with stunning views of the Baltimore skyline. The festival is produced by the Center for Cultural Vibrancy.

For RSVP and address: https://airtable.com/appMXmSqmOgZNUjMP/shrehDqKBwjAxDYGL

Forsyth is a collective of Boston-based musicians—

Kate Knudsvig, Erin Shea Hogan, Kat Wallace, and Helen Kuhar— who utilize their four unique voices and a wide array of instrumentation as their canvas. Each member is a formidable musician in their own right and when combined, form a supergroup of rising artists in folk music. Drawing from their diverse musical backgrounds and spanning across multiple genres, each member contributes equally to the ensemble’s vibrant tapestry. United by a deep appreciation for Celtic musical traditions, Forsyth breathes new life into age-old melodies, offering a shared interpretation that is as intricate as it is heartfelt.

The group began as an experiment: a gathering of friends who share the same joy of unique arrangements and collaboration, inspired by the haunting soundscapes of artists like Lankum, The Gloaming, and Ye Vagabonds. What started as a playful exploration quickly evolved into a cohesive musical and artistic vision. Forsyth debuted at Club Passim for the 2025 Boston Celtic Music Festival. Upon their successful first performance, they were immediately booked for a headline show at Club Passim on July 17th, 2025. They look forward to the many collaborations, songs, stories, and travels to come as an ensemble

April 13th: recipients of the 2025 Iguana Music Fund, featuring performances from Helen Kuhar, Qudrat Wasefi, Dom the Composer, Caio e Jess, and Felicity Paige

Iguana Music Fund

The Iguana Music Fund is an annual grant program predominantly funded by generous anonymous donors, plus the help of Passim, sponsorships, and community donations. Each year the Iguana Music Fund gives approximately $40,000 in grants to individual artists in amounts from $500 to $2,000 each. Grants are used for projects and expenses to aid in artists’ career growth, and range from recording projects to community programs to specialized equipment or instruments.

Rooted in the musical traditions of New England, Dearest Dear present traditional tunes from Ireland, New England, Quebec, and France, and craft vocal harmonies for age-old songs with modern relevance. 

Rose Jackson came up in the rich folk scene of western Massachusetts. Equally at home in the concert hall and on the dance stage, she studied under fiddler Becky Tracy (Nightingale, Wild Asparagus) from whom she inherited a wide repertoire of music from Quebec, New England, Ireland, and France, a deep love for old tunes, and the intuitive sense of rhythm and danceability which infuses her playing. From multi-instrumentalist Pete Sutherland (Pete’s Posse), she developed her ear for song arrangement and harmony. She's toured festivals nationally with her band Polaris, and now plays with her quartet Stove Dragon and duo Helen & Rose. In 2024, she received one of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s competitive Grants for Creative Individuals for her work as a tradition-bearer of New England fiddle music. 

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Helen Kuhar currently resides in Cambridge, MA. Helen began exploring their connection to folk and Celtic music in 2020 while studying with renowned guitarist Alex Sturbaum (Countercurrent). Since then, Helen has become involved in the thriving New England music scene through playing contra dances and concerts with their band Good Company. Helen also performs with Upstate New York fiddler Tim Ball, whose debut solo album Upstate Crossroads was the No. 1 CD of January 2023 on the FAI Folk music chart. Helen can also be found leading Irish sessions in and around the greater Boston Area. 

Together, Dearest Dear invites audiences in for stories, melodies, and lyrics that unite us all in our shared humanity.

Artist - fiddle, vocals

• Rose Jackson, Nature Based Education Consortium, Organizer

Artist - guitar, tenor banjo, vocals

• Helen Kuhar

https://www.fiddlehell.org/register

Blue Hill, ME — Bagaduce Music continues its popular Second Wednesday House Party series on April 8, 2026, featuring Massachusetts-based duo Dearest Dear with a 5:00pm Balfolk workshop and 7:00pm concert (a change to an earlier start) in Blue Hill.

Rooted in New England’s rich folk traditions, Dearest Dear blends traditional tunes from Ireland, New England, Quebec, and France with luminous vocal harmonies that bring new life to centuries-old songs.

Fiddler Rose Jackson (Polaris, Stove Dragon) draws from the vibrant western Massachusetts folk scene, while Helen Kuhar (guitar, vocals, harmonium) is a familiar presence in Boston-area Irish sessions and contra dance halls nationwide. Together they weave stories, melodies, and lyrics that celebrate shared musical heritage and human connection.

In their Balfolk workshop, Rose and Helen will teach a balfolk tune or two as well as teach the corresponding dance. They will focus on specific aspects of the balfolk music style as well as how best to perform the tune so that they compliment and enhance the dance. By the end of the workshop, students will be able to play a set together fit for dancing! All are welcome to attend, with or without instruments.

Bagaduce Music’s Second Wednesday House Party is a monthly midweek gathering that combines live music, food, and community in a relaxed house-concert setting—an affordable chance to experience exceptional artists up close.

Dinner will be available 6:00–7:15 pm from Conscious Café on campus. Come enjoy dinner and a show! 

Concert admission: Advanced tickets encouraged, $15-35 suggested. Tickets at the door when capacity allows.

Workshop: Separate registration required, here.
Location: Bagaduce Music, 49 South Street, Blue Hill, ME

More information: www.bagaducemusic.org

Bagaduce Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering musical experiences throughout Maine’s coastline.

Contra Dancing with live music!

Music: Nobody's Business [Hayden Stern (fiddle), Casey Murray (cello) & Helen Kuhar (guitar)], Caller: Tommy Linden

Admission: “You Pick” $20, 15 or $10 see MondayContras.com for more information.

Beginner session at approximately 7:10 pm. Our Monday dances are Mask OPTIONAL/welcome, please see our health policy for full detail. Larks + Robins role terms.

• Challenging Contras 3:00–5:00 p.m.

• Potluck supper 5:00–6:30 p.m.

• Beginners’ workshop 6:30-7:00 p.m.

• Evening dance for all 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Calling by George Marshall

Community School of Music and Art 330 East State St Ithaca NY 14850 (map)

Concord Scout House
74 Walden St., Concord, MA, 01742

Annie Kidwell and Good Company (Cecily Mills, Rohan Weedon, and Helen Kuhar)

Tickets here: https://portsmouthnh.ticketsauce.com/e/thenewgrownups

Hailing from the Boston area, The New Grown-Ups are an octet taking a modern twist on American Roots music. They blend Traditional Folk, Country, Blues, Celtic, Old time, Originals, Bluegrass, and Pop into a snafu of contemporary acoustic music. The band has toured regionally around New England, and has an infectious onstage energy that comes with loving to perform, and being around each other. 

"...Skilled musicians with electrical rollicking enthusiasm..."
-Bluegrass Today

Dearest Dear: Helen Kuhar (guitar, vocals, harmonium) and Rose Jackson (fiddle, vocals) come together to bring you driving traditional tunes from New England, Quebec, Ireland, and France, old songs with contemporary relevance, and contemporary songs with traditional sensibilities harmonized with voices, fiddle, guitar, and harmonium.

$18 advance | $23 day-of | $12 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)

Brooks will welcome Emily Troll, Eric Boodman, Helen Kumar to the stage on September 19th with the fabulous Hannah Chamberlain calling. Bring your friends! There will be coffee!

• Contra dance at the Marsh River Theater, 24 Monroe hwy Brooks, ME

• September 19th 2025, 8:00 pm, $15-$25 sliding scale admission

If you can afford to pay more, it really helps us pay our performers fairly and allows us to book the best bands and callers around! Please park at the Brooks town office or Varney memorial building at the congregational church, both less than 1000 feet from the hall. Parking at the hall is extremely limited!

Pacific Lodge Masonic Hall, 99 Main St, Amherst, MA
General: $15-20 — Students: $10-15
First-timers who attend our 7pm Beginner's Lesson: FREE

--- COVID SAFETY POLICY ---

KN95 mask or better — vaccines recommended
please stay home if you feel sick — see full details in our safety policy

Please bring a water bottle and soft soled shoes. This is a fragrance-free and substance-free event. Please refrain from wearing scented products. Dances are smoke, drug and alcohol free

Rooted in the musical traditions of New England, Dearest Dear presents traditional tunes from Ireland, New England, Quebec, and France, and craft vocal harmonies for age-old songs with modern relevance. Rose Jackson (fiddle, vocals), draws her sound from her upbringing in the folk scene of western Massachusetts, grounded in a deep love of old repertoire and her experience touring festivals with bands Polaris and Stove Dragon. Helen Kuhar (guitar, vocals, harmonium) hails from Cambridge, MA and can be found hosting Irish sessions around the greater Boston area, accompanying traditional musicians from across the region, and playing for contra dances around the country. Together, Dearest Dear invites audiences in for stories, melodies, and lyrics that unite us all in our shared humanity.

Suggested donation $15-$25, which goes directly to the performers. Any amount welcome.

Reservations Required! Email: BrattleboroHouseConcerts@gmail.com

The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center: 605 Main St Middletown, CT 06457

Tickets: https://buttonwood.networkforgood.com/events/83034-helen-and-rose-jackson

Rooted in the musical traditions of New England, Dearest Dear present traditional tunes from Ireland, New England, Quebec, and France, and craft vocal harmonies for age-old songs with modern relevance.

Rose Jackson came up in the rich folk scene of western Massachusetts. Equally at home in the concert hall and on the dance stage, she studied under fiddler Becky Tracy (Nightingale, Wild Asparagus) from whom she inherited a wide repertoire of music from Quebec, New England, Ireland, and France, a deep love for old tunes, and the intuitive sense of rhythm and danceability which infuses her playing. From multi-instrumentalist Pete Sutherland (Pete’s Posse), she developed her ear for song arrangement and harmony. She's toured festivals nationally with her band Polaris, and now plays with her quartet Stove Dragon and duo Helen & Rose. In 2024, she received one of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s competitive Grants for Creative Individuals for her work as a tradition-bearer of New England fiddle music.

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Helen Kuhar currently resides in Cambridge, MA. Helen began exploring their connection to folk and Celtic music in 2020 while studying with renowned guitarist Alex Sturbaum (Countercurrent). Since then, Helen has become involved in the thriving New England music scene through playing contra dances and concerts with their band Good Company. Helen also performs with Upstate New York fiddler Tim Ball, whose debut solo album Upstate Crossroads was the No. 1 CD of January 2023 on the FAI Folk music chart. Helen can also be found leading Irish sessions in and around the greater Boston Area.

Together, Dearest Dear invites audiences in for stories, melodies, and lyrics that unite us all in our shared humanity.

House Concert in Easthampton, MA
Doors at 7:00p
Music at 7:30p

Email helenkuharmusic@gmail.com for Address

Rooted in the musical traditions of New England, Dearest Dear present traditional tunes from Ireland, New England, Quebec, and France, and craft vocal harmonies for age-old songs with modern relevance.

Rose Jackson came up in the rich folk scene of western Massachusetts. Equally at home in the concert hall and on the dance stage, she studied under fiddler Becky Tracy (Nightingale, Wild Asparagus) from whom she inherited a wide repertoire of music from Quebec, New England, Ireland, and France, a deep love for old tunes, and the intuitive sense of rhythm and danceability which infuses her playing. From multi-instrumentalist Pete Sutherland (Pete’s Posse), she developed her ear for song arrangement and harmony. She's toured festivals nationally with her band Polaris, and now plays with her quartet Stove Dragon and duo Helen & Rose. In 2024, she received one of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s competitive Grants for Creative Individuals for her work as a tradition-bearer of New England fiddle music.

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Helen Kuhar currently resides in Cambridge, MA. Helen began exploring their connection to folk and Celtic music in 2020 while studying with renowned guitarist Alex Sturbaum (Countercurrent). Since then, Helen has become involved in the thriving New England music scene through playing contra dances and concerts with their band Good Company. Helen also performs with Upstate New York fiddler Tim Ball, whose debut solo album Upstate Crossroads was the No. 1 CD of January 2023 on the FAI Folk music chart. Helen can also be found leading Irish sessions in and around the greater Boston Area.

Together, Dearest Dear invites audiences in for stories, melodies, and lyrics that unite us all in our shared humanity.

WHERE: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, MD.  Directions to Glen Echo Park

WHEN: Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm (with a break for a potluck dinner).

FOOD: The famous Contrastock potluck is back! Bring a clearly labeled dish to share and enjoy a meal in the park with fellow dancers. 

ACCESSIBILITY: all venues are accessible 

PARKING: Glen Echo Parking Lot - https://glenechopark.org/directions 

COVID PROTOCOL: Masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required

1:00 - 3:00 Alex Deis-Lauby with Audrey Jaber & Alex Cumming 

3:20 - 5:20 Will Mentor calling with Good Company 

5:20 - 6:20 Dinner break - potluck! 

6:20 - 8:20 Rick Mohr calling with the Gigmeisters 

8:40 - 10:00All bands and callers

DOUBLE DANCE

3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $20 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $20 adults/$5 students

Combo admission for both sessions $35/$10 students.

Advanced tickets available below.

Come and knock on our door
We’ve been waiting for you
Where Mentor calls contras with a band named
Good Company, too

 Come and dance on our floor
Take a step that is new
We’ve a fabulous space that needs your face
Good Company, too

 You’ll see that life is a ball again
Mentor is calling for you
Make Tern your rendezvous
Good Company, too

USEFUL INFORMATION:

• Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing.  No partner is necessary.  All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.

• We no longer require vaccination.  Masks are optional.

• All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.

• **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only.  You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, orbits, etc., with minimal prompting.  If not, please join us for the evening dance.

• We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.

• We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.

• Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the orange Igloo cooler.

• Wear comfortable clothing.  Contra dancing is aerobic.  We prefer you carry in your shoes.

• We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles! 

Join us for this performance as part of our Friday lunchtime concerts that feature local musicians playing a range of genres. This concert is also part of our Revolutionary Art programmatic theme.

Born out of the Irish Session culture of Boston, MA, The Larksplitters duo take their name from the Emily Dickinson poem that starts with the line “Split the lark and you’ll find the music.” Composed of Helen Kuhar on DADGAD guitar and Gwen Johnston on Fiddle, the pair love to delve into Old-Time, Bluegrass, Breton, contemporary, and original tunes in addition to their roots in Traditional Irish tunes and songs. While you won’t see them splitting any larks, they find joy in the sad songs and tunes of old and new and will save them for your ears.

91 Main Street Sheffield, MA at Dewey Hall

Music, Helen & Rose
Helen Kuhar - Guitar
Rose Jackson - Fiddle
Caller - Chris Wiltshire

Date: April 26, 2025

Lessons: 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Dance: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

We are delighted to have caller Harris Lapiroff join us for our 4th Friday dance this month. Harris is very involved with the BIDA contra dance series, as well as traveling widely to call at many other contra dance events.

Joining Harris will be the band Good Company. Featuring Rohan Weeden on fiddle, Cecily Mills on cello and Helen Kuhar on guitar, Good Company has quickly become one of New England's favorite contra dance (and concert) bands. They were recently featured at the Dance Flurry and the Greenfield Contra Prom.
.
The Details:
* Friday April 25, 2025
* Guiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MA
*. Doors open at 7:30
* Dancing at 8:00
*. Cost: $12-$20 sliding scale
*. Role terms will be larks and robins
* We strive to make this a fragrance-free event
*. For more info: zakon-anderson@comcast.net

While this series is mask-optional we still encourage dancers to wear masks. If you feel poorly, or anyone in your household has covid or flu-like symptoms, we urge you to stay home and join us next month.
If you test positive during the week after the dance please contact us at the above email address so we can inform other dancers.

While all are welcome at the Friday Experienced Dancers' Contra Series, here is a guide to what "Experienced Dancer" means, as the programming is geared for that level:

You know how to do a roll away, hey for four, California twirl, contra corners, pass through to a wave, box circulate, mad robin, and basic moves without teaching.

You know where to be at the start of each dance phrase and assist your partner and neighbor to the next move.

You execute flourishes safely and on time without disturbing others.

Your dancing supports and enhances the experience of all through shared weight, good timing and respectful connections.

You know how to recover from a lapse and you respond to confusion and missteps, by yourself and others, with grace, encouragement and good humor.

We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Sunday, March 9th, 2025

• 6:45 pm Doors Open

• 7:00 pm Lesson

• 7:30 pm Dance

• 10:00 pm Bedtime

Where: Temple Beth El (400 Deering Ave, Portland, ME)

Price: $15 Suggested Donation (at the door, cash or Venmo)

All ages and experience levels are welcome. Dress comfortably, bring clean shoes to dance in, and a water bottle. You don't need to bring a dance partner. Please don’t wear heavy fragrances. Parking is abundant and free. This is a substance-free event. Masks optional.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just curious to try something new, we invite you to step into the joy and connection of English Country and Contra Dancing. All ages and experience levels are welcome—come dance with us!

Contra Dances are held on most Saturday evenings at 8 – 10:45pm, with a beginner session at 7:30pm.

Events may be added or cancelled so be sure to check here or CDNY’s Dance Calendar for any last minute changes.
Unless specified as mask-optional, our dances require masking.

Friday Night Dancers (FND) hosts contra dances every Friday night at Glen Echo Park, in Glen Echo, Maryland. Check the Upcoming Dances page for the callers and bands. We have a mix of local and out-of-town bands and callers. There is a free lesson from 7:30-8:00 pm, and dancing from 8:00-11:00 pm. Dances are $15.

Location: The Irish Center (a.k.a. Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center),
6815 Emlen St., Philadelphia, PA 19119.
Look for the signs, and use the ballroom entrance, furthest from Carpenter Ave.

Beginner lesson: 7:30pm
Dance: 8:00pm to 10:30pm

Admission: sliding scale, pay what you wish. Suggested $10/$15/$20+

Social Singing: 6:15pm hosted by Emma & Annaleah
Lesson: 7pm
Contra Dance: 7:30-10:30pm

BIDA needs new volunteers! If you are interested in being more involved with making BIDA the dance we all love, please reach out to us.

The dance is a $5-25 sliding scale, as you're able. Bring someone new to Contra to the intro session and you both get passes for free admission to a future dance! Share the love.

This dance is mask optional, vaccination not required. We are alternating between mask required and optional dances. For more, read our blog post: https://blog.bidadance.org/.../2025-covid-policy-update...

Public Transportation (recommended): We are across the street from the Porter Square Red Line stop.
Parking: Free street parking (meters and residential are open to all on Sundays). The big parking lot has been known to tow.

Sign up for BIDA mailing lists to hear about the updates you’re interested in here: https://www.bidadance.org/join