'The Lonely Days Are Gone' Square Dance Tour

4pm Children’s Folk Music Concert by Ida Mae Specker
5pm Potluck Dinner
6-8pm Concert & Square Dance
Community old-time jam to follow

This fall, ‘The Lonely Days Are Gone: Community Square Dance Tour’ brings free concerts and square dances to historic town halls across Vermont.

Inspired by the state's long tradition of contra and square dancing, the tour welcomes neighbors of all ages to connect through live music, participatory dancing, and shared meals. The tour is headlined by Dorset fiddler, singer, and educator Ida Mae Specker, alongside Shrewsbury caller Sarah Gibson and The Ida Mae Specker Band.

The Lonely Days Are Gone visits Brandon, Brookfield, Hardwick, Ferrisburgh, and Chester throughout September and October. Participants will learn the basics of square dancing before an evening of traditional American string band music and dancing with Ida Mae Specker and her all-star band.

No prior dance experience or partner is required.

In addition to dances, tour stops include special events such as concerts for children and old-time music jams. All events are free and open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend.

The tour is part of the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, highlighting the important role that music, dance, and town halls have played in civic life throughout New England.

The Lonely Days Are Gone Tour is supported by the Vermont Humanities Council, the New England Folk Festival Association and generous individual donors. The tour is fiscally sponsored by Chandler Center for the Arts.