This Saturday, November 8th, please come enjoy dancing in Williamstown, MA to music by California-based band, “Raven and Goose”, and calling by Ben Sachs-Hamilton of Northampton, MA.

11.8.2025: LATE BREAKING NEWS: Liz Nelson will be our caller tonight. (Ben unfortunately had to cancel.) Thank you, Liz!

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can:  $12 – $20 suggested. 

Caller Ben Sachs-Hamilton will teach using “larks and robins” role terms.  Sachs-Hamilton  has called and organized for dances across the northeast, with a focus on LGBTQ and gender-role-free dance communities. He fosters a welcoming and inclusive space for diverse groups of new and experienced dancers. 

Raven & Goose are a nationally touring contra duo. With fiery fiddlin’ and foot stompin’ piano, they play original compositions and breathe new life into traditional tunes, all delivered with a passion that will get you up and dancing!  Here is video of Raven & Goose playing for the NW Folk Festival, earlier this year: https://youtu.be/FmTgO-ZmdIg?si=Pk2NDQff3uYc3TvG

Additionally, Corwin and Grace, (of “Raven and Goose”), will lead a free workshop for contra dance musicians, from 2-4 PM on Saturday, November 8th. Workshop focus: adapting (standard repertoire) tunes to the dance being called. For example, what do you do if the dance has a balance you didn’t necessarily plan for?
The musicians’ workshop will be in Goodrich Hall, 863 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267. The main door for the building is under the bell tower, near the driveway. We’ll be in the first floor meeting room, which has a piano. When you walk in, use the door to the left. You can park in the WCMA parking spots or on Spring Street.

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can: $12 – $20 suggested..  All are welcome.  Come alone, or with friends — most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics. 

Respiratory Illness Policy: Please stay home if you feel ill or have cold symptoms. We’ll be glad to see you next month!  Masks appreciated but not required.

Visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org/additional_information for more information