Contra Carnivale
Contra Dance Weekend
January 15-17, 2027
San Luis Obispo, California
Registration Opens October 14, 2026!
The Bands
Yann Falquet
Known for their unbridled energy, musicianship, and magnetic stage presence, the award-winning trio of Pascal Gemme (fiddle), Yann Falquet (guitar), and Nicholas Williams (flute and accordion) are recognized as major contributors to the trad music scene in Quebec and beyond, sharing their talent with audiences around the world. Weaving intricate fiddle, flute and accordion lines, gorgeous vocal harmonies, subtle guitar textures and exhilarating foot percussion, the pleasure that these three musicians have creating and playing together is palpable, both in the studio and live on stage.
Jesse Ball
Rooted in New England, this vibrant trio delivers beauty, power, and groove to contra dances, blending the timeless spirit of traditional folk influenced by Quebecois, New England, & maritime traditions with a fresh, contemporary energy. Their music flows with the elegance of Sarah-Hadley Yakir's fiddle, the rich textures of Kristen Planeaux's piano, flute, and accordion and the anchoring of Jesse Ball's mandolin, guitar, and foot percussion. Whether drawing in dancers or enchanting listeners, River Road's music is a captivating journey, steeped in tradition.
Based in Olympia, WA, the powerhouse acoustic folk duo of Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay features driving guitar, lyrical fiddle, harmony vocals, and foot percussion. One of the most in-demand bands for contra dance weekends, they have achieved wide acclaim for their astounding musicianship, fluency, and high-energy style, which draws on deep traditional roots from Ireland and North America while incorporating new influences to create a sound that is at once unique and timeless. The reaction by dancers and listeners is invariably "How does so much music come from just two people?"
The Callers (gender neutral calling)
Will Mentor
Will Mentor is an in-demand contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont famously known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph weekends with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprises but always delivers, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"
Washington-based Lindsey Dono is a serene and sunny caller for contra and other social dance who brings crystal-clear teaching and thoughtful programming to the caller's mic. Passionate about the user experience, Lindsey leverages a background in cognitive science and a career in tech to continually hone teaching skills. When not at the mic, Lindsey can be found mentoring up-and-coming callers, geeking out over choreography, and working on dance floorcraft.
A NYC-based folk dancer, caller, teacher, and organizer, Alex calls all over the country, exciting crowds with her strong repertoire and confident energy and delighting dancers with her clear teaching, smooth voice, and fun dance selection. As a choreographer and caller, she favors dances that are compelling and natural: "The coolest dance in the world isn't worth anything if it doesn't flow well enough for people to get the hang of it."