Name: The Gawler Family Band
Start: 2026-11-28T19:00:00
Location: Rockport Opera House

Rockport Opera House

Do si do and swing your partner at the gorgeous Rockport Opera House during the Flying Shoes community contra dance, now scheduled every second Sunday of the month. A unique cultural tradition, this intergenerational and chem-free program welcomes new dancers and experienced folks alike.

The featured musicians this month are the Newell Family Band, three generations of leading lights in Maine’s contra dance music scene. This summer, the group was a featured band at the 50th anniversary of the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, bringing Maine's driving Down East dance music to the renowned trad gathering in Port Townsend, WA. The band is Maisie Newell on fiddle; her father, Carter Newell on fiddle, clogs, and accordions; her partner, Eric Dayan on guitar; and their children, Elijah, Bubba, Dixie, and Solomon Dayan on fiddles.

2nd Sunday Contradances at the Rockport Opera House

The Gawler Family Band brings you an assortment of old and new sounds from many folk traditions. They accompany interweaving family harmonies with fiddles, banjo, cello and guitar, as well as a few surprises.

The Gawler Family Band

American roots band Low Lily celebrates the Solstice! Rooted in the rich vocal and fiddle traditions of North America, acclaimed folk trio Low Lily shares fiddle tunes alongside lushly arranged songs to honor the wintry season. Between them, the musicians play mandolin, guitars, fiddle, banjo, and sing in three-part vocal harmonies.