Coco Contra 
1st Saturday of the Month Dance
 

Waltzing 7:00 - 7:30 pm, 
Contradance 7:30 - 10:30pm 

Dance Admission:
Adults: $15- 20
Students: $10
Family $ 35
Children Age 7-14: $7
Children under 7: Free

All Welcome!
All Dances Taught

For More Info Contact

Aldo Lavaggi
lavaggi.aldo@gmail.com
 

Join us for an Evening of
Advanced Contra
Sunday, March 30th at 5:00pm
At Mettabee Farm & Arts

Called by Jon Greene
With Music by Clara Stickney & Peter Siegel

Suggested $15 per dancer
Call: (518) 567-5802 with any questions

Concert and Swing Dance

On The Trail 
and 
Krissy & The Kranks

Concert at 7pm
Dance at 8:30pm

On the Trail is a modern acoustic band that explores everything from bluegrass to contemporary pop, from stunning instrumentals to beautiful traditional songs. The group was founded through their love of bluegrass and the band the Punch Brothers. They have already gained recognition and praise for their exploration and strong execution of the challenging music, as well as for their new original music. Most recently, On the Trail had the honor of winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition after participating in 2021’s Telefunken Battle of the Bands at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival.  They also were selected as an Emerging Artist at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023. On The Trail features Austin Scelzo (fiddle and vocals), Tom Polizzi (mandolin and vocals), Charlie Widmer (guitar and vocals) and Matt Curley (upright bass and vocals). Their latest album "Where Do We Go From Here" is also available for streaming on all platforms.

Krissie & the Kranks is a Brooklyn-based jazz collective that transports audiences to a bygone era with their vibrant, danceable renditions of vintage jazz and western swing classics. As Michael Steinman of Jazz Lives puts it, Krissie has "really and truly got IT: a deep sense of fun, a rangy voice with its own sassy timbre, a wink at the audience, solid swing, phrasing that shows she not only knows the lyrics but feels them — a genuine presence and an individualistic singer."

The Kranks have released one album with another on the way. Their debut album features a collection of Krissie's favorite early jazz melodies, where she simply "sings the damned songs." Their latest project, Nagy Sings Hoagy, slated for release in mid-2025, is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary composer and pianist Hoagy Carmichael.

The Kranks are a rotating ensemble of jazz heavyweights, including notable musicians like Dennis Lichtman, Josh Dunn, Jen Hodge, Brennen Ernst, Darren Solomon, Trey Boudreaux, and Hunter Burgamy. The band has a special connection with dancers, as Krissie herself says, "They're the best listeners — they'll really tell you with their body whether you're groovin' or not!" Saturday's band will feature Darren Solomon on guitar, Nathan Haselby on upright, Krissie on vocals + special guests!

Cost 
Concert $15-$25 Sliding Scale
Dance $15- $25 Sliding Scale
Concert & Dance $25-$50 Sliding Scale

Claudia Schwab Violin Concert

Friday, February 21
7:30 PM

Join Ireland-based Austrian violinist, singer, yodeller and composer Claudia Schwab for an intimate solo setup of violin, vocals, piano and loops.
Never shy of crossing borders between genres, traditions and conventions, Claudia’s solo show presents an introspective body of folk-inspired songs with experimental elements. Fusing aspects of the worlds of Irish, Austrian and Indian Classical music traditions, her compositions are interwoven with sound samples collected at home and in field recordings across the globe. Claudia sings of unfinished love stories, the yearning to be left alone, diverse “what if” scenarios of re-crafting our lifestyles, or reflections on the startling lack of being present to our own lives.

Rakish and Nate Sabat in Concert

January 26
4:30pm 

Rakish Bio:

Violinist Maura Shawn Scanlin and guitarist Conor Hearn unite to form “Rakish.” The pair gets their namesake from the traditional Irish tune Rakish Paddy, an origin that aptly suits the duo and their shared background in traditional Irish and Scottish music. Yet “rakish” itself also suggests something strikingly unconventional in its appearance, and Maura and Conor knowingly embrace this wealth of connotation in their music, drawing on the music they grew up with and performing it with their own slant. In a performance that is something more akin to concert music, Rakish explores tunes and songs from Irish and American folk traditions in a way that reflects their shared interest in and love for chamber and improvised music. Maura Shawn, a two-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition, wields the technical range of an accomplished classical violinist and the deep sensitivity of a traditional musician. Conor, a native to the Irish music communities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, makes his home in Boston playing guitar for a number of traditional music acts and bands.

Rakish has performed on Front Row Boston, Brian O’Donovan’s 2020 “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn,” and in May 2024, the duo will present a concert at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center. Rakish has appeared at festivals across the country and beyond including the Festival of Small Halls PEI, the Bellingham Irish Music Festival, the Rockport Celtic Music Festival and the Boston Celtic Music Festival.

Their debut full-length album has received press in Strings Magazine, Fiddler Magazine, the Bluegrass Situation, FolkAlley, WBUR, Irish Echo, and FolkRadio UK.

Rakish Website
Live Show Trailer

Nate Sabat Bio:
Nate Sabat is an award-winning bassist, singer-songwriter and arranger based in Brooklyn, NY. Nate has written and arranged music for NPR's Radiolab, the Young People's Chorus of New York City and the Heifetz International Music Institute. Additionally, a number of his songs are in rotation on Sirius XM’s Bluegrass Junction channel. He has performed on stages throughout Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States, at festivals and venues including Celtic Connections, Savannah Music Festival, The Caverns and Carnegie Hall. In April 2024 Nate released Bass Fiddler, the debut full-length project under his own name, produced by the legendary Bruce Molsky.

With upright bass as his sole tool for accompaniment, Nate crafts wildly intricate arrangements, each one inextricably tied to its song. His playing — while rooted in American folk music — goes far beyond any preconceived notions of the instrument's role within the genre. With a relaxed, vocal sound and equal fluency with pizzicato and the bow, Nate takes full advantage of the never-ending variety of sounds and textures the bass has to offer. GRAMMY-winning cellist Eugene Friesen says, "Nate has so much going for him: The ability to propel any groove with chops and subtlety, a sweet bow sound that can vocalize any melody, fiercely great intonation, and, most importantly, a musical intelligence and intuition that operates with a constant smile.”

Nate Sabat Website
"Sometimes" Music Video
"The Sun Will Rise" Music Video

Tuesday December 24th: 

Caroling to the Mettabee Farm Animals, Bees & the Garden 

No RSVP Needed
FREE (of course!!)

4:00pm - 5:00pm (Beginning to sing at 4:00pm)

We will gather in the Mettabee Sheep Barn to sing Christmas Carols and will then continue singing around the garden weather permitting. Dress WARMLY!! People can sing just to the animals if wanted. Music is provided.

Contact Elizabeth for questions: info@mettabeefarm.com

Please join us for a viewing of this beautiful holiday classic film!

Suggested for ages at least ten years and up.
Read about the movie online if you are considering bringing your children.

Questions?
Please write Micky
mckammeyer@gmail.com

Solstice Sweat Lodge Ceremony
Saturday 12/21 @ 12pm

We'll be having a Winter Solstice sweat lodge ceremony at Mettabee Farm on Saturday December 21st @ 12pm.
All are welcome!

Potluck meal to follow! Please bring along something to share.

Happy to see you all and to be together for the light returning ✨

RSVP soon! 

For More Information:
grandmothersacredlodge@gmail.com

Tante Friedl in Concert
Friday, December 20th,  7:00 pm

We are delighted to write to you with the news that after traveling to "gigs" all over Europe, Daniel and Magdalena will give a "Tante Friedl" concert for us here.
Their versions of international folk music are as dynamic, exuberant, life affirming, warm and passionate as ever and are sure to leave you with the lilt in your step. 

https://tantefriedl.eu/

This Event is Rescheduled, New Time TBD

Come join us for an evening of Christmas songs, performed with both voices and hands, by our class of American Sign Language students and their teacher, Hillary Baack. We’ll also read The Night Before Christmas in ASL and spoken English.

Thursday, December 19th, 7:00 pm.

Suggested donation $10
Hillary is an actor, writer, director, photographer, teacher, and mother. She has worked in theater, television, and film, and has taken pictures and taught ASL along the way when not busy telling stories. You can see her in Close to You, You & Me, and more, and she’s currently developing a feature film about Helen Keller.

Holiday Fair

Sunday, December 15th
11am-2pm

• crafts

• refreshments

• gift vendors

• a puppet show

• live music!

Contra Dance

Coco Contra's 1st Saturday of the Month Dance
w/ the Russet Trio
7:00pm
All Dances are Taught!
Easier Dances in the beginning of the night.

All Welcome!

For More Info Contact
Aldo Lavaggi
lavaggi.aldo@gmail.com

Come Uni-Cycling!

Monthly Drop-in Uni-cycling Club 

First Saturday of the Month
NEW TIME:
3:30-5:30
Ages 9 and up
Suggested Donation $10-20

Have you always wanted to learn to ride a unicycle? Are you already a rider but wish to take your skills to a new level? Are you an advanced rider and want to play some action games on your unicycle with other riders? Come join us!

3:30 - 4:00 Basic instruction and practice for absolute beginners learning to sit, pedal and ride supported.

 4:00-4:45 Skills practice for those who can ride unsupported but want to learn to turn, free mount, idle, ride backwards or do tricks.

4:45-5:30 The floor will be cleared for high action and challenge games for those who can confidently ride fast, free mount, and idle in place.

Times above are approximate.

Beginners are invited to watch the advanced riders but for safety sake they must stay off the floor and out of the way. Helmets are recommended for high action games. Children under 12 must have an adult on the premises. Limited unicycles will be available and must be shared.                         
Questions? Please Call  
Laura Geilen   518-929-5392

Join us for an evening of Advanced Contra, called by Jon Greene with music by Clara Stickney and Alex Cumming! Held on November 30th at 7 pm, with a suggested $15 per dancer. This Advanced Contra is geared toward experienced dancers, who have attended numerous contra dances and can easily follow the caller's directions, without detailed explanations of common figures. Please call Savanah Kress (518) 567-5802 with additional questions!"

First Aid Class

Fridays 11:00am - 12:30pm  

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Ages 9 and up are welcome although the class will be geared towards older children.

This is not a certification class but for general knowledge.

Taught by Ayere McAlice, a local paramedic

Cost will be a sliding scale of $75 - $125 ($15 - $25 a class) 

If many people attend, this price could be reduced. 

For registration and more information, please email: 

info@mettabeefarm.com

First Aid Class

Fridays 11:00am - 12:30pm  

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Ages 9 and up are welcome although the class will be geared towards older children.

This is not a certification class but for general knowledge.

Taught by Ayere McAlice, a local paramedic

Cost will be a sliding scale of $75 - $125 ($15 - $25 a class) 

If many people attend, this price could be reduced. 

For registration and more information, please email: 

info@mettabeefarm.com

First Aid Class

Fridays 11:00am - 12:30pm  

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Ages 9 and up are welcome although the class will be geared towards older children.

This is not a certification class but for general knowledge.

Taught by Ayere McAlice, a local paramedic

Cost will be a sliding scale of $75 - $125 ($15 - $25 a class) 

If many people attend, this price could be reduced. 

For registration and more information, please email: 

info@mettabeefarm.com

Swing Dance Lessons

October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 and 10

We will be running another 4 week dance lesson series.  This time we will gear the lessons (mainly swing and waltz) to ‘next level up from beginner’.  If you or a friend are total beginners you are still more than welcome to come of course! 
Where: Mettabee
When:  Oct 13, 20, 27 and Nov 3rd and 10th (all Sundays)
Time: 6:30 start, for about 90 minutes

Donations towards Alex’s time and Mettabee are appreciated. 

Contact Monika Van Dussen with any questions (monika@customersfirst.com)

Music to welcome the winter season and warm our hearts

Bassoon, violin and piano in a concert 

November 9

Jazz and Classics for Change brings fun and profound music for violin, bassoon and piano by Piazzolla, Brahms, 
Saint-Saëns, J.S Bach, Malkiel, Beethoven and Glinka to Mettabee Farm and Arts on November 9 at 7pm.

Please reserve your tickets in advance on our website 
JCFC.info 
or by calling 518.929.5950
Children ages 6 and up are also warmly welcomed

Basics of Training Draft Oxen

With Keshi aka Chris Trenn
Public talk and lunch (kitchari and cupcakes) at Mettabee farm
at the Nest November 9 at 1PM
all are welcome!

Prior to the talk there will be a hands-on demonstration for those who are interested in working locally with an ox right now. Saturday, November 9th, 9am-12pm.
Call Krishna Kumari for location and to sign up: 518-528-5198

Speaker & Instructor Chris Trenn
Ox Training Program Director at Gita Nagari Farm & Sanctuary
since 2016. Experience working with calves, young steers, and
grown oxen with a variety of implements. Currently completing a
doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

First Aid Class

Fridays 11:00am - 12:30pm  

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Ages 9 and up are welcome although the class will be geared towards older children.

This is not a certification class but for general knowledge.

Taught by Ayere McAlice, a local paramedic

Cost will be a sliding scale of $75 - $125 ($15 - $25 a class) 

If many people attend, this price could be reduced. 

For registration and more information, please email: 

info@mettabeefarm.com

Swing Dance Lessons

October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 and 10

We will be running another 4 week dance lesson series.  This time we will gear the lessons (mainly swing and waltz) to ‘next level up from beginner’.  If you or a friend are total beginners you are still more than welcome to come of course! 
Where: Mettabee
When:  Oct 13, 20, 27 and Nov 3rd and 10th (all Sundays)
Time: 6:30 start, for about 90 minutes

Donations towards Alex’s time and Mettabee are appreciated. 

Contact Monika Van Dussen with any questions (monika@customersfirst.com)

Come join us for the official launching of an exciting new book for young children, written and illustrated by local author Gwendolyn Sherman. There will be an introduction from the publisher, and a reading, Q&A, and book signing with the author. Refreshments will be available. Sunday November 3rd, 1-3 pm at Mettabee Farm and Arts 551 Harlemville Rd., Hillsdale NY.

November 2nd
7 PM
CoCo CONTRA DANCE
& 
Mettabee Halloween Costume Party!

PLEASE Dress in COSTUME!!*
Costumes will be judged w/ prizes!

*Please no "freaky" or "Goory" costumes. Store-bought costumes discouraged.
Costumes should be suitable for all ages to experience. 

Contra Dance

Coco Contra's 1st Saturday of the Month Dance
w/ the Russet Trio
7:00pm
All Dances are Taught!
Easier Dances in the beginning of the night.

All Welcome!

For More Info Contact
Aldo Lavaggi
lavaggi.aldo@gmail.com

Come Uni-Cycling!

Monthly Drop-in Uni-cycling Club 

First Saturday of the Month
NEW TIME:
3:30-5:30
Ages 9 and up
Suggested Donation $10-20

Have you always wanted to learn to ride a unicycle? Are you already a rider but wish to take your skills to a new level? Are you an advanced rider and want to play some action games on your unicycle with other riders? Come join us!

3:30 - 4:00 Basic instruction and practice for absolute beginners learning to sit, pedal and ride supported.

 4:00-4:45 Skills practice for those who can ride unsupported but want to learn to turn, free mount, idle, ride backwards or do tricks.

4:45-5:30 The floor will be cleared for high action and challenge games for those who can confidently ride fast, free mount, and idle in place.

Times above are approximate.

Beginners are invited to watch the advanced riders but for safety sake they must stay off the floor and out of the way. Helmets are recommended for high action games. Children under 12 must have an adult on the premises. Limited unicycles will be available and must be shared.                         
Questions? Please Call  
Laura Geilen   518-929-5392

First Aid Class

Fridays 11:00am - 12:30pm  

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Ages 9 and up are welcome although the class will be geared towards older children.

This is not a certification class but for general knowledge.

Taught by Ayere McAlice, a local paramedic

Cost will be a sliding scale of $75 - $125 ($15 - $25 a class) 

If many people attend, this price could be reduced. 

For registration and more information, please email: 

info@mettabeefarm.com

Contra Dance

Coco Contra's 1st Saturday of the Month Dance
w/ the Russet Trio
7:00pm
All Dances are Taught!
Easier Dances in the beginning of the night.

All Welcome!

For More Info Contact
Aldo Lavaggi
lavaggi.aldo@gmail.com