Dance, Music, & Song Camps
Noah VanNorstrand’s driving fiddle, feet, and mandolin have been a rhythmic powerhouse behind some of the most popular dance bands of the last decade, including Great Bear, Buddy System, The Faux Paws, and most recently, the Engine Room. He has performed all over North America at nearly 200 different dance weekends, folk festivals, and music camps. His musicianship is deeply compelling and virtuosic but difficult to define, freely blending traditional folk genres such as Celtic and old-time Appalachian fiddling with elements of rock, newgrass, and pure unfiltered improvisation. His unique approach to foot percussion and innate understanding of dynamics and groove have made him a defining figure of modern contra dance music.
Off the dance floor, he often works with his older brother, Andrew VanNorstrand, and together they manage their own independent label, Great Bear Records, which has released more than a dozen albums. Noah is also a prolific composer, and many of his tunes can be found in the music book Long Flight Home: Original tunes by Andrew & Noah VanNorstrand. Whether he’s leading a full band or completely solo and unaccompanied, Noah’s music is always inspired, honest, and irresistibly dance-able.