Amy Alvey started playing violin 22 years ago, playing in orchestras in Southern California until she discovered old time and bluegrass fiddling in college. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance, studying with modern innovators of acoustic music such as Matt Glaser, Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, Eugene Friesen, John McGann, and Mimi Rabson. Since then, Amy has dedicated most of her summers traveling to fiddler’s conventions,
Jeff has been playing piano and singing since he was five years old. At a young age he discovered an affinity for popular music and developed his style emulating musicians like James Taylor, Elton John, and Bruce Hornsby. In his 30s, he brought his rhythmic style to American and Celtic folk and dance music and now travels around the country playing dances, concerts and festivals with bands such as Syncopaths and Rhythm Raptors.
Yaya Patterson was born & raised in the East Coast wetlands, once home to the Alquoquin Native Americans & a popular destination for African Americans looking for a fresh start during the Great Migration. Yaya grew up in a multicultural household where she was exposed to theology, folk healing arts, & performance artistry. Yaya studied music therapy in hopes of expanding on the music healing techniques she was taught as a child, but found the collegiate &
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
Max Newman has made a living as a practitioner of traditional music for the past decade and half. He has developed a reputation as a favorite amongst dance musicians and dancers across North America and the UK. With a keen interest in New England music and dance, Max has graced many a dance hall playing with luminaries of the style. His primary project is The Stringrays, a veritable supergroup headed by New England fiddle legend Rodney Miller with Stuart Kenney,
Julie Metcalf, fiddler and violist, can often be spotted at contra and English dances in the Boston area, either on stage playing fiddle or on the dance floor. Coming from a family of musicians, she was encouraged to make music from an early age; Julie picked up the violin for the first time when she was 4 years old and has been playing ever since. Julie holds a degree in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music,
Lisa Greenleaf has been treating dancers across the country to her high spirited, witty calling for many years, and is known for precise walk-throughs of zesty and flowing dances. Whether she is presenting cool contras, hot squares, or focused callers’ workshops, Lisa engages the crowd with her humor and community spirit.
Dance, Music, & Song Camps