Captivating, passionate, propulsive and progressive are what best define the music of this power duo, perched at the convergence of traditional and electronic dance music. Perpetual e-Motion integrates technical and sonic innovations with old school traditions to create a enormous sound full momentum and groove. Lauded as a two man orchestra, this duo continues to innovate the art of traditional dance music through their use of sound sculpting and multitasking, captivating listeners and dancers with their infectious and unique sound.

Perpetual e-Motion begins with the simple statement of traditional, often recognizable dance tunes from Europe and Americas, and proceed to notch it up into a thrilling composition of complex poly-rhythms, melody and counter melody scaffolding exotic and lush chord structures into an amazingly satisfying musical performance drawing from Celtic, bluegrass, jazz and electronic influences. The duo is highly regarded throughout New England for their ability to provide hours of driving, pulsating music for contra dances, which rely on traditional dance tunes as a backdrop.

Born into a musical family, Ed Howe started playing fiddle at the age of 4, learning Suzuki method. His musical interests cover a wide spectrum from Bluegrass to Celtic and beyond and he has been a regular instructor for Maine Fiddle Camp since 2003. Howe has an extensive electronics background, and took an interest in the electric violin. He plays a 5-string NS Design electronic violin and is a featured artist on the NS design artist page. Ed makes extensive use of the BOSS RC-50 loop station to layer and orchestrate a variety of sounds from his instrument and watching him play bare footed and operating complex electronic equipment with his feet is a sight to behold. Check out a video of him playing solo by clicking here

John Coté is a well-known accompanist for many Maine and New England fiddlers and is very active as a private teacher and at Maine Fiddle Camp. Coté attended the Berklee College of music both for a five week music program in high school and for two years after high school to study film scoring. He later transferred to the University of Maine at Augusta's jazz program and earned a bachelors degree in jazz performance. At 22 he took an interest in traditional dance music teaching himself the mandolin and fiddle and helped found the Celtic/world band Wake the Neighbors that has endured to this day. In this duo, Coté plays a Godin acoustic electric guitar connected into synthesizer module adding a wide palette of sounds to the music. Aside from his duties on guitar, Coté simultaneously plays the didgeridoo (an Australian aboriginal instrument) and foot percussion. The result is a very lush and complex orchestration of music that defies what one would expect from just two people.

Diane Silver

One of the most sought-after dance callers in the south, Diane Silver has been a die-hard contra dancer, swing dancer, and kitchen flat-footer for over fifteen years.  With a penchant for hot modern contras and a few FUN squares, she loves sharing high-energy dancing that allows everyone to “play” with the band.  Highly acclaimed for her clear, efficient teaching and calling, creative medleys, great positive energy, and spirit of community building, Diane provides a sizzling weekend of dance in a friendly, welcoming tone.

Diane danced for several years with the Cincinnati Lindy Circle, a performance swing dance troupe.  She has called dances and led workshops in contra, clogging, swing, and other couples dances at hundreds of evenings, festivals, and workshops across the U.S. and abroad.

Waxwing

Waxwing is Andrew Levin from Clemson (fiddle), Wayne Hitt (keyboard) and Shawn Webster (percussion) from Huntsville, and Robin Behn from Birmingham  (flute and whistle). Expect your feet to go crazy and your spirit to soar to driving rhythms, seductive arrangements, nimble playing, orchestral sounds, wild improv, and brand new tunes.  Waxwing plays a mix of Celtic and American tunes with some pop and jazz stirred in, and a lot of brand new music from contemporary composers including the band’s fiddler, Andrew, known for his dozens of distinctive waltzes.  When Andrew isn’t fiddling or dancing, he’s a professor of music at Clemson. Robin’s a poet at University of Alabama with a classical flute background and Irish roots. She writes “fiddle tune poems” the band performs with her at poetry readings. Wayne is a wizard of evocative chord progressions and motivating rhythms drawn from his early days playing in the dance halls of the 70s and 80s. And Shawn—with his great variety of world percussion instruments--brings a wealth of improvisation experience (with musicians! dancers! puppets!) that infects the whole band. Waxwing plays contra dances across the Southeast and is also known for moving, musically-charged poetry readings and memorable waltz workshops. www.waxwingband.com

Erin Maguire

Calling since the age of 16, Erin is known for calling dances that flow with energy. She learned to call as a Mother’s Day present to her (caller) mother to give her a chance to dance. 

Once in a Blue Moon Dance Weekend, May 18-20, 2012 in Huntsville, Alabama