Pertutual e-Motion wilplay for contra dance

Fiddler Ed Howe and guitarist John Cote will provide the music for an evening of contra dancing at the Lewiston Public Library on Friday, July 9.

John Cote of Perpetual e-Motion will do double-duty on guitar and didgeridoo when he plays for an evening of contra dancing at the Lewiston Public Library on Friday, July 9.

LEWISTON — Jazz-inspired jigs and reels from the folk duo Perpetual e-Motion will drive the action at a contra dance Friday, July 9, at the Lewiston Public Library.

Fiddler Ed Howe and guitarist John Cote are known for mixing jazz and bluegrass influences into their repertoire of traditional Irish, French-Canadian and Scottish tunes. Howe often takes off on impromptu improvisational excursions on his pared-down but powerful electric fiddle. Cote, meanwhile, beats a steady rhythm with his feet, occasionally adding in some extra sonic texture on didgeridoo, an aboriginal African wind instrument.

Nils Fredlund of New Hampshire will serve as caller, leading attendees through an assortment of lively New England contra dances – based on a double-line formation – as well as an occasional circle or square dance. No prior dance experience is required to participate, nor is it necessary to bring a partner as the custom is for everyone to mingle freely during the evening.

The dance in air-conditioned Callahan Hall, put on by DownEast Friends of the Folk Arts, will run from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is $5, with a reduced rate of $2 for students. For more information, call 782-0386 or 513-3135.