DEKALB -- North Country Public Radio (NCPR) is inviting the public to a special edition of String Fever to be broadcast live from the DeKalb Historic Meetinghouse, 696 E. DeKalb Rd., Thursday, June 19 from 3-5 p.m. Beth Robinson will serve as the afternoon’s live dance caller, giving instructions to dancers.  Live music will be provided by fiddler Gretchen Koehler and pianist Matt Bullwinkel. The event is free.

Contra dance is a social form of dancing, wherein couples form a long line and exchange partners as instructions are called. Participants need not bring a partner, as attendees can be paired up during the event. A dance lesson will be offered before the show at 2:15 p.m. Those who wish to have a lesson should plan to arrive at 2 p.m. No prior experience in dance is necessary, and dancers of all skill levels are welcome.

“Music is always wonderful, but dancing is good for everybody!” said String Fever host, Barb Heller. “Come one, come all.” 

Heller has been nominated many times by the International Bluegrass Music Association in the category of Broadcaster of the Year. As host of the popular bluegrass program on NCPR for more than thirty years, Heller often brings innovative concepts and guests to the program, including a recent bluegrass-punk crossover and a celebration of World Fiddle Day, which gave listeners the opportunity to play along to live in-studio fiddlers, including Gretchen Koehler. 

“Fiddle tunes are meant to move feet and lift spirits,” said Koehler. “I’ve played dances most of my life, and the music doesn’t truly come alive until the hall is full of laughter, stomping feet, and community. It’s going to be a blast!” 

Koehler is an inductee into the North American Fiddlers' Hall of Fame. She’s also the recipient of a Heritage Award from Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) because of her dedication to the preservation of the North Country’s musical traditions.

The DeKalb Historical Society will offer free refreshments and baked goods during the event. 

To find out more about the DeKalb Historical Society, click here. 

Those who cannot attend in-person are still welcome to listen to the program through any of NCPR’s transmitters or translators, or through their website and mobile app. 

The show will be available as a recording for one week after its broadcast.