NILS FREDLAND has been making music, leading dances, and bringing people together for 20 years. He shares his skill, charisma, grace and goofiness with contra dancers coast to coast most every weekend. He is known for his technical skill, disarming friendliness, comfortable stage presence, and soothing voice, making him one of the busiest and most sought-after callers in the business. “He calls masterfully and still remembers to bring his soul to each and every one of his dances."

SHEESHUM, LOTUS & TEA TIME TAYLOR: Sheesham and Lotus’ interest in playing square dances isn’t new for them—rather, it’s something that’s been with them a long time. They have played for dances as part of bands such as The Silver Hearts and Flapjack. They play their high-energy music on almost anything you can blow, strum or tap. Joining Sheesham Crow (Teilhard Frost on fiddle, bones, footstepping) and Lotus Wight (Sam Allison on banjo, jaw harp, mandolin, guitar) is “Tea Time” Taylor (Karen Taylor on fiddle).

MARTINE BILLETTE, one of the most esteemed professional Quebecois stepdancers, she has been dancing since the age of 4.  Martine also possesses great credentials as a piano player and has toured with Ménages à Trois, Manigance and The Pierre Schryer Band and Rapetipetam. Martine’s talent is in high demand for both recording and performing. Effortless, energetic, evidently ecstatic!

Kate MCLAREN, an engaging caller and personality, performs at dances and social occasions in Grey- Bruce and beyond. She also hosts contra dances and workshops in her Mudtown Pottery studio, supporting and encouraging dancer, musician and caller participation.

Scatter the Cats includes Will Henry, fiddle, mandolin and octave mandolin, Mark Cruikshank, guitar, bouzouki, banjo and mandola, Frank Francalanza, mandolin, bodhran, bones and fancy footwork, Dan McGee, flute and five-string banjo, and Randy Martin on standup base. All familiar faces at Fiddlefern dances and regional festivals over the years, their musical repertoire focuses on traditional Irish and North American acoustic dance music.  

2008 Spring Fling

• John Krumm
• Les Frères Brunet & Martine Billette
• Kate McLaren
• Scatter the Cats

2007 Spring Fling

André Brunet & Martine Billette
Ian Bell, Tom Leighton & Geoff Summers

Genticorum
2006 Spring Fling
See their web site for Band Bio.