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Ethan Hazzard-Watkins fiddler

Fiddler Ethan Hazzard-Watkins performs traditional and original music with infectious energy, passion, and grace.

Ethan's fiddling combines expressive subtlety, playfulness, and compelling rhythmic power born out of more than two decades of experience as a dance musician. A versatile and inspiring performer, Ethan is equally at home digging into an Irish, Quebecois, or New England fiddle tune, improvising on a classic blues, swing, or honky-tonk song, or interpreting a lyrical waltz or English Country Dance melody.

Based in Brattleboro, Vermont, Ethan tours extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, playing for dances, festivals, camps, concerts, weddings, and other events with his bands Elixir and The Figments. He performs closer to home with honky-tonk band The Rear Defrosters. Ethan is also an avid composer of tunes in traditional styles, and his compositions and arrangements have been played and recorded widely.

gig calendar

Dec 18, 2010at 8:00 pm3rd Saturday Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith ElixirLisa Greenleaf (calling), Owen Marshall (guitar), and Jeremiah McLane (accordion/piano)
Dec 20, 2010at 7:00 pmAmherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirPeter Barnes (winds/guitar) and Karen Axelrod (piano)
Dec 26, 2010at 7:30 pmCANCELED: Brattleboro contra danceDance canceled due to the weather
Dec 30, 2010at 1:00 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirEmily Troll (fiddle/accordion) and Josh Van Vliet (guitar)
Dec 31, 2010at 7:00 pmGreenfield New Years Eve Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith ElixirVan Kaynor (fiddle), Owen Marshall (guitar), Corey DiMario (bass, tenor guitar), Peter Barnes (piano/guitar), Daniel Plane (cello), David Kaynor (calling, fiddle, guitar), Rebecca Lay (calling), George Marshall (calling, concertina, bodhran) and more!
Jan 1, 2011at 8:00 pmMontpelier Contra DanceCapitol City Grange, Montpelier, VTwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Julie Vallimont (piano)
Jan 7, 2011at 8:00 pmConcord Experienced DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirThe Figments
Jan 8, 2011at 11:00 amBrattleboro Farmers MarketMain Street, Brattleboro, VTwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet)
Jan 14, 2011to Jan 16, 2011Ralph Page Legacy Dance WeekendFiretruck: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar)
Jan 16, 2011at 7:00 pmBIDA DanceCambridge, MAwith ElixirFiretruck: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar)
Jan 20, 2011at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith Elixir
Jan 21, 2011at 8:00 pmGreenfield Contra Dance401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith Elixir
Jan 22, 2011Peterborough Snow BallPeterborough NHwith Elixir
Jan 23, 2011at 7:30 pmBrattleboro DanceBrattleboro, VTwith Elixir
Jan 28, 2011at 8:00 pmHouse concertAnnapolis, MDwith ElixirCheck back for more details.
Jan 29, 2011Baltimore Midwinter BallBaltimore MDwith Elixir
Feb 3, 2011at 7:30 pmLake City contra dance12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WAwith Elixir
Feb 4, 2011to Feb 6, 2011Dancing FoolSeattle WAwith Elixir
Feb 11, 2011at 8:00 pmRehoboth Contra DanceRehoboth, MAwith ElixirThe Figments
Feb 14, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Joyce Crouch (piano)
Feb 19, 2011at 8:00 pm3rd Saturday Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith ElixirSue Rosen (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), and Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar)
Feb 25, 2011to Feb 27, 2011Fiddling FrogPasadena, CAwith ElixirThe Figments with Will Patton (bass/mandolin)
Mar 14, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirJoanna Morse (violin) and Joyce Crouch (piano)
Mar 18, 2011at 8:00 pmGlen Echo ContraGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir
Mar 20, 2011at 3:30 pmWaltz Time DancesGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixirwaltz lesson 2:45-3:30
Mar 20, 2011at 7:30 pmGlen Echo ContraGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir
Mar 25, 2011to Mar 27, 2011Down East Country Dance FestivalTopsham MEwith Elixir
Apr 8, 2011to Apr 10, 2011Chesapeake Dance WeekendCamp Letts, Edgewater, MDwith Elixir
Apr 10, 2011at 7:30 pmGlen Echo ContraGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir
Apr 16, 2011Fiddlehead FrolicIthaca, NYwith Elixir
Apr 17, 2011at 8:00 pmBound for GloryAnabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYwith Elixir
Apr 22, 2011to Apr 24, 2011Spring Dance RomanceNorth Carolinawith ElixirThe Figments
Apr 29, 2011at 8:00 pmMinstrel Concert SeriesMorristown, NJwith Elixir
Apr 30, 2011at 8:00 pmSwingin Tern Contra DanceEast Hanover, NJwith Elixir
May 20, 2011at 8:00 pmBrown Contra DanceBrown University, Providence, RIwith ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet)
May 21, 2011at 8:00 pm3rd Saturday Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith ElixirMary Wesley (calling) and the Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet)
May 22, 2011at 7:30 pmBrattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton, clarinet, Owen Morrison, guitar/feet, and Rachel Nevitt, calling
May 26, 2011at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet)
May 27, 2011at 10:00 pmBurlington Contra DanceThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet)
May 28, 2011at 8:00 pmRokeby Museum House ConcertFerrisburgh, VTwith ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet).

Space is limited and reservations are required. For info or reservations contact: or 802.999.9357
May 29, 2011at 2:30 pmBrattleboro Dawn DanceBrattleboro, VTwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Karen Axelrod (piano), playing for the English dancing segment
May 30, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Karen Axelrod (piano)
Jun 18, 2011at 8:00 pmGreenfield Contra Dance401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MAwith ElixirSusan Kevra (calling), Emily Troll (fiddle, accordion) and Josh Van Vliet (guitar)
Jun 20, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Ken Allen (piano)
Jun 24, 2011at 8:00 pmto Jun 26, 2011June Moon Dance WeekendMorgantown, WVwith Elixir
Jul 16, 2011at 8:00 pmGreenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith Elixir
Jul 18, 2011at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, MAwith Elixir
Jul 20, 2011at 7:30 pmAmherst Contra DanceMasonic Lodge, 99 Main St, Amherst, MAwith Elixir
Jul 24, 2011to Jul 29, 2011Ashokan Northern Week
Aug 1, 2011at 7:00 pmWhately ECDWhately, MAwith ElixirSusan Conger (violin) and Joyce Crouch (piano)
Aug 7, 2011to Aug 12, 2011Augusta Heritage Center Dance WeekElkins, WVwith ElixirThe Figments and lots of other great folks!
Aug 14, 2011at 7:30 pmBrattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirSue Rosen (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar)
Aug 19, 2011to Aug 20, 2011Summerfolk FestivalOwen Sound, ONwith Elixir
Sep 2, 2011to Sep 4, 2011Labor Day Dance AwayJulian, CAwith Elixir
Sep 8, 2011at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirNils Fredland (calling), Max Newman (guitar) and Garrett Sawyer (bass)
Sep 11, 2011at 4:00 pmGood Night Irene Benefit DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirGirl Howdy (honky tonk/swing)
Planet Zydeco (zydeco)
The Buzzards Brass Band (New Orleans 2nd line)
and contra dancing with:
Rebecca Lay, calling
Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, fiddle
Emily Troll, fiddle/accordion
Josh Van Vliet, guitar

all proceeds benefit Red Cross of Vermont
Sep 16, 2011to Sep 17, 2011Youth Dance WeekendPlymouth, VTwith ElixirAndrew and Noah Van Norstrand, Anadama, Rebecca Lay, Maggie Jo Sayler, and more!
Sep 23, 2011to Sep 24, 2011Feet RetreatDanbury, NCwith Elixir
Sep 26, 2011at 8:00 pmAsheville Contra DanceGrey Eagle Tavern, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NCwith Elixir
Sep 27, 2011at 8:00 pmWinston-Salem Contra DanceVintage Theater, 7 Vintage Ave, Winston-Salem, NCwith Elixir
Sep 28, 2011at 8:00 pmCharlotte Contra DanceCharlotte, NCwith Elixir
Sep 29, 2011at 8:00 pmAsheville Contra DanceWarren Wilson College, Bryson Gym, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa, NCwith Elixir
Sep 30, 2011at 8:00 pmAtlanta Contra DanceClarkston Community Center,3701 College Ave, Clarkston, GAwith Elixir
Oct 1, 2011at 5:00 pmHuntsville Concert/Contra DanceFaith Presbyterian Church, 5003 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, ALwith ElixirConcert 5-7 PM, Contra Dance 8 - 11 PM
Oct 2, 2011at 3:30 pmRiver Falls Waltz/Contra DanceRiver Falls Lodge, River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SCwith Elixir
Oct 7, 2011at 8:00 pmBelfast Flying Shoes Contra Dance143 Church Street, Belfast, MEwith Elixir
Oct 8, 2011at 8:00 pmNorth Yarmouth Contra DanceWestcustogo Grange, Rt 115 and Rt 9, N. Yarmouth, MEwith Elixir
Oct 21, 2011to Oct 23, 2011Charlottesville Fall FestivalCharlottesville, VAwith Elixir
Oct 23, 2011at 6:30 pmGreenwood Contra DanceGreenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Rd, Greenwood, VAwith Elixir
Oct 31, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst English Country Dance: CANCELED DUE TO WEATHERMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Robin Hayden (calling)
Nov 5, 2011to Nov 13, 2011Denmark tourDenmarkwith Elixir
Nov 18, 2011at 8:00 pmWesleyan Contra DanceAnna Patton (clarinet) and friends
Nov 28, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRobin Hayden & Rebecca Lay (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Mary Lea (fiddle)
Nov 30, 2011at 7:30 pmAmherst Contra DanceMasonic Lodge, 99 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002with ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet)
Dec 3, 2011at 8:00 pmMontpelier Contra DanceMontpelier, VTwith ElixirNils Fredland (calling) and the Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet)
Dec 8, 2011at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceScout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Julie Vallimont (piano)
Dec 11, 2011at 7:30 pmBrattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirRebecca Lay (calling), Owen Marshall (guitar), and Jeremiah McLane (piano/accordion)
Dec 12, 2011at 7:00 pmAmherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRebecca Lay & Robin Hayden (calling), Ken Allen (piano) and Peter Barnes (winds)
Dec 17, 2011at 8:00 pmGreenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield MAwith ElixirNils Fredland (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), and Peter Barnes (piano, guitar)
Dec 31, 2011at 3:00 pmMiddnight on MainMiddletown, CTwith ElixirRebecca Lay (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet) and Andy Davis (piano).

Middletown's first ever New Year's Eve celebration features a wide range of styles of music, dancing, and other activities.
Jan 6, 2012at 8:00 pmConcord Experienced Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, MAwith Elixir
Jan 7, 2012at 7:30 pmConcert at Hooker Dunham TheaterBrattleboro, VTwith Elixir
Jan 8, 2012at 7:30 pmBrattleboro Contra DanceThe Church, corner of Grove and Main, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir
Jan 9, 2012at 7:00 pmAmherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirGraham Christian and Dan Popowich (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Anna Patton (clarinet)
Jan 13, 2012to Jan 15, 2012Contra CarnivaleSan Luis Obispo, CAwith Elixirw/ Great Bear Trio, Tidal Wave, Susan Michaels, and George Marshall
Jan 16, 2012at 7:30 pmPalo Alto Contra DanceSpecial post-Contra Carnivale event!
Jan 28, 2012Northern Roots FestivalNew England Youth Theater, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir
Feb 2, 2012at 8:00 pmSeattle Contra DanceLake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WAwith Elixir
Feb 3, 2012to Feb 5, 2012Dancing Fool Contra Dance WeekendLeif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th St, Seattle, WAwith Elixirw/ Latter Day Lizards and Cis Hinkle
Feb 17, 2012to Feb 19, 2012Knoxville Dance WeekendKnoxville, TNwith ElixirElixir, Great Bear Trio, and Mark Hellenberg (aka "Pokey")
Mar 1, 2012at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord, MAwith ElixirRebecca Lay (calling), Emily troll (accordion/fiddle), and Josh Van Vliet (guitar)
Mar 2, 2012at 8:00 pmConcord Experienced DanceConcord Scout House, Concord, MAwith Elixir
Mar 3, 2012at 11:00 amBrattleboro Winter Farmers MarketThe River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir
Mar 5, 2012at 7:00 pmAmherst English DanceWhately Dance Barn, Whately, MAwith ElixirGraham Christian (calling), Joyce Crouch (piano), and Peter Barnes (winds)
Mar 10, 2012at 5:45 pmCDNY Special EventChinatown YMCA, 273 Bowery, New York, NYwith ElixirExperienced Contra Dance from 5:45 - 7:45, Regular Contra Dance from 9:00 - Midnight
Mar 15, 2012at 7:30 pmConcord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord, MAwith Elixir
Mar 16, 2012at 8:00 pmCollege Hill Contra Dance372 Wayland Ave, Providence, RIwith Elixir
Mar 17, 2012at 8:00 pmGreenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MAwith Elixir
Mar 23, 2012at 8:00 pmTinmouth contra danceTinmouth, VTwith ElixirRoger Kahle (guitar)
Mar 26, 2012at 7:00 pmAmherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRobin Hayden and Adina Gordon (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Anna Patton (clarinet)

store

Elixir CDs

To order Elixir CDs please visit the Elixir store.

In the Window

Selected traditional and original material arranged to highlight the diverse musical ideas that grow out of the New England contra dance tradition. Ethan’s solo CD moves gracefully between high energy jigs and reels, contemplative airs, and lovely waltzes, flirting with musical ideas drawn from a wide range of styles. Recorded and Mixed by Bob Mills in Guilford, VT.

Guest Musicians

Anna Patton (clarinet), Bob Mills (guitar & bouzouki), Chuck Corman (bass), Erica Morse (cello & bass) Elvie Miller (piano & accordion), Jesse Hazzard-Watkins (trumpet), lydia ievins (fiddle), Marko Packard (guitar & sax), Naomi Morse (fiddle & viola), Peter Siegel (guitar, mandolin, banjo, & feet), Roger Kahle (guitar), Seth Houston (piano).

tunes

Tune Book: A is for Avocado

Ethan's collection of original tunes, published in 2007, is no longer available in print. You can download a complete PDF of the book or find some individual highlights and more recent compositions below.

Download A is for Avocado

A few of Ethan's compositions are available for download below.

contact

Get in touch with Ethan: