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.
Dec 18, 2010at 8:00 pm | 3rd 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 pm | Amherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirPeter Barnes (winds/guitar) and Karen Axelrod (piano) |
Dec 26, 2010at 7:30 pm | CANCELED: Brattleboro contra danceDance canceled due to the weather |
Dec 30, 2010at 1:00 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirEmily Troll (fiddle/accordion) and Josh Van Vliet (guitar) |
Dec 31, 2010at 7:00 pm | Greenfield 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 pm | Montpelier Contra DanceCapitol City Grange, Montpelier, VTwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Julie Vallimont (piano) |
Jan 7, 2011at 8:00 pm | Concord Experienced DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirThe Figments |
Jan 8, 2011at 11:00 am | Brattleboro Farmers MarketMain Street, Brattleboro, VTwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) |
Jan 14, 2011to Jan 16, 2011 | Ralph Page Legacy Dance WeekendFiretruck: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar) |
Jan 16, 2011at 7:00 pm | BIDA DanceCambridge, MAwith ElixirFiretruck: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar) |
Jan 20, 2011at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith Elixir |
Jan 21, 2011at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra Dance401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith Elixir |
Jan 22, 2011 | Peterborough Snow BallPeterborough NHwith Elixir |
Jan 23, 2011at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro DanceBrattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Jan 28, 2011at 8:00 pm | House concertAnnapolis, MDwith ElixirCheck back for more details. |
Jan 29, 2011 | Baltimore Midwinter BallBaltimore MDwith Elixir |
Feb 3, 2011at 7:30 pm | Lake City contra dance12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WAwith Elixir |
Feb 4, 2011to Feb 6, 2011 | Dancing FoolSeattle WAwith Elixir |
Feb 11, 2011at 8:00 pm | Rehoboth Contra DanceRehoboth, MAwith ElixirThe Figments |
Feb 14, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Joyce Crouch (piano) |
Feb 19, 2011at 8:00 pm | 3rd 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, 2011 | Fiddling FrogPasadena, CAwith ElixirThe Figments with Will Patton (bass/mandolin) |
Mar 14, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirJoanna Morse (violin) and Joyce Crouch (piano) |
Mar 18, 2011at 8:00 pm | Glen Echo ContraGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir |
Mar 20, 2011at 3:30 pm | Waltz Time DancesGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixirwaltz lesson 2:45-3:30 |
Mar 20, 2011at 7:30 pm | Glen Echo ContraGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir |
Mar 25, 2011to Mar 27, 2011 | Down East Country Dance FestivalTopsham MEwith Elixir |
Apr 8, 2011to Apr 10, 2011 | Chesapeake Dance WeekendCamp Letts, Edgewater, MDwith Elixir |
Apr 10, 2011at 7:30 pm | Glen Echo ContraGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir |
Apr 16, 2011 | Fiddlehead FrolicIthaca, NYwith Elixir |
Apr 17, 2011at 8:00 pm | Bound for GloryAnabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYwith Elixir |
Apr 22, 2011to Apr 24, 2011 | Spring Dance RomanceNorth Carolinawith ElixirThe Figments |
Apr 29, 2011at 8:00 pm | Minstrel Concert SeriesMorristown, NJwith Elixir |
Apr 30, 2011at 8:00 pm | Swingin Tern Contra DanceEast Hanover, NJwith Elixir |
May 20, 2011at 8:00 pm | Brown Contra DanceBrown University, Providence, RIwith ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
May 21, 2011at 8:00 pm | 3rd 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 pm | Brattleboro 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 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
May 27, 2011at 10:00 pm | Burlington Contra DanceThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
May 28, 2011at 8:00 pm | Rokeby 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 pm | Brattleboro Dawn DanceBrattleboro, VTwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Karen Axelrod (piano), playing for the English dancing segment |
May 30, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Karen Axelrod (piano) |
Jun 18, 2011at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra Dance401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MAwith ElixirSusan Kevra (calling), Emily Troll (fiddle, accordion) and Josh Van Vliet (guitar) |
Jun 20, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst ECDMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Ken Allen (piano) |
Jun 24, 2011at 8:00 pmto Jun 26, 2011 | June Moon Dance WeekendMorgantown, WVwith Elixir |
Jul 16, 2011at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith Elixir |
Jul 18, 2011at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, MAwith Elixir |
Jul 20, 2011at 7:30 pm | Amherst Contra DanceMasonic Lodge, 99 Main St, Amherst, MAwith Elixir |
Jul 24, 2011to Jul 29, 2011 | Ashokan Northern Week |
Aug 1, 2011at 7:00 pm | Whately ECDWhately, MAwith ElixirSusan Conger (violin) and Joyce Crouch (piano) |
Aug 7, 2011to Aug 12, 2011 | Augusta Heritage Center Dance WeekElkins, WVwith ElixirThe Figments and lots of other great folks! |
Aug 14, 2011at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirSue Rosen (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), Bruce Rosen (piano/guitar) |
Aug 19, 2011to Aug 20, 2011 | Summerfolk FestivalOwen Sound, ONwith Elixir |
Sep 2, 2011to Sep 4, 2011 | Labor Day Dance AwayJulian, CAwith Elixir |
Sep 8, 2011at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord, MAwith ElixirNils Fredland (calling), Max Newman (guitar) and Garrett Sawyer (bass) |
Sep 11, 2011at 4:00 pm | Good 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, 2011 | Youth Dance WeekendPlymouth, VTwith ElixirAndrew and Noah Van Norstrand, Anadama, Rebecca Lay, Maggie Jo Sayler, and more! |
Sep 23, 2011to Sep 24, 2011 | Feet RetreatDanbury, NCwith Elixir |
Sep 26, 2011at 8:00 pm | Asheville Contra DanceGrey Eagle Tavern, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NCwith Elixir |
Sep 27, 2011at 8:00 pm | Winston-Salem Contra DanceVintage Theater, 7 Vintage Ave, Winston-Salem, NCwith Elixir |
Sep 28, 2011at 8:00 pm | Charlotte Contra DanceCharlotte, NCwith Elixir |
Sep 29, 2011at 8:00 pm | Asheville Contra DanceWarren Wilson College, Bryson Gym, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa, NCwith Elixir |
Sep 30, 2011at 8:00 pm | Atlanta Contra DanceClarkston Community Center,3701 College Ave, Clarkston, GAwith Elixir |
Oct 1, 2011at 5:00 pm | Huntsville Concert/Contra DanceFaith Presbyterian Church, 5003 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, ALwith ElixirConcert 5-7 PM, Contra Dance 8 - 11 PM |
Oct 2, 2011at 3:30 pm | River Falls Waltz/Contra DanceRiver Falls Lodge, River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SCwith Elixir |
Oct 7, 2011at 8:00 pm | Belfast Flying Shoes Contra Dance143 Church Street, Belfast, MEwith Elixir |
Oct 8, 2011at 8:00 pm | North Yarmouth Contra DanceWestcustogo Grange, Rt 115 and Rt 9, N. Yarmouth, MEwith Elixir |
Oct 21, 2011to Oct 23, 2011 | Charlottesville Fall FestivalCharlottesville, VAwith Elixir |
Oct 23, 2011at 6:30 pm | Greenwood Contra DanceGreenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Rd, Greenwood, VAwith Elixir |
Oct 31, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst 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, 2011 | Denmark tourDenmarkwith Elixir |
Nov 18, 2011at 8:00 pm | Wesleyan Contra DanceAnna Patton (clarinet) and friends |
Nov 28, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRobin Hayden & Rebecca Lay (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Mary Lea (fiddle) |
Nov 30, 2011at 7:30 pm | Amherst Contra DanceMasonic Lodge, 99 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002with ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
Dec 3, 2011at 8:00 pm | Montpelier Contra DanceMontpelier, VTwith ElixirNils Fredland (calling) and the Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
Dec 8, 2011at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceScout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirAnna Patton (clarinet) and Julie Vallimont (piano) |
Dec 11, 2011at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirRebecca Lay (calling), Owen Marshall (guitar), and Jeremiah McLane (piano/accordion) |
Dec 12, 2011at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRebecca Lay & Robin Hayden (calling), Ken Allen (piano) and Peter Barnes (winds) |
Dec 17, 2011at 8:00 pm | Greenfield 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 pm | Middnight 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 pm | Concord Experienced Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, MAwith Elixir |
Jan 7, 2012at 7:30 pm | Concert at Hooker Dunham TheaterBrattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Jan 8, 2012at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceThe Church, corner of Grove and Main, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Jan 9, 2012at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirGraham Christian and Dan Popowich (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Anna Patton (clarinet) |
Jan 13, 2012to Jan 15, 2012 | Contra CarnivaleSan Luis Obispo, CAwith Elixirw/ Great Bear Trio, Tidal Wave, Susan Michaels, and George Marshall |
Jan 16, 2012at 7:30 pm | Palo Alto Contra DanceSpecial post-Contra Carnivale event! |
Jan 28, 2012 | Northern Roots FestivalNew England Youth Theater, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Feb 2, 2012at 8:00 pm | Seattle Contra DanceLake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WAwith Elixir |
Feb 3, 2012to Feb 5, 2012 | Dancing Fool Contra Dance WeekendLeif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th St, Seattle, WAwith Elixirw/ Latter Day Lizards and Cis Hinkle |
Feb 17, 2012to Feb 19, 2012 | Knoxville Dance WeekendKnoxville, TNwith ElixirElixir, Great Bear Trio, and Mark Hellenberg (aka "Pokey") |
Mar 1, 2012at 7:30 pm | Concord 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 pm | Concord Experienced DanceConcord Scout House, Concord, MAwith Elixir |
Mar 3, 2012at 11:00 am | Brattleboro Winter Farmers MarketThe River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Mar 5, 2012at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceWhately Dance Barn, Whately, MAwith ElixirGraham Christian (calling), Joyce Crouch (piano), and Peter Barnes (winds) |
Mar 10, 2012at 5:45 pm | CDNY 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 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord, MAwith Elixir |
Mar 16, 2012at 8:00 pm | College Hill Contra Dance372 Wayland Ave, Providence, RIwith Elixir |
Mar 17, 2012at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MAwith Elixir |
Mar 23, 2012at 8:00 pm | Tinmouth contra danceTinmouth, VTwith ElixirRoger Kahle (guitar) |
Mar 26, 2012at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRobin Hayden and Adina Gordon (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Anna Patton (clarinet) |
To order Elixir CDs please visit the Elixir store.
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.
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).
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.