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.
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) |
Mar 31, 2012at 8:00 pm | Montpelier Contra DanceMontpelier, VTwith ElixirRebecca Lay (calling), Roger Kahle (guitar) and Mary Cay Brass (piano/accordion) |
Apr 12, 2012at 8:00 pm | Rochester Contra DanceCovenant United Methodist Church, 1124 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14609with ElixirRebecca Lay (calling) and The Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
Apr 13, 2012to Apr 15, 2012 | Spring Thaw Dance WeekendToronto, Ontario, Canadawith ElixirRebecca Lay (calling) and The Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
Apr 20, 2012to Apr 22, 2012 | When in Doubt, Swing!Dallas, TXwith Elixir |
Apr 25, 2012at 7:30 pm | Amherst Contra DanceMasonic Lodge, 99 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002with ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
May 4, 2012to May 6, 2012 | May Madness Dance WeekendClarkdale, AZwith Elixirw/ The Groovemongers, The Great Bear Trio, and Will Mentor |
May 11, 2012at 8:00 pm | Burlington Contra DanceEdmunds Middle School, 299 Main St, Burlington, VTwith ElixirThe Interns: Mary Wesley (calling) and Max Newman (guitar). Max, Mary, and I have all worked as Youth Intern for CDSS. |
May 12, 2012at 3:00 pm | Special Burlington Contra DanceSt Michael's Collegewith ElixirJeremiah Mclane (piano/accordion), Owen Marshall (guitar/tenor banjo), and Will Mentor (calling) |
May 13, 2012at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VTwith ElixirJeremiah Mclane (piano/accordion), Owen Marshall (guitar/tenor banjo), and Will Mentor (calling) |
May 16, 2012at 7:30 pm | Amherst Contra DanceMasonic Lodge, 99 Main St, Amherst, MAwith Elixir |
May 19, 2012at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra Dance401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith Elixir |
May 20, 2012at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceThe Church, corner of Grove and Main, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
May 24, 2012at 8:00 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord Scout Housewith ElixirOwen Morrison (guitar/feet) and Corey DiMario (bass/tenor guitar) |
May 28, 2012at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirRobin Hayden and Adina Gordon (calling), Joyce Crouch (piano), and Peter Barnes (winds) |
May 30, 2012at 8:00 pm | Princeton Contra DanceSuzanne Patterson Community Center, Princeton, NJwith Elixir |
May 31, 2012at 8:00 pm | Glenside Contra DanceGlenside, PAwith Elixir |
Jun 1, 2012at 8:30 pm | Glen Echo Contra DanceGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir |
Jun 2, 2012at 4:00 pm | House ConcertAnnapolis, MDwith ElixirPrivate event |
Jun 3, 2012at 7:30 pm | Glen Echo Contra DanceGlen Echo Park, MDwith Elixir |
Jun 23, 2012at 8:00 pm | Spokane Contra DanceSpokane, WAwith Elixir |
Jun 24, 2012to Jun 30, 2012 | Lady of the Lake June weekCouer d'Alene, IDwith Elixir |
Jul 21, 2012to Jul 28, 2012 | CDSS Harmony of Song & Dance WeekPinewoods Camp, Plymouth, MAwith Elixir |
Jul 28, 2012to Aug 4, 2012 | CDSS American Dance and Music WeekPinewoods Camp, Plymouth, MAwith Elixir |
Aug 30, 2012at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceScout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirSteve Zakon Anderson (calling), Emily Troll (fiddle/accordion), and Josh Van Vliet (guitar) |
Sep 1, 2012at 8:00 pm | Montpelier Contra DanceCapitol City Grange, Montpelier, VTwith Elixir |
Sep 2, 2012at 12:00 pm | New World FestivalRandolph, VTwith Elixir |
Sep 2, 2012at 8:00 pm | Brattleboro Dawn DanceGibson Aiken Center, Main St, Brattleboro, VTwith ElixirWe'll be keeping the party going from Midnight to 3:30 AM. Other bands are Wild Asparagus (first set) and the Russet Trio with Quena Crane calling (last set). It's going to be a great night, don't miss it! |
Sep 15, 2012at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MAwith ElixirGeorge Marshall (calling), Bethany Waickman (guitar), Corey DiMario (bass) |
Sep 21, 2012at 7:30 pm | Contrashock IINew York City, NYwith Elixirw/ Perpetual e-Motion, and caller Will Mentor |
Sep 22, 2012at 5:45 pm | Contrashock IINew York City, NYwith ElixirExperienced Contra Dance from 5:45 - 7:45 PM, Contra Dance for everyone from 9 PM to Midnight |
Sep 23, 2012at 11:00 am | Contrastock IISpanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MDwith Elixirw/ Wild Asparagus, Perpetual e-Motion, and caller Will Mentor |
Sep 28, 2012to Sep 30, 2012 | Youth Dance WeekendWeston, VTwith ElixirRegistration begins June 4! |
Oct 5, 2012at 8:00 pm | Concord Challenging Contra Dance SeriesScout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, MAwith ElixirSteve Zakon-Anderson (calling), Jeremiah McLane (accordion, piano) and Owen Marshall (guitar, tenor banjo) |
Oct 12, 2012to Oct 14, 2012 | Elixir Cape Cod Dance WeekendCamp Farley, Mashpee, MAwith Elixirw/ Elixir, Crowfoot and caller Will Mentor, and English Country Dance with staff musicians and caller Melissa Running...plus host (and caller) Mary Wesley, and Tony Hernandez running sound! |
Oct 19, 2012to Oct 21, 2012 | Lavender Country and Folk Dancers Fall Dance CampCamp Chimney Corners, Becket, MAwith Elixir |
Oct 26, 2012at 8:30 pm | Glen Echo Contra DanceGlen Echo, MDwith ElixirIt's the Friday Night Dance Halloween Contra Dance PARTY! |
Oct 28, 2012at 7:30 pm | Glen Echo Contra DanceGlen Echo, MDwith Elixir |
Nov 3, 2012at 8:00 pm | Montpelier Contra DanceOld Labor Hall, Barre, VTwith ElixirMary Wesley (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), and Julie Vallimont (piano) |
Nov 9, 2012to Nov 11, 2012 | Big DanceDayton, VAwith ElixirThe Figments (Anna Patton, clarinet and Owen Morrison, guitar/feet) |
Nov 11, 2012 | Greenwood Contra DanceShawn Brenniman (calling) and The Figments (Anna Patton, clarinet and Owen Morrison, guitar/feet) |
Nov 16, 2012to Nov 18, 2012 | Fleur de Lis Fling Dance WeekendLouisville, KYwith Elixir |
Nov 23, 2012to Nov 24, 2012 | Rochester Thanksgiving Dance WeekendSalem United Church of Christ, 60 Bittner Street, Rochester, NYwith Elixir |
Dec 8, 2012at 11:00 am | Brattleboro Winter Farmers' MarketRiver Garden, Main St., Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Dec 9, 2012at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra Dance - Rural Vermont Benefit DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VT 05301with ElixirRebecca Lay (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), and Andy Davis (piano) |
Dec 15, 2012at 8:00 pm | Greenfield Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield MAwith ElixirMarguerite Durant (calling) and The Figments (Anna Patton, clarinet and Owen Morrison, guitar/feet) |
Dec 20, 2012at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirLisa Greenleaf (calling), Anna Patton (clarinet), and Peter Barnes (piano/guitar) |
Jan 4, 2013at 8:00 pm | Concord Challenging Contra DanceScout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, MAwith Elixir |
Jan 5, 2013at 8:00 pm | Montpelier Contra DanceCapitol City Grange, Montpelier, VTwith Elixir |
Jan 11, 2013to Jan 12, 2013 | Phoenix Friends of Traditional Music Mini-Dance WeekendKenilworth School, Phoenix, AZwith Elixir |
Jan 25, 2013at 8:00 pm | Club Passim Concert (opening for Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem)47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MAwith ElixirWe LOVE Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, and are honored to be opening for them at Club Passim. This show is sure to sell out, so purchase your tickets in advance. Help us celebrate our Passim debut! If you can't be there in person you can still watch online via Concert Window! |
Jan 26, 2013at 12:00 pm | Peterborough Snow BallTown Hall, Peterborough, NHwith ElixirWe play from 3 to 6 PM. Full schedule as follows: 12 PM - Moving Violations w/ Rebecca Lay 3 PM - Elixir 6 PM - Crowfoot w/ Steve Zakon-Anderson 9 PM - Latter Day Lizards w/ Lisa Greenleaf WHAT A DAY!! |
Jan 27, 2013at 7:30 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceThe Church, corner of Grove and Eliot St, Brattleboro, VTwith Elixir |
Jan 31, 2013at 8:00 pm | Seattle Contra DanceLake City Community Center, Seattle, WAwith Elixir |
Feb 1, 2013to Feb 3, 2013 | Dancing FoolLeif Erikson Hall, 2245 NW 57th St, Seattle, WAwith Elixirw/ The Sevens and caller Cis Hinkle |
Feb 6, 2013at 7:30 pm | Amherst contra danceAmherst, MAwith ElixirPeter Siegel (guitar), Garrett Sawyer (bass) |
Feb 10, 2013at 7:00 pm | Brattleboro Contra DanceMain and Grove Streets, Brattleboro, VTwith ElixirThe Gaslight Tinkers |
Feb 15, 2013to Feb 17, 2013 | Corvallis Contra Dance WeekendCorvallis, ORwith Elixirw/ The Retrospectacles |
Feb 21, 2013at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceScout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirThe Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet), Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) |
Mar 4, 2013at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceMunson Library, Amherst, MAwith ElixirGraham Christian (calling), Pat MacPherson (piano), and Susan Conger (fiddle) |
Mar 10, 2013at 3:00 pm | Mostly Waltz for BostonConcord Scout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirThe Figments (Anna Patton, clarinet and Owen Morrison, guitar) |
Mar 15, 2013to Mar 17, 2013 | Memfest Contra Dance WeekendIdlewild Church, 1750 Union Ave, Memphis, TNwith Elixir |
Apr 6, 2013at 6:00 pm | Play BallPeterborough, NHwith ElixirSteve Zakon-Anderson and Will Mentor calling, with music by Nor'easter and The Figments (Anna Patton, clarinet and Owen Morrison, guitar/feet) |
Apr 12, 2013to Apr 14, 2013 | Dandelion RompOberlin College - Hales Hall, Oberlin, OHwith Elixirw/ Ari and Mia Friedman, Jordon Tice, Gallimaufry, and caller Chrissy Fowler |
Apr 18, 2013at 7:30 pm | Concord Contra DanceConcord Scout House, Concord, MAwith ElixirNEFFA Callers' Showcase and The Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar/feet) with guest Stefan Amidon (percussion) |
Apr 20, 2013at 8:00 pm | Greenfield 3rd Saturday Contra DanceGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MAwith ElixirRebecca Lay (calling) and The Figments: Anna Patton (clarinet) and Owen Morrison (guitar, feet) |
Apr 28, 2013at 1:00 pm | Roger Katz Memorial Extravaganza & Blood DriveGuiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield, MAwith ElixirPhoto exhibit of Roger's wonderful photos Live Music with Anna Patton and friends Blood Drive: Walk-ins are welcome, but people with appointments will be seen first. To make an appointment call Baystate Health at 877-612-5663 or email . |
Apr 29, 2013at 7:00 pm | Amherst English DanceWhately Dance Barn, Whately, MAwith ElixirRobin Hayden (calling), Karen Axelrod (piano), and Susan Conger (violin) |
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.