MUSIC
Notorious and Steve Hickman & John Devine
Lauded as "sparkling" and "exhilarating,” Notorious musicians Eden MacAdam-Somer and Larry Unger present a thrilling musical experience in genres that span many continents. With Eden on fiddle and vocals and Larry on guitar and banjo, their music lights up the hall with rhythm and sonority. Notorious is at home at Stellar, having played for us twice before. We are excited to have them back. Visit their website.
Steve Hickman and John Devine are regulars at camps around the East. With his fine fiddling and stage presence, Steve Hickman (above left) has electrified audiences for close to 30 years. Besides playing for Childsplay and for numerous bands in the Washington, D.C. area, Steve has toured the world as a featured fiddler for the Fiddle Puppets and Evening Star. One of the world's leading authorities on the arcane art of hambone, Steve is renowned for his hambone antics (not to mention his handlebar mustache). Steve occasionally lives in King George, Virginia, but spends much of his time traveling to play at dance workshops, festivals, and camps throughout the United States and the world.
John Devine (above right) is a solid mountain of rhythm guitar for all styles of country dancing from English to New England to Southern, with a not-so-secret leaning toward swing songs and joy. He has one of the most beautiful voices you'll ever hear. He brings a gentle power to all that he does, whether playing guitar, singing songs, or tending his farm in northeast West Virginia. Click here to find out more about John and his farm.
Both bands this year are equally comfortable in multiple genres - they'll be playing for contras, squares,swing, and waltz and leading some great singing workshops.
CALLING & DANCE INSTRUCTION
Nils Fredland, Wendy Graham, and Andrea Earley Coen
Nils Fredland has been making music, leading dances, and bringing people together for 20 years as a teacher; singer; instrumentalist; contra, square, and community dance leader; and workshop leader. He shares his skill, charisma, grace and goofiness with contra dancers coast to coast every weekend.
Read more about Nils on his website.
Wendy Graham `discovered folk dance, music and song in 1991. Now, the self-described "dance maniac” serves up delicious and nutritious dance for all with an infectious enthusiasm and a smile. Wendy calls regularly throughout the southwest, and tours nationally and internationally. Both the young and young-at-heart enjoy her “Paper Plate” dances that incorporate non-traditional dance forms, like Disco and the Rockettes’ kick line. She has a diverse dance repertoire and will be sharing her expertise in swing dancing at Stellar.
Check out Wendy's website.
Andrea Earley Coen will get everyone's feet moving with her clear and energetic clogging workshops. She makes clogging accessible, fun, and interesting for all with her interactive teaching style and diverse repertoire. While living in Minnesota, Andrea toured internationally with Pig's Eye Landing and the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers. Andrea has taught clogging at Stellar Days & Nights thrice in years past and we're excited to have her back. Andrea will also be helping run the open mic dance band and leading some fun jam sessions. Andrea lives in Salida, CO, and is on the board of Arkansas Valley Music and Dance, the organization that runs Stellar Days & Nights.
FOOD
Beth Gibans
Beth Gibans has been cooking for dance camps with Annie Johnston since 1992, including the last four years at Stellar Days and Nights. She branched out with her own catering business in 2000 and currently delights the palates of dancers at the Tropical Dance Vacation in St. Croix and has cooked on commercial river trips in the Grand Canyon. Beth is also an organic farmer and so always aims at serving up fresh, seasonal, delicious fare.
"Beth Gibans is a remarkable cook. Using whole foods and fresh produce whenever possible she designs memorable feasts that are delicious and versatile. With a flair for beautiful presentation, Beth makes the food a delight for both the eye and palate. Appetizing and healthy, her creative menus make you feel great! Over the past 8 years Beth has been cooking for the Tropical Dance Vacation on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Our participants and staff always eagerly anticipate the meals that Beth and her crew present. It's only fair to alert you that when Beth cooks you may find yourself indulging in recreational eating..." - George Marshall, Wild Asparagus
EVENT FOUNDERS
Eleanor & Andrew Fahrney started Stellar Days & Nights in 2005 when they were living and working at Adventure Unlimited Ranches. Their abode is now "downtown" Buena Vista and they enjoy their annual return to the ranches to share traditional dancing and music with great people from all over.
Although Andrew and Eleanor continue to spearhead Stellar Days & Nights, the event is really made possible thanks to hundreds of hours of work by volunteers. Please check out the Thank You page to see other key volunteers.