Healthy Island Project’s WinterFest 2025 will kick off Friday night this year, with music and dance by the Bagaduce Family Reunion Band, a supergroup combining the acclaimed Gawler Family Band and the Northern New England Ensemble. The contra dance is free as part of the WinterFest celebration. 

The Gawler Family Band, a beloved musical group based in Maine, is known for their infectious spirit of fun and sparkling musicianship. They play a variety of acoustic instruments, including fiddles, banjo, guitar, cello, harmonica, washboard, and even use their feet to create rhythms. The Gawler Family Band has been a longtime institution in midcoast and central Maine, contributing to the thriving music traditions in the region. They are known for their energetic performances and engaging concerts, often leading audiences in traditional shanties and folk songs.

The Bagaduce Family Reunion Band is a unique collaboration for this event, combining the Gawler Family Band with the Northern New England Ensemble (BNNE) and dance musicians from around the region. The BNNE plays contra dance music from the Northeastern United States, focusing on the traditional fiddle style of Maine, which encompasses influences from England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Scandinavia, and West Africa by way of the Caribbean. 

This is an all-comer’s event so bring your fiddles, banjos and whatnot to sit in with the band, or come dance the night away- no experience necessary.

With energetic and danceable music, the Bagaduce Family Reunion Band will reprise their unforgettable performance from last summer’s Isle au Haut Town Hall dance, bringing a large band sound to get everyone up and dancing. Dances will be taught, no experience necessary!

Join us for a joyful evening of music, dance, and community spirit at the Healthy Island Project’s WinterFest 2025! This event is presented in collaboration with Healthy Island Project, Bagaduce Music and Deer Isle Music Hall and BBQ.

Free Event