A four piece contradance band, the Contrarians of West Virginia play contradance and square dance music on fiddles, mandolin, electric and acoustic guitars, stick bass, soulful sax, tenor banjo and foot percussion!
A Contrarians event delivers dazzling melody - including some great original tunes - along with a solid yet imaginative approach to rhythm. The band has consistently "wowed the crowd" at dances and dance weekends throughout Ohio-Kentucky-West Virginia and beyond. Their self-titled CD, released in late 2007, shows "why the band is in great demand at Contradances from Washington DC to Cleveland...." according to Paul Gartner of the Charleston Gazette. In 2017 they released the CD, Balance and Shout!
The Contrarians evolved from the former Trusty House Band, local favorites of FOOTMAD's dance community in Charleston, WV in 1990's. Since their first dance weekend appearance at Pigtown Fling (Cincinnati) in 2001, their dance music has brought rave reviews. They've become in important part of the regional dance calendar and increasingly present at special dances and weekends, also performing in concert settings which showcase their wide ranging talents including singing and songwriting.
The Contrarians are comfortable in a variety of styles and traditions: Celtic, New England, swing, and of course, old-time (Appalachian). They also write original material. With rhythmic variety, occasional glimpses of ethnic music, and unique improvisations, dancers let loose and never lose interest in the music.
A Contrarians event delivers dazzling melody - including some great original tunes - along with a solid yet imaginative approach to rhythm. The band has consistently "wowed the crowd" at dances and dance weekends throughout Ohio-Kentucky-West Virginia and beyond. Their self-titled CD, released in late 2007, shows "why the band is in great demand at Contradances from Washington DC to Cleveland...." according to Paul Gartner of the Charleston Gazette. In 2017 they released the CD, Balance and Shout!
The Contrarians evolved from the former Trusty House Band, local favorites of FOOTMAD's dance community in Charleston, WV in 1990's. Since their first dance weekend appearance at Pigtown Fling (Cincinnati) in 2001, their dance music has brought rave reviews. They've become in important part of the regional dance calendar and increasingly present at special dances and weekends, also performing in concert settings which showcase their wide ranging talents including singing and songwriting.
The Contrarians are comfortable in a variety of styles and traditions: Celtic, New England, swing, and of course, old-time (Appalachian). They also write original material. With rhythmic variety, occasional glimpses of ethnic music, and unique improvisations, dancers let loose and never lose interest in the music.
