2020, 2021, 2022 BALLS CANCELLED

JOIN US MARCH 24-26, 2023 with ED & NEIL

More information coming in January -- see Events for 2023 ball dances

Madison Scottish Country Dancers invite you to usher in the new decade at our Roaring Twenties-themed ball!

Join us for a swinging good time with the acclaimed New England father-son duo, Ed Pearlman, fiddle, and Neil Pearlman, piano. Melding Celtic music with flavors of jazz and Latin, they’ll have you dancing the night away in ritzy, roaring style! As an added bonus, the duo will be joined for part of the program by Madison fiddler Dave Mullen of Sogan.

Based in Boston and Maine, Ed has been a pillar of the American Scottish music scene for over 30 years. While focusing on Scottish and Cape Breton styles, he also plays a variety of others, including American contra dance music, Irish, bluegrass, jazz. He has performed and taught throughout the USA, Canada and Scotland, working with almost every major name in Scottish and Cape Breton music.

Neil Pearlman grew up with this legacy and has infused it with jazz, Latin, and pipe band rhythms. A multi-instrumentalist, step dancer and host of the podcast TradCafe, Neil is known for his unique approach to the piano. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton styles, his playing incorporates jazz harmony and syncopations of funk, Cuban, and Brazilian dance music to create a unique and infectious sound. Neil tours and teaches in his own right, in the USA, Canada, Scotland and Galicia.

Weekend Schedule (tentative)

Friday, March 24

7:30 pm Concert & Dessert Buffet

$15 suggested donation (cash/check)

General public welcome, no pre-registration

Ed & Neil Pearlman

Featuring Scottish fiddle and piano tunes and Cape Breton step dance demonstration.

Bethany Evangelical Free Church

301 Riverside Drive Madison 53704

(Parking behind church and on side streets. Enter from parking lot.)

Saturday, March 25

10:00 - 11:30 am Cape Breton Step Dance Workshop

$15 fee (cash/check)

General public welcome, pre-registration not necessary

Neil Pearlman, teacher

Ed Pearlman, musician

Mount Olive Lutheran Church

110 N. Whitney Way Madison 53705

(Entrance to parking & workshop on Langlois St.)

11:30 am - 1:30 pm Lunch (on your own)

Afternoon Walkthroughs - More Information

1:30 - 3:30 pm Advanced Walkthrough

Memorial Union 3rd Floor, Old Madison Room

800 Langdon St., Madison 53706

1:30 - 3:30 pm Beginner Walkthrough (1st year dancers)

Memorial Union 3rd Floor, Beefeaters Room

800 Langdon St., Madison 53706

5:00 pm Social Hour with Cash Bar

Memorial Union, Great Hall, 4th Floor

800 Langdon St., Madison 53706

6:00 pm Sit-down Dinner

7:30 pm Grand March and Ball

Musicians: Ed & Neil Pearlman with Dave Mullen

Piper: Tom Greenhaigh

Midnight After-Ball Party at a member's home*

Sunday, March 26

10:00 am Potluck Brunch at a member’s home*

*Maps available at ball

Parking Near Memorial Union

Links to current availability and maps

1463531_10201803163536426_54121382772617

Registration Information

REGISTRATION IS NOT YET AVAILABLE. Check back in February.

Register by mail/check or online/PayPal using the above buttons. Registration forms must be postmarked (or submitted by PayPal) by March 19 to qualify for the early bird price ($10 more afterwards). Note: dinner orders not accepted after March 19.

Student Discount / Scholarships

We offer a $5 discount for students attending the ball and/or workhop. Scholarships are also available for those otherwise unable to attend. For more information, contact Barb Samdahl, Registrar, by March 19.

Silent Auction

There will be a silent auction with many fabulous items to purchase--bring your checkbook or cash! And if you have an item to donate to the auction, print and fill out an auction bid sheet and give it to Janice Lacock.

Accommodations

Please indicate on the registration form if you desire hospitality and also contact hospitality chair Scott Weiss. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, but can't guarantee it. Hotel information can be found at visitmadison.com/accommodations/ or by calling the Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800 / 373-6376.