Join us for an evening of dance, music, and song with Nic Gareiss and Simon Chrisman at the Richmond Free Library!

4-5 pm - Appalachian Flatfooting Dance Workshop with Nic Gareiss
7 pm - Nic Gareiss and Simon Chrisman Performance

Nic Gareiss (percussive dance, bouzouki, vocals) and Simon Chrisman (hammered dulcimer) met in 2007 at a fiddle festival in the Californian redwoods and have been exploring sound and movement together ever since. Both innovators on their instruments, Nic and Simon bring their unique approaches together for traditional song, percussive dance, instrumental tunes, improvisation and new compositions, engaging interlocking rhythms and dynamic textures. Together, Nic and Simon adventure into the world of time and timbre to create a breathtaking evening-length performance of song, instrumental music, and percussive dance.

Nic will be leading an Intro to Appalachian Flatfooting workshop before the concert from 4-5pm for teen and adult dancers. Beginner through intermediate dancers welcome, no experience in the style required. Workshop cost: $25 and participants receive discounted concert admission of only $10. Please pre-register for the workshop at garrettirishdance.com. Tickets for the 7pm show may be purchased at the door. Both events take place in the beautiful Community Room at the Richmond Free Library.

Workshop description: Flatfooting is a solo form of percussive dance originating in the Appalachian mountains with connections to West African, Indigenous, and Western European dance. Using the toe, heel, and ball of the foot to strike and slide across the floor, flatfooting articulates the rhythms of old time fiddle and banjo music. Wear smooth-soled comfortable shoes with a low or no heel for this class. Please no tap or Irish hard shoes, as they will damage the venue's beautiful hardwood floor. Register at garrettirishdance.com.

Event Info

Dec 23, 2024, 10 AM to 12 PM

Dec 26, 2024, 11:25 AM to 12:25 PM

Dec 27, 2024, 6:45 to 10 PM