music

Upcoming in 2023

September 1-3 – Dance Camp North, Fairbanks, AK, with the Engine Room

October 6-8 – Lady of the Lake Fall Weekend, Lake Coeur d’Alane, ID, with the Engine Room

November 10-12 – Dance in the Desert, Oracle, AZ, with Turnip the Beet

November 17-19 – Fleur de Lis Fling, Louisville, KY, with the Engine Room

November 20 – Louisville Contra Dance, with the Engine Room

About   

Kelsey Wells came into the world with her feet still, her mouth shut, and her eyes wide open. Since then, she has discovered the joys of old-time fiddling, folk dancing, storytelling, and various other traditional arts. Though rooted in the heritage of old-time music, she works to create intercultural musical communities and loves tunes from southern Appalachia, Belgium, and a few places in between.
   Kelsey plays fiddle and banjo and currently performs in the popular contra dance bands Turnip the Beet and The Engine Room, and as a musical accompanist for her ma, poet Kory Wells.

Turnip the Beet

   Turnip the Beet is a contra dance band based in Middle Tennessee. Since its inception in 2013, the band has played for more than 100 dances throughout the Eastern U.S. and beyond. Inspired by traditional dance fiddling of Southern Appalachia (Kelsey) and rhythm guitar playing of New England and Quebec (Jeremy), Turnip’s unique brand of dance music inspires dancers to move their feet all night long.

The Engine Room

  The Engine Room is a brand new contra dance band hailing from both coasts and places in between. Featuring Noah VanNorstrand (fiddle, mandolin, foot percussion), Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), and Alex Sturbaum (guitar, button accordion), the Engine Room will lay down a driving, nonstop groove that is sure to get you moving.