Grand Picnic *is* a terrific band (out of New York City) which doesn't
travel much. When they do, make the effort to hear them. I recently
worked with a "cousin" band - The Brooklyn Swing Ensemble - which, dispite
their name is a great contra dance band (swing also). Also, one of the
two fiddlers, Sam Zygmuntowicz, is a renowed violin maker who has had his
instruments played in some *very* high brow places.
GP has put out one recording (chock full of great original tunes) which
has recently been re-released as a CD. Google Grand Picnic for more info.

By the way, I'm pleased as punch that this crowd of folk singers knows
so much about contra dance music. Sometimes it seems like these
communities are worlds apart... but that's another thread.

Oh, the concertina player in the band, Jody Kruskal, has just
come out with a tune book, all original tunes. Lovely stuff.