As both dancers and musicians, we thrive on the energy that flows from the band to the dancers on a good medley (and back to the band when it all comes together!). Not wed to a particular style, you'll hear everything from the lilt of Scottish fiddling to the syncopated percussion of the hammer dulcimer. Inspired by bands like Air Dance and mentored by the Albuquerque Megaband, Hands Five combines some old-time southern style, New England, Celtic, and "Newtime" music. With some of the band members from Santa Fe and others from Albuquerque, finding time to practice is always an interesting process. We all know "Hands Four" as the call to dancers to get organized at the start of a dance, so Hands Five seemed an appropriate name for a band of five in a perpetual state of reorganization. We hope to start work soon on a CD entitled "From the Top."

Winners of the 2005 Santa Fe Traditional & Bluegrass Music Festival

L-R: Erika Gerety, Bruce Thomson, Peter Esherick, Gary Blank, John Brinduse

Gary Blank (Santa Fe): Percussionist. Gary is a master of just about any percussive instrument you can think of and some you have never heard of, too. With the most experience in playing with contra dance bands, Gary is our fearless leader (wish him luck). Gary is also a long time member of the recorded band red/blue.

John Brinduse (Albuquerque): Guitar. In Taos, taught music at Da Nahazli School and played in a jazz band, Resolution. Also plays in the bands Saoirse (Celtic), Cheap Shots (Variety), and the Albuquerque Megaband.

Peter Esherick (Albuquerque): Hammer dulcimer. Peter is also occasionally seen on bass, mandolin, guitar, and even (HORRORS!) banjo. Previous contest winner in the Mandolin and Miscellaneous instrument categories at the Santa Fe Traditional and Bluegrass Music Festival. Also plays in the band Cheap Shots, and the Albuquerque Megaband.

Erika Gerety (Albuquerque): Bass. May also break out a mandolin. Erika is our token novice musician, but keeps a darn good beat. Also plays in the band Cheap Shots.

Bruce Thomson (Albuquerque): Fiddle. One of the original Contra Dance musicians in NM, Bruce's style has expanded beyond Oldtime over the years to include Celtic, Texas, and Quebecois fiddling. As the Music Archivist for NMFolkMADS, he is a vast repository for tunes. He is also a long-time member of The Adobe Brothers, The Virginia Creepers, and of course, The Albuquerque Megaband.

Former band member Ryan Leary (fiddle) has left for Whitman College in Walla Walla WA, but may make suprise appearances during school breaks.

For schedule, information or bookings call or email Erika Gerety 505-294-6909, erika@unm.edu

Visit Hands Five on MySpace