The Newtowne Morris Men have been performing traditional Morris dances from the rustic Cotswold hills of England since 1977. These dances are performed every spring in order to ensure good luck and a bountiful harvest for the coming year, and are associated with the tradition of the Maypole. Our preferred touring venues are the streets and greens of the local New England cities and towns, retiring after an energetic set of lively dances to a local pub for a round and a few songs.
We encourage everyone to experience this ancient tradition. Feel free to contact us for up-to-date information on our tour schedule. If you live in the Greater Boston area and are interested in taking part in the Morris, we are actively seeking new dancers of any skill level to join our merry band; we practice once a week on Monday evenings in Medford.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The traditional opening of the touring season. The team performs outside the Emmanuel Church on Newbury Street starting shortly after noon, then proceeds to the Public Gardens.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The team will travel south to Our Nation’s Capitol, where the venerable Foggy Bottom Morris Men host a tour celebrating blooming of the cherry trees along the Potomac.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Once again we will join the handsome Binghampton Morris Men and some team from Canada in for a tour of upstate New York, based at the historic Majors Inn.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The team returns to NEFFA in Mansfield, MA after two year’s absence, ensuring good luck and prosperity for this year’s festival.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
For over thirty-five years we have gathered with a large group of participants on the banks of the Charles River at dawn (yes, when the sun comes up) for Morris dancing, Maypole winding, and traditional Mayday songs. Join us at the Weeks Footbridge near Harvard Square and take part in the festivities.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Join many Morris groups from throughout New England in the annual celebration of the blooming lilacs at Arnold Arboretum, Boston.
Saturday, June 6, 2010
The premier gathering of northeast Morris groups, hosted every year in the fields and towns of western Connecticut by the Bouwerie Boys of New York.
Dancing in Marlboro, Brattleboro, and Newfane in Vermont.
The annual celebration of the blooming lilacs at Arnold Arboretum, Boston.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
Touring upstate New York with the admirable Binghampton Morris Men and some team from Canada.
The traditional start of the Newtowne touring season.
Dancing in Marlboro, Brattleboro, and Newfane in Vermont.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
The traditional start of the Newtowne touring season.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
Dancing at the relocated New England Folk Festival.
The traditional start of the Newtowne touring season.
Dancing in the courtyard at the New England Folk Festival.
The traditional start of the Newtowne touring season.
The tradtional bad-weather tour.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
The traditional start of the Newtowne touring season.
It was indeed the best Sudz ever!
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
Out on tour at the Sudz and at Nashoba Valley Winery for the Fall Tour with Ha‘penny.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
The year it rained.
Dancing at dawn in Harvard Square.
The traditional start of the Newtowne touring season.
Our thanks to the Commonwealth Morris Men for an excellent fall day.
A couple of shots from our visit to Merry Olde England.
Amble on Down Stick Dance 1991
The Amble on Down Morris Men from Merry Old England perform their unique Stick Dance at the Marlboro Morris Ale.
Amble on Down Hankie Dance 1991
The Amble on Down Morris Men from far-off Amble on Down perform their equally unique Hankie Dance at the Marlboro Morris Ale.
Set the Way-Back Machine for a time when the team wore beribboned vests and photographs were stored on small bits of plastic.