Our History

The Contra Banditos were formed in the late 1980s when original band member Dan Fassett and two of his students decided to practice their craft at a contra dance in the First Parish Church in Groton, MA. Those practice sessions evolved into the formation of the band.

From a handful of fiddle members, we have grown into a band with typically eight members who play fiddle, banjo, guitar, piano, mandolin, whistle, bass and percussion. The band remains based in Groton, MA.

Our Philosophy

An integral part of who we are is our “open door” policy. Thus we welcome all who wish to join us, regardless of skill. This centers us in a community building model rooted in the New England contra dance tradition, pub sessions in Ireland, and house parties in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.

Our band exists as a way to make music and have fun for our own enjoyment and that of others, and to learn and grow as musicians.