Is prior dance experience required to participate?

No, beginners and experienced dancers alike are welcome. Dudley Laufman guides everyone through the dance moves.

Will the event take place if it rains?

Yes, the concert and dance event happens rain or shine, so bring rain gear just in case.

Are there food and drinks available at the venue?

Typically, there are concessions or food vendors on site, but bringing your own snacks is also encouraged.

Is the event suitable for children and families?

Absolutely. The event is family-friendly and offers a fun cultural experience for all ages.

Can I bring my own lawn chair or blanket?

Yes, guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating on the grass.

What is the best way to get to Canterbury Shaker Village?

Driving is the easiest option with free parking available on site, as public transportation is limited in this area.

Music on the Green: Dudley Laufman in Canterbury, NH

Experience an extraordinary blend of traditional dance and live music with Dudley Laufman and The Canterbury Country Dance Orchestra, right in the heart of Canterbury, New Hampshire. This private outdoor event offers an authentic celebration of 70 years of dance calling in New England, featuring Dudley's masterful skill on various instruments while he guides the audience through lively dance steps. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious first-timer, the infectious energy and community spirit will captivate you. Set on the green grounds of the historic Canterbury Shaker Village, the event thrives rain or shine, inviting all ages to join an afternoon filled with joy and movement. The unique atmosphere combines rich local history with the vibrant sounds of folk and country music, making this a must-attend cultural experience. You'll find it easy to let loose, meet new people, and create lasting memories amidst the fresh outdoor air and rolling New England landscapes.

About Canterbury Shaker Village

Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic Shaker community and living history museum located in Canterbury, New Hampshire. The Village offers guided tours, special exhibitions, community readings, concerts, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events that interpret Shaker life, craft, and communal practices.

Educational programs highlight primary sources and personal narratives, including special tours inspired by Nicolas Briggs’s memoir Forty Years a Shaker and guided walks led by the Village’s education staff such as Director of Education Kyle Sandler. Visitors can attend readings in the 1792 Meeting House, music on the green, antique and vintage car shows set among fall foliage, and exhibition openings that honor the Shakers’ legacy.

Workshops and demonstrations teach traditional Shaker skills; examples include a cherry oval box workshop led by instructor Dick Bennett and farm-to-table dinners paired with historic tours at community gatherings like Simply Shaker. Members and preview events bring curators and historians together to contextualize artifacts, as seen in the Keeping Faith exhibition talks with curators Renée Fox, Kyle Sandler, and Shirley Wajda.

Canterbury Shaker Village maintains credibility through documented artifacts, named curators and educators, and a range of public programs that connect visitors directly to Shaker material culture. The Village’s calendar of events and combination of tours, exhibitions, and hands-on learning provide reliable opportunities for visitors to explore early American religious life and Shaker craftsmanship. Public programs often include live music, community readings, vintage car exhibitions, curator talks, and light refreshments during exhibition openings to deepen visitor engagement with Shaker history and authentic material culture.