From hot Irish fiddle tunes to driving old-time cello, from crisp trumpet fanfares to cheerful piano backup and groovy, tasteful drumbeats, Cloud Ten sweeps dancers up into an ever-changing but always compelling sound.
Band Members
Cedar Stanistreet, fiddle
Cedar grew up playing both classical violin and traditional fiddle music, and studied violin performance at the Crane School of Music. For the past ten years he has played for contra dances across North America with bands including Nor’easter, Cardinal Direction, Maivish, and Cloud Ten. His spirited, rhythmic playing and clear tone keep dancers on their feet. In between gigs, Cedar can be found at home in Brattleboro, Vermont, growing vegetables, baking bread, and birdwatching. He also repairs violins, violas, and cellos. (Photo credit: David Frantz)
Donal Sheets, cello and guitar
Donal grew up surrounded by traditional music and dance and played jazz bass and classical cello from a very young age. He has spent many years playing American and Irish music on cello and a variety of other instruments. The resonant chords and percussive rhythms of his cello create an indescribably vibrant soundscape drawing from many different traditions. He has taught and performed at music and dance festivals throughout the United States and is a member of Gallimaufry.
Arthur Davis, piano, banjo, and trumpet
Arthur has been singing and playing music for as long as he can remember. As a dance musician, he is steeped in classic New England piano playing, clawhammer banjo, and occasionally some lyrical trumpet. He has played with the bands Hidden Drive, Gallimaufry, and now Cloud Ten. As a singer, he has spent much of the last few years aboard various sailing ships, singing sea songs to accompany the daily work of operating a sailing vessel as well as singing songs just about anywhere he can. When not playing music, Arthur sails on ships and does environmental science in Vermont.
Ness Smith-Savedoff, drums
Ness Smith-Savedoff began playing percussion with his religious community and later at Village Harmony. He began playing drums for contra dances with Gallimaufry while attending Oberlin College. Ness has brought his drums to dance communities across the country with Cloud Ten, Contra Sutra, The Long Pond Rounders, Light Reaction, and Dam Beavers. Additionally playing with rock, rap, and party bands, Ness has a variety of rhythms to blend with contra tunes. Ness lives in Portland, Maine, and, when he isn’t on the road, DJs at a local community radio station and works at a grocery store in town. (Photo credit: Stuart Kenney)
Cloud Ten 