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Notes
“Feisty Barny” is a delightful contemporary jig composed by Doug Protsik, a central figure in the New England traditional music scene and the longtime director of the Maine Fiddle Camp. Written in the spirit of the lively communal dances he often leads, the tune reflects Protsik’s deep immersion in Maine’s “old-time” country dance traditions.
Musically, the tune is a spirited jig characterized by its playful, rhythmic “feistiness”—a quality that makes it an excellent choice for contra dancing. It blends the structural sensibilities of traditional British Isles jigs with a distinctly Northern flavor, often featuring the bright, driving energy found in the repertoires of legendary Maine musicians like Otto Soper. Because of its catchy melody and intuitive phrasing, “Feisty Barny” has become a staple teaching tune at workshops and a favorite for sessions throughout the region.