May 1, or May Day, is a traditional spring holiday in many cultures with dancing and singing part of the celebrations that the day includes. The Dance Hall in Kittery will celebrate May Day with a dance party with Gary Sredzienski &  the Serfs on Friday, May 1 at 8pm.

Gary Sredzienski has been a popular performer at The Dance Hall since it opened: with his solo accordion show; as performer in a Vaudeville show; and with the Serfs. The Serfs, a Portsmouth, NH based band, has been delighting audiences for 20 years with its unique blend of instruments and musical genres. The group was born back in 1989 when Sredzienski was strolling from table to table playing traditional music at a Polish wedding. Also playing at the wedding was the popular Portsmouth, NH surf/rockablilly band once known as the ‘ Beach Cowboys.’  

These 2 musical acts fused and gave birth to a unique group which combine traditional world music with 50s/60s style instrumental rock. One of the earliest objectives of the band was to elevate the much maligned image of the piano accordion. Not dwelling upon one genre of music, the Serfs draw from a wide variety of traditional world music styles and its own compositions to cross boundaries and elevate the accordion's image to a diverse multicultural vocalist.  

In a recent interview Sredzienski spoke about The Dance Hall: “Every musician and artist needs a venue to thrive and call home. I fell in love with the Dance Hall in Kittery. Playing music all of my life in countless venues, I can honestly say that the Dance Hall is a warm and inviting venue where I can be myself. There is no better venue for my craft. I love the old fashioned aura, the wood floor, its cozy and intimate setting where I can see the eyes of my audience and they, in turn, can be up close and engaged with the performer.” 

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased at www.thedancehallkittery.org or www.brownpapertickets.com.