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• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

  • When
    04 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, November 4th, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm in a video conference meeting. Please contact the FGSW President via this link or the FSGW WebMaster via this link to get the video conference information if you wish to attend.

  Board meetings are open to members. If you have agenda items you wish to have considered, please contact the FSGW President at: president@fsgw.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    05 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• English Country Dance: April Blum calls with Becky Ross, Bruce Edwards, and Neil Epstein

  • When
    05 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    42

  Register

  
  

  April Blum calls to the playing of Becky Ross (fiddle), Bruce Edwards (bassoon), and Neil Epstein (piano)

  You may register in advance (preferred) or at the door. Attendance will be limited to 50 dancers and spectators so if you are planning on registering at the door, please check the event page beforehand to see how many spaces are left.
  

  If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson.

  COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info

  The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.

  ---

  If you'd like to get weekly reminders and other email of interest to our local dancers, please send an email to ecd.registrar@fsgw.org to be added to the list.

  General information on our English Country Dance web page

  
  

  Show details
• November Online Open Sing

  • When
    07 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Thanks to Tom Oliver for stepping up to host the Online Open Sing on Friday, 11/7/25 at 7:30 p.m.
  The topic is Hills and Mountains
  ***Only those wishing to sing need to register.***

  Reminder:
  Registration will be open until Noon ET on 11/7/25.
  Zoom Link will be sent to the Open Sing Mailing List. If you're not a member, sign up to join the list HERE

  Registration to sing is HERE

  Singer's List is HERE

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt) - In-Person

  • When
    07 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    15 Crescent Road Greenbelt MD

  Larry Weiner
  
  will lead an
  

  Oldies but Goodies Night

  all request evening featuring recorded music international folk dance favorites
  - many easy dances to just follow along -
  

  No experience or partner necessary. 
  

  Request dancing 8:00-9:30pm.

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Challenging Squares

  • When
    08 Nov 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Balroom Blum, Adelphi, MD
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  Will Mentor and Stomp Rocket take DC by storm with a challenging Square Dance to tickle your brain and energize your feet!

  Join us for Challenging Squares from 2:30-5:30pm on Saturday, November 8th. After a BYO dinner break, join us for Challenging Contras from 7:00-10:00pm. Please note you will need to register SEPARATELY for each event. 
  

  Will Mentor calls with music by Stomp Rocket (Bethany Waickman on guitar, Dave Langford on fiddle, and Glen Loper on mandolin and tenor banjo). What a lineup!

  To have the most FUN at this afternoon of Challenging Squares, please read below, does this describe your dancing?
  

  • You know how to do more than just the basic moves with confidence (Grand Square, Roll Away, Cross Trail Thru, California Twirl, Pass the Ocean)
  • You know where to be at the start of each dance phrase and how to recover from a lapse
  • You can dance and enjoy no walk through dances
  • You assist your partner and neighbor to the next move - and you have a friendly approach to it
  • You respond to confusion and missteps by others with grace, encouragement and good humor
  • It's not how long you've been dancing, it's how well you can adapt to challenging and unusual choreography!

  More info on Stomp Rocket here: https://www.stomprocketmusic.com/

  ----------------

  The fun begins Thursday, November 6th - Bumper Car Squares 7:30-10:00pm at Glen Echo Park, presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture (GEPPAC)

  Then Friday, November 7th, a Friday Night Contra Dance in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, presented by Friday Night Dancers

  Saturday, November 8th Challenging Dances at Ballroom Blum, cosponsored by FSGW

  Challenging Squares 2:30-5:30pm (that's this event! Orange register button on this page)

  BYO Snacks / BYO Dinner at the break

  Challenging Contras 7:00-10:00pm

  Finally, Sunday, November 9th Dancing Planet afternoon Contra Dance, 3pm-6pm, Cosponsored by FSGW 

  Show details
• Challenging Contras

  • When
    08 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Balroom Blum, Adelphi, MD
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  Will Mentor and Stomp Rocket take DC by storm with a challenging Contra Dance to tickle your brain and energize your feet!

  An evening of Challenging Contras from 7:00-10:00pm on Saturday, November 8th at Ballroom Blum in Adelphi, MD.
  

  Come early for the Challenging Squares at 2:30pm and BYO dinner at 5:30pm!

  Please note you will need to register SEPARATELY for each event. 

  Will Mentor calls with music by Stomp Rocket (Bethany Waickman on guitar, Dave Langford on fiddle, and Glen Loper on mandolin and tenor banjo). What a lineup!

  To have the most FUN at this evening of Challenging Contras, please read below, does this describe your dancing?
  

  • You know how to do basic moves without teaching (Roll Away, California Twirl, Pass Through to a Wave, Contra Corners) 
  • You know where to be at the start of each dance phrase and how to recover from a lapse 
  • You can dance and enjoy no walk through dances
  • You assist your partner and neighbor to the next move - and you have a friendly approach to it
  • You execute flourishes safely and on time without disturbing others
  • You respond to confusion and missteps by others with grace, encouragement and good humor

  • It's not how long you've been dancing, it's how well you can adapt to challenging and unusual choreography!

  More info on Stomp Rocket here: https://www.stomprocketmusic.com/

  ----------------

  The fun begins Thursday, November 6th - Bumper Car Squares 7:30-10:00pm at Glen Echo Park, presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture (GEPPAC)

  Then Friday, November 7th, a Friday Night Contra Dance in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, presented by Friday Night Dancers

  Saturday, November 8th Challenging Dances at Ballroom Blum, cosponsored by FSGW

  Challenging Squares 2:30-5:30pm 

  BYO Snacks / BYO Dinner at the break

  Challenging Contras 7:00-10:00pm (that's this event! Orange register button on this page)

  Finally, Sunday, November 9th Dancing Planet afternoon Contra Dance, 3pm-6pm, Co-sponsored by FSGW 

  Show details
• November Barn Dance

  • When
    09 Nov 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Annex (Ballroom Back Room), Glen Echo Park, MD

  Barn Dance from 1-3pm in the Annex (Ballroom Back Room) at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 

  Caller: Greg Frock

  Music: Robin Wilson and Emily Aubrey

  Covid Info: masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required

  Admission: Free!  (no need to register, just show up at the door)

  Come join us at the barn dance! This fun-spirited dance event is suitable for all ages and ability levels and features live music and calling. There will be circle dances, ceilidhs, and a variety of mixers. This dance fits the bill for families with preschool children just as well as older groups of tweens and teens. Our intergenerational community is what makes this dance unique and fun. So grab a friend or your kids and come join us!
  

  General information on our Barn Dance web page

  Show details
• Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance

  • When
    09 Nov 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Park Bumper Car Pavilion, Glen Echo Park, MD

  Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance

  Intro lesson at 2:30pm, dance from 3-6pm in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, MD.

  Caller: Will Mentor

  Band: Stomp Rocket (Bethany Waickman on guitar, Dave Langford on fiddle, and Glen Loper on mandolin and tenor banjo)

  
  

  Admission: $15 Cash or $17 Venmo (to cover fees) at the door, no cards.

  Covid info: masks and vaccinations are suggested but not required.

  
  

  For more info: https://dancingplanetproductions.com/contra/

  Show details
• Gospel Sing

  • When
    09 Nov 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Takoma Park, MD

  FSGW Gospel Sing in Takoma Park MD 

  Sunday, November 9, 4 - 7 pm

  The November Gospel Sing will take place at the home of Rick Morgan and Arlene Rodenbeck in Takoma Park. Group singing from 4 - 6 pm, followed by a potluck dinner until 7pm. Hymnals provided. A mask-friendly event — masks are optional but welcome. Everyone is welcome, but be sure you are symptom-free. RSVP/directions: call Rick at 301-920-0087 (landline; no texts) or email Rick at MorganRick50@gmail.com or Kathie at kpmack2@gmail.com.
  

  General information about Gospel Sings

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• CANCELLED Concert: Flur presents Echoes of Jämtland

  • When
    10 Nov 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring, MD

  
  

  Unfortunately this concert has been cancelled.

  Find other FSGW concerts  to attend.

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Join Flur for their debut concert - a vibrant evening of music and dance from the heart of Jämtland, Sweden! Flur is Göran Olsson (fiddle), Ellen Bartlett (fiddle), Andrea Larson (fiddle), Marko Packard (guitar, saxophone, flute), and Charlie Pilzer (bass, organ).

  Monday, November 10th in Silver Spring, MD. Doors open at 6:30, concert at 7:30pm. Bring some snack/drink to share.

  Please contact phllsdrrck@gmail.com to reserve your spot and for the address.

  Dance floor opens during the second half of the program - don't forget your dance shoes!

  As this is a residential neighborhood, please consider carpooling.

  Donations are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Grapevine Storytelling with Amanda Lawrence and Carol Moore

  • When
    12 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012, or Online

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are the legendary Amanda Lawrence and the marvelous Carol Moore!

  No pre-registration needed for in-person, but if you register at https://fsgw.org/grapevine you will have access to the live stream and the recorded show for later.

  You will get emails with reminders on the date, time, and location, as well as Zoom information. We ask for donations to support our tellers, suggested $20 per person (feel free to give more!). Donations can be made in person or online before, during, or after the show, at: https://fsgw2.org/grapevine.html
  

  The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted by storytellers Renée Brachfeld and Tim Livengood.

  
  

  ABOUT OUR TELLERS:

  Amanda Lawrence is from Blairsville, Georgia, where she co-founded and directs the Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival, now in its 12th year. Amanda has shared folktales, tall tales, ghost stories, and personal narratives at the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival, Women's Storytelling Festival, Alleghany Highlands Story Fest, St. Louis Fringe Festival, National Storytelling Festival Slam, National Storytelling Network Conference, and other events. She is a regular teller at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. More about Amanda

  Carol Moore is a storyteller, speaker, and public speaking coach who works with clients to manage communication challenges and craft impactful narratives. With a style that is comedic, conversational, and authentic, she has presented at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and performed with organizations such as the National Storytelling Festival, the Women’s Storytelling Festival, the Moth, Story District, and more. More about Carol

  
  Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series
  

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    12 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• English Country Dance: Anna Rain calls with David Knight, Elisabeth Epstein, and Ralph Gordon

  • When
    12 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    50

  Register

  
  

  Anna Rain calls while David Knight (fiddle), Elisabeth Epstein (flute), and Ralph Gordon (cello) play the tunes.

  You may register in advance (preferred) or at the door. Attendance will be limited to 50 dancers and spectators so if you are planning on registering at the door, please check the event page beforehand to see how many spaces are left.
  

  If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson.

  COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info

  The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.

  ---

  If you'd like to get weekly reminders and other email of interest to our local dancers, please send an email to ecd.registrar@fsgw.org to be added to the list.

  General information on our English Country Dance web page

  
  

  Show details
• Silver Spring Contra Dance: Anna Rain calling with Petrichord

  • When
    13 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring Civic Building 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring MD 20910
  • Spaces left
    99

  Register

  This dance is in the Great Hall at the Silver Spring Civic Building. 

  Please note: There is no longer free parking at the Civic Center Parking Garage.

  Caller: Anna Rain

  Band: Petrichord (Sophie Chang on cello, Bobby LaRose on piano mandolin, and Colleen Holroyd on fiddle and feet)

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00pm, Dance is from 7:30pm to 10:00pm

  COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info

  Registration is required of all participants. Pre-registration is preferred - you may pay online or wait to pay at the door. You may register at the door. Cash and credit card are accepted at the door. Registrations may be cancelled prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.

  Show details
• Song Circle

  • When
    14 Nov 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Schweinhaut Senior Center or Online via Zoom

  The monthly Song Circle provides a daytime opportunity to enjoy delightful songs, old or new, humorous or serious, timeless or topical. Free!

  Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. Come for informal group singing or just to listen, in person or via Zoom.

  November 11 is Veterans Day and November 28 is Thanksgiving Day. Bring or request songs related to either of those days, or any other songs!

  If you wish to request particular songs, it helps to keep the singing going if you let us know well in advance using the registration form linked here.

  Susan McNelis will lead songs with guitar accompaniment, and any participant may lead any song, a cappella or self-accompanied.

  The Song Circle will be held in person in the auditorium at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901. Plenty of free parking!

  In-person attendees should read and follow FSGW's Respiratory Virus Guidelines.

  If you can't come in person, please join us on Zoom with any Internet-connected device--computer, tablet, or smartphone--or you can join by dialing a phone number.

  The Zoom link and phone number will be sent Friday morning to those who are on the Song Circle email list and to others who register at https://forms.gle/jr4sR9tmu6VRMBdN8 by Thursday, November 13.   

  If this will be your first use of Zoom, go to https://zoom.us, click on " Sign Up Free " and follow the prompts. Do this ahead of time so that you'll be all set to "join the meeting" when it's time to do so. Information about getting started with Zoom is at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697.

  Before you join a Zoom session, if you installed the Zoom Workplace app on your computer before October 27, go to zoom.us/download to download and install the current version (6.6.6). (For iOS and Android, Version 6.6.7, released October 30.) For a smartphone or tablet, update the Zoom app from your App Store or equivalent source.

  Join us on November 14 in person or via Zoom. Especially if you're just getting started with Zoom, please try to join the Zoom session 5 or 10 minutes before 1:30 p.m. so that we can help with any technical issues before the singing begins.

  For more information. see the Song Circles page.

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt) - In-Person & Zoom

  • When
    14 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    15 Crescent Road Greenbelt MD

  Linda Mansdorf will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.

  No experience or partner necessary. 
  

  Lessons 8:00 - 8:30pm
  

  Request dancing 8:30-9:30pm.

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• FSGW & VITG Storyswap (In Person)

  • When
    15 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda, MD

  VITG Monthly Story Swap
  

  Sunday, November 15th, 7:30p.m. Bethesda, MD

  Storytellers and listeners are invited to an evening of shared stories. Anyone is welcome to tell a tale; no one ever has to. For adults or families.

  Info: Jane Dorfman, 301-654-5818, dorfmanjo@gmail.com

  Cost: FREE!

  More info here

  General information on Story Swaps

  Show details
• Takoma Park Old-Time Jam

  • When
    19 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012

  The Takoma Park Old-Time Jam is again at Busboys and Poets in Takoma, DC, the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 

  The slow jam is 7:30-8pm or so and then we'll fast jam til 9:45pm. This jam is open to all skill levels and instruments. Please come with whatever you play!

  Busboys and Poets have generously agreed to host our crazy crew so please come out and join the fray. Please make sure to support the venue by buying some food or drink!

  More info about the Old-Time Jams

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    19 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• English Country Dance: Kappy Laning calls with Mari Carlson, Owen Morrison, and Liz Donaldson

  • When
    19 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    50

  Register

  
  

  Kappy Laning calls to the music of Mari Carlson (fiddle), Owen Morrison (guitar), and Liz Donaldson (piano).

  You may register in advance (preferred) or at the door. Attendance will be limited to 50 dancers and spectators so if you are planning on registering at the door, please check the event page beforehand to see how many spaces are left.
  

  If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson.

  COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info

  The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.

  ---

  If you'd like to get weekly reminders and other email of interest to our local dancers, please send an email to ecd.registrar@fsgw.org to be added to the list.

  General information on our English Country Dance web page

  
  

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt) - In-Person

  • When
    21 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    15 Crescent Road Greenbelt MD

  Ben Hole will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
  

  No experience or partner necessary. 
  

  Lessons 8:00 - 8:30pm
  

  Request dancing 8:30 - 9:30pm.

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• House Concert with Pat Egan and Séamus Wade

  • When
    22 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Potomac, MD

  Pat Egan and Séamus Wade House Concert
  

  Saturday, November 22, 7:30pm
  At the home of Jamie and Betsy Platt in Potomac, MD 
  $20 suggested donation
  Space is limited, reservations needed. To save seats, get address details, or for more info: concerts@fsgw.org
  
  Come sit by the fire with a mug of hot cider and enjoy this duo in an intimate setting.
  
  Séamus Wade and Pat Egan bring the heart of Irish traditional music to life through the timeless pairing of fiddle and guitar. Their performances weave together lively dance tunes, soulful airs, and songs both old and new, carried by warm vocals and rich instrumental interplay.
  
  Pat Egan, an acclaimed guitarist and singer originally from Ireland, is known for his deft rhythm and evocative singing, grounding each set in the deep pulse of the tradition. Fiddler Séamus Wade adds fire and lyricism in equal measure, drawing from the old dance music of Ireland with a touch of his own spirited style.
  

  Together, they create an intimate and dynamic experience—music that feels at once ancient and immediate, steeped in tradition yet alive in the moment. Their house concerts offer audiences a rare chance to share in the living, breathing soul of Irish music up close.

  
  

  More about FSGW concerts
  

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    26 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• English Country Dance: Dan Gillespie calls with Catherine Chapman, Jeff Steinberg, and Francine Krasowska

  • When
    26 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    50

  Register

  
  

  Dan Gillespie calls to the playing of Catherine Chapman (fiddle), Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), and Francine Krasowska (piano)

  You may register in advance (preferred) or at the door. Attendance will be limited to 50 dancers and spectators so if you are planning on registering at the door, please check the event page beforehand to see how many spaces are left.
  

  If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson.

  COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info

  The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.

  ---

  If you'd like to get weekly reminders and other email of interest to our local dancers, please send an email to ecd.registrar@fsgw.org to be added to the list.

  General information on our English Country Dance web page

  
  

  Show details
• Online - International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)

  • When
    28 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Nancy Jo Lame & Carolyn Rapkievian. This is a FREE event. 

  To Register for the Zoom link contact John Robinson at j_srobinson@verizon.net
  

  No experience or partner necessary. 

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

  • When
    02 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, December 2nd, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm in a video conference meeting. Please contact the FGSW President via this link or the FSGW WebMaster via this link to get the video conference information if you wish to attend.

  Board meetings are open to members. If you have agenda items you wish to have considered, please contact the FSGW President at: president@fsgw.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    03 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt) - In-Person

  • When
    05 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    15 Crescent Road Greenbelt MD

  Larry Weiner
  
  will lead an
  

  Oldies but Goodies Night

  all request evening featuring recorded music international folk dance favorites
  - many easy dances to just follow along -
  

  No experience or partner necessary. 
  

  Request dancing 8:00-9:30pm.

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Contra Dance Calling Workshop Series

  • When
    06 Dec 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    The Hall of Mirrors at Glen Echo Park, MD

  FSGW is excited to present a contra dance calling workshop series taking place at Glen Echo Park in the Hall of Mirrors!

  Are you...

  
  

      • Curious about learning to call contra dances?

      • Someone with some experience calling, but would like to increase your skill and experience level?

      • A longtime caller who would like to learn the tips and tricks of other very experienced callers?

      • A Music, Dance or Physical Education educator interested in bringing social • dancing in your classroom?

      • A dancer wanting to build community and support folks newer to contra calling?

  
  

  Then this series is for you! 

  Each session is led by an experienced caller who will guide attendees through topics such as; teaching complex figures, leading the pre-dance lesson, sourcing dances, responding to the needs of dancers in real time, gender-free calling terms, walk-throughs, and many more!

  Callers, bring a dance or two to work on. Dancers, bring good will, good humor, and patience.

  Cost is $5 per session; cash or digital payments like venmo/paypal are accepted. 

  No pre-registration needed. Come to one or come to all of them, it's up to you!

  
  

  August 23 - Bob Isaacs

  September 20 - River Rainbowface 

  November 1 - Gaye Fifer

  December 6 - Qwill Duvall

  
  

  Questions? You can reach out to event organizer Penelope Weinberger at pz_weinberger@hotmail.com

  
  

  Show details
• Grapevine Storytelling with Kim Weitkamp and MyLinda Butterworth

  • When
    10 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012, or Online

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are the wily Kim Weitkamp and the bucolic MyLinda Butterworth!

  No pre-registration needed for in-person, but if you register at https://fsgw.org/grapevine you will have access to the live stream and the recorded show for later.

  You will get emails with reminders on the date, time, and location, as well as Zoom information. We ask for donations to support our tellers, suggested $20 per person (feel free to give more!). Donations can be made in person or online before, during, or after the show, at: https://fsgw2.org/grapevine.html
  

  The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted by storytellers Renée Brachfeld and Tim Livengood.

  
  

  ABOUT OUR TELLERS:

  Kim Weirkamp’s wandering mind is displayed in her award-winning stories, songs, and writing. Her tales and songs are crafted to expand the boundaries of your mind and your heart, with impeccable comedic timing. As the middle child of exhausted parents, growing up in Amish Country, Kim was labeled high-spirited and too talkative. She has taken those traits and channeled them into a lifetime of artistry. She has an armload of awards for her story and song albums, although she usually leaves those at home. More about Kim

  
  

  MyLinda Butterworth is an award-winning author, storyteller, and queen of tongue twisters, which she performs live, daily, on her YouTube Channel @TotallyStories, along with epic stories. With a background in theater, a father who taught storytelling in college, and a mother who was an artist, MyLinda claims she was molded into the performing arts at an early age. Her goal is to give words a voice through storytelling, creative oral readings, and writing. More about MyLinda

  
  Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series
  

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    10 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• Silver Spring Contra Dance: Andrea Nettleton calling with Frog Hammer

  • When
    11 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring Civic Building 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring MD 20910
  • Spaces left
    98

  Register

  This dance is in the Great Hall at the Silver Spring Civic Building. 

  Please note: There is no longer free parking at the Civic Center Parking Garage.

  Caller: Andrea Nettleton

  Band: Frog Hammer (Jim Besser, Dave Casserly, Bob Collins, Glyn Collinson, Michael Ferguson, and Andrew Marcus)

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00pm, Dance is from 7:30pm to 10:00pm

  COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info

  Registration is required of all participants. Pre-registration is preferred - you may pay online or wait to pay at the door. You may register at the door. Cash and credit card are accepted at the door. Registrations may be cancelled prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt) - In-Person & Zoom

  • When
    12 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    15 Crescent Road Greenbelt MD

  Linda Mansdorf will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.

  No experience or partner necessary. 
  

  Lessons 8:00 - 8:30pm
  

  Request dancing 8:30-9:30pm.

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• December Barn Dance

  • When
    14 Dec 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Annex (Ballroom Back Room), Glen Echo Park, MD

  Barn Dance from 1-3pm in the Annex (Ballroom Back Room) at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 

  Caller: Penelope Weinberger

  Music: Becker Family Band

  Covid Info: masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required

  Admission: Free!  (no need to register, just show up at the door)

  Come join us at the barn dance! This fun-spirited dance event is suitable for all ages and ability levels and features live music and calling. There will be circle dances, ceilidhs, and a variety of mixers. This dance fits the bill for families with preschool children just as well as older groups of tweens and teens. Our intergenerational community is what makes this dance unique and fun. So grab a friend or your kids and come join us!
  

  General information on our Barn Dance web page

  Show details
• Takoma Park Old-Time Jam

  • When
    17 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012

  The Takoma Park Old-Time Jam is again at Busboys and Poets in Takoma, DC, the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 

  The slow jam is 7:30-8pm or so and then we'll fast jam til 9:45pm. This jam is open to all skill levels and instruments. Please come with whatever you play!

  Busboys and Poets have generously agreed to host our crazy crew so please come out and join the fray. Please make sure to support the venue by buying some food or drink!

  More info about the Old-Time Jams

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    17 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo, MD & Online

  The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). 
  

  7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30-10 pm: open request dancing

  Admission: $10

  We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to dancingplanet@erols.com.

  Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you).  

  For out-of-towners and those who cannot attend in person, we are offering this class via Zoom. You can enter by clicking onto the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87152651884?pwd=QWVyVEc1cm9uWTNqTkwrYTdPWlRrdz09

  Meeting ID: 871 5265 1884
  Password: 145
  

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance

  Show details
• International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt) - In-Person

  • When
    19 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    15 Crescent Road Greenbelt MD

  Ben Hole will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
  

  No experience or partner necessary. 
  

  Lessons 8:00 - 8:30pm
  

  Request dancing 8:30 - 9:30pm.

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• No International Folk Dance Tonight

  • When
    24 Dec 2025

  
  

  It's Christmas Eve - no dance tonight!

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance
  

  Show details
• Online - International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)

  • When
    26 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Vita Hollander & Nancy Jo Lame. This is a FREE event. 

  To Register for the Zoom link contact John Robinson at j_srobinson@verizon.net
  

  No experience or partner necessary. 

  More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• No International Folk Dance Tonight

  • When
    31 Dec 2025

  
  

  It's New Year's Eve - no dance tonight!

  See the website for more information: dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance
  

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

  • When
    06 Jan 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, January 6th, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm in a video conference meeting. Please contact the FGSW President via this link or the FSGW WebMaster via this link to get the video conference information if you wish to attend.

  Board meetings are open to members. If you have agenda items you wish to have considered, please contact the FSGW President at: president@fsgw.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

  • When
    03 Feb 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, February 3rd, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm in a video conference meeting. Please contact the FGSW President via this link or the FSGW WebMaster via this link to get the video conference information if you wish to attend.

  Board meetings are open to members. If you have agenda items you wish to have considered, please contact the FSGW President at: president@fsgw.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

  • When
    03 Mar 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, March 3rd, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm in a video conference meeting. Please contact the FGSW President via this link or the FSGW WebMaster via this link to get the video conference information if you wish to attend.

  Board meetings are open to members. If you have agenda items you wish to have considered, please contact the FSGW President at: president@fsgw.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Hashdance Weekend 2026

  • Start
    28 Mar 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    29 Mar 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
  • Spaces left
    257

  Register

  Hashdance Weekend is an ultra challenging urban dance weekend featuring mind bending figures, non-gendered calling, and phenomenal music. Two days of amazing workshops, dancing, community, fun, and food in the fabulous Spanish Ballroom; workshops throughout Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD

  Callers: River Rainbowface and Qwill Duvall

  Bands: Eloise & Co. (Rachel Bell, Becky Tracy, Owen Morrison), and Northwoods (Casey Murray, Molly Tucker, Sam Zakon-Anderson) 

  VIEW WEEKEND SCHEDULE

  Volunteering: Full-weekend volunteers will be assigned 3 hours of work. Partial-weekend volunteers will be assigned 1 hour of work

  More about Hashdance Weekend

  
  

  COMING: Pre-orders of t-shirts, we will have limited sizes and shirt styles for sale at the event as well as previous year's designs. 

  
  

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

  • When
    07 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, April 1st, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm in a video conference meeting. Please contact the FGSW President via this link or the FSGW WebMaster via this link to get the video conference information if you wish to attend.

  Board meetings are open to members. If you have agenda items you wish to have considered, please contact the FSGW President at: president@fsgw.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• 40th Annual Washington Spring Ball (English Country Dance)

  • When
    16 May 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring Civic Building - Great Hall, Silver Spring, MD
  • Spaces left
    115

  Mark your calendars: the Washington Spring Ball returns for its 40th year on Saturday, May 16th, 2026! Come join us for a fabulous time! Doors open at 7:00 pm, dancing starts at 7:30.

  The Washington Spring Ball is a joyful yearly event of English Country Dancing to glorious music. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We have a practice session the day of the ball, where most of the dances will be taught. Attending the practice session is strongly encouraged but not required. In the evening at the ball, all dances will be briefed (talked-through) and then prompted for the first few rounds. Dancers wear what makes them feel happy and festive; some choose attire from the 18th or 19th century.
  

  Afternoon practice session from 2:00 - 5:00 pm on the day of the ball, at the Civic Building , which is included in the admission fee. The practice session will be called by Melissa Running with music by Liz Donaldson on piano and Elke Baker on fiddle.
  

  Music and callers TBA

  Please visit the Annual Washington Spring Ball page for additional details.

  Show details
• Save the date! CONTRASTOCK 14, An all day dance event

  • When
    19 Sep 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo, MD

  Contrastock: 8+ hours of contra dancing! A premier contra dance event, featuring nationally renowned bands and callers and an amazing historic dance hall. 

  When: September 19, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There is a break for dinner.

  Where: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, MD

  Bands: TBA

  Callers: TBA

  Contrastock is called with non-gendered dance role terms 

  
  

  Covid protocol: Masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required
  

  More about the FSGW COVID-19 Response policy

  Show details