The FSGW Calendar can be viewed two ways:
Learn dances from Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Armenia, Croatia, Serbia, and more. Our specialties are great music, fun dances, and nice people.
No experience or partner necessary.
Lessons 7:30-9:00pm. Request dancing 9:00-10:45pm.
Directions to Glen Echo Park
More information: International Folk Dancing
This monthly family-friendly song circle is about the joy of singing, not about talent. Come for informal group singing or just to listen, but do come to enjoy delightful songs! Words will be provided; no need to read music.
Wendy Lanxner will be a song leader and guitar accompanist. Other song leaders and instrumental accompanists welcome.
For more information see the Song Circles page.
April Blum calls the dances to the playing of Barbara Heitz (flute), Bruce Edwards (bassoon and concertina), and Liz Donaldson (piano).
The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.
General information on our English Country Dances
John Robinson will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Lessons 8:30 - 9:00pm
Request dancing 9:00-10:45pm.
More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
Caller & Musicians:
This dance is FREE to members, including those joining/renewing at the door.
There will be a short FSGW meeting during the announcements to present the proposed 2020-2021 Board of Directors slate and to accept nominations from the floor.
General information about the Sunday Night Contra and Square Dance
Andrea Nettleton calls the dances while Catherine Chapman (fiddle), Carrie Rose (flute), and Liz Donaldson (piano) make the music.
Andrea Beaton and Troy MacGillivray
Music from Cape Breton and the Northern Shore of Nova Scotia
Thursday, February 27 • 7:30 pm
[NB: The newsletter had a typo of Friday, but the concert is a THURSDAY evening]
Aside from six solo CDs of traditional Cape Breton fiddle music and original compositions, Andrea Beaton is featured on the 2007 Smithsonian Folkways recording of The Beaton Family of Mabou. Her 2010 CD Branches won the Canadian East Coast Music Award for Instrumental Recording of the Year. On this tour she teams up with Nova Scotia pianist and fiddle player Troy MacGillivray, classically trained at the Toronto Conservatory of Music and St. Francis Xavier University. His fourth CD, Live at the Music Room, was the 2008 ECMA Instrumental Recording of the Year. Like Andrea, Troy is a tradition bearer through his musical family; his grandfather, Hugh A. MacDonald, is a member of the Nova Scotia Country Hall of Fame.
At the home of Stephen Simko and Phyllis Derrick in Silver Spring, they present Cape Breton music, with plenty of room to dance after the concert. For information, reservations, or directions: contact phllsdrrck@gmail.com. $20 suggested donation.
This event is in a private home. The location and directions will be provided to those who RSVP.
General information on Concerts
Will Brown
Folk, Appalachian, Maritime and Transatlantic music
Friday, February 28 * 8 pm
Will Brown will present an evening of his arrangements of songs and tunes from the Folk, Appalachian, Maritime and Transatlantic genres. He’s been a guest at the FSGW Getaway in 2012 and 2017 and plays a fine finger-style guitar.
Will lives in coastal Maine and has played and recorded with many Maine musicians during the past 35 years, including Gordon Bok, Cindy Kallet, Grey Larsen, and George Fowler. He also added his “fave” Utah Phillips song to the 2009 Grammy-nominated compilation Singing Through The Hard Times.
This evening’s concert will cover a lot of ground, in song and story, from both sides of “the puddle” and singing along is encouraged.
Suggested donation: $15. For reservations and more information, contact Kathie Mack at 301-270-5367 or kpmack2@gmail.com. (Note: Cats are in residence and there are six steps up to the front porch.)
Ben Hole will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Bob Bovee is a Nebraska native whose family sang and played the old-time songs. Many of the western and railroad songs he does were learned from his grandmother and uncle. He plays banjo and autoharp, sings and yodels, and can drive a dance band with his guitar and harmonica. Bob is well known and loved for his dry and witty stage humor. He has published numerous articles and reviews for The Old-Time Herald and Inside Bluegrass and been an instructor for a course called "The History of Country Music" for the Honors Division at the University of Minnesota. Bob is also the Artistic Director for the Bluff Country Gathering and the organizing force for the Lanesboro Barn Dance.
The concert will be held at Seekers Church, 276 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012, across the street from the Takoma Metro station on the Red line. Free parking available in the Takoma Metro lot, and on the street.
There will be a short FSGW meeting during intermission to present the proposed 2020-2021 Board of Directors slate and to accept nominations from the floor.
FSGW Members FREE; others $20 (or join FSGW at the door).
On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201, in the building with the POPCORN sign on it.
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
Anna Rain calls to the music of Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Paul Oorts (mandolin and accordion), and Melissa Running (piano).
Luk Na Glavata – what kind of a name is that? Well, it’s a long story (you can ask us sometime!), but suffice it to say that we’re named in honor of a Macedonian musician and dancer who was our esteemed friend and sometimes mentor, Pece Atanasovski.
Dances will be taught using recorded music, followed by live music with Luk Na Glavata for dancing during the remainder of the evening.
Admission $12 - Seniors and Students half price
Lessons: 8:30 - 9:15pm
Dancing with live music: 9:20 -10:45pm.
For March, the Open Sing will be held 4PM *SATURDAY* afternoon,
March 7 at the home of Michele & Denny Callaghan
1722 Shore Drive, Edgewater MD 21037.
Theme/Topic: March winds and April showers and other songs about the weather.
Michele's email is callagh@verizon.net
As usual at Michele & Denny's, we will have a potluck supper between rounds.
Storytellers and listeners are invited to the home of Margaret Chatham for an evening of Irish & other stories, and potluck snacks. Free. Call Margaret at 703-698-5456 or email margaret.chatham@verizon.net for RSVPs and directions.
General information on Story Swaps
World champion fiddler MARI BLACK presents a joyous extravaganza of dance-inspired music from around the globe! With her virtuosic playing, sparkling stage presence, and fun-filled stories tying the whole journey together, Mari will have you tapping your toes and dancing along to fiddle music from around the world: Celtic, Canadian, and American fiddling, swing, tango, klezmer, and more. Family-friendly and full of fun, fiddling, and musical surprises!
The Ballroom Annex is attached to the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. It is on the left side (as you face the ballroom entrance). Glen Echo Park Map
General information on the Family Dance
Gospel Sings are held the second Sunday of every month at various homes. Group singing starts at 4 pm and breaks for a covered dish supper at 6 pm, with more group singing after supper until 8 pm. Everyone is welcome!
This month’s Gospel Sing will take place at the home of Kathie Mack in Takoma Park, MD. Info/directions: email kpmack2@gmail.com or call 301-270-5367.
General information about Gospel Sings
The nights grow shorter and the days grow longer, but there's always time for a good story. The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted this month by storyteller Tim Livengood.
Our featured tellers this month are the enchanting Rachel Dunstan Muller and the spectacular Renée Brachfeld. The show opens with up to three open-mic storytellers, followed by our featured tellers. Put your name in the hat to be one of our open-mic tellers! Traditional or true, happy or blue, tell the story that you have in you to tell within five (5) minutes(-ish). Donation of $15 requested to support our featured tellers.
General information about The Grapevine (Storytelling)
Dan Gillespie calls the dances while Tina Chancey (fiddle), Colleen Reed (flute), and Liz Donaldson (piano) play.
Caller & Musicians: Don Fahey will have you on your feet (gender free calling) to Marty Frye & Friends. A free dance workshop begins at 7:00.
This event is FREE to FSGW members, including those renewing or joining at the door.
General information on the Silver Spring Contra Dance
Trio Trela (Spyros Pilios Koliavasilis, Mark Sylvester, and Cyndy Rice Elliott) perform unique interpretations of folk tunes and melodies from around the world on oud, guitar, and bass, with a special focus on the Mediterranean region. Co-sponsored by the Office of Historic Alexandria and FSGW, this is part of the Alexandria After Work concert series held in the heart of Old Town Alexandria at 6 pm on second Fridays. Take the free trolley that runs every 15 minutes from King Street Metro station! At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington, Alexandria, Virginia. $15 suggested donation; cash bar
Castlebay--from the Coast of Maine
We’re excited to have Castlebay return to the DC area with their blend of songs from Maine, the Celtic lands, and beyond. Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee present a program of "Bygone Ballads": songs collected by several songcatchers in the first half of the twentieth century. Some of the songs were published but are long out of print. Others haven't been heard for seventy years or more.
Julia has been transcribing field recordings and manuscripts in special collections of Middlebury College, Harvard, the University of Maine, and the Library of Congress, among other sources. A book is forthcoming and Castlebay has been adding songs that they really like to their repertoire.
They accompany themselves with Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, and perhaps other instruments that Fred crafts as a luthier.
Given the proximity to St. Patrick's Day, don't be surprised if they add some pieces from their vast Celtic repertoire as well.
This concert is at the home of Rick Morgan and Arlene Rodenbeck in Takoma Park, MD. It's handicapped accessible. No pets in residence.
Suggested donation: $20, all proceeds to the performer.
For more information, reservations, and directions, contact Rick or Arlene at MorganRick50@gmail.com or (301) 920-0087.
John Whelan -- Irish button accordion
A house concert of Traditional Irish Music featuring acclaimed accordionist John Whelan. John has been performing in the United States since 1980 and has performed with a variety of artists, including Eileen Ivers, Seamus Egan, and Johnny Cunningham, and he has released a number of recordings. It promises to be a wonderful evening of tunes!
Suggested donation: $15, all proceeds to the performer.
Hosted by Karen Helbrecht and Gordon Johnston in the Del Ray section of Alexandria, Virginia. Light refreshments will be provided. For reservations (essential), more information, or directions contact Karen or Gordon by phone (703 548-5784) or email (mjkandg@verizon.net).
Kappy Laning calls the dances to the playing of Becky Ross (fiddle), Bruce Edwards (concertina and bassoon), and Liz Donaldson (piano).
Linda Mansdorf will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Mike Agranoff-- THE New Jersey Troubador
Mike Agranoff is a folk performer who defies easy categorization. While amassing stalwart fans from folk aficionados of many categories, he draws material from sources as diverse as traditional ballads and fiddle tunes, Tin Pan Alley, contemporaries in the folk music world, and his own witty pen. Performed with a skilled hand on guitar and concertina, an almost telepathic communication of the essence of the song, and the occasional sly twinkle in the eye in anticipation of some of the most horrid parodies ever perpetrated on an unsuspecting audience, all of while Mike delivers with wit and charm. Please visit www.MikeAgranoff.com for further info.
Linda and Carl Zebooker invite you to their intimate parlor in Silver Spring to listen to Mike. Because space is limited, reservations are essential.
Following the concert, expect an opportunity for jamming with Mike--bring your instruments, voices, and ears.
Suggested donation: $20; $10 for age 18 and under.
For more information, reservations, and directions, contact LInda or Carl at 202-386-8252, or swallowtailjig@yahoo.com.
Caller & Musicians: TBD
FSGW Members, including those joining/renewing at the door, arriving at 9 p.m. to attend the meeting may stay for the second half for FREE.
Melissa Running calls the dances while David Knight (fiddle), Ralph Gordon (cello), and Neil Epstein (piano) make the music.
The weather won't be hot, but the dancing will! Join us in the Glen Echo Bumper Car Pavilion for the third Hash Dance Weekend. Silver Sail (Kristen Planeaux, Miriam Larson, Kelsey Wells) returns and is joined by Pete's Posse (Pete Sutherland, Tristan Henderson, Oliver Scanlon). Calling, hashing, challenging and shenaniganning will be Emily Rainbowface Abel and Alexandra Deis-Lauby.
Get all the details on the #dance Weekend
Larry Weinerwill lead an
Oldies but Goodies Night
all request evening featuring recorded music international folk dance favorites - many easy dances to just follow along -
Request dancing 8:30-10:45pm.
A traditional and powerful singing of American shape-note hymns, fuging tunes, and anthems in unaccompanied four-part harmony from The Sacred Harp and The Shenandoah Harmony.
Note location change FOR BOTH DAYS to: Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department, 3900 Lee Highway, Arlington VA 22207.https://www.cherrydalefire.org/
Get details at the Potomac River Convention website.
Storytellers and listeners are invited to the home of Cricket Parmalee for an evening of tales of April fools and others, and potluck snacks. Free. Email cricket1415@yahoo.com for RSVPs and directions.
On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201, in the building with the POPCORN sign on it.
Caller & Musicians: Abigail Hobart will provide the gender free calls to the up beat music of the Bouncers - Jim Harrington (accordion), Richard Adams (Bass and horns), T. J. Crowe (Mandolin) A free dance workshop will be held at 7:00
The showers of April are upon us, and there's nothing better to do while sheltering from the rain but to listen to a great story. The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted this month by storyteller Renée Brachfeld.
Our featured tellers this month are Cooper Braun, formerly of Boulder, and Suzie Afridi, formerly of Jericho. The show opens with up to three open-mic storytellers, followed by our featured tellers. Put your name in the hat to be one of our open-mic tellers! Traditional or true, happy or blue, tell the story that you have in you to tell within five (5) minutes(-ish). Donation of $15 requested to support our featured tellers.
Band and caller TBD
More information visit the DC Square Dances
Dances will be taught using recorded music, followed by live music with Lyuti Chushki for dancing during the remainder of the evening.
Free Admission! (Celebrating the dance group's annual anniversary)
On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201, in the building with the POPCORN sign on it.
Please visit the 2020 Washington Spring Ball (34th) page for details (music, program, cost, etc.)
The days grow long, the air is warm but still gentle, the nights are... just right. A perfect time to hear some stories! The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted this month by storyteller Tim Livengood.
Our featured tellers this month are the absolutely unbelievable Kevin Kling and the entirely credible Noa Baum. The show opens with up to three open-mic storytellers, followed by our featured tellers. Put your name in the hat to be one of our open-mic tellers! Traditional or true, happy or blue, tell the story that you have in you to tell within five (5) minutes(-ish). Donation of $15 requested to support our featured tellers.
Caller & Musicians: Megan Wilson provides the gender free calls to the wonderful music of Triple Helix - Keith Gillis (guitar), Colleen Reed (flute), Alexander Mitchell (fiddle) A free dance workshop begins at 7:00.
Memorial Day Weekend - no dance
Steve Cormier
Cowboy and Western
Saturday, May 23 * 8 pm
Steve Cormier comes to us from New Mexico, where he has been a musician, a cowboy, a film actor, and a college professor. He sings of cowboys and the other colorful characters who made up Western American history and myth. He has learned both from research and from practical experience with the ranch-hand's craft--how to throw a lariat, how to brand a calf, and how to use songs and stories to deal with the boredom that's the bulk of a cowboy's life. His songs and stories are about real people and real situations, much of the time. He'll like as not open with a set of pre-WWII cowboy work music. His sources range from Woody Guthrie to Powder River Jack Lee. He sings about farmers, cowboys, factory workers, horses, and homes on the range. Steve Cormier's concerts provide an insight into people and a way of life that is far removed from the reality of most of us. Join us in the front parlor of Kathie Mack's Craftsman bungalow. It may be only three blocks from the Takoma Metro Station on the Red Line, but expect to spend most of the night with your mind transported to the American West.
The 40th Washington Folk Festival will be full, as usual, of fabulous musicians, storytellers, and artisans, plus plenty of time to dance! All sorts of American music styles as well as International genres. It's always an amazing event, and FREE. Family friendly. Rain or shine.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201, in the building with the POPCORN sign on it.
The last day of the storytelling season is upon us, and the best possible way to mark the occasion is by hearing some great stories. The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted this month by storyteller Noa Baum.
Our featured tellers this month are the hilarious Willa Brigham and a founding mother of the modern storytelling Renaissance, Barbara Freeman. The show opens with up to three open-mic storytellers, followed by our featured tellers. Put your name in the hat to be one of our open-mic tellers! Traditional or true, happy or blue, tell the story that you have in you to tell within five (5) minutes(-ish). Donation of $15 requested to support our featured tellers.
Summer Vacation - no Friday night folk dance in Greenbelt during August.
Online registration will not open until the 2020 prices are set and ratified. Any prices shown on this page were for 2019. Unfortunately, prices will need to be raised for 2020, although the scholarship fund can help offset the increases for those who can't afford them. Contact Dean Clamons at 703-980-2853 or dclamons@cox.net.
This dance will be called with non gendered role terms
Bands: THE MEAN LIDS; UNCLE FARMER; BUDDY SYSTEM
Callers: Will Mentor, Gaye Fifer, Sarah VanNorstrand
When: October 4, 2020 from 1pm to 11pm. There is a break between 6pm and 7pm for the contra dance world's best potluck.
The 10th annual full day of dancing will feature three amazing bands and callers, with hours and hours of blissful dancing!
Please use fragrance sparingly or not at all. Contrastock is being called with non- gendered dance role terms
