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• 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 Weitkamp’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
• English Country Dance: April Blum calls with David Knight, Colleen Reed, and Owen Morrison

  • When
    10 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    48

  Register

  
  

  April Blum leads the dancing while David Knight (fiddle), Colleen Reed (flute), and Owen Morrison (guitar) 

  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: David Giusti 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
    61

  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: David Giusti

  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
• Song Circle

  • When
    12 Dec 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.

  Bring or request your favorite songs related to winter celebrations, 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, December 11.   

  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 December 1, go to zoom.us/download to download and install the current version (6.6.11). For a smartphone or tablet, update the Zoom app from your App Store or equivalent source.

  Join us on December 12 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
    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
• House Concert with Kaleidoscope

  • When
    13 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Potomac, MD

  KALEIDOSCOPE HOUSE CONCERT
  

  Saturday, December 13, 7:30 pm (doors open at 7)
  at the home of Jamie and Betsy Platt in Potomac, MD, 10 minutes from Glen Echo Park. Suggested donation $20
  To reserve seats, exact address and other info: hrhbetsy@gmail.com or 301-717-4641
  
  Kaleidoscope is an innovative traditional music band based in NYC. The quartet features Minda Cowen on contra and English fiddle, Dominique Gagné on Brazilian jazz influenced flutes, piano and vocals, renowned New England composer Larry Unger (featured on recent Ken Burns documentaries) on guitar, banjo,and jaw harp, and Marco Brehm (of The Brooklyn Swing Ensemble) on swinging upright bass.
  
  Kaleidoscope merges many musical genres to create a unique soundscape for dancers and listeners alike. Get ready to hear trad New England fiddle tunes, fiery Brazilian Choros, mesmerizing Piazzolla tangos, Latin, Swing, Blues, as well as Larry Unger's best loved tunes. Join in on the fun with some singing, or just hang on to your hat and get ready to enjoy  what is sure to be a memorable evening.
  
  Don’t miss this chance to hear Kaleidoscope play in an intimate concert setting the evening after they play for the Glen Echo Friday Night Contra. 
  
  This concert is sponsored by Folklore Society of Greater Washington and Dancing Planet Productions.

  
  

  More about FSGW concerts
  

  Show details
• FSGW & VITG Storyswap (Online)

  • When
    13 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  VITG Monthly Story Swap
  

  Sunday, December 13th, 7:30p.m. Online

  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
• 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
• English Country Dance: Kappy Laning and Wendy Clarke call with Robin Wilson, Catherine Chapman, and Neil Epstein

  • When
    17 Dec 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 and Wendy Clarke call to the music of Robin Wilson (flute and concertina), Catherine Chapman (fiddle), 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
• 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
• December In Person Open Sing

  • When
    20 Dec 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Kensington MD

  Thanks to Nancy King for volunteering to host the December in-person sing on December 20 from 2 to 5 pm in Kensington, Maryland.

  Folks should RSVP and get directions by email or phone (301-933-3073).

  The topic will be 

  "Celebrations of all kinds--large or small, seasonal or otherwise."

  
  

  Show details
• Gospel Sing

  • When
    21 Dec 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Takoma Park, MD

  FSGW Gospel Sing in Takoma Park MD 

  Sunday, December 21, 4 - 7 pm

  The December 2025 Gospel Sing will take place at the home of Barbara and Arthur Karpas in Takoma Park. Group singing for two hours, from 4 - 6 pm, followed by a potluck dinner. Hymnals provided. A mask-friendly event — masks are optional but welcome. Festive holiday attire encouraged! Everyone is welcome, but be sure you are symptom-free. RSVP/directions: call Barbara at 301-270-4239 (landline; no texts) or email Kathie at kpmack2@gmail.com.
  

  General information about Gospel Sings

  
  

  
  

  
  

  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
• NO ECD

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

  
  

  NO English Country Dance tonight - it's Christmas Eve!

  ---

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

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Carolyn Rapkievian & 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
• BFMS New Year's Eve English Country Dance Gala

  • Start
    31 Dec 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    01 Jan 2026
  •  
    12:30 AM
  • Location
    Church of the Nativity and Holy Comforter, 6112 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212

  Baltimore Folk Music Society's ECD New Year's Eve dance (Co-sponsored by FSGW) will be at Church of the Nativity in Baltimore, starting at an 8:00 pm arrival time on Dec. 31st and ending shortly after toasting the New Year at midnight on January 1st. 

  Calling by calling by Emily Aubrey and Sharon McKinley with live music by Elegant Echoes (Becky Ross on fiddle, Colleen Reed on flute, and Liz Donaldson on piano)!

  
  

  6:30 pm – Reception & Decorating
  

  7:15 pm – Potluck Supper 

  8:30 pm – 12:30 am – Dancing

  10:30 pm – Break for Potluck Desserts & Fruits

  12:00 am - Midnight Champagne Toast

  Please bring non-marking dance shoes to help preserve the floor.Our dancers who are sensitive to fragrances will be grateful if you use them sparingly.

  
  

  Tickets (at 2019 prices!)

  Advance Registration Necessary

  
  

  Before Dec. 15: $32 (BFMS & FSGW members), $36 non-members, $17 Students

  Dec. 15 and later:$35 (BFMS & FSGW members), $39 non-members, $20 Students

  Location: Church of the Nativity and Holy Comforter, 6112 York Rd. (directions)

  Latest info: bfms.org/nyeGala.php

  Questions or to volunteer: Janina O’Brien, nyegala@bfms.org

  Show details
• NO ECD

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

  
  

  Happy New Years! There is no weekly English Country Dance tonight, but if you want to dance in the New Year check out the New Year's Eve English Country Dance Gala!

  ---
  

  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
    02 Jan 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole & 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
• 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
• English Country Dance: Tom Roby calls with Tina Chancey, Susan Brandt, and Liz Donaldson

  • When
    07 Jan 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    50

  Register

  
  

  Tom Roby (Guest caller from MA) calls while Tina Chancey (fiddle), Susan Brandt (flute), and Liz Donaldson (piano) make the music

  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: Chloe Levine calling with Raven & Goose

  • When
    08 Jan 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring Civic Building 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring MD 20910
  • Spaces left
    100

  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: Chloe E. W. Levine

  Band: Raven & Goose (Corwin Zekley and Grace Fellows)

  Raven & Goose are coming to us all the way from the West coast! Learn more about this fabulous duo.

  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
• January Barn Dance

  • When
    11 Jan 2026
  •  
    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: Katie Stahl

  Music: The Magnolia House Band (Sarah, Sargon, and Leuna)

  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
• Grapevine Storytelling with Andy Offutt Irwin and Bonnie Gardner

  • When
    14 Jan 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012, or Online

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, January 14 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are the obviously incredible Andy Offutt Irwin and the glamorous Bonnie Gardner!

  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:
  Andy Offutt Irwin suggests what could happen if Eudora Welty had been one of the Marx Brothers (Karl, perhaps?). With a manic, Silly Putty voice, astonishing mouth noises, and heart-filled stories, Andy is equal parts mischievous schoolboy and seasoned vaudevillian, with a touch of the Southern balladeer. He grew up (arguable) and still lives in Covington, Georgia. He thinks that he is funny. More about Andy
  

  Bonnie Gardner debuted as a storyteller in 2020. She is a former journalist who changed careers to IT, but never lost the love for a good story. She has performed frequently with Better Said Than Done in Northern Virginia and is a Six Feet Apart story slam winner. She has performed in the Women’s Storytelling Festival, the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival, and the Connecticut Storytelling Festival. See more of Bonnie on Youtube
  

  Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series
  

  Show details
• English Country Dance: Dan Gillespie calls with Emily Aubrey, Paul Oorts, and Bobby LaRose

  • When
    14 Jan 2026
  •  
    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 Emily Aubrey (fiddle), Paul Oorts (mandolin and accordion), and Bobby LaRose (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
• Takoma Park Old-Time Jam

  • When
    21 Jan 2026
  •  
    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
• English Country Dance: Anna Rain calls with Becky Ross, Ralph Gordon, and Janina O'Brien

  • When
    21 Jan 2026
  •  
    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 Becky Ross (fiddle), Ralph Gordon (cello), and Janina O’Brien (piano) make the music

  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
• English Country Dance: Tom Spilsbury calls with Jeff Steinberg, Anna Rain, and Diane Sorenson

  • When
    28 Jan 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Town Hall 6106 Harvard Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
  • Spaces left
    50

  Register

  
  

  Tom Spilsbury calls to the music of Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Anna Rain (recorders) and Diane Sorenson (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
• 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
• Grapevine Storytelling with Jessica Piscitelli Robinson and Chetter Galloway

  • When
    11 Feb 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012, or Online

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are Jessica Piscitelli Robinson and Chetter Galloway!

  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:

  Chetter Galloway grew up hearing his father tell stories on weekend road trips. His favorite was The Talking Skull, a West African cautionary tale where a man loses his head. Chetter graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Master of Arts degree in Storytelling and is an avid runner who enjoys creating stories while he’s running! More about Chetter

  Jessica Piscitelli Robinson is the person behind the annual Women’s Storytelling Festival. She has performed at Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival, on WGBH’s “Stories from the Stage,” has been featured in the Stone Soup, Florida, and Hampton Storytelling Festivals, and is a 2023 ORACLE Award recipient. Jessica is the author of the Guide to Personal Storytelling, for Story Crossroads, as well as Stages: My Life in Stories, a memoir in stories. More about Jessica

  
  Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series

  Show details
• Takoma Park Old-Time Jam

  • When
    18 Feb 2026
  •  
    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
• Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance

  • When
    22 Feb 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Ballroom Backroom, Glen Echo Park, MD

  Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance

  Intro lesson at 2:30pm, dance from 3-6pm in the Annex (Ballroom Backroom)  at Glen Echo Park, MD.

  Caller: Janine Smith

  Band: Vandalia (Dakota Karper on fiddle, Ellen Gira on cello, and Gabriel Furtado on guitar)

  Learn more about Vandalia

  
  

  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
• 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
• Grapevine Storytelling with Les Schaffer and Judith Onesty

  • When
    11 Mar 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012, or Online

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are Les Schaffer and Judith Onesty!

  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.

  
  Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series
  

  Show details
• Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance

  • When
    22 Mar 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Ballroom Backroom, Glen Echo Park, MD

  Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance

  Intro lesson at 2:30pm, dance from 3-6pm in the Annex (Ballroom Backroom) at Glen Echo Park, MD.

  Caller: Melissa Chatham

  Band: Owen Morrison on guitar, TJ Crow on Mandolin, and Ralph Gordon on Bass

  
  

  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
• 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
    255

  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
• Grapevine Storytelling with Carolina Quiroga and Kona Morris

  • When
    08 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Busboys and Poets Takoma, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012, or Online

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are Carolina Quiroga and Kona Morris!

  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.

  
  Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series
  

  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