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• Silver Spring Contra Dance: Kappy Laning calling with Alexander Mitchell & Gina Faber

  • When
    13 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring Civic Building, 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring MD 20910
  • Spaces left
    90

  Register

  This dance is in the *Spring Room* at the Silver Spring Civic Building. 

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

  Callers: Kappy Laning

  Band: Alexander Mitchell & Gina Faber

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00 p.m., Dance is from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

  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.

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• Song Circle on summer break until September

  • When
    14 Aug 2026

  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.

  Before you join a Zoom session, go to zoom.us/download to download and install the latest version of the Zoom Workplace app (Version 7.1.0, released June 23). For a smartphone or tablet, update the Zoom app from your App Store or equivalent source.
  

  For more information. see the Song Circles page.

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• Online - International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)

  • When
    14 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Carolyn Rapkievian & other guest instructors. 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)
  

  
  

  
  

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• FSGW & VITG Storyswap (Online)

  • When
    15 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  VITG Monthly Story Swap
  

  Saturday, August 15, 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

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• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    19 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 10:00 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). 
  

  In the air conditioned Ballroom Back Room for July and August!

  7:30 p.m.: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30 to10 p.m.: 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 Becky Ross, Carrie Rose, and Francine Krasowska

  • When
    19 Aug 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 leads the dances while Becky Ross (fiddle), Carrie Rose (flute), and Francine Krasowska (piano) play

  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
    21 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Carolyn Rapkievian & other guest instructors. 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)
  

  
  

  
  

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• Washington Folk Festival 2026

  • When
    23 Aug 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Park, MD

  Register

  The Washington Folk Festival returns on August 23, 2026
  

  A one-day event, jam-packed roster with dancing, storytelling, and music ranging from American to International styles: bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Americana, blues to Zydeco, we cover folk music from around the world! Six stages, hundreds of performer, and it's all free!

  Learn more about the 2026 Performers here

  Please RSVP so we can get a sense of how many people are coming this year!

  
  

  We are looking for volunteers! Sign up at https://wff.fsgw2.org/wff/volunteerform.php

  In addition to being part of a team of awesome helpers, volunteers get food from lovely food trucks, a special pin, and lots of smiles and appreciation! Students can also get SSL hours for volunteering!

  
  

  Donate to Support the Festival

  Learn more about the Washington Folk Festival

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• International Folk Dancing

  • When
    26 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 10:00 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). 
  

  In the air conditioned Ballroom Back Room for July and August!

  7:30 p.m.: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching 

  8:30 to10 p.m.: 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: Andrea Nettleton and Wendy Clarke call with Tina Chancey, Mari Carlson, and Neil Eptstein

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

  Register

  Andrea Nettleton and Wendy Clarke lead the dancing to the music of Tina Chancey (fiddle), Mari Carlson (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
• Online - International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)

  • When
    28 Aug 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Carolyn Rapkievian & other guest instructors. 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
    01 Sep 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  On Tuesday, September 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
• September 2026 Online Open Sing

  • When
    04 Sep 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Many thanks to Gary Ehrlich for hosting the Online Open Sing on Friday, September 4th at 7:30PM

  The topic/theme will be "Colors"

  ***Only those wishing to sing need to register.***

  Register to sing HERE

  Singers List is unavailable to the public due to Google Technical issues. Go ahead and sign up, we can fix dupe sign ups later

  Reminder:
  Registration will be open til Noon ET on 9/4/26.
  Zoom Link will be sent to the Open Sing mailing list, if you're not a member of the mailing list, sign up HERE

  Show details
• "Silver Spring" Contra Dance: Andrea Nettleton calling Paul Oorts & Tina Chancey

  • When
    10 Sep 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Seekers Church, 276 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC
  • Spaces left
    100

  Register

  Please note: this dance is at the Seekers Church in Takoma, DC, across from the Takoma Metro Station, rather than at the usual location in Silver Spring. 

  Caller: Andrea Nettleton

  Band: Paul Oorts & Tina Chancey

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00 p.m., Dance is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

  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
• An Afternoon of English Country Dancing

  • When
    12 Sep 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Balroom Blum, Adelphi, MD
  • Spaces left
    38

  Register

  Join us for an afternoon of English Country Dancing at Ballroom Blum on Saturday, September 12th, 2:30-5:30pm. 

  The Second Floor is a captivating new dance band from Somerville, MA, who happen to be 3 roommates who live on...you guessed it, the second floor. Coming from a variety of musical backgrounds, this trio's playing is packed with a rich variety of flavors, influences, and sensibilities. They're breathing new life into music for English Country Dancing.

  The band features Abe Joyner-Meyers (fiddle), Steven Bluestein (woodwinds), and Cecily Mills (cello). They welcome the incomparable stylings of Dave Wiesler (piano and guitar) as their guest of honor.

  Tom Spilsbury, well regarded Mid-Atlantic ECD leader, known for his clear instruction, easy manner, and wide dance repertoire, promises an afternoon of delightful dancing.
  

  
  

  Pre-registration is required. Attendance is capped to allow for comfortable dancing and unrestricted frivolity. After you register you receive a confirmation email with the address, parking instructions, and other important details about the event. Sorry, no drop ins.

  Any questions: danceladyjanine@gmail.com Please write "English Country Dance" in the subject line.

  
  

  The Second Floor is also playing FND's Friday Night Contra Dance on Friday, September 11th, and the Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra on Sunday, September 13th

  -------

  If you'd like to receive weekly reminders about the weekly FSGW English dances, please send an email to ecd.registrar@fsgw.org to be added to the list.

  Information about our weekly English Country Dances

  Show details
• September Barn Dance

  • When
    13 Sep 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Bumper Car Pavilion, Glen Echo Park, MD

  Barn Dance from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 

  Caller: Lucia Schaefer

  Music: Jim Morrison and TBA

  
  

  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 bring a friend or your kids and come join us!

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

  Covid Info: Masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required
  

  
  

  General information on our Barn Dance web page

  Show details
• Dancing Planet Contra Dance with Janine Smith and the Second Floor

  • When
    13 Sep 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 Ballroom Backroom at Glen Echo Park, MD.

  Caller: Janine Smith

  Band: The Second Floor (Abe Joyner-Meyers, Steven Bluestein, and Cecily Mills) with Robert Mills

  
  

  Admission: $15 ($5 for folks under 17), cash, check, or credit cards accepted at the door (credit card fees apply).

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

  
  

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

  Show details
• 2026 FSGW Getaway

  • Start
    02 Oct 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    05 Oct 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    United Methodist West River Center, West River, MD

  Register

  The Getaway starts Friday, October 2, with a potluck dinner, and runs so late on Sunday night that we serve breakfast on Monday morning, October 5.

  The Getaway is an amazing weekend-long party of folks who love to sing, play and listen to folk music. We come together in a lovely riverside retreat to join together in making music, sharing what we bring and learning from friends old and new. There will be workshops, sing-arounds, sign-up concerts, music and conversations at all hours. Participation is encouraged at any level comfortable to you in a supportive and welcoming environment. Old and new songs and tunes, recitations and stories, as well as information on historical contexts and insights, along with conversation and laughter, have filled the Getaway for over half a century. Come be a part of the fun!
  

  Our guests this year include Janie Meneely and Rob Van Sante, Bill Destler, Lynn Noel, George and Kathy Stephens, Kevin Elam, Colleen Cleveland, and Sarah Burkey. We are still working on a few more. 

  Although the Getaway will not occur until the weekend of October 2 to October 5, 2026, it is helpful if you can register early. The deadline is September 26. You do not need to pay immediately, but we expect you to view registration as a commitment. If you have not paid in full by September 19, we will remind you. 

  Please fill out the entire registration form. We pay close attention to what you write; we use this information to plan workshops and assign rooms.

  Here is a summary of the prices:

  Overnight Registrations                       Day Registrations

  	2 Nights	3 Nights
  Adult Member
  Upper Bunk	$265	$310
  Lower Bunk	$275	$325
  Adult Non-Member
  Upper Bunk	$300	$345
  Lower Bunk	$310	$360
  Child age through 3	$0	$0
  Child age 4 to 12	$115	$160
  Child age 13 to 17	$150	$190
  Student 18 and older	$190	$230

  	1 Day	2 Days
  Without Meals
  Adult Member	$50	$100
  Adult Non-Member	$60	$120
  Child age through 3	$0	$0
  Child age 4 to 12	$8	$15
  Child age 13 to 17	$30	$60

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Please note that if you are registering more than one person, you must complete the registration process (including payment) for each person before registering the next person.

  See the Getaway page for more details.

  
  

  Show details
• CONTRASTOCK 14, An all day dance event

  • When
    03 Oct 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo, MD
  • Spaces left
    249

  Register

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

  When: October 3, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There is a break for dinner.

  Where: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, MD

  Callers: Janine Smith, Michael Karcher, and Chloe Levine

  More about Janine

  More about Michael

  More about Chloe

  Bands: 

  Syncopaths (Ryan McKasson on fiddle, Eamon Sefton on mandolin, Jeffrey Spero on piano, and Christa Burch on bodhran and vocals)

  More about the Syncopaths

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

  More about Petrichord

  Supertrad (Sam Bartlett on banjo and mandolin, Eric Schedler on accordion, Dave Langford on fiddle, and Owen Morrison on guitar)

  More about Supertrad

  
  

  Contrastock is called with non-gendered dance role terms 

  Schedule:

  1-3 Chloe Levine and Petrichord
  

  3:20-5:20 Michael Karcher and Super Trad

  5:20-6:20 dinner break- potluck!

  6:20-8:20 Janine Smith and Syncopaths

  8:40-10 all bands and callers

  
  

  Wellness policy: Contra dance is a close contact activity and germs love dancing too! Stay home if you are unwell the day of Contrastock. Full refunds will be provided.

  The CDC currently recommends yearly COVID boosters for all individuals 6 months and older. Please consider adding a COVID booster to your vaccination list if you have not already, for our immunocompromised dancer friends, and for yourself. 

  More about the FSGW COVID-19 Response policy

  
  

  This year's shirt design - 

  
  

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

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

  On Tuesday, October 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
• Silver Spring Contra Dance: Anna Rain calling with Sugar Beat

  • When
    08 Oct 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 *Spring Room* at the Silver Spring Civic Building. 

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

  Callers: Anna Rain

  Band: Sugar Beat (Susan Brandt, Elke Baker, and Marc Glickman)

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00 p.m., Dance is from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

  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
• FSGW Picnic 2026

  • When
    11 Oct 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Glen Echo Park, MD

  Register

  October 11th, 2026, in and around the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park.

  FSGW is excited to host the annual picnic again this Fall, where the FSGW community can mix and mingle. There will be dancing, open singing and jamming, and a potluck lunch, all in the covered Bumper Car Pavilion. This event is FREE, so invite your friends and bring a dish to share! Please register so we can get a sense of how many people are planning to come. 

  The Second Sunday Barn Dance will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This is a multi-generational dance, so all ages and ability levels are welcome to participate.

  Come meet members of the 2026-2027 Board and hear about volunteer opportunities. There will be a brief membership meeting reviewing the previous year of FSGW accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year.

  Please note that this event is rain or shine, as all activities will be under cover in the Bumper Car Pavilion.

  Show details
• October Barn Dance

  • When
    11 Oct 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Bumper Car Pavilion, Glen Echo Park, MD

  Barn Dance from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 

  Caller: Penelope Weinberger

  Music: Gina Faber & Liz Donaldson

  
  

  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 bring a friend or your kids and come join us!

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

  Covid Info: Masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required
  

  
  

  General information on our Barn Dance web page

  Show details
• Dancing Planet Contra Dance with Beth Molaro and Laura & the Lava Lamps

  • When
    25 Oct 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    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: Beth Molaro

  Band: Laura and the Lava Lamps (Laura Legnick, Dave Wiesler, and Ralph Gordon)

  
  

  Admission: $15, cash, check, or credit cards accepted at the door (credit card fees apply).

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

  
  

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

  Show details
• The Strayaways in Concert (Kevin Burke, Dylan Foley, and Eamon O'Leary)

  • When
    30 Oct 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Christ Church Accokeek 600 Farmington Road West Accokeek, Maryland, 20607

  The Strayaways Concert at Christ Church in Accokeek. Co-sponsored by FSGW, presented by the Traditional Music Series at the Lyceum in Alexandria, VA.

  Friday, October 30th, Doors open at 6:30, concert at 7pm

  Ticket information:
  

  For Advance ticketing, go to:  https://ticketstripe.com/strayaways

  
  

  The Strayaways are a powerful combination of virtuosity, enchantment, and soulful musicality. Kevin Burke, probably the greatest fiddler in Irish music, and fiddler Dylan Foley, known for his technical brilliance, dynamic style, and deep respect for the tradition, are joined by the inimitable Eamon O'Leary on guitar, bouzouki and vocals.  
  Magic happens!

  About the Artists:

  London born and Sligo bred, Kevin Burke is a legend in traditional Irish music. His bow has driven the Bothy Band, Patrick Street, Open House and Celtic Fiddle Festival. His technical virtuosity is matched with soulful musicality, a deep knowledge of the Irish traditional repertoire and a unique personal style. A generation of Irish fiddle players have been inspired and influenced by his silky-smooth tone, pulsing rhythmic bowing and crisply executed ornamentation.

  Among them is Dylan Foley, raised in the Catskills, he is one of the most accomplished fiddlers in Irish traditional music today and a four-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion. Hailed as “one of the finest fiddlers of his generation,” Foley is known for his technical brilliance, dynamic style, and deep respect for the tradition.

  Joining them is master accompanist, songwriter, and singer, Dubliner Eamon O’Leary. His understated virtuosity on bouzouki and guitar, and “beautiful, crystalline songs” round out this exceptional trio. The Strayaways are truly a dream team of Irish music.The Strayaways

  Questions: alex@morrisdance.org
  

  ~ Part of the Traditional-music-at-the-lyceum concert series ~ 

  Show details
• FSGW Board Meeting by video conference

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

  On Tuesday, November 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
• November Barn Dance

  • When
    08 Nov 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Back Room, Glen Echo Park, MD

  Barn Dance from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 

  Caller: TBD

  Music: Sarah Foard, Sargon de Jesus, and Charlie Pilzer

  
  

  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 bring a friend or your kids and come join us!

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

  Covid Info: Masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required
  

  
  

  General information on our Barn Dance web page

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• Silver Spring Contra Dance: Penelope Weinberger calling with Jonathan Vocke & Sarah Collins

  • When
    12 Nov 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 South at the Silver Spring Civic Building. 

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

  Callers: Penelope Weinberger

  Band: Jonathan Vocke & Sarah Collins

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00 p.m., Dance is from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

  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 cards 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.

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• Challenging Squares

  • When
    21 Nov 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Balroom Blum, Adelphi, MD
  • Spaces left
    50

  Join us for Challenging Squares from 2:30-5:00pm on Saturday, November 21st. After a break, join us for Challenging Contras from 7:00-9:30pm. Please note you will need to register SEPARATELY for each event. 
  

  Will Mentor calls with music by Rhys Jones & Max Newman

  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!

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

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

  Challenging Contras 7:00-10:00pm

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• Challenging Contras

  • When
    21 Nov 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Balroom Blum, Adelphi, MD
  • Spaces left
    50

  An evening of Challenging Contras from 7:00-9:30pm on Saturday, November 21st at Ballroom Blum in Adelphi, MD.
  

  Come early for the Challenging Squares

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

  Will Mentor calls with music by Rhys Jones & Max Newman. 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!

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

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

  Challenging Squares 2:30-5:00pm 

  Challenging Contras 7:00-9:30pm (that's this event! Orange register button on this page)

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• Dancing Planet Contra Dance with Will Mentor and Leeway

  • When
    22 Nov 2026
  •  
    2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    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: Leeway (Rhys Jones and Max Newman)

  
  

  Admission: $15 general admission, $5 for ages 17 and under. Cash, check, or credit cards accepted at the door (credit card fees apply)

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

  
  

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

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• Silver Spring Contra Dance: Melissa Chatham calling with Frog Hammer

  • When
    10 Dec 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 South at the Silver Spring Civic Building. 

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

  Callers: Melissa Chatham

  Band: Frog Hammer (Jim Besser on concertina, Bob Collins on drums, Andrew Marcus on accordion, Glyn Collinson on guitar, Dave Casserly on sax, Michael Ferguson on trombone and harp)

  More about Frog Hammer

  Calling Terms: Larks and Robins

  Lesson at 7:00 p.m., Dance is from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

  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 cards 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.

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• Hashdance Weekend 2027

  • Start
    26 Mar 2027
  • End
    28 Mar 2027
  • Location
    Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
  • Spaces left
    260

  Register

  Hashdance will feature two days of high energy, amazing, challenging sessions, with non-gendered calling, hashing, flow and glide, and delightful figures, as well as workshops, food, fun, singing, and camaraderie in the fabulous Spanish Ballroom and throughout Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD.

  Callers: Lisa Greenleaf and Will Mentor

  Bands: Red Case Band (Stuart Kinney, Max Newman, Clara Stickney, Alex summing, and Matt Kinney), Lighthouse (Audrey Jaber, Max Newman, and Stuart Kinney), and Alex & Audrey (Audrey Jaber and Alex Cumming).

  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

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• Save the Date: 41st Annual Washington Spring Ball (English Country Dance)

  • When
    15 May 2027
  •  
    7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Location
    Silver Spring Civic Building - Great Hall, Silver Spring, MD
  • Spaces left
    120

  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. 

  The band for the ball this year will be Terpsichore (Elke Baker, Liz Donaldson, and Ralph Gordon)

  Our local callers share the calling for the evening ball.

  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. 

  Attire: Whatever you like.  Some dancers choose attire from the 18th or 19th century, some come in their favorite tie-dye.  Wear what makes you feel happy and festive. 
  

  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. 
  

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

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