The FSGW Calendar can be viewed two ways:
Contra Sonic, FSGW's alternative music contra series, is the Washington region's only techno contra series! Come on out to the Back Room and contra dance to a selection of electronic, techno, pop, or club music one Tuesday every other month. Featuring by new and upcoming performers, a new sound system, and club-style lights, Contra Sonic is proud to present a dynamic form of the living contra tradition. Contra Sonic uses non-gendered role terms. All newcomers welcome!
Admission: $9, $7 for members, youth, and students
Dancing 8:00 - 10:30pm with an orientation to contra dancing at 7:30
Melissa Running calls the dances to the playing of Barbara Heitz (flute), Ralph Gordon (cello), and Neil Epstein (piano).
The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.
General information on our English Country Dances
Ben Hole will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
No experience or partner necessary.
Lessons 8:30 - 9:00pm
Request dancing 9:00-10:45pm.
More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
Jump for joy! The DC Square Dance Collective is hosting a Family Dance at St Stephen's on Saturday, Oct 26! This time we have special guest and veteran caller T-Claw to teach us the do-si-do and promeno, along with playful live string band music from The Bunny Launderers. All dances are taught, with parents and their children aged 4-12 in mind, though all are welcome. Proceeds will benefit Loaves and Fishes, a charity based at Saint Stephen’s that fights hunger in the DC region.
Location: Auditorium at Saint Stephen’s and the Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton St, NW near the Columbia Heights Metro.
$5 per adult, children are free.
More information visit the DC Square Dances
Fall's finally come to DC, which means there's a chill in the air, color in the leaves, and a foot-stomping good time over at the Great American Square Dance Revival in Mount Pleasant. Come whirl and twirl to the lively calling of West Virginia's pride-and-joy: T-Claw. Blazing fiddle tunes from string band Hoppin' Molly so groovy you'll literally be unable to stand still. That's Kirk Evans on fiddle, Matt Metz on banjo and mandolin, Paul Hammerton on guitar, and Rick Pegg on bass.
As always, all are welcome – young and old, brand new and experienced dancers. No partner, lessons, overalls or frilly dress needed. Just walk in and dance!
Doors at 8:00 pm; dancing 8:30 to 11:30 pm.
Admission is $5 cash or check. Sorry, no credit cards. Snacks and drinks to share are encouraged.
Special Request: Do you have any of those sturdy plastic cups from various events malingering in the back of the drinking glass cabinet? Would you be willing to donate them to the DC Square Dance? If so, bring'em! We're trying to phase out the glass mason jars.
Folks outside the neighborhood, consider biking or taking the Metro! Saint Stephens is a short walk from the Columbia Heights station on the green/yellow lines. For drivers, there is some street parking and a garage below the shopping mall on Park Rd. at 14th St.
Want to stay up-to-date with future dances? Subscribe to our mailing list: http://list.dcsquaredance.com/
Caller & Musicians:
Colleen Holroyd (fiddle, feet), Rebecca Weiss (fiddle), Sophie Chang (cello), Bobby LaRose (piano, mandolin).
General information about the Sunday Night Contra and Square Dance
Anna Rain calls the dances to the music of Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Sophie Chang (cello), and Owen Morrison (guitar).
Thanks to Ingrid Gorman for hosting the November Open Sing!
Friday, November 1st, 7:30PM
Ingrid Gorman (ingridgorman@gmail.com)
2225 Luzerne Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.351.2451
Theme: It's National Native American Heritage Month in November, so in that spirit, we'll have a theme of reverence and gratitude for earth, animals, each other, and food.
For more information see the Song Circles page.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201.
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
Melissa Running calls to the music of David Knight (fiddle), Ralph Gordon (cello), and Liz Donaldson (piano).
INÃ plays, interprets, and reinterprets music of the African-Diaspora specifically through the traditional musics of Cuba and Brazil. Led by percussionist, arranger, and bandleader Julian Loida, INÃ engage their audience with vocal harmonies, dancing, and drumming. 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.
General information on Concerts
House of Hamill is on the bleeding edge of a new generation of traditional musicians. Fiddlers and vocalists Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan write unusual new fiddle tunes and exciting, unpredictable original songs while breathing new life into traditional and contemporary songs. Having established themselves with two albums, Wide Awake (2016) and March Through Storms (2018), they found international acclaim when their quirky all-violin cover of "Sweet Child Of Mine" went viral in 2018, amassing over 15 million views and more than 400,000 shares on Facebook in just a few weeks. Accomplished local players Chris Lindsay and Andrew Dodds will open the evening. Part of the FocusMusic concert series. At St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road Alexandria 22308. 7 pm. $18 (advanced), $20 (door).
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
This month starts the Eating Season in earnest, so listen to some fantastic stories as you digest your big dinner(s). 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 indescribable Bill Harley and the equally indescribable Regi Carpenter. It will be a night to remember! But you won't be able to describe it, probably. No open-mic tonight, sorry. Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
General information about The Grapevine (Storytelling)
Kappy Laning calls the dances while Elisabeth Epstein (flute), Tina Chancey (fiddle), and Melissa Running (piano) play.
Caller & Musicians: Ann Fallon calls to the smooth flowing music of Sugar Beat! The music will be created by Elke Baker (fiddle) Susan Brandt (flute) and Marc Glickman (piano)
A free dance lesson will be from 7:00 to 7:30.
General information on the Silver Spring Contra Dance
Storytellers and listeners are invited to the home of Jennifer Hine in Springfield, VA for an evening of shared stories and potluck refreshments. Free. RSVP and directions jenniferreps@gmail.com or call 510-236-2668.
General information on Story Swaps
Ed Trickett might best be described as a song interpreter. He has been described as a singer's singer, with the ability to take a song, get to the heart of it, and relay it with the utmost beauty to his audience, all with the tasteful accompanyiment of 6 and 12 string guitars and the hammered dulcimer. Trickett performed for many years with Gordon Bok and Ann Mayo Muir as a trio (Bok, Muir and Trickett), and played a central role in swaps and song circles among traditional musicians (the Golden Ring, Folk Legacy Records). When he’s singing solo he performs traditional songs from the English-speaking world, the American songbook of great song writers, and also the finest songs written by modern songsters who write in a traditional style. This concert serves as a homecoming, as Ed is a DC native and served for a time as a professor of psychology at the University of Maryland. Church of the Ascension (Parish Hall), 633 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. $10 (members), $20 (nonmembers). Note the early time - concert begins at 3 pm.
A lifelong Detroiter, Rev. Jones has been performing professionally for nearly 30 years throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He has entertained and educated audiences of all ages in schools, colleges, libraries, union halls, prisons, churches and civil rights organizations. His deep love for traditional African American and American music is shared in live performances that interweave timeless stories with original and traditional songs. Rev. Jones plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo and fiddle using folk, blues, spirituals and other American Roots music to champion the history, beauty and power of our shared culture. Micahel Kelly opens. Part of the FocusMusic concert series. At St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road Alexandria 22308. 7 pm. $18 (advanced), $20 (door).
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.
Andrea Nettleton calls the dances while Becky Ross (fiddle), Susan Brandt (flute), and Janina O’Brian (piano) make the music.
Caller & Musicians: Will Mentor calls challenging dances with Pete's Posse.
Potluck to follow, stay for the evening dance!
Stephanie Smith calls the dances to the playing of Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Tom Wright (10-string mandolin), and Francine Krasowska (piano).
On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201.
Jenny Monfore and Larry Unger band
The solstice approaches and the nights grow long. You could probably use some stories to keep up your spirits. 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 the sublime Motoko and the amazing Mitch Capel. 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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
Caller & Musicians: As we end the year our caller will be our local talent, Sonya Kaufman, who returns from the west coast to provide some wonderful flowing dances. The music will be provided by Eloise & Company which features the combined creative force of two of the country's most sought-after dance musicians, Beck Tracy (fiddle) and Rachel Bell (accordion). They are joined by Owen Morrison (guitar) who will help the band crank out some great dance music with their dynamic playing. There is a free beginners workshop from 7 to 7:30.
Storytellers and listeners are invited to the home of Bob Rovinsky in NW Washington DC, for an evening of shared tales and potluck snacks. Free. Contact Bob at robertrovinsky@rcn.com. 202-237- 1036 (home) 202-815-8707 (mobile).
The Grand March begins at 8:00 pm. The dance will go until 12:15 am.
Registration and details on the New Year's Eve Contra Dance Ball page.
At last the holidays are over and you have the long, long, winter nights to yourself. Good time to get out and 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 Noa Baum.
Our featured tellers this month are the white hot flame that is Minton Sparks and the amusingly toasty Tim Livengood. 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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
February is upon us and the season is a season for stories! 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 the hilarious and musical duo Spark & Rhonda and Rachel Ann Harding, a believer in fairy tales for all ages. 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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
Join us for the #dance Weekend. What's trending?
TBD - Here is the 2019 schedule!
FRIDAY: 8:30 to 11:30 PM dance in the fabulous, famous, Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom.
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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
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). Admission is free. We ask for a $15 donation to support our featured tellers.
