Look through our calendar below to find both in person and online events.
The FSGW Calendar can be viewed two ways:
Glen Echo Balkan Fest: A Celebration of Balkan Music and Dance
Saturday, October 17, noon - 5pm in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park.
Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band - founded in 1983, based in New York, is the foremost presenter of traditional Balkan brass music in the US. They have performed for concerts, weddings, and festivals across the US and in the Balkans, from the halls of the Kennedy Center in Washington to the illustrious Guča Brass Festival in Serbia, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. They were the first musicians from abroad to perform Serbian music at Guča, and they have been invited guests five times. Their 2010 visit was featured in the documentary Brasslands. They have released four albums of music for listening and dancing. In 1986, they created New York’s Golden Festival and have joyously sponsored it ever since.
Karpouzi plays music on traditional instruments from the Greek mainland and islands, and Asia Minor. In Greece, karpouzi means watermelon – sweet and tasting of summer. Led by Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis, the Karpouzi ensemble is dedicated to preserving and sharing the beautiful and deeply-rooted repertoire of the many and varied regions of Greece. The group has played events sponsored by the Library of Congress, The Revels at Lisner Auditorium, Hill Center, Greek Embassy, Cypriot Embassy, Delegation of the European Union, and numerous restaurants, parties, camps and folk festivals, including many FSGW events. In 2025, Spyros was a winner of a prestigious Maryland "Heritage Award." Spyros Koliavasilis (vocals, oud, kemane, laouto), Margaret Loomis (santouri), Len Newman (laouto), and Niko Mitrione (oud, laouto, bouzouki). See https://www.karpouzitrio.com/ and https://spyroskoliavasilismusic.com/ for more information!
Woven throughout the day is A Journey Through Ex-Yugoslavia - A living celebration of shared Balkan heritage. Authentic folk costumes from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, and Slovenia from the collection of Biljana Regan and her take on new life as presented by Balkan Roots, LLC.
…and more!
Bring a picnic or purchase one at Praline Bakery at Glen Echo Park!
VITG Monthly Story Swap
Saturday, October 17, 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
FSGW is excited to announce a brand new monthly dance in Northern Virginia!
Would you like to dance in an inclusive, supportive atmosphere? Would you like to lead, follow, or both, no matter your gender? Would you like to have fun, be more active, and meet cool people? Then come join us for our inaugural All Folks Waltz: Gender-Inclusive Folk Waltz! We’ll begin with a folk waltz lesson at 7:00 (free with admission) where you can learn the basics of this dynamic, improvisational, folk dance form, followed by a freeform social dance with live music at 7:45. Come learn, move, and share the joy of dance with us!
Music by Dr. Iain Sturrock (keyboard and accordion) and Joe Klausner (fiddle, mandolin, and banjo)
Tickets are $15 for non-members, $12 for FSGW members, and $5 for limited income or students. Dancers 17 and under are free.
Katherine Anderson is an avid social dancer and dance teacher in the DMV. She teaches multiple dance styles, including Lindy Hop, contra, Balboa, fusion, and folk waltz, which she has been teaching since 2022. She loves a fun tune, an opportunity to improvise, and helping to bring skills, safety, and fun to her dance communities. You can reach her at TwirlingTutor@gmail.com.
The 7:00 pm intro lesson by Katherine Anderson (free with admission) will start with folk waltz basic steps and partnering appropriate for beginners, allowing them to get out on the dance floor when the band starts to play. It will end with repertoire-building skills aimed at expanding the waltz vocabulary of more experienced dancers and interested beginners alike.
Questions? Email TwirlingTutor@gmail.com
Venue: The Lyon Village Community House is a lovely historic space with a new wooden dance floor!
Transport: The Lyon Village Community House is accessible from the Orange and Silver Lines (Clarendon Metro Station) and by numerous bus lines with a pleasant half-mile walk on tree-lined streets. Parking is available within the neighborhood.
The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd).
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
The Takoma Park Old-Time Jam is again at Busboys and Poets in Takoma, DC, the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
More info about the Old-Time Jams
Wendy Clarke leads the dancing to the music of Carrie Rose (flute), Becky Ross (fiddle), and Liz Donaldson (piano)
You may register in advance (preferred) or at the door. Attendance will be limited to 50 dancers and spectators so if you are planning on registering at the door, please check the event page beforehand to see how many spaces are left.
If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson.
COVID info: masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required. More info
The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.
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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
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)
Sharon McKinley memorial service and dance sponsored by the Baltimore Folk Music Society
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.
An epic afternoon featuring contra dance's original groove band, Laura and the Lava Lamps and the extraordinary calling of Beth Molaro! Don't miss this rare opportunity to dance to the music of contra dance veterans Laura Lengnick (fiddle), Dave Wiesler (piano) and Ralph Gordon (bass), joined by special guest Tory Horner (fiddle), a rising star in the contra dance world. Together they will fire up the dance floor in the search for a primordial groove in perpetual motion. Invite a friend or two and come on out for this dance. You will be glad you did!
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.
Anna Rain leads the dancing while Emily Aubrey (fiddle), Paul Oorts (mandolin and accordion), and Bobby LaRose (piano) play the tunes
Friday, October 30th, 7:30pm
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 ~
Linda Mansdorf will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Lessons 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Request dancing 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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
Andrea Nettleton calls while Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Anna Rain (recorders), and Janina O’Brien (piano) make the music
Barn Dance from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD.
Caller: Kappy Laning
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
FSGW Gospel Sing in Takoma Park, MD
Sunday, November 8, 4 - 7 pm
The November 2026 Gospel Sing will take place on Sunday, November 8th, at the home of Rick Morgan and Arlene Rodenbeck 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. Everyone is welcome, but be sure you are symptom-free. RSVP/directions: call Rick at 301-920-0087 (landline; no texts) or email Rick at MorganRick50@gmail.com or Kathie Mack at kpmack2@gmail.com.
General information about Gospel Sings
Join us on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are the terrific Nancy Tolson and the equally terrific Jude Treder-Wolff!
No pre-registration needed for in-person, but if you register you will have access to the live stream and the recorded show for later.
You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link as well as a reminder of the date, time, and location. 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:
Nancy Tolson has been telling tales for many years. She studies Black folktales and collects spicy tales (and tells those to adult audiences in jazz joints). She is a regular at the Augusta Baker’s Dozen Storytelling Festival, and the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival, and performs at various festivals across the country. When not telling tales, Nancy is the director of undergraduate studies in the African American Studies Department at the University of South Carolina. More at https://schumanities.org/speaker/nancy-d-tolson/
The heart of Jude Treder-Wolff’s storytelling as a performer and as a teacher is empowerment, healing, and galvanizing one’s strength through the art of story. She hosts the podcast Improv In Real Life, and the (mostly) True Things Storytelling Show performed monthly on Long Island, NY. She has been a featured storyteller in Generation Women, RISK! The Story Collider, Story District in Washington D.C., Gather NYC, PBS Stories From The Stage, Grapevine Storytelling, Better Said Than Done, and many others. Learn more at https://www.judetrederwolff.com/ as well as https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improv-in-real-life/id1825653423 and https://www.mostlytruethings.com/
Learn more about The Grapevine (Storytelling) series
Kappy Laning calls to the playing of Niki Yeracaris (fiddle), Carrie Rose (flute), and Liz Donaldson (piano)
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.
Windborne Concert in Takoma Park, MD on Saturday, November 14th, 7:30pm
Purchase tickets at tix.windbornesingers.com/events/windborne/2448413
There will also be a singing workshop with Windborne on November 15th at Glen Echo Town Hall, tickets for the workshop can be found at tix.windbornesingers.com/events/windborne/2429789
Windborne’s captivating show draws on the singers’ deep roots in traditions of vocal harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable. Instead of simply dazzling the audience with vocal fireworks; Windborne evokes a deep emotional response connecting their audience to the past, distant places and themselves, it's no wonder they have been crowd favorites since starting to tour in 2018. Windborne is particularly known for their viral videos which have gained the group nearly 500,000 followers, singing at Mont Saint Michel in France, and Cathedrals around the world!
With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on the profound power and variation of the human voice. The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing. BBC Traveling Folk describes Windborne as “subverting expectations and redefining the genre [of vocal music]... just absolutely phenomenal!”
Join Windborne for a fabulous day of singing! Sunday, November 15th at Glen Echo Town Hall
Tickets for the workshop can be found at tix.windbornesingers.com/events/windborne/2429789
Windborne will also be performing a concert on November 14th, tickets at tix.windbornesingers.com/events/windborne/2448413
2:00 PM: Doors and check-in
2:15–5:45 PM: Singing with Windborne
THE SINGING:
Windborne will be teaching a variety of material including Windborne's signature 4-part arrangements, with songs of social struggle, labor songs, Corsican, Occitan, Lithuanian, Basque, and more. For participants who have attended a Windborne workshop before, they’ll be teaching a different set of songs!
Participants of all abilities will learn singing styles from a variety of countries and cultures as well as songs of social struggle from movements past and present. All songs will be taught by ear — no sight reading required, just enthusiasm and willingness to try new things!
Workshops are a great opportunity to connect with friends and make some new ones, learn music and improve your singing, and gather inspiration and energy. We will tell stories about the music and explore the characteristics and stylistic elements of the different traditions. We invite participants to learn some of Windborne's signature arrangements, improve vocal technique and health, and spend an afternoon singing together in harmony.
Sunday, November 15, 2:30 p.m. Bethesda, MD
Tom Spilsbury leads the dancing while Becky Ross (fiddle), Elisabeth Epstein (flute), and Diane Sorenson (piano) play the tunes
Larry Weiner will lead an Oldies but Goodies Night.
All-request evening featuring recorded music. international folk-dance favorites--many easy dances to just follow along.
Request dancing 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Join us for Challenging Squares from 2:30-5:00pm on Saturday, November 21st at the Woman's Club of Arlington. 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 Leeway - Rhys Jones (fiddle) and Max Newman (guitar/keyboard/feet). What a lineup!
To have the most FUN..... please read below, does this describe your dancing?
Admission is $20 per dancer for advanced registration. Tickets purchased day-of will be $25. We will accept cash, check or Venmo at the door - sorry, no credit cards.
There's plenty of free parking. The club has a parking lot and the neighborhood is also easy to park in.
Questions? Email mwarshow@verizon.net
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Challenging Squares 2:30-5:00pm (that's this event! Orange register button on this page)
Challenging Contras 7:00-9:30pm
An evening of Challenging Contras from 7:00-9:30pm on Saturday, November 21st at the Woman's Club of Arlington.
Come early for the Challenging Squares
Please note you will need to register SEPARATELY for each event.
To have the most FUN.....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!
Admission is $20 per dancer for advanced registration. Tickets purchased day-of will be $25. We will accept cash, check or Venmo at the door. Sorry, no credit cards.
Challenging Squares 2:30-5:00pm
Challenging Contras 7:00-9:30pm (that's this event! Orange register button on this page)
Caller: Will Mentor
Band: Leeway (Rhys Jones and Max Newman)
Music by Terpsichore (Liz Donaldson and Elke Baker)
More about the All Folks Waltz series
Dan Gillespie calls to the playing of Tina Chancey (fiddle), Catherine Chapman (fiddle), and Francine Krasowska (piano)
Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole & other guest instructors. This is a FREE event.
To Register for the Zoom link contact John Robinson at j_srobinson@verizon.net
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
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 Kenney, Max Newman, Clara Stickney, Alex Cumming, and Matt Kenney), Lighthouse (Audrey Jaber, Max Newman, and Stuart Kenney), 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
Shirt options (available in tank or t-shirt, black or purple) -
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.
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 12, 2027 from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There is a break for dinner.
Where: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, MD
Bands: Handspring, Spintuition, and TBA
Callers: Will Mentor, Gaye Fifer, and Caroline Barnes
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
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