Look through our calendar below to find both in person and online events.
The FSGW Calendar can be viewed two ways:
The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at the Bumper Car Pavilion, Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd).
Dance instructions at 7:30 pm, followed by request dancing at 8:30pm. Admission: $10
This is an outdoor space. Masks are optional. 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
Ann Fallon calls the dances to the playing of Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Colleen Reed (flute) and Bobby LaRose (piano)
In-person dancing at Glen Echo Town Hall
You may register in advance (preferred) or at the door. Attendance will be limited to 44 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 Protocol: This dance series is now Tier 2, meaning that masks and vaccination-and-booster are encouraged but not required
Click on this link to view the FSGW COVID-19 Response policy
The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.
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General information on our English Country Dance (in-person) web page
Thanks to Mara Levine for hosting on December 1 at 7:30 p.m.
The topic is "Holidays & Celebrations"
***Only those wishing to sing need to register.***
Registration:
bit.ly/December-2023-FSGW-Online-Open-Sing-Signup
Singer's List:
bit.ly/December-2023-FSGW-Online-Open-Sing-Singers-List
Registration will be open until Noon EDT on 12/1/23.
Zoom Link will be sent to the Open Sing Mailing List; if you're not a member, sign up at groups.io/g/FSGWOpenSings
Larry Weinerwill lead an
Oldies but Goodies Night
all request evening featuring recorded music international folk dance favorites - many easy dances to just follow along -
No experience or partner necessary.
Request dancing 8:00-9:30pm.
More information: International Folk Dancing (Greenbelt)
Contra dance in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. Co-sponsored by Friday Night Dancers and FSGW.
Caller: Gwyn Williams
Music: Some Assembly (Mary Flora on woodwinds, Donna Boylan on keyboards, Adam Lee on guitar, and Joe Klausner on fiddle and mandolin, with special guest Iain Sturrock on percussion and bass)
All dances will be taught.
Lesson at 7:30pm, Dance is at 8:00pm.
COVID Policy: This is an FSGW Tier 2 event, which means that masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required
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.
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the FSGW Board will meet from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 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
The monthly Schweinhaut 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! We'll go around the room as many times as we can, giving everyone a chance to lead or request a song (or just pass) during each round.
If you wish to request particular songs, it helps to keep the singing going if you let us know in advance using the registration form linked below.
Susan McNelis will lead songs with guitar accompaniment, and any participant may lead any song, a cappella or self-accompanied.
The in-person session will be held under FSGW's COVID-19 Policy Tier 2 guidelines.
If you can't come in person, you can join us on Zoom with any Internet-connected device--computer, tablet, or smartphone--or you can join by dialing a phone number.
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 Zoom on your computer before October 30, go to zoom.us/download to download and install the current version (5.16.6). For a smartphone or tablet, update the Zoom app from your App Store or equivalent source.
Join us on December 8 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 we can help with any technical issues before the singing begins.
For more information see the Song Circles page.
Linda Mansdorf will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Lessons 8:00 - 8:30pm
Request dancing 8:30-9:30pm.
Caller: Jack Mitchell
Music: Sugar Beat (Susan Brand on flute, Elke Baker on fiddle, and Marc Glickman on piano and bodhran)
FSGW and Voices in the Glen invite storytellers and listeners to an evening of shared stories. Anyone is welcome to tell a tale; no one ever has to. Event details and Zoom link here.
Cost: FREE!
General information on Story Swaps
Barn Dance from 1-3pm in the Annex (ballroom back room) at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD.
Caller: Janine Smith
Music: Gina Faber on fiddle and Liz Donaldson on piano
Covid Info: This is an FSGW Tier 2 event -
Masks and vaccination are encouraged but not required
Admission: Free! (no need to register, just show up at the door)
General information on our Barn Dance web page
FSGW Gospel Sing in Takoma Park MD
Sunday, December 10, 4-7 pm
The December 2023 Gospel Sing will again be indoors and include a potluck dinner. Come to Kathie Mack’s house in Takoma Park MD. Group singing for two hours, from 4 - 6 pm, potluck dinner at 6pm. Hymnals provided. A mask-friendly event — masks are optional but welcome. Everyone is welcome, but be sure you have had the latest COVID booster and are symptom-free. RSVP/directions: email kpmack2@gmail.com or call 301-270-4239 (Kathie Mack).
General information about Gospel Sings
Join us on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 EDT at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. You can register FOR FREE for access to the live stream or to catch the recorded show 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. Donations can be made online before, during, or after the event.
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:
Growing up in rural Virginia, Anthony Burcher was often described as “he ain’t right”. An award-winning storyteller, and “champion liar,” his personal stories have humored audiences coast-to-coast. Anthony currently brings history to life for school children on behalf of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Together with his wife Mike they have co-authored 3 books about play and games that teach storytelling skills. More about Anthony
Gary Lloyd is a man of substance, leading him to develop a style of wide tales rather than the traditional tall tale. You can expect the truth to be stretched way beyond its limits with the only relief being when he tells you honestly about several of his real experiences, from his first date to a “what are the odds?” moment on a train ride in Japan. More about Gary
For more information go to The Grapevine (Storytelling)
The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). This week in the Ballroom Backroom (Annex).
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.
In the Great Hall (wood floor) at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
Please note: There is no longer free parking at the Civic Center Parking Garage
Caller: Caroline Barnes
Band: Andrea Hoag (Fiddle) and Charlie Pilzer (Piano)
Andrea and Charlie have been musical partners for years and years in the Polka Pants Band, Serpentine, Future Geezers and the Scandinavian trio Hoag, Kelley, Pilzer. They have played dances in the Pacific Northwest and New England and in almost every state in between. Come dance to them in a rare appearance as a duo.
https://andreahoag.com/
Calling Terms: Larks and Robins
Lesson at 7:00pm, Dance is from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Covid Precautions: Tier 2 - masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required
New Callers Workshop will be calling with music by the Black Oranges (Sarah Foard on fiddle, Gary Prince on guitar and mandolin, and Cynthia Marie on Piano)
Ben Hole will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Request dancing 8:30 - 9:30pm.
Co-sponsored by FSGW with the Music Ministry of the Church of the Ascension in Silver Spring.
A Celtic Christmas Concert with KA/PO (Karen Ashbrook & Paul Oorts), Andrea Hoag, and Eileen Estes
Live streamed via YouTube. Registration is required to receive the YouTube link; the link will be emailed to you before the concert. (the in-person registration can be found here).
Suggested donation of $20 each for adults or $10 under 18.
Click here to donate for this concert.
All donations go to the performers.
Dynamic duo KA/PO–Karen Ashbrook & Paul Oorts–are joined by Grammy-nominated fiddler Andrea Hoag and the extraordinary voice of Eileen Estes for a delightful evening performance. The sparkling strings of hammered dulcimer, cittern, and harp guitar blend with rich harmonies and driving melodies on fiddle and accordion. The program will include toe-tapping dance tunes and haunting vocals of seasonal ballads and meditative airs from the shores of the many Celtic nations.
INFO: Karen Ashbrook, mail@karenashbrook.com
FSGW: Co-sponsored with the Church of the Ascension, Silver Spring
Church of the Ascension, 633 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Info and registration for live-streamed option here)
There is plenty of parking on the street and in the East Silver Spring Elementary School parking lot behind the church at 631 Silver Spring Avenue. There is a path around the church, note it has stairs. Handicapped parking is in the driveway in front of the church on Sligo Avenue.
Advance registration: $20 Adults; $10 Under 18 Tickets will be available at the door for $25
John Robinson will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Caller: Penelope Weinberger
Band: Charlie Pilzer (piano,) Zachary Mills (fiddle and foot percussion), and Bobby LaRose (mandolin)
NO DANCE TODAY, December 27th, hope to see you in the New Year!
Melissa Running calls while Tina Chancey (fiddle), Paul Oorts (mandolin and accordion), and Ralph Gordon (cello) make the music
Hosted by Linda Mansdorf, John Robinson, Ben Hole, Vita Hollander & Nancy Jo Lame. This is a FREE event.
To Register for the Zoom link contact John Robinson at j_srobinson@verizon.net (Normal Friday night Folk Dance cancelled because Greenbelt Community Center not available.)
Caller: Louise Siddons
Band: Donaldson, Game, and Gordon (Linda Game on fiddle, Liz Donaldson on piano, and Ralph Gordon on bass)
FSGW is thrilled to return to the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase for another fantastic New Year’s celebration. We plan a full evening of fun dances to amazing musicians. Stay tuned for the fanciest NYE in the Metro area.
Doors open at 7:15, and the Grand March starts at 8. There will be a toast at midnight, followed by Auld Lang Syne, then some final dancing.
Caller: Lisa Greenleaf Band: Stomp Rocket (Glen Loper on mandolin, Dave Langford on fiddle, and Bethany Waickman on guitar)
Caller: Lisa Greenleaf
Band: Stomp Rocket (Glen Loper on mandolin, Dave Langford on fiddle, and Bethany Waickman on guitar)
Details and updates can be found on the New Year's Eve Contra Dance Ball page.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack to share!
COVID PROTOCOL: If Covid transmission rates are low in Maryland, DC, and Virginia at the time of the event, this will be an FSGW Tier 2 event, which means:
This event should be used to donate a payment credit to FSGW. It should NOT be used for normal donations, go here for that. Event "registrations" are $1 each. Register as many time as you need to use up your credit.
On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the FSGW Board will meet from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 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.
Caller: Kappy Laning
Band: Rhythamajigs (Jack Maus on piano, Patti Reum on flute/whistles, and Michael Giordano on fiddle/mandolin)
Join us on Wednesday, January 10, at 7:30 EST at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. You can register FOR FREE for access to the live stream or to catch the recorded show later.
ABOUT THE TELLERS -
Regi Carpenter is the youngest daughter in a family that pulsates with contradictions: religious and raucous, tender but terrible, unfortunate yet irrepressible; four generations of Carpenters raised on the Saint Lawrence River. Tales of underwater tea parties, drowning lessons, and drives to the dump give voice to generations of family life in a small river town with an undercurrent. More about Regi
Liza Newell grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Her love of storytelling is inspired by stories told around the dinner table and by the fireplace. Liza’s stories are shaped by her experiences of a small town childhood, of summers spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and of what it means to leave and find home again in different corners of the world.
Caller: TBA
Band: Sugar Beat (Elke Baker, Marc Glickman, Susan Brandt)
Caller: Gaye Fifer
Band: Glen Echo Open Band
Lesson at 7:30pm
Calling all musicians! The Glen Echo Open Band is scheduled to play for the contra dance (organized by Friday Night Dancers and FSGW), which will take place in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park from 8-11pm. If you are interested in helping to provide exciting, high-energy live music for contra dancers, please join us! Musicians of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate.
If you would like to be paid after playing the dance, please complete a W-9 form and either submit it electronically at this link to FSGW or present a physical copy to the check-in table at the dance.
Click here for more info about the open band, or here for a tune list.
COVID Policy : This is an FSGW Tier 2 event, which means that masks and vaccinations encouraged but not required
More info on FSGW's Covid response here
Caller: Michael Karcher
Band: Squirrel's Chair (Nathalie Levine and Nathan Bishop on fiddle, and Judy Minot on keyboard)
Caller: Andrea Nettleton
Band: Carrie Rose (flute), Dave Wiesler (piano), and Miranda Weinberg (fiddle)
Caller: River Abel
Band: Rachel Eddy and Friends
Join us on Wednesday, February 14, at 7:30 EST at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. You can register FOR FREE for access to the live stream or to catch the recorded show later.
#Dance Weekend returns, now in March (hopefully with better weather!)
Come dance in the famous Bumper Car Pavilion to the calling of Will Mentor and Alex Deis-Lauby with music from River Road (Kristen Planeaux, Sarah Hadley-Yakir, and Jesse Ball) and the Ice Cream Truckers (Audrey Leigh Jaber, Kelsey Wells, Yann Falquet).
The Friday Night Dance will feature Will Mentor and the Ice Cream Truckers also at Glen Echo on March 8th, an event adjacent to the weekend and with separate registration.
Volunteering: Full-weekend volunteers will be assigned 3 hours of work. Partial-weekend volunteers will be assigned 1 hour of work
#Dance 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 open air, covered Bumper Car Pavilion; workshops throughout Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD
Housing match-ups will be completed in the week before the event. If you fill in this section, we received your request. Please be patient and let us know if you no longer need housing.
Covid Protocols -
If Covid transmission rates are low in Maryland, DC, and Virginia at the time of the event, this will be an FSGW Tier 2 event, which means:
About the Artists -
River Road
Ice Cream Truckers
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight. As he once said, “I usually have a great time calling. Between the demographics of the dancers, the band, the hall, the temperature, etc. — every evening of contra dances has its own identity.” And always, he keeps intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
Alex Deis-Lauby
Join us on Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 EST at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom. You can register FOR FREE for access to the live stream or to catch the recorded show later.
Cindy Rivka Marshall brings her own twists to traditional tales and tells personal stories as well. Her award-winning recordings and performances have led to appearances across the US and in the UK. She builds community and diversity awareness by leading storytelling skills workshops and facilitating groups to craft stories based on personal experiences. Learn more
Walter Jones, Jr. is a singing, dancing, multi-instrumentalist who encourages audiences to sing along, dance along and join the journey to explore cultures, history, and colorful characters from stories around the world. He has been honored as a “Sign of Hope” by the Baltimore mayor and city council and a “Teacher of the Year” at Matthew Henson Elementary school. Learn more
Potomac River Shape Note Singing Convention!
Save the date: Saturday April 6-7, 2024, 10am-3:30pm
Potluck Dinner on the Grounds, 12:30pm, social to follow
We'll sing from the Shenandoah Harmony & the Sacred Harp (1991)
The convention is free and open to the public. All are welcome---no experience necessary!
Shape note singing is an American a cappella tradition with roots in the Colonial period. Characterized by open 4-part harmonies and a powerful sound, shape note singing is music designed primarily for participation, rather than for performance. For more information about The Sacred Harp, The Shenandoah Harmony, or shape note singing, visit fasola.org or shenandoahharmony.com