The FSGW Calendar can be viewed two ways:
School's out! Bring kids and grandkids for some summertime songs and other great songs.
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.
For more information see the Song Circles page.
Melissa Running and Liz Donaldson call the dances while Colleen Reed (flute), Ralph Gordon (cello), and Liz Donaldson and Melissa Running (piano and more) make the music
The dance is held in the upstairs room of the Glen Echo Town Hall.
General information on our English Country Dances
Summer Vacation - no Friday night folk dance in Greenbelt during August.
Caller & Musicians:
General information about the Sunday Night Contra and Square Dance
Anna Rain calls the dances to the playing of Tina Chancey (fiddle), Tom Wright (10-string mandolin), and Francine Krasowska (piano)
Find general information about Family Dance here
Caller & Musicians: Dave Langford (fiddle, guitar), Bill Tomczak (clarinet, sax, banjo, uke, dumbek), Kate Barnes (piano, guitar, flute, harmonica), A New England based dance band featuring a trio of musicians fervent with the desire and talent to ignite flames under dancing feet. With a wide ranging and hopelessly eclectic repertoire including everything from Irish and Scottish traditional jigs and reels to Balkan, blues and swing tunes (often juxtaposed next to each other) the Latter Day Lizards bring excellent musicianship, playfulness, drama and unrelentingly infectious rhythm to their dance performances. The incredible Carol Ormand of Wisconsin comes to call
On Tuesday, September 3 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
Kappy Laning calls to the music of Colleen Reed (flute), Ralph Gordon (cello), and Francine Krasowska (piano)
John Robinson 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)
Storytellers and listeners are invited to the home of Gary Lloyd for an evening of shared tales and potluck snacks. Free. Contact Gary at garytells@gmail.com for RSVPs and directions (including parking advice).
General information on Story Swaps
A native of Newfoundland and now based in Vermont, Keith Murphy brings an evening of traditional song from Eastern Canada, Quebec, and New England. His direct and intimate style of traditional singing in English and French infuses old ballads and songs with a powerful immediacy while his rhythmic and percussive finger style of guitar playing brings new shape and color to his songs. An accomplished composer, arranger, and performer, Keith was a founding member of the acclaimed trio Nightingale. His more recent solo album Land of Fish and Seals (2018) showcases his range as a singer, from Newfoundland ballads to French Canadian chansons as well as contemporary extensions of the tradition with songs from Richard Thompson and Bob Dylan. More information on Murphy and his music is available at blackislemusic.com. $20; members $10.
Doors at 7:30 pm, music at 8:00 pm.
General information on Concerts
Internationally acclaimed vocal band Windborne will showcase their new project Song on the Times: A Songbook and Album for Social Struggle in a not-to-be-missed matinee performance on September 8th at All Souls Church Unitarian. Known for their powerful and innovative arrangements, as well as their unrivaled mastery of polyphonic music from around the world, Windborne was catapulted to wider recognition after a video of them singing a protest song from the 1840s outside Trump Tower went viral, gaining over a million views between YouTube and Facebook. Their new illustrated songbook and album collects music from working class movements for people's rights in the US and UK over the past 400 years. Called "spectacularly good, utterly brilliant" by Blues and Roots Radio and "the best musical discovery of the year" by NPR's Brian O'Donovan, Windborne stun you with their vocal harmony and move you to action. Suggested donation $10-20. Doors 1:30 pm, music 2:00 pm. All Souls Church Unitarian, 1500 Harvard St NW, Washington, DC.
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 Karen Smith in Kensington MD. Info/directions: email kwren.smith@gmail.com or call/text 240-338-0180.
General information about Gospel Sings
We're back with stories, and oh golly, we do need 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 Noa Baum.
Our featured tellers this month are the evocative Sheila Arnold and the understated Sufian Zhemukhov. 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.
General information about The Grapevine (Storytelling)
Fiddler and folksinger Emerald Rae brings the duo of strings and song to a new plateau with mesmerizing dexterity. Hailed by Roots Music Report as “a spell-caster of no small skill", her pairing of ornamented vocals with groovy percussive fiddle is not to be missed. 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 Lloyd House, 220 N Washington St. 22314. (Indoors or outdoors depending on weather.) $15 suggested donation; cash bar
Ben Hole will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Called "just about the best folk fiddler of his generation", Ben Paley brings his tasteful bowing to Potter Violins. The son of the late Tom Paley (New Lost City Ramlbers), Paley was steeped in American folk and string band music from an early age, and has since recorded with an all-star list of musicians. He is also known in Scandinavian circles for his standard work Swedish Fiddle Music: An Anthology. More information on Paley and his music is available at benpaley.com. $20; members $10.
Lucia Schaefer calling
More information visit the DC Square Dances
Caller & Musicians: Dave Wiesler (piano), Paul Oorts (guitar), David Kaynor (fiddle), and Rebecca Weiss (fiddle).
Melissa Running calls the dances while Tina Chancey (fiddle), Tom Wright (10-string mandolin), and Liz Donaldson (piano) make the music.
Larry Weiner will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
Becky Hill calling. Lively string band music by Andy Fitzgibbon (fiddle), Kate Brett (banjo), Kevin Enoch (guitar), and Ann Porcella (bass).
This dance will be called with non gendered role terms
Bands: THE RIPPLES; THE ORGANIC FAMILY BAND; DOWNEAST STRING QUARTET
Callers: Will Mentor, Lindsey Dono, Alex Deis- Lauby
When: September 22, 2019 from 1pm to 11pm. There is a break between 6pm and 7pm for the contra dance world's best potluck.
The 9th annual full day of dancing will feature three amazing bands and callers, with hours and hours of blissful dancing!
Starting us off at 1:00 pm The Ripples: Kristen Planeaux - piano, percussion, vocals; Andrew Taylor - fiddle; Christopher Woood - guitar; and Gabrielle Lanza - vocals, percussion; will get us off to a rollicking start with their driving rhythms, intricate, lyrical arrangements and verve.
At 3:40 Downeast String Quartet takes the stage. Hailing from Maine, Massachusetts, and the downeasterly way, Ed Howe - fiddle, Emerald Rae - fiddle, Casey Murray - cello, and Stuart Kenney - bass, are four amazing string players in a new configuration. Sure to make a soaring sound.
at 6:00 we take a break for the contra dance world's best potluck. over 200 dishes and no lines! take your seat at a table where the food looks appealing, or sit with what you brought, every table will have a healthy wholesome mix of mains, sides and DESSERTS! (We aim for a vegetarian friendly and a gf safer table.)
Back to dancing at 7:00 with the Organic Family Band. Wowing dancers up and down the east coast, at weekends and camps alike, the family is truly that - Dad Michael Raitzyk on guitar, Mom Judith Geller on french horn, while Phenom Offspring Rebekah Geller and Jakob Raitzyk both wail on the fiddle.
What can we say about our callers? Will Mentor is the internationally renowned jester prince of contra calling. Lindsey Dono brings a cool west coast sensibility and a dream catalog of dances. New York's Alex Deis-Lauby is the darling of the contra calling scene. Each a master in their own right.
Sound by Ed Howe and Erik Ewald.
Please use fragrance sparingly or not at all. Contrastock is being called with non- gendered dance role terms
Shirts: Colors are charcoal (left) and purple (right). Also available sleeveless.
Linda Mansdorf will lead, teach and organize the request dancing.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2019 the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201.
If you wish to register by regular mail you can print the registration form and send it in. Get Printable Registration Form
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 -
Request dancing 8:30-10:45pm.
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
The equinox is over and done with, so now we can rest easy as we slide downhill to the winter solstice and listen to some stories in the darkening evening. 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 remarkable Jamie Brickhouse and the dexterous Megan Hicks (aka the Origami Swami). 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: Owen Morrison - guitar, Anna Patton - clarinet, Naomi Morse - fiddle
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
T-Claw calling
T-Claw calling!
Colleen Holroyd (fiddle, feet), Rebecca Weiss (fiddle), Sophie Chang (cello), Bobby LaRose (piano, mandolin).
On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the FSGW Board will meet from 8pm to 10pm at Glen Echo Park in classroom 201.
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.
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.
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.
We have the date and are working on the details!
More info: Washington Spring Ball
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.
