• Map showing CDSS board members around the U.S. Welcome, New Board Members!

    We’re excited to welcome the newest members of our Governing Board. Many thanks to the outgoing board members for their years of service! Learn more about the Board and our bylaws. 

  • A cartoon hand takes a picture of campers playing music Media Scholarship for Camp This Summer

    Thinking of coming to Cascade of Music & Dance or Family Week at Agassiz Village? Want to help us document the week? A media scholarship is available for one photographer at these camps this summer. (You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy equipment!) Find more info and apply here!

  • From the Mic with Ang DeCarlis From the Mic Episode 31: Ang DeCarlis

    Mary Wesley’s guest for episode 31 of From the Mic is Ang DeCarlis, who has been calling contras since 2012. Whether onstage at a dance or as a studio art instructor, Ang finds a lot of joy in the process of clear and careful teaching. Their often-melodic calling style always responds to and resonates with the music. 

  • A cowboy sits on the ground with his horse, gazing into the distance May 2025 Song of the Month

    David Jones introduces the cowboy tune “Clayton Boone,” about a wealthy man whose lady leaves him for the poor but handsome Davy.

  • CDSS News, Spring-Summer 2025 Spring/Summer 2025 CDSS News

    The latest issue of the CDSS News is out now! Read about celebrating Chuck Ward’s legacy with music workshops at Fall Frolick, training new dance callers in California, our new podcast(!), and more!

  • Unidentified Civil War soldier in Union uniform April 2025 Song of the Month

    Phil Cooper introduces “Goin’ ’Cross the Mountain,” about a Union soldier volunteer leaving his home to join the army. It shows youthful enthusiasm (before he’s going to be confronted with harsh reality).

  • Flying Shoes Radio Hour Introducing a new podcast: The Flying Shoes Radio Hour!

    In each episode, host Chrissy Fowler welcomes contra dance musicians to an informal recording session, where we get to hear their sound up close and personal, as well as stories about their history and approach to playing. The first episode highlights the Pine Tree Flyers. Listen and subscribe!

  • From the Mic with Jeremy Korr From the Mic Episode 30: Jeremy Korr

    In episode 30 of From the Mic, host Mary Wesley speaks with Jeremy Korr. Jeremy is a bicoastal caller, based in Southern California and Eastern Massachusetts. A second-generation dancer and dance leader, he has been calling children’s and family dances and international folk dances since 1993 and contras and squares since 2003. 

  • CDSS Community Culture & Safety Toolkit Community Culture & Safety Toolkit

    New in the Resource Portal for organizers! The Community Culture & Safety Toolkit is a comprehensive guide to help organizers develop the policies, procedures, and supporting documents needed to understand and facilitate safety in their communities. Topics include creating a statement of community values, code of conduct, and etiquette guidelines; establishing protocols for handling complaints and infractions; and evaluating the safety of a physical space. The toolkit also includes bonus guides on facilitating community meetings, role terminology, and managing chemical sensitivities.

  • Tony Barrand. Photo by Arthur Ferguson. We Filled the Barrand Fund!

    We’re pleased to report that after several generous donations, including a final gift from the Cajolet family in memory of Ron “Cajy” Cajolet, the Anthony Barrand Research & Stewardship Fund is now complete and ready to be put to use!

    Inspired by the life of Tony Barrand and his numerous contributions to the thriving morris, ritual, and song traditions on the continent, this fund provides financial support to the next generation of song and dance researchers. For more info, visit the Community Grants page.

  • Pete Sutherland playing fiddle Searching for Images of Pete Sutherland

    Pete Sutherland was a beloved musician, songwriter, poet, artist, and teacher whose creative spirit radiated from his distinctive blend of roots music. The Endless Chain is a documentary being produced to take viewers on an intimate journey into Pete’s life and artistry.

    The filmmakers are currently collecting photographs and video of Pete to include in the film. Pete was on staff at CDSS camps in 1991, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, and 2018. If you have images that you’re willing to share, please fill out the contact form describing the documentation that you have, and the filmmakers will get back to you quickly.

  • A sailor gazes up at the night sky March 2025 Song of the Month

    Lafayette Matthews introduces “Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still,” as sung by Poor Old Horse. Lafayette says, “For such a short song, it packs a wallop of emotion and borderline-supernatural imagery.”