What’s New

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. 

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!

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. 

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

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!

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).

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!

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.”