CDSS is pleased to support “Songs that Speak,” a monthly YouTube series by Saro Lynch-Thomason. Learn about the history, folklore, and modern-day relevance of traditional songs, and sing along as Saro teaches each song through sing-and-repeat. Saro’s latest offering is “Can Songs Kill? The Leo Frank Trial and the Ballad of Little Mary Phagan.”
Ken Willson and Kim McKee present “Scarborough Settler’s Lament,” in which an exile to Canada during the Highland Clearances sings about longing for the beauty of Scotland.
On this episode of Contra Pulse, Julie sits down with fiddler Becky Tracy. Becky has been a defining presence in some of the most popular and innovative contra dance bands from New England—Wild Asparagus and Nightingale.
Tim Edwards introduces “Tom o’Bedlam’s Song,” an early 17th-century tune that has been described as the finest anonymous poem in the English language. Tom is a licensed beggar discharged from the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem in London (“Bedlam”).
The Winter 2021 CDSS News is now available! Learn about Ignatius Sancho, a country dance composer who started life on a slave ship; dance the Pandemic Waltz; get some tips for weathering the winter together; and remember that “Songs Stay Sung.” Plus much more!
The Country Dance & Song Society is proud to announce that Ed Stern of Minneapolis, MN, is the 2022 recipient of the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award.
December 2024 Song of the MonthPete Coe helps us get ready to “Bring the New Year In.” The song carries on the English tradition of mummers’ plays, which have been performed at Christmas since the 17th century.
Work with us!CDSS has two year-round positions open! Might you or someone you know be the perfect fit? Find more info here, and please help spread the word to folks who may be interested.
Join us for our next Web Chat!Succession Planning for Dance Organizations
Thursday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
Join us for a panel discussion where dance organizers share their experiences with leadership and volunteer changes in their local groups. Learn more or register now!
From the Mic Episode 28: David KaynorThe newest episode of From the Mic is out now, featuring the one and only David Kaynor (yes, really!). In this episode, host Mary Wesley shares an interview she recorded with David in 2011, ten years before his passing.
Hurricane Helene SupportWe’re compiling a resource to help connect donors with dancers, singers, callers, musicians, and groups who have been directly affected by Hurricane Helene. If you are one of those affected, please fill out this form to be included in the list. If you are fortunate enough to be able to help, read their stories and send your support.
November 2024 Song of the MonthApril Grant introduces “Jolly Roving Tar.” Although it may sound like an old English sea ballad, the song was written in the United States for the Broadway musical Old Lavender.
Summer Camp Job OpportunitiesWe are in search of several camp staff for summer 2025. Please check the Jobs page for details on the positions and how to apply.
From the Mic Episode 27: Diane SilverThis episode of From the Mic features Diane Silver. Diane says: “I love that moment when I can stop calling—when I can pull back, pull back, pull back, and ultimately you’re not calling anymore. And the dancers are just dancing to the music.”
CDSS Supporter Thanks Concert, Featuring Squirrel Butter!Please join us online on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT for a special concert by Squirrel Butter, the traditional music duo of Charlie Beck and Charmaine Slaven. More details on the concert page!
New in the CDSS Store!Folk Tunes from the Women, curated by Kathryn Tickell, is a tune book like no other! This is a bumper book of more than 150 contemporary tunes by 100 unique composers from different areas, traditions, and backgrounds.
There’s a wide selection of jigs, hornpipes, reels, airs, marches, polkas, waltzes, mazurkas, and more. All tunes are presented as melody lines with chord symbols, making it a useful book for teachers and players alike.
October 2024 Song of the MonthPeter and Barbara Snape introduce “There Is a Tavern.” Similar to the well-known “Died for Love,” this song is by Lancastrian folk singer Emma Vickers. It is sung to the tune “McCafferty,” very similar to “Lord Franklin,” and has many floating verses.
2025 Lifetime Contribution Award RecipientsWe are delighted to announce the three recipients of the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award: John Roberts, Tony Parkes, and David Surette. More info about their award celebrations will be posted later this year.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.