The Spring 2022 CDSS News is now available! Learn about the Johnny Appleseed of morris dance; try a two-couple ECD or a happy march; read an interview with the late, great Tony Barrand; and much more.
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The Spring 2022 CDSS News is now available! Learn about the Johnny Appleseed of morris dance; try a two-couple ECD or a happy march; read an interview with the late, great Tony Barrand; and much more.
Nick Dow tells of a visit to a pub in Broadwindsor and an evening of memorable songs. One of these, “The Foggy Dew,” is the story of a bachelor who takes in a young woman on a chilly night and ends up as a single father.
On this episode of Contra Pulse, Dave tells us all about his early years and how his journey as a fiddle player began on a spur-of-the-moment whim. We explore his identity as a New England Style Fiddler, and get to hear Dave demonstrate his unique fiddle strum, and a few beautiful tunes on the guitar. Dave leaves us with a cliffhanger about new developments coming out with his band, Stomp Rocket, so we’ll just have to wait at the edge of our seats to find out. In the meantime, enjoy!
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.
Cindy Kallet introduces “The Old Figurehead Carver,” with music by Dick Swain from a poem by Hiram Cody. In the song, the speaker reminisces about his favorite project: a figurehead for the clipper ship Marco Polo.
In episode 29 of From the Mic, host Mary Wesley speaks with Peter and Mary Alice Amidon. The Amidons have been immersed in traditional dance and song since 1975.
We’re compiling a resource to help connect donors with members of the dance and music community who have been directly affected by the California wildfires, Hurricane Helene, and other natural disasters. 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.
Succession Planning for Dance Organizations
Thursday, December 5, 2024
We held a panel discussion in which dance organizers shared their experiences with leadership and volunteer changes in their local groups. View the slides, video, and transcript.
Jeff Gillett introduces “The Unquiet Grave,” Child ballad number 78. In most versions, the dead lover is male and there is a suggestion of violent death as he “lies slain.” This version has a female lover who is simply dead and buried.
Save the dates for the celebrations of our 2025 CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award winners:
John Roberts
May 10, 2025, Schenectady, NY
RSVP
David Surette
October 19, 2025, Concord, NH
Tony Parkes
November 22, 2025, Concord, MA
Pete 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.
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.
The 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.
April 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.
We are in search of several camp staff for summer 2025. Please check the Jobs page for details on the positions and how to apply.
This 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.”