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.
CDSS Camps Spread to the Northwest!Starting in 2027, CDSS will take over the long-standing Lady of the Lake June Music and Dance Week in Harrison, ID. The Lady of the Lake board invited us to assume responsibility for June Week to ensure that the beautiful and successful camp they created continues far into the future.
July 2025 Song of the MonthLee Murdock introduces “We’re Going to Pump Out Lake Erie,” sourced from Captain Pearl Nye of Akron, Ohio. This tongue-in-cheek song encapsulates the endless toil of canal work.
Grant funding for 2025 events and projects is still available!Thanks to your generous giving to our recent appeals and to demonstrated value and need in our community, the CDSS Board recently approved a $10,000 increase in available grant funding for this year.
See our Community Grants page for more information and how to apply.
Natural Disaster SupportWe are helping to connect donors with dance and music community members who have been directly affected by natural disasters. If you are one of those affected, please fill out this form to be included in the list.
June 2025 Song of the MonthCate Clifford introduces “The Old Songs,” a poem by Bob Copper set to music by Peter Bellamy. Cate includes both Peter’s recording and her own version of the lyrics, slightly altered to include singers of all genders.
The Flying Shoes Radio Hour Episode 2: Wild AsparagusThis second episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour features Wild Asparagus, an influential dance band based in Western Massachusetts, and named for a feral crop in the Connecticut River Valley. Listen and subscribe!
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.
Media Scholarship for Camp This SummerThinking 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 Episode 31: Ang DeCarlisMary 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.
May 2025 Song of the MonthDavid Jones introduces the cowboy tune “Clayton Boone,” about a wealthy man whose lady leaves him for the poor but handsome Davy.
Spring/Summer 2025 CDSS NewsThe 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!
April 2025 Song of the MonthPhil 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).
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.