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.
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 Episode 30: Jeremy KorrIn 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.
Community Culture & Safety ToolkitNew 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 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.
Searching for Images of Pete SutherlandPete 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.
March 2025 Song of the MonthLafayette 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.”
February 2025 Song of the MonthCindy 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.
From the Mic Episode 29: The AmidonsIn 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.
Catch up from our most recent Web ChatSuccession Planning for Dance Organizations
Thursday, December 5, 2024We 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.
January 2025 Song of the MonthJeff 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 2025 LCA Celebrations!Save the dates for the celebrations of our 2025 CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award winners:
-
John Roberts
May 10, 2025, Schenectady, NY -
David Surette
October 19, 2025, Concord, NH -
Tony Parkes
November 22, 2025, Concord, MA
-
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.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.