Connecting donors directly with folk artists and leaders impacted by the storm

When Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast in September, dozens of people and groups in our dance and music communities lost income, property, event spaces, and much more. 

Let’s show these folks our love! Click on a link below to send some kindness, business, or funds to the callers, musicians, singers, sound technicians, and local groups who make our lives so sweet. 

Listings appear in random order for fairness’s sake.

Add a Listing

  • Tapestry Folkdance Center Benefit Dance on November 16

    Minneapolis, MN

    Donate Website

    Appalachian Music and dance for the whole family! Called by Beth Molaro, Beau Farmer, and Ann Carter with Music by Contratopia and the Old Time All Stars. All proceeds will go to the Old Farmer’s Ball, who will distribute funds to the Asheville folk dance community and the surrounding area devastated by Hurricane Helene. Hosted by Tapestry Folkdance Center.

  • Geri Solomon Dancer Geri Solomon

    Asheville, NC

    Email

    I’m a teacher doing some sub teaching in Buncombe County Schools. Tree landed on house, another on car. Home damage inside & out. Just got car back so lost income due to car issue. Also water main broke & having lots of expensive plumbing repairs inside and out. Would appreciate financial help for plumbing costs & volunteers for caulking & a bit of painting. Thanks so much. Geri

  • Daniel Ullom Daniel Ullom

    Asheville, NC

    Donate Website

    I’m a mandolin player and music teacher living in Asheville NC. My 10 years in the music industry has been characterized by mostly scrappy self-promotion, bar gigs and DIY records. For the most part, I’ve never been able to hire a manager, booker, or any type of team that many top levels acts have. I have a lot that I’m proud of and I’m always grateful to be able to make my living through music, but it’s always been a haphazard endeavor.

    Read more

    I moved to Asheville (I previously lived there for 4 years) a couple weeks before Hurricane Helene and was planning on gigging around town until I could get a new project going. This is usually pretty easy to do and was working out for the first few weeks. I picked up 5 gigs that were able to cover my bills for the month. 

    After Helene, this has all gone away. Some gigs are beginning to come back, however most have not. The local economy is still reacting to the disaster. 

    I’m seeking any sort of financial assistance to help me cover bills through this winter.

  • Donna Ray Norton Donna Ray Norton

    Weaverville, NC

    Website

    I’m an eighth generation ballad singer from Madison County, North Carolina. I’ve lost several gigs and I worked at the Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Zadie’s restaurant in Marshall NC, which were completely destroyed. So I’ve lost income, and any help at all would be great. 

  • Claire Takemori Claire Takemori

    Asheville, NC

    Donate Website

    Dance caller, organizer.  I lost my entire storage (moved from CA) in Asheville flooding from Helene.  I have the basic necessities so please prioritize other folks, but I lost: all my caller dance books, violin music books, caller dance card notes (I have most dances in Callers Companion), my flute from 4th grade, my yarn stash, Pfaff sewing machine & serger. If anyone has extra caller modern dance books (contra, ECD, family/barn dance) a C flute, sewing machine or serger, washable merino wool yarns. I’m not sure what else is missing yet. 

View the Listing

We’re helping our community to provide direct financial support to CDSS mission-aligned musicians, callers, dancers, singers, and groups directly affected by Hurricane Helene.

Please fill out this form to be included in our list, which has a randomized order to promote fair visibility to all who are included.


Contra Dance Calling: A Basic Text

The comprehensive entry-level book on contra dance calling by Tony Parkes. Every aspect of the caller’s work is dealt with clearly and thoroughly, including how to get started as a caller; music as it relates to the dance; timing and phrasing; voice technique; fitting the calls to the music; dance notation; teaching and walkthroughs; choosing material; calling for special groups; working with live or recorded music; buying and using a sound system; and running a dance series. In addition, the book includes an in-depth discussion of the basic movements; a selection of easy-to-call dances; a complete glossary of terms; an extensive list of resources; and information on how to use other dance books. In short, this is your guide to the entire world of contra dance calling, teaching, and organizing.

View the first chapter for free above—or purchase the complete book.

From Tony Parkes and Hands Four Productions

 

American Morris Newsletter Archive

The complete American Morris Newsletter, including scans of physical copies from 1977-2002 and digital copies from 2005-2008. Also includes a printed index to the volumes, directory of sides, and other special publications of the AMN.

From the Midwest Morris Ale

Free and Open Dancing for All

Nearly 50 new contra dances from Isaac Banner, along with tips for running a workshop, glossary, and index by figure and dance type. A great resource for new callers, as well as experienced callers looking for new dances.

From Isaac Banner

Example Codes of Conduct

Here are some of our favorite codes of conduct from other dance and music organizations to use as inspiration for your own!

Chicagoland English Country Dance
Chicago, IL; English country dance

Olympia Contra Dance
Olympia, WA; contra dance
(links in the “Community” paragraph under “The Details”)

DanceFlurry Organization
Albany/Saratoga Springs, NY (and surrounding areas); several types of monthly dance series and workshops, educational programs in schools and other organizations

Portland Country Dance Community
Portland, OR; contra dance, English country dance, music sessions
Code of Conduct
Community Standards
Guidelines for Event Coordinators Addressing Incidents

Ottawa Contra Dance
Ottawa, ON; contra dance

John C. Campbell Folk School
Brasstown, NC; contra dance, English country dance, community/family dance, many other music and craft workshops

Raise the Rafters
Rhododendron, OR; singing

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