[[events]] name = "River Rendezvous" links = ["https://riverrendezvous.com/", "https://www.facebook.com/events/656454182128444/"] start = "2022-07-15T15:00:00-04:00" end = "2022-07-17T15:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "OH" city = "Coshocton" styles = ["contra"] workshop = false social = true bands = ["Toss the Possum", "The Mean Lids"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Terry Doyle", "Carol Kopp"] price = "$95-$171.50" organisation = "Northeast Ohio Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/ohio.yaml" [[events]] name = "Fiddling Frog" links = ["https://www.caldancecoop.org/special-events/fiddling-frog/"] start = "2023-02-24T19:00:00-08:00" end = "2023-02-26T22:30:00-08:00" country = "USA" state = "CA" city = "Pasadena" styles = ["contra"] workshop = false social = true bands = ["Root System", "The Dam Beavers"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Jeremy Korr"] price = "$85-$190" organisation = "California Dance Co-Operative" source = "events/usa/california.yaml" [[events]] name = "Hawaii Contra Dance Week" links = ["https://kalani.com/hawaii-contra-dance-week-march-2023/"] start = "2023-03-11T16:00:00-10:00" end = "2023-03-17T12:00:00-10:00" country = "USA" state = "HI" city = "Pahoa" styles = ["contra"] workshop = false social = true bands = ["Tangent"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Claire Takemori"] price = "$1420-$3100" organisation = "Kalanimua" source = "events/usa/hawaii.yaml" [[events]] name = "Whitewater Whirl" links = ["https://www.footmad.org/whirl"] start = "2023-05-05T18:00:00-04:00" end = "2023-05-07T13:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "WV" city = "Fayetteville" styles = ["contra", "ecd"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Playing with Fyre", "Trillium"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Terry Doyle"] price = "$60-$110" organisation = "FOOTMAD" source = "events/usa/fayetteville.yaml" [[events]] name = "Fall Dance Weekend" details = """ Come dance to the music of Supertrad and Stomp Rocket with callers Gaye Fifer, Janine Smith, and guest caller Michael Karchar. All are welcome. This is a mask-optional and vaccine-optional dance. While dancing, we will have a mask-required line if enough people show up who are interested. Details and registration will be forthcoming on our website.   """ links = ["https://cdss.org/event/pittsburgh-fall-dance-weekend/", "https://pittsburghcontra.org/fdw/", "https://www.facebook.com/events/608965457991737/"] start = "2023-10-27T20:00:00-04:00" end = "2023-10-29T15:30:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "PA" city = "Pittsburgh" styles = ["contra", "ecd"] workshop = false social = true bands = ["Stomp Rocket", "Supertrad"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Janine Smith", "Michael Karchar"] price = "$60-$120" organisation = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss_2023.yaml" [[events]] name = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" details = "Come dance to the music of the Lackawanna Longnecks with caller Gaye Fifer. Our free beginner lesson begins at 7:30pm. Complete beginners are welcome! This dance, masks are optional, but we also hold a masks-required dance each month. " links = ["https://pittsburghcontra.org/", "https://cdss.org/event/pittsburgh-contra-dance-masks-optional-2/"] start = "2023-12-15T19:30:00-05:00" end = "2023-12-15T23:00:00-05:00" country = "USA" state = "PA" city = "Pittsburgh" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Lackawanna Longnecks"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] price = "$15" organisation = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss_2023.yaml" [[events]] name = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" details = "Come dance to the music of the Snappin’ Bug Stringband with caller Gaye Fifer. Our free beginner lesson begins at 7:30. Complete beginners are welcome! At this dance masks are required, but we also have a mask-optional dance each month. " links = ["https://pittsburghcontra.org/", "https://cdss.org/event/pittsburgh-contra-dance/"] start = "2024-01-26T19:30:00-05:00" end = "2024-01-26T23:00:00-05:00" country = "USA" state = "PA" city = "Pittsburgh" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Snappin' Bug Stringband"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] organisation = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Bayou Bedlam" links = ["http://www.bayoubedlam.org/", "https://cdss.org/event/bayou-bedlam/"] start = "2024-02-09T19:30:00-06:00" end = "2024-02-11T19:30:00-06:00" country = "USA" state = "TX" city = "Houston" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["The Dam Beavers"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] organisation = "Houston Area Traditional Dance Society" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" details = "Come dance to the music of GrayScale with caller Gaye Fifer. Our free beginner lesson begins at 7:30pm. Complete beginners are welcome! At this dance masks are optional, but we also hold a masks-required dance each month." links = ["https://pittsburghcontra.org/", "https://cdss.org/event/pittsburgh-contra-dance-masks-optional-2/"] start = "2024-03-29T19:30:00-04:00" end = "2024-03-29T23:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "PA" city = "Pittsburgh" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["GrayScale"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] price = "$15" organisation = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Springforth Ball and Dance Weekend" details = """ The Traditional American Dance and Music Society invites you to the 27th Annual Springforth Ball & Dance Weekend April 12-13-14, 2024 Featuring Drive Train Ed Howe (fiddle) Bennett Konesni (guitar), and Noah Fishman (bass, mandolin & bouzouki) with Gaye Fifer calling Join us for a high energy weekend of food, dance, music, and workshops.""" links = ["https://tadamsva.org/springforth-2024/", "https://cdss.org/event/springforth-ball-and-dance-weekend/"] start = "2024-04-12T19:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-04-14T15:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "VA" city = "Richmond" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Drive Train"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] organisation = "TADAMS (Traditional American Dance and Music Society)" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Spring Dance Weekend" details = "Our Spring Dance Weekend features English Country Dance at its finest. Join us for the entire weekend of workshops led by our experienced dance instructors, Gaye Fifer and Olivia Barry. Magical live music all weekend provided by our two featured bands, nationally renowned musicians Rachel Bell, Susan Kevra, and Jacqueline Schwab along with local group, Dame’s Delight. Option for dancers with some prior experience to drop into our Saturday evening community dance for $10." links = ["https://www.folkschool.org/2024/02/01/spring-dance-weekend-2024/", "https://cdss.org/event/spring-dance-weekend/"] start = "2024-04-26T15:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-04-28T12:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "NC" city = "Brasstown" styles = ["ecd"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Dame's Delight"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Olivia Barry"] price = "$256" organisation = "CDSS" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Whitewater Whirl" details = """ The Whitewater Whirl returns for its 17th year in West Virginia’s New River Gorge area. Gaye Fifer and Janine Smith call to the tunes of Hot Coffee Breakdown: Tom Cunningham (fiddle), Luis de Leon (percussion/harmonica), Kate Sanders (keyboard)—and Brazenkeys, with Tadhg Ó Meachair (all-Ireland champion on accordion), Joanna Hyde (fiddle), and Eric Schedler (piano). New Deal-era dance hall with suspended wooden floor, free tent camping or dorm style bunks, motels and B&Bs in area, meal plan available. Register at WhitewaterWhirl.org. Sponsored by Kanawha Valley Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD). $115, under 30 $75""" links = ["https://www.footmad.org/whirl", "https://cdss.org/event/whitewater-whirl-contra-dance-weekend/"] start = "2024-05-03T19:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-05-05T15:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "WV" city = "Fayetteville" styles = ["contra"] workshop = false social = true bands = ["Brazenkeys", "Hot Coffee Breakdown"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Janine Smith"] price = "$75-$115" organisation = "Kanawha Valley Friends of Old Time Music and Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Spring Dance Romance" links = ["https://tcdancers.org/sdr"] start_date = "2024-05-24" end_date = "2024-05-26" country = "USA" state = "NC" city = "Carrboro" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["The Mean Lids", "River Road"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Alex Deis-Lauby"] organisation = "TryContra" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Dance Trance Weekend" links = ["https://www.dancetrance.ltda.us/", "https://cdss.org/event/dance-trance-in-lexington-ky/"] start = "2024-06-07T20:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-06-09T15:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "KY" city = "Lexington" styles = ["contra", "ecd"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Hot Coffee Breakdown", "Dreamdance"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Joe Wilkie"] price = "$50-$115" organisation = "Lexington Traditional Dance Association" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Swing into Summer" links = ["http://www.swingintosummer.org/"] start_date = "2024-06-14" end_date = "2024-06-16" country = "USA" state = "MA" city = "Plymouth" styles = ["contra", "ecd"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Countercurrent", "Miranda Weinberg, Aaron Marcus, & Carrie Rose"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Adina Gordon"] price = "$100-$260" organisation = "TryContra" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Roanoke Railroader" links = ["http://www.roanokerailroader.com/"] start_date = "2024-07-04" end_date = "2024-07-07" country = "USA" state = "VA" city = "Salem" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Toss the Possum", "The Latter Day Lizards"] callers = ["Will Mentor", "Gaye Fifer"] price = "$95-$160" organisation = "TryContra" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Rochester Thursday Night Contras" details = "We are a welcoming contra group, dancing every week to live music. Please come! Check our website in case of last minute changes, and check out our videos on our Country Dancers of Rochester YouTube channel!" links = ["https://cdrochester.org/events/thursday-night-contra-213/", "https://cdss.org/event/rochester-ny-thursday-night-contras/2024-07-18/"] start = "2024-07-18T18:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-07-18T22:30:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "NY" city = "Rochester" styles = ["balfolk", "contra"] workshop = false social = true callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] price = "$5-$10" organisation = "Country Dancers of Rochester" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Flying Shoes Community Dance & Contra Dance" details = """ Everyone is welcome at this two-part monthly dance series. From neophytes to lifelong participants, and so many other demographic variations, we all collaborate to make this community-building participatory arts program a joyful success. See you at the dance! Schedule: 6:00 pm ~ Musicians Warmup ~ Tunes on the All Comers Band page 6:30-7:30 pm ~ Community Dance ~ Lisa Newcomb & Chrissy Fowler calling with the All Comers Band, led by Benjamin Foss & Willy Clemetson ~ Community Dance admission is $1 kids, $2 adults 8:00-11:00 pm ~ Contra Dance ~ We use the terms lark and robin to identify the dance roles. (More on roles here.) ~ Contra Dance Admission is $20 – $15 (a sliding scale lets us cover expenses and compensate performers; please pay as much as you can!) Location: First Church in Belfast UCC, 8 Court St, Belfast (enter via Spring St) Policies:  See Community Care Policy and First Friday FAQ ~ BFS programs are chem free (please be sober) ~ Stay home if you don’t feel well Sponsors: Artisan Builders, Belfast Community Co-op, Colburn Shoe Store, Daisychain Farm, First National Bank, Grace Chiropractic, The Green Store, Searsport Shores Oceanfront Camping, Thomas Fowler PE, Trillium Caterers, and Worth Real Estate""" links = ["https://belfastflyingshoes.org/calendar/", "https://cdss.org/event/flying-shoes-first-friday-community-dance-contra-dance/2024-08-02/"] start = "2024-08-02T18:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-08-02T23:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "ME" city = "Belfast" styles = ["contra"] workshop = false social = true bands = ["All Comers Band", "Stomp Rocket"] callers = ["Chrissy Fowler", "Lisa Newcomb", "Gaye Fifer"] price = "$15-$22" organisation = "Belfast Flying Shoes" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Cascade of Music & Dance" links = ["https://camp.cdss.org/camp-weeks/cascade-of-music-dance-at-louise/"] start_date = "2024-08-12" end_date = "2024-08-18" country = "USA" state = "MD" city = "Cascade" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true callers = ["Wendy Graham Settle", "Gaye Fifer"] organisation = "TryContra" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Rocky Mountain Rendezvous" links = ["https://cfootmad.org/rendezvous", "https://boulderdance.org/event/rocky-mountain-rendezvous-contra-dance-weekend-4/", "https://boulderdance.org/event/rocky-mountain-rendezvous-contra-dance-weekend-6/", "https://boulderdance.org/event/rocky-mountain-rendezvous-contra-dance-open-dance/", "https://boulderdance.org/event/rocky-mountain-rendezvous-contra-dance-weekend-7/"] start = "2024-08-30T18:00:00-06:00" end = "2024-09-02T13:30:00-06:00" country = "USA" state = "CO" city = "Boulder" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Nova", "The Dam Beavers"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "Jacqui Grennan", "Will Mentor"] organisation = "TryContra" source = "events/usa/trycontra.yaml" [[events]] name = "Swingin' Tern Double Dance" details = """ Peter Buchak—accordion; Miranda Weinberg—fiddle; Ben Kennedy—piano 3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $15 adults/$5 students 5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants 7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop 7:30 – 10:30 pm All-Level Evening Dance $15 adults/$5 students All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ Our dance hall is air-conditioned. Vaccination and masks optional. If you don’t pay the Fifer, Gaye will lead all The Orphans and the children of Hamelin off to contra dance. In an Oliver Twist of events, Cinderella, Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Harry Potter find themselves in a ring of four. Don’t Heidi out or be a Pollyanna, wear your Snow White dress and Pippi Longstockings or Tarzan loincloth. Bambi will be waiting. Gaye Fifer Gaye Fifer is an accomplished caller from Pittsburgh, PA. An active dancer herself, Gaye understands the subtleties of making dances particularly satisfying for dancers. Her instructions are clear and concise, as she is a teacher by profession. An easy smile and delightful sense of humor are part of Gaye’s relaxed, pleasant style at the microphone. Gaye calls contra and English dances throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is also an enthusiastic advocate and instructor of contra-style waltz. Gaye is the former President of the Board of CDSS. YouTube Video  The Orphans The Orphans are a high-energy trio from the Philadelphia area, featuring Peter Buchak on accordion, Miranda Weinberg on fiddle, and Ben Kennedy on piano. Formed in 2016, they feature a repertoire of French Canadian and Irish tunes to propel you around the dance floor. YouTube Video   Our full calendar Useful Information: Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing before the evening dance. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller. **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance. Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC. For the dinner break, visit one of the 17 walkable restaurants within two blocks of the dance.   We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional. All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in. We are in an air-conditioned have along with the option for open windows on three sides. We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break. Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink. Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes. We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles! $15 adults/$5 students per session""" links = ["https://folkproject.org/mec-events/tern-20240907/", "https://cdss.org/event/swingin-tern-double-dance-gaye-fifer-the-orphans/"] start = "2024-09-07T15:45:00-04:00" end = "2024-09-07T22:30:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "NJ" city = "Chatham" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["The Orphans"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] price = "$10-$30" organisation = "Swingin' Tern Dances" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Star of the North" details = """ You are invited to a weekend of engaging music and dance with premier artists: Caller: Gaye Fifer Gaye has been calling at ECD and contra dance camps, weekends and festivals around the country for many years. Her pleasant style and graceful teaching put dancers at ease and set the stage for a great dance experience. A retired elementary school teacher living in Pittsburgh, PA, Gaye is the immediate past president of the Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS) and has a passionate interest in supporting dance community leaders and organizers. Musicians: Karen Axelrod (piano), Eric Martin (fiddle) and Shira Kammen (fiddle).  Star of the North 2024 workshop artists’ full biographies are available here. Register for the entire weekend, October 4 – 6, 2024  Or  Individual dances and events Pre-registration is recommended Entire weekend registration: Early bird (register before 9/16/2024: $140  Regular (register after 9/16/2024: $150  Register by event: Friday, October 4 Evening Dance 8:00 –10:00 pm | $35 Saturday, October 5 Morning Dance Workshop 10:00 am – noon | $30 Saturday, October 5 Afternoon Dance Workshop 2:00 – 4:00 pm | $30 Saturday, October 5 Evening Ball 8:00 – 10:30 pm | $35 Sunday, October 6 Morning Dance 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |$30""" links = ["https://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/starofthenorth", "https://cdss.org/event/star-of-the-north-english-country-dance-weekend/2024-10-04/", "https://cdss.org/event/star-of-the-north-english-country-dance-weekend/2024-10-05/", "https://cdss.org/event/star-of-the-north-english-country-dance-weekend/2024-10-06/"] start = "2024-10-04T20:00:00-05:00" end = "2024-10-06T12:30:00-05:00" country = "USA" state = "MN" city = "Minneapolis" styles = ["ecd"] workshop = true social = true callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] price = "$140-$150" organisation = "Tapestry Folkdance Center" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" details = """ Come dance to live music by Go Figure with caller Gaye Fifer. Our free beginner lesson begins at 7:30pm. Complete beginners are welcome! As always, we will offer a couple of waltzes during breaks.  $15 (suggested donation)""" links = ["https://pittsburghcontra.org/", "https://cdss.org/event/pittsburgh-contra-dance-masks-optional/"] start = "2024-10-18T20:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-10-18T23:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "PA" city = "Pittsburgh" styles = ["contra"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Go Figure"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer"] price = "$15" organisation = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml" [[events]] name = "Pittsburgh Fall Dance Weekend" details = """ Time to register for our Fall Dance Weekend! Early Bird pricing expires after October 1. It’s going to be an unforgettable time with top-notch bands, callers, and sound with music by Engine Room + Hot Coffee Breakdown, callers Gaye Fifer + River Rainbowface, and sound by Hanno Meingast. As you can see in our schedule below, this is not just a weekend of contras; it also features other dances, various kinds of lessons, and other musical events.  Early registration for the full weekend is $110 (+20 after October 1); $65 for those under 25 or those with financial need. Online registration offers secure payment by credit card, with the option to pay by mailing a check. Registration for the full weekend or individual sessions will still be available at the door. Schedule (check this link for updates and see our event website for further details) Friday Night 8:00-11:00 p.m. Welcome Dance Music by Hot Coffee Breakdown and Engine Room Calling by River and Gaye Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Beyond the Basics Waltz: Gaye & Hot Coffee Breakdown 10:45 a.m.- 12:15 Brain Bending Dance Games (contras): River & Engine Room 12:15-1:45 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN Saturday Afternoon workshops in main ballroom at Wightman: 1:45-3:15 p.m. Challenging Contras:  Gaye & Engine Room 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Playing with Role Swapping (contras): River & Hot Coffee Breakdown Saturday Afternoon workshops in the small room at Wightman: 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. French Dancing: Lisa Tamres 2:40 – 3:40 p.m. Singing: Jo Schlesinger 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Musician’s Jam: Donna Isaac DINNER BREAK: 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m Potluck + pizza at Anders’    8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Evening Dance with Engine Room/Hot Coffee Breakdown + River/Gaye Sunday 9:00 -10:30 a.m. English Dance: Gaye + Hot Coffee Breakdown 9:00 – 10:30 : Intermediate Callers’ Workshop – Planning Medleys and Programs: River 10:45 a.m.- noon Open Waltz: Engine Room 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 1:00-3:30 Farewell Contra Dance: Engine Room/Hot Coffee Breakdown + River/Gaye $110 early admission, $65 for dancers under 25, after Oct 1 or at the door: add $20; $65 for financial need.""" links = ["http://pittsburghcontra.org/fdw/", "https://cdss.org/event/pittsburgh-fall-dance-weekend-masks-optional/"] start = "2024-10-25T20:00:00-04:00" end = "2024-10-27T17:00:00-04:00" country = "USA" state = "PA" city = "Pittsburgh" styles = ["contra", "ecd"] workshop = true social = true bands = ["Engine Room", "Hot Coffee Breakdown"] callers = ["Gaye Fifer", "River Rainbowface"] price = "$20-$110" organisation = "Pittsburgh Contra Dance" source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml"