Concert and Week of Nightly Dances at the Folk School

Join us, MONDAY, July 14, at 7 p.m. in Keith House Community Room for a one-hour concert with dance to follow. The supergroup performance features Betsy Branch on fiddle, Peter Siegel plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin, Jared Kirkpatrick on piano, and Rick Mohr on rhythm. These fine musicians will be joined by seasoned dance caller, Gaye Fifer, along with her student mentees for nightly public dances from July 12 – 18 as part of our annual Dance Musicians’ and Callers’ weeks founded by David Kaynor. Chairs will be moved, and a dance will commence shortly after 8 p.m. 

Saturday, July 12, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., we host a monthly Second Saturday big community contra dance in historic Keith House Community Room. The band will be Branch, Siegel, Kirkpatrick, and Mohr. Dances to be taught and called by Gaye Fifer. All are welcome; no partner necessary. This will serve as a Dance Musicians’ Week Kickoff Party.  

Sunday, July 13, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., we host a monthly English Country dance. The band will be Branch, Siegel, Kirkpatrick, and Mohr. Dances to be taught and called by Gaye Fifer. This event will welcome a large group of out-of-town adult musicians, students, and callers. If it is your first-time trying English country dancing, be on time for simple walkthroughs and instruction on the easier dances. 

Tuesday and Wednesday July 15 and 16, dancing will go from about 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring student bands and callers.  

Thursday, July 17, the party moves up the hill to the Crown Restaurant for a free open community jam session at 7 p.m. followed by a dance in the plywood solar pavilion at 8 p.m. 

Friday night, July 18 we’ll have a Craft Social in and around Keith House starting at 7 p.m. Bring a project to work on at the Craft Corner or stop by to see instructor work. The Community room will have dancing starting at 7:30 p.m. 

A donation of $5-15 per adult is suggested for some of the events, but all are welcome regardless of contribution. Any funds raised help with equitable pay for performers.