Folklore Society of Greater Washington FSGW

No pre-registration needed for in-person, but if you register at https://fsgw.org/grapevine you will have access to the live stream and the recorded show for later. You will get emails with reminders on the date, time, and location, as well as Zoom information. We ask for donations to support our tellers, suggested $20 per person (feel free to give more!). Donations can be made in person or online before, during, or after the show, at: https://fsgw2.org/grapevine.html

The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted by storytellers Renée Brachfeld and Tim Livengood.

ABOUT OUR TELLERS:

Karen Wilson Ama’Echefu is a woman who wears many hats. She is a singer and storyteller first, gifts that came naturally. Her father said when she was born, she wailed a deep and grounding “waah!”, two octaves below the other babies. She sings and tells so that we might laugh, cry, query, think and wonder together. She writes to discover organic thoughts, and she speaks to melt away the walls that divide.

Cory Howard wants to reimagine the Storyteller. Passionate about centering the audience in the narrative and nudging storytelling beyond its typical constructs, Cory hopes to subvert expectations so anticipation gives way to participation leading to brand new collective experiences. Cory has performed at the National Storytelling Festival, is a Moth Grand Slam winner and has an M.A. in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University where his original show The Campfireball was awarded ‘Outstanding Capstone Project’.

Register: https://www.fsgw.org/event-6834511

(Please note, you are not registered by responding on meetup, you must register through the FSGW website, or at the door if tickets are available)

The FSGW weekly English Country Dance offers delightful dancing, led by talented callers, accompanied by top-notch musicians playing a wide variety of instruments. The crowd is friendly and enthusiastic; new dancers are always welcome and can get an informal lesson if they arrive around 7:30. You don't need to bring a partner, or dress up.

• If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson.

Covid Protocol: masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required.

Some dancers are sensitive to fragrances, and they are grateful when you skip the perfume and scented after-shave.

Additional information about this weekly event is available on the English Country Dance (in-person) web page.
https://www.fsgw.org/ecd

Pay at the door: Admission - $15 FSGW Members, $8 Students and those with limited income, $17 Others.

Questions? Email English Country Dance

• We look forward to dancing with you!

Register at https://www.fsgw.org/event-6852518

Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band - founded in 1983, based in New York, is the foremost presenter of traditional Balkan brass music in the US. They have performed for concerts, weddings, and festivals across the US and in the Balkans, from the halls of the Kennedy Center in Washington to the illustrious Guča Brass Festival in Serbia, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. They were the first musicians from abroad to perform Serbian music at Guča, and they have been invited guests five times. Their 2010 visit was featured in the documentary Brasslands. They have released four albums of music for listening and dancing. In 1986, they created New York’s Golden Festival and have joyously sponsored it ever since.

Karpouzi plays music on traditional instruments from the Greek mainland and islands, and Asia Minor. In Greece, karpouzi means watermelon – sweet and tasting of summer. Led by Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis, the Karpouzi ensemble is dedicated to preserving and sharing the beautiful and deeply-rooted repertoire of the many and varied regions of Greece. The group has played events sponsored by the Library of Congress, The Revels at Lisner Auditorium, Hill Center, Greek Embassy, Cypriot Embassy, Delegation of the European Union, and numerous restaurants, parties, camps and folk festivals, including many FSGW events. In 2025, Spyros was a winner of a prestigious Maryland "Heritage Award." Spyros Koliavasilis (vocals, oud, kemane, laouto), Margaret Loomis (santouri), Len Newman (laouto), and Niko Mitrione (oud, laouto, bouzouki).

Woven throughout the day is A Journey Through Ex-Yugoslavia - A living celebration of shared Balkan heritage. Authentic folk costumes from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, and Slovenia from the collection of Biljana Regan and her take on new life as presented by Balkan Roots, LLC.

…and more!

Bring a picnic or purchase one at Praline Bakery at Glen Echo Park!