Fiddling Frog Dance Festival

February 24-26, 2023

A full weekend of great contra dancing to fabulous bands and skillful callers in beautiful Pasadena, CA, February 24-26, 2023!

Registration is OPEN!!!

Talent

Bands:
Root System is a new trio with their first official gig together in 2023 after many years of planned bookings. Veterans in the dance scene, they are Audrey Leigh (Knuth) Jaber (fiddle), Ashley (Broder) Hoyer (mandolin) from SoCal and Amy Englesberg (Keyboard, accordion) from Vermont. They’re excited to take their unique energies and musical ideas to create new and undeniably danceable music. 

Dam Beavers are Ben Schreiber on fiddle, Scotty Leach on piano, and Ness Smith-Savedoff on drums. With roots in a wide variety of styles and genres, their music comprises an eclectic mix of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar. Let the current sweep you away as the Dam Beavers build a dam of rhythm beneath your feet.

Callers:
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.

Jeremy Korr is a popular bicoastal caller, based in SoCal most of the year and in Eastern Massachusetts during the summer. A 2nd-generation dancer and dance leader, Jeremy has been dancing his whole life, and has been calling contras and squares around the country since 2003. Jeremy is acclaimed for his fun dances, efficient walkthroughs, precise calling, and community spirit.

Gender neutral calling (Larks and Robins) all weekend.

Sound by Victor Garza.

COVID Policy

We acknowledge the ongoing concerns, uncertainties, and differences of opinion surrounding COVID and safety protocols. With an eye to everyone’s safety and drawing on the successful outcomes of several dance weekends on the West Coast, we will be asking all attendees to:

  • Be vaccinated with at least one booster (including preferably the most recent one available at the time).
  • All attendees are required to wear a face mask while indoors, except for brief sips of water. Please wear either an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin. Cloth or surgical masks alone will not be considered sufficient protection. Mask removal will be allowed in the break room only and only while actively eating. Masking will be optional for callers and musicians while performing on stage.
  • We may also ask for an antigen test on or before arrival at the hall.

These guidelines may change in line with current conditions and health advisories, and we will provide plenty of advance notice, while also refunding the fees for anyone who feels they cannot comply with any changes.

2023 schedule as of Jan. 25, 2023

Friday

6:30-7:00 pmWelcome / Registration
7:30–11:00 pmCONTRA DANCE!! Theme – SPARKLY STAR PARTY: Show off your sparkles and your favorite stars!
7:30–9:00 pmContra Dance – Jeremy & Dam Beavers
9:00-9:30 pmBreak
9:30-11 pmContra Dance – Gaye Fifer & Root System

Saturday

9:30-10:00 amWaltzing with Root System
10:00-12:00 pmContra Dance – Jeremy & Root System
12:00-12:30 pmBreak
12:30-1:00 pmMedley – Both bands & both callers
1:00-1:15 pmBreak
1:15-3:15 pmContra Dance – Gaye & Dam Beavers
3:15-3:30 pmBreak
3:30-4:30 pmWaltz lesson – Gaye. The waltz workshop will focus on beyond-the-basic waltz steps, with an emphasis on the nuances of clear leading and aware following, while connecting with the music & with your partner. The style of waltz she teaches is contra, or American folk, waltz, rather than Viennese or ballroom. 
No partner necessary.
4:30-7:00 pmDinner Break
7:00-11:30 pmA Fancy Affair Contra Dance!
7:00-9:00 pmContra Dance – Gaye & Root System
9:00-9:30 pmBreak
9:30-11:30 pmContra Dance – Jeremy & Dam Beavers

Sunday

10:00-10:30 amWaltzing with Dam Beavers
10:30-12:00 pmContra Dance – Gaye & Dam Beavers
11:00-12:00 pmSinging with Jeremy Korr – Upstairs, masking required.
12:00-12:30 pmBreak
12:30-2:15 pmContra Dance – Jeremy & Root System
2:15-2:30 pmBreak
2:30-3:30 pmThe Final Hoorah – Both bands & both callers
3:30-4:00 pmClean up and Goodbyes (help appreciated!)
6:30-10:30 pmEVENING DANCE: Open-to-the-public dance – Both bands & both callers. Sliding Scale $25-$40. Check website for COVID requirements for Fiddling Frog weekend.
6:10-6:30 pmContra dance lesson for beginners – Jeremy
6:30-8:15 pmContra Dance – Jeremy & Root System
8:15-8:45 pmBreak
8:45-10:30Contra Dance – Gaye & Dam Beavers

Registration and Pricing

Registration for Fiddling Frog Dance Festival 2023 is now open! Online registration (see the button below) as well as by mail is available.  

Click here to register online
Click here for pdf form

Online Payment — Paypal

Prices below include registration fee plus PayPal’s service charges (about 3%), so they are higher than if you send a check.

•  Please note the price has increased after 12/31/22. Click on the button for 1 registration ($190+$6 fee=$196), 2 registrations ($380+$12 fee=$392), click on the 3rd button to type in your amount.
•  SCHOLARSHIP REGISTRATIONS – Please only make payments for these if you have arranged it with one of the organizers in advance.
•  Questions? Contact Registrar – 2fiddlingfrog@gmail.com

Paypal – Single Registration
Paypal – Two person registration
Paypal – Donation to Scholarship Fund

Work scholarships are available, please email us at 2fiddlingfrog@gmail.com prior to registration to discuss. Late registration begins January 1, 2023, and is $190.

Registration is not transferable. Given the uncertainties around COVID, we will give full refunds if you need to cancel at any time for any reason.

Location

Fiddling Frog is held at the fabulous Pasadena Masonic Temple, at:

200 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA

Nearby Accommodations

A list of local hotels is provided below.

NameAddressPhone NumberMiles From Hall
Sheraton303 Cordova St, Pasadena, CA626-449-40000.07
Hilton Hotel168 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA626-577-10000.10
GreenTree-Pasadena Inn400 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA626-795-84010.34
Westin Hotels & Resorts191 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA626-792-27270.50
Courtyard Marriott- Old Town Pasadena180 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA626-403-7600 0.65
Pasadena Rose & Crown1203 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA626-449-31701.03
Saga Motor Hotel1633 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA626-795-0431 1.53

Food

A wide variety of healthy and hearty refreshments will be provided throughout the daytime and evening dances.  There are many options for meals nearby.

Clothing Exchange

Want your old favorites to become someone else’s new ones? Start perusing those closets now.

Contact

Questions or comments? Reach us at 2fiddlingfrog@gmail.com