Labor Day Dance Away 2019
August 30 – September 2
Join us for an ALL-INCLUSIVE weekend of dancing and music at beautiful Camp Cedar Glen in the mountains near the historic town of Julian, east of San Diego, California!
Arrive, park, relax and enjoy! No hotels, no restaurants . . . just clean mountain air and starry nights . . .
Talent | About | Registration |
Schedule | Food | Housing |
General Info | Public Dances | Scholarships |
Contact | Raffle | Photos |
Talent History | Ride Share | Location Directions |
2019 TALENT
Audacious

Audrey Knuth, Larry Unger,
Glen Loper, Casey Murray
Audrey Knuth (CA) hails from Honolulu. She moved to Boston in 2008 to attend Berklee College of Music and to explore the thriving New England folk scene. Since graduating, Audrey has made a name for herself in the music community, as a dance fiddler specializing in English dance, New England, Celtic, and Old Time tunes, and as an audio engineer. With her bands, The Free Raisins, The Gaslight Tinkers, Audacious (with Larry Unger) and Wake Up Robin, she has traveled across the US and Europe, playing for dances and concerts. She’s equally adept at teaching workshops, and has been on staff at various camps including CDSS English week at Pinewoods, Ashokan Northern Week, BACDS American week, and Halsway Manor. Audrey’s fiddle playing is rhythmically lively and spontaneous; she’s guaranteed to get you up and dancing.
Larry Unger (MA) You may know Larry from one of the many bands and musicians he has been involved with through the years – Notorious, Reckless Ramblers, Lissa Schneckenburger and Rodney Miller – to name just a few. He has been a full-time musician since 1984 and has presented a diverse range of musical performances across the United States, Europe, and Scandinavia.
Larry’s original waltzes and fiddle tunes have been played and recorded by musicians around the world and can also be heard in the Ken Burns documentary, Our National Parks. Initially studying blues guitar with Etta Baker and John Jackson and later taking up the banjo and bass, Unger has become one of the most sought-after rhythm players in the country. He has a great breadth of understanding of traditional music to complement his considerable technical proficiency and enjoys telling stories about the origins of his music and the people who taught him.
Glen Loper (ME) plays mandolin and stomps like a maniac at dances and festivals across the country with the bands Riptide and Stomp Rocket, and numerous other groups. In 2017 he and Riptide with Nils Fredland were asked by the State Department to participate in the “Festival of the Sun” folk festival in Siauliai, Lithuania. He also teaches mandolin and tenor banjo in Portland, ME, and has been an instructor at Maine Fiddle Camp, Ashokan Northern Week and the March Mandolin Festival in Concord, NH.
Casey Murray (MA) is a multi-instrumentalist and tunesmith currently studying cello performance and American roots music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. She has a diverse background in classical, folk and improvisation with a particular focus on dance music.
The Dam Beavers

Ness Smith-Savedoff,
Ben Schreiber, Scotty Leach
Calling by:
Will Mentor

Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
and
Frannie Marr

Frannie Marr is a popular caller, organizer, and dancer residing in Southern California. Frannie draws on her experience as a traveling dancer and elementary school teacher to efficiently teach and call dances that people love. Her hallmark is quick walk-throughs, clear calling, and letting the dance and music flow.
Sound by:
Victor Garza

ABOUT CAMP
Our annual Labor Day Dance Away is held on Labor Day weekend at the beautiful Camp Cedar Glen near the historic town of Julian, CA. Come early or stay late to visit Julian, “Apple Capital of California.” Celebrate the end of summer with all your friends as you dance, dance, dance the long weekend away!
The camp is located at about 4,500 ft in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Shaded by cedars and oak trees, the camp is usually a bit cooler than in the valley. The lovely, solar-heated swimming pool always proves popular on warm afternoons.

Camerer Hall, where we share family style meals and where we dance on the beautiful Maple Dance floor, is the main building at camp. It has a lovely front porch where people congregate to chat, jam, play games, and just hang out between dances.

There are lots of opportunities to share musical talents! Jams, both organized and spontaneous, happen all around camp. The Gazebo is a favorite singing spot. Sometimes the staff musicians offer private or small group lessons to campers.

REGISTRATION
Item | Cost |
First-Time Attendees (good anytime) | $325 |
Full-time Students and/or Adults under age 33 (bring ID) | $325 |
EARLY Registration (postmarked before July 4) | $355 |
Full Registration (postmarked after July 4) | $395 |
Non-Dancers | $275 |
Child/Youth (ages 3 – 17) | $105 |
Scholarship Discount (Pre-Approved Only) | $ |
Deposit to a Hold Spot | $50 |
Friday Dinner at 6:30 p.m. ~ (Optional) | $12 |
Bedding & Linens Set (subject to availability) | $25 |
Scholarship Fund Donation Help Others Attend ~ Optional & Thank You! | $ |
Private Room Fee (Per Person; Double Occupancy) * Subject to Availability – Payment is Refundable. | $65 |
- For those in need, Register EARLY with a $50 DEPOSIT to hold a spot. Pay the balance due by August 15, 2019.
- Non-dancing friends or partners are welcome at a discounted rate. They can hike, read or play games on the front porch, and enjoy the non-dance activities and meals, as well as bask in the beautiful setting.
- Cancellations: Receive full refunds less $20 until August 21. After August 21 no refunds unless we can fill the spot.
- For those dancers who are flying in, a limited number of bedding & linens sets are available to rent at the camp. Cost $25 for a set (towel, wash cloth, sheets, pillow, blanket, etc.) Please indicate on your registration.
To REGISTER for LDDA:
- Complete your registration online:
Online Registration
OR
- Download Mail-In Form:
Mail-In Registration Form
To Pay by CHECK:
Payable to California Dance Cooperative or “CDC”
Send your Payment to:
Jocelyn Vilter
4604 Glen Arden Ave
Covina, CA 91724
To Pay ONLINE:
(PayPal or Credit Card, surcharge for either)
Complete the online registration above, or send in your filled out registration form, then go to the
If you have any questions please contact our registrar, Jocelyn Vilter, at (626) 422-4365 or jocelyn@vilter.us .
PUBLIC DANCES
Evening Dances (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) will be OPEN to the PUBLIC, at $25 each evening.
GENERAL INFO
We strive to create a camp community that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all dancers.
LDDA is a non-gender balanced event. “Dance with who’s comin’ atcha!” We encourage campers to dance any role, with any partner they choose.
Our goal is to foster an environment where dancers are comfortable both in asking for a dance and in declining one.
Ask partners kindly, and accept their answers graciously.
FOOD
All Meals from Saturday breakfast through Monday lunch are included in your registration. Dinner at camp is available on Friday for $12.00 per person.
Meals include meat, poultry & dairy products. Protein-rich vegetarian alternatives will be available for all meals.
Dairy-free and/or gluten-free and vegan are provided for those who specify these preferences at time of registration. If you have more specialized needs, there is some refrigerator space available for you to bring your own food.
Healthy, yummy, high-energy snacks will be available throughout much of the weekend.
SCHEDULE
WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES (subject to change)
Apple Pie Making |
Board Games |
Callers Workshop & Round-tables |
Camper Band & Monday Morning Waltz Session |
Dance Producers Round-tables |
Dance Workshop (Reverse Rotation Swing) |
Fiber Arts Fellowship |
Fiddle Workshop |
Guitar Workshop |
Hambo Dance Workshops |
Hiking |
Jamming |
Mandolin Workshop |
Musicians Workshop with Each Band |
Musical Improvisation Workshop |
Puzzles |
Raffle |
Relaxing |
Schottische Workshop |
Shimmy Workshop |
Singing |
Swimming |
Tune Writing Workshop |
Ukulele Workshops |
Wolf Education Project & Talk |
Yoga Sessions |
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
* Music Workshops led by our Talent!
FRIDAY | FRIDAY |
4:30 | Registration Opens |
6:30 | DINNER |
8:00 – 9:15 | Contra Dance – Will w/ Audacious |
9:30 – 11:00 | Contra Dance – Frannie w/ Dam Beavers |
SATURDAY | SATURDAY |
7:00 – 8:00 | Yoga with Sarah |
8:15 | BREAKFAST |
9:15 – 9:45 | Morning Waltzes – Audacious |
9:45 – 11:00 | Contra Dance – Frannie w/ Audacious |
10:45 – 12:00 | * Caller Workshop – Will |
11:00 – 12:00 | Camper Led Singing |
11:15 – 12:00 | Hambo Workshop – John Chittum & Dori Lehner w/ Dam Beavers |
11:15 – 12:00 | * Improv Musical Workshop – Casey Murray |
12:15 | LUNCH (Callers Round-table w/ Frannie ) |
12:15 | LUNCH (Dance Producers Round-table [Session 1] – Carl Morgan |
1:25 – 1:40 | Shimmy Workshop – Dawit Tegegne w/ Dam Beavers |
1:25 – 1:40 | Reverse Rotation Swing Workshop – Jerry Robin & Toban |
1:45 – 3:00 | Contra Dance – Will w/ Dam Beavers |
1:45 – 3:00 | * Fiddle Workshop – Audrey Knuth |
2:00 – 5:00 | POOL OPEN |
3:15 – 4:15 | Schottische Workshop – w/ Audacious |
3:15 – 4:15 | Ukulele Workshop #1 – Jacqui Grennan |
3:15 – 4:15 | Camper Waltz Band – Kim Spalding |
4:30 – 5:30 | * Musician Workshop – Dam Beavers & YOU |
4:30 – 5:30 | Yoga with Sarah |
4:30 – 5:30 | Contra Dance – Frannie w/ Audacious |
5:45 | DINNER |
6:45 | Wolf Talk |
7:15 – 7:45 | Concert by Dam Beavers |
8:00 – 9:30 | Evening Contra Dance – Frannie w/ Dam Beavers |
10:00 – 11:30 | Evening Contra Dance – Will w/ Audacious |
SUNDAY | SUNDAY |
7:00 – 8:00 | Yoga with Sarah |
8:15 | BREAKFAST (Sign-Up for Apple Pie Making) |
9:00 | Wolf Talk |
9:15 – 9:45 | Morning Waltzes – Dam Beavers |
9:30 – 10:30 | * Guitar Workshop – Larry Unger |
9:45 – 11:00 | Contra Dance – Will w/ Dam Beavers |
10:45 – 12:00 | * Tune Writing Workshop – Larry Unger |
11:00 – 12:00 | Camper Led Singing |
11:15 – 12:00 | Hambo Workshop – John Chittum & Dori Lehner w/ Audacious |
12:15 | LUNCH (Callers Round-table w/ Will) |
12:15 | LUNCH (Dance Producers’ Round-table [Session 2] – Carl Morgan |
1:15 – 1:30 | Group photo on front porch of Main Hall |
1:45 – 3:00 | Contra Dance – 40 min. Medley followed by Contras – Frannie w/ Audacious |
1:45 – 3:00 | Camper Waltz Band – Kim Spalding |
2:00 – 5:00 | POOL OPEN |
3:15 – 4:15 | Contra Dance – Frannie w/ Dam Beavers |
3:15 – 4:15 | Camper Led Singing |
3:15 – 4:15 | Ukulele Workshop #2 – Jacqui Grennan |
3:15 – 4:15 | Apple Pie Making – Brenda Goodwin |
3:15 – 4:15 | * Mandolin Workshop – Glen Loper |
4:30 – 5:30 | * Musician Workshop – Audacious & YOU |
4:30 – 5:30 | Yoga with Sarah |
4:30 – 5:30 | Contra Dance – Will w/ Dam Beavers |
5:45 | DINNER |
6:15 | Raffle Winners (Announcement & Posting) |
7:15 – 7:45 | Concert by Audacious |
8:00 – 9:30 | Evening Contra Dance – Will w/ Audacious |
9:30 – 10:00 | Extended Break ~ Apple Pie Social |
10:00 – 11:30 | Evening Contra Dance – Frannie w/ Dam Beavers |
MONDAY | MONDAY |
7:30 – 8:30 | Yoga with Sarah |
8:30 | BREAKFAST |
9:30 – 10:00 | Camper Band Waltzes led by Kim Spalding |
10:15 – 11:00 | Farewell Dance – Frannie w/ Audacious |
11:15 – 12:00 | Farewell Dance – Will w/ Dam Beavers |
12:10 – 12:40 | Both Callers w/ Both Bands |
12:40 | Dance ends – pack a sack LUNCH to go home |
1:30 | All campers must be out of camp, unless you would like to help clean up! |
HOUSING
Each cabin has a bathroom and shower. There is space for tents and RV parking (both with shower privileges in a nearby cabin). Cabins are pre-assigned.
Both gendered and non-gendered accommodations are provided.
A limited number of private rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for an extra $130 per couple ($65 per registration) ~ DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY ONLY!






LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Camp Cedar Glen
743 Farmer Road, Julian, CA 92036


DIRECTIONS
In Julian, go west on Main St. and continue to the Stop Sign at Wynola Rd. (Note that “Main St” changes to “Farmer Rd”)
- Turn east (right) on Wynola Rd.
- In about 1/2-block, turn left back onto Farmer Rd.
- Continue north 3/4 of a mile to the bottom of the hill.
- Turn right into cattle gate of the 1/2-mile long drive.
CONTACT
REGISTRAR:
Jocelyn Vilter
jocelyn@vilter.us
(626) 422-4365
COORDINATORS:
Dan Vilter & Louise Nixon
LaborDayDance@gmail.com
(626) 422-4365
RAFFLE
Proceeds support this wonderful dance weekend. Popular raffle items include handicrafts or artwork, musical instruments, jewelry, dance shoes and accessories, new CD’s, homemade foodstuff, gift baskets, discount admission for another dance weekend, etc.
We need YOUR help to make it a success. Please think about what you might have that others may want to win.
If you have questions or plan to bring a raffle item, please contact raffle organizer Hazel Donovan at hazelmaedonovan@gmail.com or (619) 665-5595.
RIDE SHARE
If you NEED a ride or can OFFER a ride, please contact our carpool coordinator Louise at LaborDayDance@gmail.com
For information on other carpools available, visit our Facebook Group Labor Day Dance Away (LDDA) and post a request.
If you are flying in, San Diego (SAN) is the closest airport. Dancers arriving around the same time often arrange carpools from the airport. Alternative airports are Los Angeles (LAX) and Ontario (ONT).
SCHOLARSHIPS
For those in need, there are a very limited number of work scholarships, with $50 to $100 off the registration fee. Email Dan at LaborDayDance@gmail.com for scholarship requests.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Donations to the Scholarship Fund are gratefully accepted to help make participation possible for those with financial hardships.
PHOTOS















Labor Day Dance Away
TALENT HISTORY
BANDS | CALLERS | |
2005 | Reckless Ramblers | Mary Keith Cornett |
KGB | Dan Pearl | |
2006 | Latter Day Lizards | Cis Hinkle |
Hillbillies from Mars | Scott Higgs | |
2007 | Big Bandemonium | Joseph Pimental |
(an 8-member band) | Beth Molaro | |
2008 | Wild Asparagus | George Marshall |
Great Bear Trio | Susan Petrick | |
2009 | Notorious | Robert Cromartie |
Tidal Wave | Lynn Ackerson | |
2010 | The Syncopaths | Seth Tepfer |
Footloose | Jeremy Korr | |
2011 | Elixir | Nils Fredland |
Dr. Groove | Susan Michaels | |
2012 | Latter Day Lizards | Bob Isaacs |
Avant Gardeners | Lisa Greenleaf | |
2013 | Wild Asparagus | George Marshall |
Crowfoot | Erik Weberg | |
2014 | Notorious | Susan Petrick |
KGB | Laura Me’ Smith | |
2015 | Stringrays | Susan Petrick |
Uncle Farmer | Linda Leslie | |
2016 | Notorious | Susan Petrick |
Triple A | Sarah VanNorstrand | |
2017 | Rhythm Raptors | Bob Isaacs |
Uncle Farmer | Lynn Ackerson | |
2018 | Toss the Possum | Seth Tepfer |
George Paul, Ashley Broder, Ben Schreiber, Christa Burch | Terry Doyle | |
2019 | Audacious | Will Mentor |
The Dam Beavers | Frannie Marr |