English Country Dancers, remember that we’ll dance this summer at the YLI in Sacramento, due to the lack of a suitable hall in Roseville!
On September 6th, Lise Dyckman will call an English dance, presumably to the music of Quite Carried Away, at the YLI;
On September 12th, we’ll have two events in a row at the same venue! There will be a Beginning Waltz Workshop taught by Paul Scouten from 5:30 60 6:30 (suggested donation $5.00), followed by a Contra called by Dane Wallinga at the Coloma, to the music of W[ld Goose Chase!
English again on September 20th, when Gary Sandler calls, accompanied by Quite Carried Away!
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We’re on Instagram and Facebook at sacramentocountrydancesociety !
The Sacramento Country Dance Society, building community through lively dances, live music, and friendly people, proudly presents:
Caller: Chris Oshiro Music: The Community Band, led by Claudia Kirkpatrick Sound: Clark Smith Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2026 (Second Saturday) Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $30 maximum for families (cash or check); If cost is the only thing preventing you from being there, please talk to the greeters at the door.
Chris Oshiro
Our own Chris Oshiro is known for his clear, concise walk-throughs, flexibility in teaching, and ability to collaborate with bands to create a groove that dancers enjoy. Welcome him home!
All musicians are welcome to play in the Community Band! If you’d like to join, please drop director Claudia Kirkpatrick a line at kirkmusic@hotmail.com ! Join the fun!
Newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:40 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use a refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share.
Food and Drink
Hydration is important while dancing. Dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Please bring snacks to share with the community. Dancers may eat in the area near the food table or outside. Please don’t spill food or water on the dance floor.
Contact: For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email sactocds@gmail.com. Our schedule of future dances is always available at https://sactocds.org/calendar/. You may join our email list on groups.io at https://groups.io/g/SactoCDS/. Please enter your name when joining.
Note: The location of the SCDS dance calendar has changed. If you subscribed to the calendar before January 1, 2023, please unsubscribe from that one and re-subscribe to the new one. On the Calendar page at https://sactocds.org/calendar/, you can subscribe to the calendar so the events show up in your personal Google calendar. Click the plus sign in the lower right hand corner. For iCal users, the link is https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/sactocds%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics.
Follow us, and tell your friends!
We’re on Instagram and Facebook at sacramentocountrydancesociety !
English Country Dancers, remember that we’ll dance this summer at the YLI in Sacramento, due to the lack of a suitable hall in Roseville!
On August 2nd, David Newitt will call an English dance to the music of Quite Carried Away, at the YLI; Afterward there will be a Potluck and pool party; directions to the venue will be available at the dance.
On August 8th, Chris Oshiro will call a contra at the Coloma, to the music of The Community Band! Directed by Claudia Kirkpatrick, this is always fun to dance to, and fun to play in! Open to all musicians; if you’d like to play, email kirkmusic@hotmail.com!
English again on August 16th, when Bruce Hamilton calls, accompanied by Quite Carried Away!
Follow us, and tell your friends!
We’re on Instagram and Facebook at sacramentocountrydancesociety !
The Sacramento Country Dance Society, building community through lively dances, live music, and friendly people, proudly presents:
Caller: Talib Huff Music: Clark Smith & David Wright Sound: Esper Schmidt Date: Saturday, July 11th, 2026 (Second Saturday) Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $30 maximum for families (cash or check); If cost is the only thing preventing you from being there, please talk to the greeters at the door.
Talib Huff
Talib Huff has been calling dances for over 20 years. He currently calls primarily in the Sacramento region and has led dances for local groups, schools wedding, festivals and dance communities.
I know you were expecting Clark Smith and Bob Wren, but the exigencies of life have altered this to guitar hero Clark Smith (Persons in Black) and fiddle phenom / mando maven David Wright (Persons in Black, Magic Reelism, Star Thistle)! You will not be disappointed.
Newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:40 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use a refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share.
Food and Drink
Hydration is important while dancing. Dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Please bring snacks to share with the community. Dancers may eat in the area near the food table or outside. Please don’t spill food or water on the dance floor.
Contact: For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email sactocds@gmail.com. Our schedule of future dances is always available at https://sactocds.org/calendar/. You may join our email list on groups.io at https://groups.io/g/SactoCDS/. Please enter your name when joining.
Note: The location of the SCDS dance calendar has changed. If you subscribed to the calendar before January 1, 2023, please unsubscribe from that one and re-subscribe to the new one. On the Calendar page at https://sactocds.org/calendar/, you can subscribe to the calendar so the events show up in your personal Google calendar. Click the plus sign in the lower right hand corner. For iCal users, the link is https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/sactocds%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics.
The Sacramento Country Dance Society, building community through lively dances, live music, and friendly people, proudly presents:
Caller: Dane Wallinga Music: Lee Anne Welch, Kathrine Gardner, and David Brown Sound: Esper Schmidt Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2026 (Second Saturday) Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $30 maximum for families (cash or check); If cost is the only thing preventing you from being there, please talk to the greeters at the door.
Dana Wallinga
Dane Wallinga has quickly become a Bay Area go-to caller, giving dancers a thoughtful program of interesting, fun dances, called with a relaxed style. He has choreographed a number of dances himself.
Lee Anne Welch
Kathrine Gardner
David Brown
Lee Anne Welch is a seasoned and sought-after Contra dance fiddler who has played with several bands, including Luceo, Peak Nouveau and Balance & Swing. Her longest- standing partnership is with with Seattle-based pianist Eric Anderson in the high-energy duo Bandemonium!
Kathrine Gardner has been a dedicated dance fiddler since the mid 80’s, and has played in many great Bay Area bands. Many have fallen in love with her ethereal yet driving fiddle playing.
David Brown plays five string banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and the one-row button accordion popular in Quebec.
A long time member of BACDS and the SF Folk Club and one of the organizers of the Berkeley Old-Time Music Convention, you are as likely to find him on the dance floor, instigating a music session, or updating a website calendar, as playing on the stage.
Newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:40 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use a refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share.
Food and Drink
Hydration is important while dancing. Dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Please bring snacks to share with the community. Dancers may eat in the area near the food table or outside. Please don’t spill food or water on the dance floor.
Contact: For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email sactocds@gmail.com. Our schedule of future dances is always available at https://sactocds.org/calendar/. You may join our email list on groups.io at https://groups.io/g/SactoCDS/. Please enter your name when joining.
Note: The location of the SCDS dance calendar has changed. If you subscribed to the calendar before January 1, 2023, please unsubscribe from that one and re-subscribe to the new one. On the Calendar page at https://sactocds.org/calendar/, you can subscribe to the calendar so the events show up in your personal Google calendar. Click the plus sign in the lower right hand corner. For iCal users, the link is https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/sactocds%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics.
We have no dances scheduled for the weekend of May 30th & 31st, but fear not, there’s a rich schedule for June.
Sunday, June 7th we have an English Country Dance scheduled at the YLI (unusual location for a first-Sunday dance), 1400 27th St. in Sacramento, from 2-5 PM. Alan Winston will be calling, to the music of Quite Carried Away.
Saturday, June 13th, we have a Contra Dance scheduled at the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St., Sacramento, from 7-10 PM. Dane Wallinga will be calling, to the music of Lee Anne Welch, Kathrine Gardner, and David Brown.
Sunday, June 21st, it’s another English Country Dance at the YLI (see above), with Yvonne Couvillion calling, to the music of Quite Carried Away. Enjoy!
The Sacramento Country Dance Society, building community through lively dances, live music, and friendly people, proudly presents:
Caller: Mark Goodwin Music: Full Tilt (Lonna Whipple, Ann Meigs, and Roke Whitson) Sound: Ken Britten Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026 (Second Saturday) Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $30 maximum for families (cash or check); If cost is the only thing preventing you from being there, please talk to the greeters at the door.
Mark Goodwin
Mark Goodwin began calling contra dance in Chico in 2001 and has called for local regional dances, including Nevada City and Newcastle. His aim is to call programs that bring everyone along for the ride, with dances that are memorable, have intuitive transitions, and weave familiar and interesting elements into a variety of dancer interactions.
Full Tilt is three musicians (Lonna Whipple, Roke Whitson and Ann Meigs) with collective backgrounds in Irish, Old Time and Folk music traditions. We are having fun melding our banjo, fiddle, accordion and keyboard tunes into Contra dance sets, and we look forward to sharing our music with more dancers!
Newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:40 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use a refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share.
Food and Drink
Hydration is important while dancing. Dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Please bring snacks to share with the community. Dancers may eat in the area near the food table or outside. Please don’t spill food or water on the dance floor.
Contact: For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email sactocds@gmail.com. Our schedule of future dances is always available at https://sactocds.org/calendar/. You may join our email list on groups.io at https://groups.io/g/SactoCDS/. Please enter your name when joining.
Note: The location of the SCDS dance calendar has changed. If you subscribed to the calendar before January 1, 2023, please unsubscribe from that one and re-subscribe to the new one. On the Calendar page at https://sactocds.org/calendar/, you can subscribe to the calendar so the events show up in your personal Google calendar. Click the plus sign in the lower right hand corner. For iCal users, the link is https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/sactocds%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics.
The Sacramento Country Dance Society, building community through lively dances, live music, and friendly people, proudly presents:
Caller: Mark Goodwin Music: Raven and Goose (Corwin Zekley and Grace Fellows) Sound: Esper Schmidt Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2026 (Second Saturday) Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA Cost: Admission is FREE this time, thanks to a generous and modest dancer! [Normally $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $30 maximum for families (cash or check); If cost is the only thing preventing you from being there, please talk to the greeters at the door.]
This dance is in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of SCDS! There will be a cake at the break, when we will also hold the annual election of Board members! This year’s slate:
Barbara Gebhart
Sue Jones
Claudia Kirkpatrick
Martin Lodahl
Ruth Scodel
Bobbie Watson
David Wright
Mark Goodwin
Mark Goodwin began calling contra dance in Chico in 2001 and has called for local regional dances, including Nevada City and Newcastle. His aim is to call programs that bring everyone along for the ride, with dances that are memorable, have intuitive transitions, and weave familiar and interesting elements into a variety of dancer interactions.
Nationally touring duo Raven and Goose (Corwin Zekley on fiddle and Grace Fellows on keyboard).
Virtuoso violinist, Corwin Zekley was born with a fiddle in his hands and plays with an intensity yet delicacy that pulls on the heartstrings of all who hear him. Corwin has eclectic musical roots, and enchants audiences playing anything from Celtic to Jazz to Country to Metal. Corwin studied at the Berklee College of Music, has played thousands of concerts, appeared on dozens of records, and has published books and albums of his own compositions.
Grace Fellows grew up playing traditional musics on fiddle, and she synthesized her broad musical influences while studying at Calarts, and doing her masters at BIMM London. She became an accomplished pianist while performing as a singer/songwriter, and in the last years has become a powerhouse contra-pianist whose potent sense of rhythm will propel you around the dance floor.
Newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:40 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use a refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share.
Food and Drink
Hydration is important while dancing. Dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Please bring snacks to share with the community. Dancers may eat in the area near the food table or outside. Please don’t spill food or water on the dance floor.
Contact: For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email sactocds@gmail.com. Our schedule of future dances is always available at https://sactocds.org/calendar/. You may join our email list on groups.io at https://groups.io/g/SactoCDS/. Please enter your name when joining.
Note: The location of the SCDS dance calendar has changed. If you subscribed to the calendar before January 1, 2023, please unsubscribe from that one and re-subscribe to the new one. On the Calendar page at https://sactocds.org/calendar/, you can subscribe to the calendar so the events show up in your personal Google calendar. Click the plus sign in the lower right hand corner. For iCal users, the link is https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/sactocds%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics.
There will be more to come, before long! April is just around the corner, and with it the Anniversary Contra Dance, and the annual election of the SCDS Board. The Board handles policy and financial matters for the organization, the members approved by acclamation from the floor of an English dance and the Anniversary Contra dance each April. This year the English dance will be April 5th, and the Anniversary Contra will be April 11th.
The slate of candidates:
Barbara Gebhart
Sue Jones
Claudia Kirkpatrick
Martin Lodahl
Ruth Scodel
Bobbie Watson
David Wright
This year’s Anniversary Contra will be special, as it’s our 40th Anniversary! Free admission (thanks to a generous and modest dancer), and there will be cake!
