May 14 – 16, 2027
Welcome to a lovely and elegant weekend of English Country Dance and Music! The 2027 weekend will feature live music by Affinity (Jacqueline Schwab, Earl Gaddis, Cecile Leroy, & Daniel Beerbohm) and dance caller TBA. More information about the festival will be posted here when available. Questions? Call (608) 924-4000 or email the Program Manager, Kelli Emerson, at programs@folklorevillage.org.
Schedule
The festival begins with a dance on Friday night. Saturday features a full day of workshops, catered meals, and an evening concert and dance. The festival concludes with morning workshops and lunch. See the full schedule below.
Registration
Registration for this weekend typically opens 2 months before the event. Registration will be linked here and announced through our email newsletter. If you have questions about registration in the meantime, please contact programs@folklorevillage.org.
Scholarships
It takes a village to put on our festivals. If you sign up to help us out by washing tableware (plates, silverware, and cups) after meals, you can attend the festival for only $120. Dishwashers spend approximately 30 – 60 minutes in the kitchen per meal. Please contact Program Manager Kelli Emerson at 608-924-4000 or programs@folklorevillage.org to inquire about dishwashing scholarships.
Artistic Staff
Affinity
Returning again in 2027 and now with a new name! Affinity consists of Jacqueline Schwab (piano), Early Gaddis (violin & viola), Cecile Leroy (cello), and Daniel Beerbohm (winds). Having debuted as a band at Folklore Village’s 2025 English Country Dance & Music Weekend.
Jacqueline Schwab & Earl Gaddis are members of the renowned English Country Dance band Bare Necessities. Known and loved for its creative interpretations of English Country Dance tunes, Bare Necessities has been playing together since 1980. As a group they have redefined the sound of English Country Dance music with an improvisatory and playful style that reflects their classical background and extensive experience playing for all kinds of dancing.
Daniel Beerbohm (NJ) plays clarinet, flute, and whistles and spices his English and contra dance playing from a rich background of swing, klezmer, and classical. He performs extensively with Trio Picante, Hold the Mustard, A Joyful Noise, and Reunion at dance and music events along the east coast and occasionally westward since 1980. More recently he has also joined with members of Bare Necessities for dance weekends in Michigan, northern California, and Cleveland, OH.
Cecile Leroy (Boston) started life as a classical cellist and has been playing for English and contra dances for the better part of a decade. Besides joining members of Bare Necessities at their home dance in Massachusetts, Cecile also plays for contra and English with her eclectic, groovy trad band Chimney Swift. Drawing from a whole host of inspirations, she brings lightness, depth, and heart to the sound of every group she joins.
Meals
Sharing meals together is an essential part of many Folklore Village events, and Folklore Village festivals feature catered meals prepared fresh in-house by the fabulous RedBarn Catering. Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available at every meal for those who register as vegetarian or gluten free. If you have additional dietary restrictions please let us know via the festival registration form. RedBarn Catering will do their best to accommodate various needs but cannot guarantee all dietary needs will be met. If you have questions or concerns please contact Folklore Village at (608) 924-4000 ahead of the festival.
Accommodations
Bunkhouse (Very rustic): $20 per person per night
Stay on-site within walking distance (about 3 blocks) of Farwell Hall (main activities building). The bunkhouses are heated, with cots provided, and camp-style toilets and handpump nearby. Showers are located in Farwell Hall. Bring your own bedding, pillow, towel, flashlight, etc. Men and woman are housed in separate buildings. Heated and air conditioned!
Tenting: $10 per tent, per night
Many sites are available No campfires allowed. Showers and bathrooms are located in Farwell Hall (main activity building). You can register for tent camping via the festival registration form.
RV Camping with Electrical Hook-up: $15 per RV, per night
*Extremely limited; reserve early!*
To register for an RV spot with electrical hook-up please email programs@folklorevillage.org.
Rosebud Retreat New! $50 per night during festivals
Tucked among fruit trees and tallgrass prairie at Folklore Village, the Rosebud Retreat is a lovingly restored 1966 Manorette camper. Quiet nights, vintage details, and Driftless charm make this a one-of-a-kind stay, just steps from our historic Wakefield Schoolhouse and Farwell Hall.
Other Lodging:
Folklore Village is glad to partner with AmericInn Dodgeville. Use this link for discounted rates!
Other hotels may offer a discount if you mention you are coming to a Folklore Village event.
Deer Valley Lodge (608)924-1600
Best Western (608)935-7739
Pine Ridge Motel (608)935-3386
Quality Inn (608)987-4747
