Registration Fee:
$125 (before Jan 1)
$135 (Jan. 1 - Mar 1)
Late Registration $145 (after Mar 1)
$75 Student/Young Adult (before Mar 1)
$85 Student/Young Adult (after Mar 1)
Call of the Loon
13th Annual Contra Dance Weekend
April 10, 11 & 12, 2026
Tapestry Folkdance Center
Minneapolis, MN
Featuring Callers Gaye Fifer and Beau Farmer with live music by Toss the Possum & Toot, Squeeze & Co.!
Questions? Reach out to calloftheloon@tapestryfolkdance.org!
Tentative Schedule:
Friday
6:45 pm Registration opens
7:30–11:30 pm Welcome dance
11:30–12:30 am Campfire gathering
Saturday
9 am Coffee and registration
9:30–10:30 am Workshop
10:45 am–12:30 pm Contra dance
12:30–2 pm Lunch break & caller roundtable
(sandwiches for those who ordered with registration)
2-3:30 pm Contra dance/Workshop
3:45-5 pm Contra dance/Workshop
5–7:30 pm Dinner break
7:30–8:00 pm Concert
8:15–11:30 pm Flower Power Ball
11:30 pm–1 am Techno contra with DJ Rynkie / Jam session
Sunday
9:30–11 am Brunch for those registered for the weekend
10:30–11:30 am Workshop
11–11:45 am Singing around the campfire
11:45 am–2:30 pm Farewell dance
Tapestry Folkdance Center's mission is to welcome ALL to participate in the joys of dance and music. If accessing Call of the Loon is out of your financial capacity, even with the scholarship option, please email us a short note at calloftheloon@tapestryfolkdance.org.
Meet the Musicians:
Toss the Possum
Toss the Possum is a family duo with a uniquely eclectic style. They draw from many influences including Celtic, Appalachian, Jazz, French Canadian and Rock n’ Roll. Their sound ranges from lyrical to driving. Put Rob Zisette’s clever improv, fantastic beat boxing, vocals and other surprises, then add Laura Zisette backing it all up on keyboard. Since the Possums are known for their big sound, you may find yourself looking for more than two musicians!
Toot, Squeeze & Co.
Cory is a local Twin Cities flute and whistle player, specializing in traditional Irish music but with a penchant for many far-flung genres. He teaches flute, piano, and voice through the Center for Irish Music in St. Paul. Bob Walser is a musician, dance caller, scholar and educator. He began contra dancing in Amherst, Massachusetts in the 1970s, and has performed from Maine to California and overseas. Locally, Bob plays for contra dances and is a regular caller and musician at the Monday Night Square Dance. “Co.” includes Danny Diamond and John McCormick.
Meet the Callers:
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Gaye Fifer
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. Gaye calls contra and English dances throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is the former President of the Board of CDSS.
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Beau Farmer
Beau Farmer has been a contra dancer, caller, writer and teacher for over 35 years. He is known for his skilled and efficient teaching style and mild manner, but also energetic dances, exciting medleys and creative choreography. He has been a regular caller and dance organizer at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis since moving from the East Coast to Minnesota in 2003.
Pre-order your $20 t-shirt with registration.
REFUND POLICY
Once an event registration is received at Tapestry Folkdance Center, the following refund policy applies:
All refund requests must be made in writing and sent to Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave. S, Mpls, MN 55406 or emailed to staff@tapestryfolkdance.org.
A $20 cancellation fee will be charged by the event for all refunds except for those issued in the case of illness or injury. Please include medical confirmation with refund request.
For any amount not refunded, you may request acknowledgement of a tax-deductible donation to Tapestry Folkdance Center.
A refund request more than 60 days prior to the first day of the event will receive a full refund less the $20 processing fee.
A refund requested within 60 days of the first day of the event will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the event organizers.