Welcome to the Baltimore Folk Music Society
The Baltimore Folk Music Society is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music, dance, and tradition. BFMS sponsors regular dances, concerts, family events, and related activities year-round. Members are eligible for discounts to Society events by showing their membership card.
BFMS is a member of the Country Dance & Song Society and shares reciprocity arrangements with the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, and the Annapolis Traditional Dance Society.
Get tickets for Feb 1 Midwinter Ball now! Click here
The Wednesday Contra Dance returns to a weekly schedule starting January 29, 2025! Find us at Lovely Lane EVERY Wednesday, 7:30pm lesson, 8pm dance. See the Wednesday Contra Dance page for details.
People under 21 and full-time students dance FREE at all regular BFMS dances!
We will still be requesting payment via the BFMS website.
With the end of the public health emergency, we are not currently requiring vaccinations or masks for our events. Please be mindful of others' safety and do not attend if you are not feeling well.
Volunteers power BFMS. Want to...
...learn sound engineering and meet some of the most talented folk musicians in the country?
...greet dancers at the door or bring snacks for the break?
...use your design or social media skills to help build the contra and English dance community in Baltimore?
Reach out! president@bfms.org
Keep up with the latest BFMS events in our Facebook group.
Virtual and Live Community Events
Monday, January 20 2025
English Country Dance
A Night of Dancing in the English Country style. 8:00 -- 10:30 pm
Please join us for many rounds (and lines) of dances taught and called by Diane Schmitt, and played by Steven Epstein (clarinet), Jeffrey Steinerg (violin), and Janina O'Brien (piano, stray whistles & drum)
please register beforehand at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay/php
Monday, January 27 2025
English Country Dance
A Most Lively Evening of English Country Dance 8:00 --10:30 pm
All provided to you by Jonathan Jensen (piano and possibly small wind instruments besides), Emily Aubrey (violin) and Robin Wilson (flute, concertina), with Andrea Nettleton calling.
Please register at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay.php
Tuesday, January 28 2025
BFMS Song Swap
4th Tuesday zoom Song Swap 7:30
https://yorku.zoom.us/j/99950379772
The 4th Tuesday zoom Song Swap is a place for folks to come together and share songs, community, and keep the live singing tradition thriving. While we have been getting together on zoom, the 4th Tuesday BFMS songswap has become transcontinental and international with participants from west, farther west, and north and northwest across the border. You can drop in on the zoom and meet (and hear / sing with) some nice folks we 're not likely to meet in person!
Tuesday, January 28 2025 (Member Sponsored)
Baltimore Shape Note Singing
7pm to 9:30pm. Four Hour Day Lutherie, 4305 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD. Join us in America's oldest musical tradition! Experience the joy of singing a cappella choral music in four-part harmony. Shaped note heads aid sight reading. No experience needed, and loaner books are available. Attendance is free. All are welcome! More information https://baltimoreshapenote.org/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmoreshapenote
Wednesday, January 29 2025
Contra Dance
Ann Fallon calls to the Baltimore Open Band! Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Saturday, February 01 2025
2025 BFMS Midwinter Ball
6pm: Social
6:30 - 10pm: Grand March and dancing
1970s Theme!
Caller - Penelope Weinberger
Music by Owen Morrison (guitar) and Scotty Leach (fiddle)
Monday, February 03 2025
English Country Dance
An Evening of English Country Dance, in a lovely hall with a great floor
Sharon McKinley calls to the playing of Marty Taylor on recorders, whistles and concertina; Carl Freidman at the piano; and Jeff Steinberg on violin
Please register at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay.php
Hope to see you then!
Wednesday, February 05 2025
Contra Dance
Steve Gester calls to Lovely Lane String Band: Brenna Hogan and Shane Knudsen on fiddle, John Sauer on guitar, Lisa Roberts on banjo, Art Abrams on bass. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Saturday, February 08 2025
2nd Saturday Dance
7-9:30 PM (one hour earlier)
Caroline Barnes calling to Rhythmajigs - Patti Reum on flutes and whistles, Michael Giordano on fiddle and mandolin, and Jack Maus on piano
Dance lesson: 6:30
Online payment only. Pre-payment is encouraged to reserve your spot. https://bfms.org/secondsatpay.php
Location: The Church of the Nativity and Holy Comforter, 6112 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
Admission is $10 BFMS members & affiliates, $15 non-members. People under 21 and students with ID: free
Potluck snacks at the break.
Monday, February 10 2025
English Country Dance
English Coutry Dancing
Ann Fallon calling to the playing of Emily Aubrey on violin, Mark Vidor on accordion and Janina O'Brien, on mostly piano.
Enjoy a lovely hall, live music, a great floor and easy parking and please register at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay.php
See our Events page for a complete listing of events and details.
Visit the BFMS Folk Events page for a list of some of the other folk events in the area.
www.bfms.org/folkeventsAttention BFMS Members
- Recently moved or changed your email address? Wondering why you aren't getting anything from BFMS? Please contact BFMS Membership (membership @ bfms.org) and update your contact information.
- If you have recently joined BFMS or renewed your membership and did not get anything in the mail (such as a membership Card) please contact the Membership Chair at membership @ bfms.org. Thank you.
How to Contact Us
By E-mail - use our Contact page.
We can also be reached by conventional mail at
Baltimore Folk Music Society, P.O. Box 65144, Baltimore, MD 21209.
Call the Baltimore Folk Music Society's Music & Dance Hotline! (888) 646-BFMS or (888)646-2367
or email president@bfms.org.
Membership expired? Renew on-line! See the Membership page for details.
