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.
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, March 17 2025
English Country Dance
An Evening of English Country Music with some Irish tunes thrown in for good measure, as it is Saint Paddy's Day, after all. Will you be going?
8 pm to 10:30 pm
Kappy Laning calls to the tunes of Becky Ross on violin; Marty Taylor on recorders, whistles and concertina; and Carl Friedman at the piano.
Please register at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay.php
Wednesday, March 19 2025
Contra Dance
Janine Smith calls to the music of Charlie Pilzer (piano), Zachary Mills (fiddle and feet), and Bobby LaRose (mandolin). Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Saturday, March 22 2025
Gentle English Dance
A Saturday Afternoon of Gentle English Dance
2:30 -- 4:40 pm.
Music by Emily Aubrey on violin; Marty Taylor on recorders, whistles and concertina, and Janina O'Brien on piano, called by Mike Franch.
Please register ahead of time at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay/php
Saturday, March 22 2025
English Country Dance
Saturday Afternoon Gentle English Dance
230 to 430 pm
Mike Franch calls the gentle steps and Marty Taylor on whistles, concertina and recorders, Emily Aubrey on violin and Janina O'Brien on the piano provide the tunes therefore.
Please register at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay.php
Monday, March 24 2025
English Country Dance
An Elegant, Yet Fun Evening of English Country Dance
Called by April Blum, and played by: Elke Baker on the violin/viola; Robin Wilson on flute and concertina; and Janina O'Brien on the piano, usually.
8 pm to 1030 pm
Please register beforehand at: http://bfms.org/englishcountrypay.php
Tuesday, March 25 2025
BFMS Song Swap
https://yorku.zoom.us/j/99950379772
7:30. 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, March 25 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, March 26 2025
BFMS Song Swap
This month. In order not to conflict with Earth Day, the 4th Tuesday zoom song swap will be on Wednesday.
Wednesday, March 26 2025
Contra Dance
Daniel Friedman calls to the music of Contranella: Meg Wobus (fiddle), John Wobus (piano), Charley Beller (percussion). Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Monday, March 31 2025
English Country Dance
The Last English Country Dance of a string of English Country Dances in March!
800 to 1030 pm
Andrea Nettleton calls to the music played by: Jeff Steinberg on vioin, Mark Vidor on accordion and Carl Friedman at the piano
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.
