This society, organized primarily by Elaine and Clark Weissman,
along with a board of directors and many volunteers, puts on a
number of traditional music oriented festivals, concerts, and
workshops. They are organized as a non-profit group, promoting
traditional folk arts. I've twice attended their music and dance
camp which takes place in a canyon, just a quarter mile from Malibou
Beach, California. The camp runs for 4 days after Christmas and
over New Year's Eve.The site is wooded, with a large dining hall/dance
space, and cabins for participants.
I enjoyed myself because of the slightly informal organization
of the event. Besides the high quality of staff musicians and
dance callers which were brought in from around the USA, all other
participants were encouraged to lead their own workshops also.
I ended up leading a group in some of the latest jitterbug dance
steps which had struck my fancy at a previous camp I had attended.
Other dance styles included: contras, squares, Balkan, and couple
dancing, Music workshops included: fiddle, banjo, song, and accordion.
There was much informal music making and socializing. I learned
a number of new tunes, danced a lot, and made new friends. New
Year's Eve featured a gala party, with costumes, fancy dinner,
and other merriment. Some attendees took day hikes through the
surrounding hills, or to the beach.
For more information contact the society at: 4401 Trancas Place,
Tarzana, CA 91356-5399, 818-342-7664, fax - 818-609-0106, email:
ctms@lafn.org