The NE Oregon Folklore Society invites the traditional dance and music communities of the Northwest to join us for a day of celebration.  We hope you will come and share with us and each other your love and interest in traditional dance and dance music.  Unlike many other dance festivals, this event is based largely on the shared talents of the participants attending.  Workshop leaders, dance callers and musicians are primarily event attendees who wish to share their special knowledge and enthusiasm on specific dance or music topics. 

We've gotten great feedback in the past, and because of it, this year's Spring Thaw will be better than ever.

First, by popular demand, we have expanded the Thaw to THREE DAYS from the one day only format of past years.  Enjoy dancing and playing music Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning as well.

Second, we have found a LARGE dance hall with a fine WOOD FLOOR for our Saturday dance venue.  There will be plenty of room for dancing, and a joints-friendly surface to do it on, a welcome improvement for some of us more mature folk.  We haven't neglected you musicians, either.  We've reserved plenty of space at Grace Bible Church (site of last year's Spring Thaw, and just four blocks from our dance hall) for jamming and impromptu band practices.  Whether your joy is twirling in circles or plucking on strings, you'll share more of it with friends near and far at this year's Spring Thaw.

But that's not all.

Old-time music proponent Bill Martin and his friends in The New Five Cents will be our special guests from the Portland-area old-time revival scene.  Tirelessly (and often thanklessly) keeping alive the flame of old-time, roots dance and music for years, Bill is now at the center of an exploding community of old-time musicians, square dance callers and dancers that has caught on fire with enthusiasm and have spread from Portland throughout the West Coast and beyond.  Our guest band, The New Five Cents, is hard at work adding fuel to that fire with their renditions of hot old-time string band tunes.  Don't miss this chance to get singed yourself, and save a 260 mile trip to the west.

At past festivals in La Grande, the local community has established a reputation for hospitable friendliness.  We DO intend to continue that tradition, and offer homestays to out-of-own visitors and an opportunity for shared meals. 

At last year's Spring Thaw attendees were so enthusiastic about our guest, Kelly Thibodeaux, that we decided to see if we can match or outdo ourselves with a choice for this year.  We think we have.  At this year's Spring Thaw our special guests are Bill Martin and The New Five Cents.  Musician, dance caller, and roots folk proponent Bill Martin has become well known most recently as the godfather of sorts for a revival of old-time string band music and square dancing amoung young people, first in Portland, and then spreading to other urban areas on the Pacific west coast.  The New Five Cents is one of a number of excellent string bands that have emerged from this old-time revival scene, consisting of sisters Joanna and Gabrielle Macrae and their friend Travis .  We are thrilled to have them share their talents with us, and we hope you will join us in making them welcome at our weekend celebration.

We are planning four workshop/activity slots during the day Saturday, two in the morning, and two in the afternoon.  We have space for two simultaneous activities, a space for dancing in the main hall at the Riveria Activity Center, and music workshops and jamming space at Grace Bible Church, just four blocks away.

We hope you will enjoy and find informative our lineup of workshops.

For the Dancers

English Country Dance

For 300+ years Country dance was central to English social life, and when imported to colonial America, became the basis for our own traditional contra and square dances.  Far from a lifeless museum piece, after an early twentieth century revival English Country Dancing has become widely popular, with modern dances being added to the traditional repertoire.  Learn a few easy to intermediate level dances in this suprisingly varied dance style at this workshop.

Leader Larry B. Smith is a legendary figure in NW contra dancing circles, and is responsible for instructing many influential Contra callers in our region.  Steeped in traditional and ritual dancing and music since his childhood at the Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, Larry has performed and taught many styles of dancing throughout the country, including Morris, Clogging, English Country, and Rapper as well as Contra.

Contra Dancing: Connection and Flow

Besides the sheer joy of moving to energizing music, Contra dancing provides opportunities for interaction with other dancers in a way that is nearly unique within the realm of social dance. In this session we'll look at how we can enhance our connection with both dancers and music by paying attention to the constant flow of joining and separating moments in a dance, and being aware of how the music accentuates each one.

Leader Mark Lewis has been an enthusiastic traditional dancer for over 35 years, and has an interest in Contra, English Country, Irish Ceili and Set, International Folk and Appalachian Clogging.

Old-time Square Dancing

Forget refinement.  Forget meticulous precision.  It's time for some rip-roaring fun dancing to fabulous fast music.  This workshop will take you back to the essential, rural-based roots of this tremendously varied, vital and sometimes maligned dance form.

Leader Bill Martin has made a mission of awakening a new generation to the forgotten cultural gems of our past, especially those created and carried forward by ordinary people just doing what they love.  As a musician, dance caller and grassroots cultural organizer, Bill has had an enormous impact on the awareness and appreciation of old-time music and dance.. and he's a kick in the pants too.  Don't miss this workshop!

Triplets

Borrowing the English Country Dance three-couple longways formation, influential Contra dance composer Ted Sanella published 41 contra-like dances that can be done with just six people.  Many other dance composers have followed Ted's lead and composed triplets of their own.  Come to this workshop and enjoy learning these diminutive treasures of traditional dance that you can do with a few friends in your own living room.

Leader Sue Baker joins us from her home in Hood River.  She has honed her engaging and lively dance calling style over many years calling dances throughout the Northwest.

Calling Dances

If you've ever been interested in leading traditional dances for your family, your friends or a room full of strangers (for big bucks, yeh!), this is your chance to get a start.  You'll be ushered along by one of the best.

Leader Bill Martin has started many people on the path to becoming successful callers.  You'll be surprised how much fun he can make learning to call your first dance.  Try it.

Movie Time

New Hampshire caller David Millstone has produced a series of video biographies of significant figures in the world of New England contra dancing.  We have DVDs of those for Bob McQuillen and Dudley Laufman, one of which will be selected for relaxed, post-prandial viewing.  Popcorn, anyone?

Your movie host David Arnold brings an unhurried demeanor and oddly dry sense of humour to all he does, including pushing the start button on the DVD player.

For the Musicians

Old-time String Band

Learn an old-time fiddle tune, complete with styling tips, for fiddle, guitar, etc. from our young guest masters. 

Leaders Joanna and Gabrielle Macrae and Travis of The New Five Cents will show you how.

Dance Ensemble

Develop your skill in playing dance music as a group, while you prepare some tunes for our Saturday night dance.  This interactive workshop will leverage the dance band experiences of all present to help you learn to get dancers whooping and shouting while you play.  Besides, it's just fun!

Facilitator Carla Arnold is the nucleus of Houseblend, the primary band playing for the La Grande dances, as well as a member of a number of other local bands.  She has years of experience at putting together tune medleys and arrangements that get our local dancer's feet flying.

Open Jam

All musicians can join in at this open, dance-tune jam. 

Leader Michael Snider is a veteran of Grande Ronde Valley dance bands, playing for folklore society dances since at least 1985.  Over time he has played a variety of instruments, but has settled on the banjo as his instrument of choice.

But Wait, There's More..

There are opportunities for you to play for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning dances.
Our local bands, Irish Uprising and Houseblend, will be anchoring the job of providing music for the dance, but experienced musicians are welcome to sit in, and if you have a group that has worked up a tune or two for dancing, we're happy to give you some time on the stage during the dance.  If this sounds appealing to you, let us know when you register, or contact our Spring Thaw music coordinator so that we can plan to include you.

This year, the Friday night party returns as the Welcome Party.

Two years ago, at the initial Spring Thaw, early arriving and local attendees gathered at The Olde Meeting House for an informal get-together the night before the Thaw.  Musicians jammed in the corner while dancers improvised on the floor, inventing a new dance in the process, with plenty of time for gabbing and getting to know one another.  This year we are bringing the party back.  Join us for a very informal gathering the night before.  There's no pre-set program; just bring your instruments, your dancing shoes, maybe a snack to share and something to drink.  We'll make something happen, and we'll bet you'll enjoy yourself.

Where it will be happening is at The Olde Meeting House, our local dance venue at 901 M Avenue in La Grande (the corner of 3rd St. and "M" Ave.), the same location as our Sunday morning brunch and farewell dance.  We'll start things about 7:30 and wrap things up about 9:30 PM so you can get a good night's sleep before the big day.

Refreshments and Snacks

We will have coffee, tea, cocoa and fruit juices as well as fresh water available for all Spring Thaw participants.

We are asking each participant to bring a finger-food snack to share, potluck style throughout the festival.  We'll make sure these are available during the breaks between workshops and during the evening dance.

Included On Site Lunch Saturday

Lunch is being provided to all Spring Thaw participants on site.  We'll be having a pasta bar and salad lunch, with vegetarian, non-dairy and non-gluten options available.  If you have other dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible and we will make an attempt to accommodate your needs.

Included "Contra"nental Brunch Sunday

A continental-style brunch will be available to those participating on Sunday morning including baked goods, fruit, yogurt, etc.  Again, let us know about any further dietary restrictions.

Optional Saturday Group Dinner

For the Saturday evening meal, we have made arrangements with local restaurant Mamacita's International Grill, to use their banquet room for an optional group dinner.  This will be a no-host affair, with those attending ordering off the regular menu and paying their own bill.  You can see an online copy of their menu and prices by clicking here.  Please let us know when you register whether you would like to participate in this group dinner by checking the "Group Dinner Reservation" box on the registration form.  To facilitate prompt dinner service that evening, we are encouraging group dinner participants to select their menu choices early in the day, so that we can call in the orders in advance.  We will have meal order forms for you to fill out at the dance hall.  We hope you take advantage of this option, and look forward to being able to socialize with you over a meal in a setting that's relaxing for hosts and guests alike.

The Mamacita's Menu
Check the menu for specials as well as the daily menu items.

Local Restaurants

For you out-of-town guests not interested in the shared meals.  La Grande is fortunate to have wider variety of eating establishments than is usual for a town of it's size.  We've compiled a list of recommended local restaurants, covering a good range of price and formality options.

Name	Description	Price Range	Hours	Location
Foley Station	La Grande's gourmet dining establishment.  Owner/Chef Merlin prepares "Northwest cuisine with interesting international influences."  Full Bar, Beer, Wines & Micro Brews	$12-$29 dinners	Mon-Sat 10:30am-10pm Sunday 7am-10pm	1114 Adams Avenue 541-963-7473
Ten Depot Street	Well prepared food in a historic setting (peek in at the bar.)  More than steaks and seafood; try salads, sandwiches, lamb, emu and vegetarian options.  Full Bar, Beer, Wines & Micro Brews	$8-$22 dinners	Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm Closed Sunday	10 Depot Street 541-963-8766
Mt. Emily Ale House	La Grande's one and only micro-brewer.  Pub-like fare; burgers, sandwiches, salads, appatezers, gourmet pizzas.  And of course.. beer.	most items $8-$12	Tue-Sat 4:30pm-11pm Closed Sunday and Monday	1202 Adams Avenue 541-962-7711
The Sub Shop	Popular local sandwich shop also has soup and pizza.	$5-$7 lunch	11am-7pm	1903 4th Street 541-963-0917

For out-of-town guests, we offer a choice of taking advantage of our homestay hospitality, or making your own arrangements at a local motel or B & B

Homestays

The people of La Grande have made a tradition of opening their homes to out-of-town guests at past dance festivals.  We will attempt to match anyone that wishes with an appropriate homestay host.  Even though we may not be able to honor all homestay requests, we do have a good past record of finding hosts for all those that have wished one.  To sign up, just enter the relevant information in your Spring Thaw registration form.  If you do want a homestay, please return your registration as soon as possible.  This gives us the maximum opportunity to find the best host for you.

Commercial Accommodations

Here is a sampling of places to stay in La Grande.  A more extensive list of accommodations can be found at the Union County Visitors Association website.

Name	Description	Price Range	Location
Stange Manor	Posh B&B accommodations in an historic mansion, just a few blocks from the Olde Meeting House.	$110-145 for two	1612 Walnut Street 888-286-9463
La Grande Inn	Near freeway, wi-fi, fitness center, sauna, and will accept guests with dogs as well.	$59 and for 2	2612 Island Avenue 541-963-7195 (office) 877-747-8713 (reservations)
Super 8 Motel	National chain rates and quality.  EZ freeway access.	$69-$109 for two	2407 East R Avenue 800-800-8000
La Grande Rodeway Inn	Tidy, economical and pet friendly, this motel is conveniently located about halfway between Olde Meeting House and Riveria Activity Center.	$45 and up for two	402 Adams Avenue 541-962-7143
Royal Motor Inn	Older, clean and basic budget motel, close to Olde Meeting House and downtown.	$37.00 and up	1510 Adams Avenue 800-990-7575

Important deadline

Fees:

We are offering two ways to register.

Mail-in Registration

Click the link below to download our registation form.  Print it out, fill it in, and mail it and your fee to our registation volunteer at the address on the form.

Once we have received your registration, we will email you or call you with a confirmation message.

Download the Registration Form here.

Phone-in Registration

Call one of the numbers on our registration hot-line.  One of our courteous volunteers will ask you for your registation information and choices and instruct you where to send your payment.