You’ve got great taste.
Sign in to follow your favorite artists, save events, & more.
Sign In

Alex Cumming & Audrey Jaber
Friday Night Dance @ Glen Echo
Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom
Spanish Ballroom
Bethesda, MD 20816

Get Tickets
Tickets
About this concert
Music from Audrey Jaber (Fiddle) & Alex Cumming (Piano, Accordion). Caller tbc
Friday Night Dancers dance all evening to fantastic bands in an alcohol-free environment. Music may be traditional or modern inspired by folk tunes. For examples of what Contra dance music sounds or looks like, visit the GreatContraVideos on YouTube.
When Every Friday night
Lesson Time 7:30 pm
Dance Time 8:00-11:00 pm
Where Either the historic Spanish Ballroom or Bumper Car Pavilion
at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812 (parking lot is at 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Admission $15.00
Pre-registration is preferred - you may pay online or wait to pay at the door. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the door. Registrations may be canceled prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.
COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly recommended and masks are welcomed.
What to wear Many dancers like to wear skirts, and always wear comfortable shoes. Our venue is neither heated in the winter nor air-conditioned in the summer, so be prepared! Fans relieve the heat in summer. The Bumper Car Pavilion has some overhead heaters. Dress casually and in layers.
If you are a new or experienced dancer, please read the Etiquette & Dancer Safety Guides!
You don’t need to bring a partner! Contra dancing is a social dance and it’s customary to change partners with each dance.
Our ballroom has a treasured sprung wood floor that is important to preserve. Comfortable, soft-soled, low-heeled, preferably dance shoes are recommended. They will present less friction when spinning. Perfumes or scented powders may trigger allergies in other dancers. PLEASE don’t wear scented products. We also recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you, but there are drinking fountains.
No Dancer Left Behind If you need a ride from the dance at Glen Echo, leave a ride request on the Ride Board at the dance before the break. An announcement will be made on your behalf.
In case of severe weather If Glen Echo Park is closed then the dance is cancelled. Call the Park hotline at 301-320-2330 after 3 pm or visit their website for more information.
Show More
Alex Cumming & Audrey Jaber Featured Video
Find a place to stay
What fans are saying

February 4th 2025
Such a fabulous performance. Not only are Alex and Audrey stunning musicians, but they make the audience feel so welcome, from their smiles to the singalongs. Beautiful acoustic trad music, some of it original compositions, brimming with heart.
Oakland, CA@Oakland House Concert
Easily follow your favorite artists by syncing your music
Sync Music

Share Event
Alex Cumming & Audrey Jaber Biography
“a wonderful celebration of traditional folk song, dance music and the traditions of England and the US” - The Spirit of Progressive Rock
Alex Cumming and Audrey Jaber are a dynamic duo in the traditional folk music scene, known for their captivating performances and deep-rooted passion for folk traditions.
Alex Cumming is a traditional singer, accordionist, pianist, and dance caller originally from Somerset, England, now based in Brattleboro, Vermont. With over a decade and a half of experience, Alex has performed extensively across the UK and the US, bringing traditional songs and tunes to life with his engaging stage presence and deep knowledge of folk traditions. Alex is also known for his work with award winning UK based a Capella band The Teacups, celtic trio Bellwether (ft. Eric McDonald & Louise Bichan) and contra dance bands Crossover and Red Case Band.
Audrey Jaber, is a vibrant fiddler and singer based in San Diego, CA. She has energized dance and concert halls throughout the US and Europe with her dynamic fiddling style. Audrey is a member of several bands, including The Free Raisins, The Gaslight Tinkers, Audacious (with Larry Unger), and Wake Up Robin. Audrey’s fiddle playing is rhythmically lively and spontaneous; she’s guaranteed to get you up and dancing. She specializes in English dance, New England, Celtic, and Old Time tunes (and did we mention she’s also an audio engineer?!). You might also have taken a workshop with Audrey, as she’s been on staff at various camps including various weeks at Pinewoods, Ashokan Northern Week, BACDS American week and Halsway Manor.
Together, Alex and Audrey create a unique and engaging traditional music experience. Their collaboration blends Alex’s traditional singing and rhythmic accordion playing with Audrey’s lively fiddling, resulting in performances that resonate deeply with audiences. Audrey played fiddle on Alex’s debut solo album, “Homecoming,” released in 2024. They have also performed together live many times over the years, including most recently some notable performances at Club Passim, Monadnock Folklore Society, Folklore Society of Greater Washington, Folk Music Society of New York and more in March 2024 as part of the album launch tour.
Their partnership is celebrated for its ability to connect with audiences through passionate and authentic performances, making them a beloved duo in the traditional folk music community.
Read MoreAlex Cumming and Audrey Jaber are a dynamic duo in the traditional folk music scene, known for their captivating performances and deep-rooted passion for folk traditions.
Alex Cumming is a traditional singer, accordionist, pianist, and dance caller originally from Somerset, England, now based in Brattleboro, Vermont. With over a decade and a half of experience, Alex has performed extensively across the UK and the US, bringing traditional songs and tunes to life with his engaging stage presence and deep knowledge of folk traditions. Alex is also known for his work with award winning UK based a Capella band The Teacups, celtic trio Bellwether (ft. Eric McDonald & Louise Bichan) and contra dance bands Crossover and Red Case Band.
Audrey Jaber, is a vibrant fiddler and singer based in San Diego, CA. She has energized dance and concert halls throughout the US and Europe with her dynamic fiddling style. Audrey is a member of several bands, including The Free Raisins, The Gaslight Tinkers, Audacious (with Larry Unger), and Wake Up Robin. Audrey’s fiddle playing is rhythmically lively and spontaneous; she’s guaranteed to get you up and dancing. She specializes in English dance, New England, Celtic, and Old Time tunes (and did we mention she’s also an audio engineer?!). You might also have taken a workshop with Audrey, as she’s been on staff at various camps including various weeks at Pinewoods, Ashokan Northern Week, BACDS American week and Halsway Manor.
Together, Alex and Audrey create a unique and engaging traditional music experience. Their collaboration blends Alex’s traditional singing and rhythmic accordion playing with Audrey’s lively fiddling, resulting in performances that resonate deeply with audiences. Audrey played fiddle on Alex’s debut solo album, “Homecoming,” released in 2024. They have also performed together live many times over the years, including most recently some notable performances at Club Passim, Monadnock Folklore Society, Folklore Society of Greater Washington, Folk Music Society of New York and more in March 2024 as part of the album launch tour.
Their partnership is celebrated for its ability to connect with audiences through passionate and authentic performances, making them a beloved duo in the traditional folk music community.
And English Folk
Folk
Folk Song
Sea Shanty
Contra Dance
English Country Dance
Fiddle
Accordion
American Folk
Fiddle Music
Folk Dance
Old Timey
Traditional Celtic
Traditional Folk
Follow artist