Welcome to Summer Soirée

June 12-14, 2026, Asheville, NC

Join us for an exhilarating weekend of lively dance, fun workshops, and unforgettable experiences. Hosted on the campus of Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, our talented callers and bands create a lively atmosphere that will keep you on your toes. We'll have three days of contra dancing, waltzing, fusion, techno, and much more. Delicious snacks will be available to power you through the weekend along with optional meal and housing plans.

Be a part of Summer Soirée!

More information coming in January. Registration opens in March.

Bands

The Engine Room

The Engine Room hails from both coasts and places in between. Featuring Alex Sturbaum (guitar, accordion), Noah VanNorstrand (fiddle, mandolin, foot percussion), and Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), The Engine Room will lay down a driving, nonstop groove that is sure to get you moving.

a black a white sketch of an ocean liner's engine room containing a guitar, fiddle, and banjo.jpg

Stove Dragon

Oliver Scanlon and Rose Jackson fill the room with melodic lift and dynamic double-fiddle harmony, while Sam Zakon-Anderson and Max Newman are a beating heart of fiery piano-guitar groove. Hold on tight, it'll be quite the ride!

Callers

Will Mentor

Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”

Jacqui Grennan

Jacqui Grennan started contra dancing in Los Angeles, CA, in 2009 and is now a contra dance caller, English Country Dance caller, choreographer, and former organizer of Fiddling Frog Dance Weekend. She is known for her clear and caring teaching with a stage presence that is a blend of calmness and dynamism.