Bio Plus

Erica Weiss was steeped in traditional music and dance from an early age: most notably she enjoyed eight childhood years in the Ukrainian Dnipro Dancers performing troupe in NYC, and then in college years she was a member and conductor of the Yale Slavic Chorus. It was in the 90’s that Erica fell head over heels in love with Appalachian fiddle music, and knew she had to play it. At about the same time, she started hitting the dance halls to learn Cajun and Zydeco dance. With many trips to Louisiana and other points south, and instruction from many of the finest, she dove right into rhythm guitar, fiddle, song and dance and has since had the opportunity to play with some of today’s most exciting musicians.

Erica Weiss currently plays guitar, fiddle, and sings with old-time bands Rhythm Method String Band, the Corndogs, the Killer Bees, and Grand Bois Cajun Band. She has backed up winners in both fiddle and banjo contests, and has placed twice with bands at Galax VA Old Fiddlers’ Convention contests.

Erica loves teaching as much as playing and performing, and is popular with students ranging from very young children to adults of all ages. In addition to guitar, Erica has also taught workshops in Cajun and Old-Time Band, Balkan singing, Cajun and Zydeco dance, and folk dance at numerous camps and festivals. Her contra dance calling is notable for her solid programming and patience with all levels, including family and community dance events.

Camp and Workshop Instructor Experience (highlights):

Old-Time Music Camp North , Mandolin Camp North , Groton MA

NY Pinewoods Folk Music Club Spring and Fall Weekends, CT, PA

Lavender Country and Folk Dancers, Fall Dance Weekend, NY

Chesapeake Dance Weekend (FSGW), Camp Letts, MD

Ashokan Fiddle & Dance New Year’s Eve, NY

Bayou Bedlam Dance Weekend, Houston TX

Pinewoods Cajun and Zydeco Weekends, MA (CDS Boston)

Pinewoods Folk Music Week (CDSS), MA

Dance Flurry, Saratoga Springs NY

Cambridge Center For Adult Education, MA

Lincoln Center , Midsummer’s Night Swing, NYC

Discography:

70th Annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention, August 2005 Live at Felts Park Galax VA, Heritage Records 2006, with the Modal Citizens

Rounds GALORE...and more VOLUME 3, RG&M, Evy Mayer and Friends, 2007, Duet with Evy Mayer

Bands for Dance Camps

Guitar: Old-Time, Cajun,

General

String Band

Beginning Old-Time Fiddle

Caller, Contras and Squares

Cajun and Zydeco Dance

International Folk Dance

Balkan Singing

Camps

Weddings

Celebrations

School Programs

Cultural Festivals

bio and experience

Erica Weiss

70 Berkshire Street

Cambridge MA 02141

ericaw at ziplink.net

Kenny Jackson, fiddler with The Rhythm Rats and Big Medicine, says: “Her sensitivity, perceptiveness and drive have made her much sought after by old-time fiddlers at conventions and festivals.”

Mac Traynham, VA fiddler/banjoist extraordinaire, says: “You are so solid on guitar. I wish more folks could just jump on the train and ride like you do when you play.”