Is there better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than attending a waltz? Of course not! (For teetotalers, that is. Alcohol’s a no-no in Glen Echo.) The weather will be perfect for dancing to CONTRATOPIA: Patrice Pakiz (piano, oboe), Erik Sessions (fiddle), Theodore Hodapp (melodeon, concertina), John Goodin (mandolin, guitar) and Pat O’Loughlin (English concertina, banjo, cajón and Irish harp–okay, the last one’s a joke). As always, there’s a beginner waltz lesson at 2:45, included with admission of $13 per person ($5 with valid student ID). Music from 3:30-6:00. No partner necessary and EVERYONE is welcome.

An evening waltz? On a Saturday? Yes, March 9, at 7:00 p.m., Brookmont Church Social Hall, 4000 Virginia Place, Bethesda. Sponsored by Waltzomatic. www.waltzomaticwaltzes.com

The park is open and the waltz will occur as scheduled. See you there!

Weather.com shows rain for much of the afternoon, a mix and some snow 4-5pm, and back to rain only by 6pm. Since temperatures will be in the mid- to high 30s all day, significant accumulation is unlikely.

In case the weather gets ugly tomorrow (March 3), check the Glen Echo hotline 301-320-2330 for updates. GEPPAC announces closures fairly early in the day — according to their recording by 7am for daytime events such as our afternoon waltz. Hoping the predictions are mere bluster.

Add a little sweetness to your Sunday with SUGAR BEAT: Susan Brandt (flute), Elke Baker (fiddle) and Marc Glickman (piano), playing waltzes and other tunes for your dancing pleasure. Of course, there’s a beginner waltz lesson at 2:45, followed by dancing from 3:30-6:00. No partner required. Admission is $13 per person ($5 with valid student ID), cash or check (no plastic — sorry). Warming beverages will be available!

It’s not too soon to start thinking about the annual Strauss Ball (Saturday, May 4)! Viennese waltz lessons, taught by Mike Marcotte, begin April 4. There are other Viennese and basics/fundamentals classes, too, available at Glen Echo. Details at http://www.ssreg.com/glenechopark/classes/classes.asp?catID=4711&pcatID=4384.

A new threesome’s coming to the ballroom this weekend: the TIM BALL TRIO includes fiddler Tim Ball (duh), Paul Oorts on button accordion, mandolin, banjo, guitar, and Ralph Gordon on bass. Beginner waltz lesson at 2:45 included with admission–$13 per person ($5 with valid student ID), payable in cash or by check (sorry, no credit cards). Music from 3:30-6:00. No partner necessary and ALL are welcome.

Note: Weather forecast for Sunday is iffy. Check the Waltz Time page on Facebook or the Glen Echo website (glenechopark.org) for updates.

No knowing what Punxsutawney Phil is going to say (in his way) this weekend, but the weather service says warmer on Sunday. Believe! Celebrate the balmy temps with RHAPSODY: Marty Taylor (winds, concertina), Alexander Mitchell (fiddle, mandolin), Dave Wiesler (piano, guitar) and Ralph Gordon (bass). Beginner waltz at 2:45 included with admission of $13 per person ($5 with valid student ID), payable at the door (cash or check only). Music from 3:30-6:00. No partner required and EVERYONE is welcome!

Waltzes come in all flavors, including those seasoned with a little honky tonk or bluegrass or Cajun or country. Y’all are in for a treat when KAREN COLLINS & THE BACKROADS BAND — Karen Collins on vocals and acoustic guitar, Ira Gitlin on lead guitar, Geff King on vocals and acoustic guitar, Paul Hofmaster on drums and Lynn Kasdorf on pedal steel — play for the Sunday waltz. Dance lesson, taught by Sharon Schilliro and Michael Hart from 2:45-3:30, included with admission of $13 ($5 with valid student ID). Cash or check accepted (sorry, no credit cards). Music from 3:30-6:00. No partner necessary. All are welcome!

http://users.rcn.com/fredfeinstein/karen/band.html

Note: The weather this Sunday will be (fill in the blank). Check the WT page on Facebook or the Glen Echo website (https://glenechopark.org) for updates, if necessary.

Last week we bid adieu to 2018. This week we say bonjour to 2019 with DEVINE COMEDY: Marty Taylor (woods concertina), Steve Hickman (fiddle), John Devine (guitar) and Ralph Gordon (bass). As always, there’s a beginner waltz lesson at 2:45, included with admission price of $13 ($5 with valid student ID) per person, cash or check (sorry, no credit cards). Music from 3:30-6:00. ALL, kids to seniors, are welcome. No partner required.