Carolina Meltdown 2025

Welcome to Carolina Meltdown 2025! Join us in March at the lovely lakeside setting for some fantastic music, dancing, fun and friendship! Ticket Sales END MARCH 19TH - No 'day of' or tickets sold at the door are planned, so register here: [hidden] THE AWESOME BANDS: Topspin - Topspin is a new band made up of veteran dance musicians. Long-time collaborators Anna Patton and Owen Morrison (Elixir, The Figments) have teamed up with two of their favorite instrumentalists to create a dynamic contra dance experience. Emily Troll's (Anadama) powerful fiddling are adorned by Anna Patton's nimble and inventive clarinet. Owen Morrison's masterful guitar playing and Stefan Amidon's (The Sweetback Sisters) superb drumming combine for uniquely danceable rhythmic drive. While each band member is at home in many styles of music, a contra dance allows them to converse in their native language, providing a sonic tapestry in which dancers can interweave themselves. Hot Coffee Breakdown promises to caffeinate your dancing! Driven by traditional and original tunes from Tom Cunningham's fiery fiddle, and powered by the Latin and rock rhythms of Kate Sanders on keyboard and Luis de Leon on percussion and harmonica, Hot Coffee Breakdown will energize your dance floor with a refreshingly wide variety of contra dance music. Hailing from Louisville, KY, for the past 7 years this versatile trio have excited dancers from New Jersey to Florida, and west to Chicago and St. Louis; and worked with top callers like Gaye Fifer, Seth Tepfer, Diane Silver and Darlene Underwood. THE AWESOME CALLERS: Rick Mohr - Rick Mohr's calling and choreography have delighted dancers across North America for decades. Known for top-notch repertoire, good humor, and crystal-clear calling, Rick always brings fun and connection to the dance floor. Besides calling he loves fiddling, singing, stories, tessellations, and luring people into the world of music and dance. Darlene Underwood - Darlene is a caller from the Midwest who is recognized nationally. She's known for high-energy dances that are exciting and really flow. She has been teaching and calling contra and square dances for over 26 years for smiling dancers across the country. She enjoys calling dances that help dancers connect to the music and to each other. The AWESOME SOUND: Sound this year by Stagecoach Sound Schedule? Check out the Schedule HERE How can I help by volunteering? Glad you asked! Many hands make for light work! We cannot do it without you! Volunteer here How can I contact the Organizer with questions? Email us at [hidden] Sleeping Arrangements? Cabins are back this year! A map of the cabins at Camp Thunderbird can be found at: [hidden] Cabin bunks - We listened and in 2025 lower bunks are available on a first come basis - but you can reserve when you register! Yay! Remember to bring your own bedding and towels - it's a YMCA camp! Bring a power strip if you need an outlet. Note: Camp Thunderbird is very nice hosting us, but they have asked us not to call about cabins. They are not staffed like a hotel, so please do not call them and ask about cabins arrangements. Feel free to reach out to your Charlotte area friends to see if they have space! Or make a new friend by posting on our Facebook page to see what the natives might have! There are also Airbnb rentals in the area, and hotels within 15-20 minutes of the venue. Remember NO CAMPING at Camp Thunderbird. There is camping at McDowell State Park just a short distance away! Dining? Potluck Friday Night - 5:15 - 6:30pm in Johnson Hall With a meal plan purchase, you get 5 hearty meals. Need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free? No problem - just let us know on your registration form! Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch are provided this year by Camp Thunderbird. We have added a Cookie Break on Saturday night, so feel free to bring your favorite baked goods to share. Gluten free treats are always appreciated. REFUND POLICY 50% refund minus $15 until 7 days before the dance. No refunds within 7 days of the dance. What is the weather like in March? Early spring in the Carolinas can be fickle and/or fantastic! Take a look at your favorite weather app a little closer to the event to be sure of an accurate forecast. But generally, it is lovely. Playshops and Special Events! - Rushfest! - Waltz Workshop - Challenging & Smooth Contra Sessions - Morning and Afternoon Yoga - Callers’ Workshop - Organizers’ Meetup - 3 Sessions Open Waltz to Live Music! - Musicians’ Jam - AND MORE! More Info below.