About the Staff – June
June Week Staff – 2026 (June 21st – 27th)
Registration opens February 1, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. PST. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contents: Bands / Calling / Art / Sound
Bands
Contra Sutra
Contra Sutra is a dynamic contra and English Country dance band known for their eclectic fusion of musical styles and groovy performances. Since 2009, they’ve been a staple in the contra scene, captivating dancers with their innovative approach to dance music married with close attention to the dancer experience. Contra Sutra’s improvisational style and sense of humor add a certain je ne sais quoi to any of their avatars for maximal dance ecstasy. Bringing together original members Dave Bartley (KGB, Tricky Brits, Roguery) on fretted things, Marni Rachmiel (End Effects, Reverie, Fremont Philharmonic) on flute & digital aerophone, and in this configuration, Ben Schreiber (Dam Beavers, Uncle Farmer, Long Story Short) on fiddle, and Rich Scher (Wildfire) on percussion and keyboard. The band’s repertoire weaves a blend of funkified familiar favorites and a plethora of original tunes (many by Dave), incorporating elements from various genres including pop, world music, and swing.
Countercurrent
When dancers experience the blend of lyrical melodies, groovy chords, thumping percussion and vocal harmonies simultaneously for the first time, the reaction is to wonder how so much music can come from just two people. Simply from a collaboration and mutual respect started their first day of orientation at Oberlin College nearly 15 years ago. Brian Lindsay and Alex Sturbaum, long time fixtures from the west side of Washington state are now barnstorming the country with their infectious style of playing that includes singing and foot percussion. Brian has been dancing since he could walk; singing since he could speak; and playing fiddle most of his life. Raised in New York surrounded by contradancing and Irish music, Brian was an accomplished Irish fiddler at 17. Alex Sturbaum grew up in Cincinnati playing Irish jigs and reels at an early age. In college, they were introduced to contra dancing and never looked back. Alex is a gifted musician who plays a multitude of instruments including guitar, button accordion, banjo, and mandolin. Both Alex and Brian are talented singers. Brian focuses on old and new folk songs and Alex writes songs introducing contemporary narratives in old song traditions. Together they are deservedly called a “powerhouse duo.”
Audrey Jaber, Rachel Bell, & Karen Axelrod
Audrey Jaber returns for her fifth straight year at Lady of the Lake and brings together talented musicians Rachel Bell and Karen Axelrod. The three together interlace experience and passion resulting in a unique combination of elegance, energy, and playfulness. Karen Axelrod left classical music 40 years ago to become a highly regarded piano player, known for her lyrical, whimsical, and inventive style in both the English country and contra dance worlds. Rachel Bell, a neighbor of Karen’s living on Peregrine Road in Brattleboro, VT, also was a classical pianist who discovered the accordion while in college and never turned back. Her versatility and love of collaboration makes her a highly sought after musician finding herself in multiple bands playing a huge range of music including English, contras, French, balfolk, Scottish and more. When she isn’t touring, Rachel finds time to teach music, drawing on her past experience as a public school music teacher. Audrey Jaber grew up in Honolulu playing and dancing; while attending the Berklee School of Music in Boston, she became immersed in the contra dance scene. Now living in San Diego, she not only plays fiddle across the country with many bands, she is the Membership Coordinator for CDSS. Along with an incredible flexibility Audrey’s ability to work with others raises the level of any band she plays in.
Calling
Calling will use the gender-neutral terms “Robins” and “Larks”
Lisa Greenleaf
“I love to be a guide for everybody else’s good time” defines Lisa Greenleaf’s vision as a caller.
For over forty years, Lisa has gained international respect and recognition for her contributions to the contra and square dance worlds. Once a high school English teacher, Lisa relied on her love of teaching and interest in language to become a successful career caller who is known for her succinct clear calling and teaching. Her callers’ workshops are hugely popular, resulting in her mentoring many younger callers. While “the walk throughs are the times for callers to shine,” she is much more than a presenter of dances. She sees her role as empowering dancers, musicians, and sound techs in order to help create community. She once said, “we dance in order to connect.” This “lynchpin of good times” is generous of her time and supportive of everyone’s efforts. She is always learning from others.
From Boston, Lisa has been a frequent caller at Lady of the Lake June and Fall Weekends. She will be leading two dance workshops including one involving squares as well as a callers’ workshop.
Maia McCormick
“No, I hate dancing,” declared caller Maia McCormick when first asked to attend a dance her first year at Williams College. But after being dragged to a contra dance there in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, she was “hooked.” Soon after, she was encouraged to call at the student-led dances. Her friends reasoned, “Maia, you are good at bossing people around.” And much more. Within a year, she was being hired to call throughout New England.
For the past ten years, Maia has honed her calling skills frequently at her home dance in Brooklyn, NY, as well as at events across the country. She sees herself as a facilitator, “setting things in motion and having people do their own thing.” Ultimately, she “cares about dancers being happy and feeling good.” A number of her dance compositions are found in callers’ repertoires across the country.
When she isn’t calling or dancing, Maia is working as a programmer and serving as artistic director of New York Chamber Choirs. With her “free” time she also constructs crossword puzzles and tortures her friends with puns.
At her very first Lady of the Lake, Maia will be leading workshops in contra dancing, waltzing, and singing.
Joanna Reiner Wilkinson
Joanna Reiner Wilkinson is one of the most sought-after callers in the country. At Lady of the Lake she will teach two English country dance workshops and an English country caller’s workshop in addition to calling evening dances. A dance leader in the Philadelphia-based Germantown Country Dancers, she has a reputation for clear calling and instruction. She loves exploring ECD techniques and new dances. Her walk throughs are exemplary and her prompts short, helpful and perfectly timed. She is past Director of Programs at Country Dance and Song Society.
Art
Patricia Montoya Donohue
Artist Patricia Donohue shares her love of nature through teaching art. While traveling, she’s learned techniques and styles from other cultures, and has for many years taught art to a wide range of ages. At June Week she will offer a variety of fun, accessible projects involving basketry and mosaics. She looks forward to finding natural materials at N-Sid-Sen to use in the projects. Patricia is on staff at the renowned John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. She lives in Eugene, Oregon and is an avid contra dancer. Patricia understands how art and dance can foster community. “I love the magic that is made when a person feels they belong and I am a firm believer in making sure all folks are included by enriching spaces to foster community.”
Sound
Roy Curet
Brendan Biele
For your dancing and listening pleasure Roy, and Brendan will be making sure the sound systems optimize the voices and music!
Registration opens February 1, 7:00 a.m. PST