Staff Bios

 

Joseph Kaloyanides Graziosi was exposed at an early age to Greek music and dance through both family contacts and participation in Greek American social and cultural events.  Joe began his formal pursuit of the study, documentation and promulgation of traditional Greek dance in 1975 during a semester-abroad program in Athens where he worked with the noted folklorist, Ted Petrides. Since then he has done extensive independent research in folk music and dance in Greece, the former Greek areas of the Anatolian Peninsula, and the Greek American communities in New England and New York.  In 1982, under the sponsorship of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ethnic Folk Arts Center, he directed the Greek Music Tour, composed of highly esteemed practitioners of traditional music from both Greece and the immigrant community in the States.  Since 1984, he has taught traditional folk and urban dances of the Greek peoples throughout the U.S. and Canada, including at major dance camps, weekend seminars and retreats for both professional and amateur dance troupes as well as for community and church groups and folk dance organizations. He has also taught Greek dances in Japan, Taiwan and Europe.

Joe taught Greek dances and culture at Texas Camp in 1988, 1995, 2001, and 2014 and returns virtually this year to delight folk dancers once again. 

Don Weeda is a master accordionist and well versed in many musical styles.  He plays with many ensembles, and his folk music career spans over 30 years as a performer, recording artist, and workshop conductor at festivals and camps all over North America.  For many years Don has led the Texas Camp band and has provided much delightful live music for camp parties and other events.

Shirley Johnson grew up singing, dancing, and playing the accordion.  She sang with the Duke University Chorale, performing at Carnegie Hall in NYC and at Disney World.  From 1992 to 1994 in Rome, Italy, she sang with the “Coro Misto” of “L’Accademia della Filarmonica,” performing throughout Rome.  She has performed with various bands around Austin. and has been a popular singing teacher at numerous Texas Camps.