Contra Dance returns to Orcas
June 17, 2008 · Updated 5:57 PM
There will be a community Contra Dance at the Odd Fellows Hall Saturday, Jan. 14. The dance starts at 7:30 p.m. with a half hour of instruction for beginners. Then things get going at 8 p.m.
The Toad Mountain Ramblers band will provid the music. Members include Mike Schway on fiddle, Dave Nerad on banjo, Clyde Curley on guitar, and Marlin Prowell calling the dance. Prowell is a well-known caller with a reputation for easy banter that is sure to put a smile on your face. Curley is well known as the editor of the Portland Collection tunebook, a collection of favorite tunes from Oregon area bands. Music will be from Ireland, England, and especially southern Appalachia.
You don't need to come with a partner. Participants will be dancing with different partners all night long. Contra dance features hoedowns and reels in the form of line, square and circle dances, with steps and patterns that are easy to catch on to.
The Odd Fellows Hall has installed curtains that improve the acoustics. This is good news to acoustic bands that favor playing in halls where the sound is warm and clear. Â
Special thanks go to Mark Ellison for arranging the band, and the Outlook Inn for providing lodging for band members during their stay.
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