Universe on Tap for Sautee Contra Dance

What do you get when you combine academics who play acoustic music with acoustic musicians who do art? In Athens, Georgia, the answer is the band String Theory. They will bring their far-reaching music to the contra dance in Sautee on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

String Theory taps deeply into the varied talents of four experienced acoustic musicians to combine driving renditions of traditional old time fiddle tunes spiced with bluegrass and Americana elements. The band is:  Tommy Jordan, guitar and claw-hammer banjo; Dick Daniels, bass and mandolin; Dale Wechsler, fiddle; and Antoon Speters, mandolin and banjo. You’ll hear some singing and great harmonies, too, as many of the band members are known to break into song while playing dance tunes.

To help make the band-caller teamwork phenomenal for this dance will be caller Charlotte Crittenden from Brasstown, North Carolina. Charlotte has a wealth of experience as a dancer and caller in the Southeast. She is known for delighting dancers old and young alike with her warm and friendly calling style. Charlotte grew up attending contra dances and classes in dance calling with Bob Dalsemer at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

String Theory band: (left to right, top to bottom) Tommy Jordan; Dick Daniels; Dale Wechsler; Antoon Speters

SAUTEE COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE: Introductory lesson, 7:30 pm; dance, 8-11 pm.  No partner or prior experience necessary. SNCA members, $7; non-members, $10; students, $5; children 12 and under, free. The SNC historic gym is located at 283 Highway 255 North, ¼ mile off Highway 17 in Sautee, Georgia. Contact:  (706) 878-3300; www.snca.org or www.sauteecontra.com.