First-of-Year Contra Dance and Potluck in Sautee

On Saturday, January 25, SNCA will have a contra dance with music by the band Contraforce and calling by Emily Abel. Contraforce is our most popular band, drawing dancers from not only across Georgia but from surrounding states. Fiddler Andrae Raffield, percussionist/saxophonist Joey Dorwart, guitarist Jimi Peirano, and vocalist Karin Mcquade collaborate on old standards and new originals, infusing energy into the dances that is second to none. This is a dance not to be missed! The band’s energy is contagious and ensures dancers a fun evening.

Beginning his violin playing at the age of six, Raffield trained classically through middle school. In his teens, he began branching out in various folk styles, playing fiddle, guitar, and bass. As a child in Pennsylvania, Dorwart enjoyed playing the saxophone, then moved on to electric bass as a teen, and finally into his favorite, drums, jamming with metal and punk bands.

Come join the friendly dancers of Sautee. If you have contra danced you know how much fun it can be. If not, come on out to try it. If you can walk you can contra dance. The caller will tell you the moves, so learning the dance is not necessary. No experience is needed. It is not necessary to bring a partner.

The evening begins with a 6:30 pm potluck dinner. Bring a dish to share and enjoy visiting with old friends or make new ones. Bringing snacks to share on the refreshment table during the dance is welcomed. The 8:00 dance, preceded by a free lesson at 7:30 pm., is held at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center historic gym, at 283 Highway 255 N., ¼ mile off Highway 17 in Sautee, Georgia, (706) 878-3300. Cost is $10 for nonmembers, $8 for members of SNCA, $6 for students, and free for those under age 12. Visit www.sauteecontra.com or www.snca.org for more information.