Kick off Summer with Contra Dancing in Sautee

Kick off your summer contra dancing in the air-conditioned comfort of the Sautee Nacoochee Center gym on June 24, 2017, with the Asheville-based band The Stuff, a dynamic duo known for playing a wide range of high-energy fiddle tunes in many styles that keep contra dancers moving. Calling for the dance is by the amazing Bob Dalsemer of Hayesville, NC, a widely recognized, leading figure in traditional dancing programming and instruction both nationally and internationally.  

The Stuff string band: Gretchen Caverly and Nic Coker

The Stuff is Gretchen Caverly on fiddle and Nic Coker on guitar and fiddle. Gretchen, originally from New Orleans, and Nic, from Alabama, first connected in Asheville in 2015. Gretchen plays in other contra bands including TuneRider, and a string trio, Mountain Bitters. Nic plays in other bands including Boom Chuck, Spinning Wheel, and Kudzoo. They like to say that they “make a humble living mostly playing music ... which is challenging, but really fun.”

Bob Dalsemer, caller

From 1991 to 2013, Bob Dalsemer was Coordinator of Music and Dance Programs at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina, where he greatly expanded the music program, instituted annual training courses for callers and dance musicians and produced a concert series featuring many fine local and regional traditional musicians. In 2011 he received the Country Dance and Song Society's Lifetime Contribution Award.

Bob has taught legions of student callers who have gone on to success in the field, several of whom have called right here in Sautee. He remains much in demand to call and teach squares, contras, circle dances, and traditional English and Danish dance. An accomplished musician on fiddle, guitar, mandolin and piano accordion, he enjoys playing music and doing community volunteer work.  

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, 1/4 mile off Highway 17 in Sautee, Georgia.

Contact:  (706) 878-3300; www.snca.org or www.sauteecontra.com.