Costume up for Contra Dancing in Sautee

Give your Halloween costume an early try-out while dancing to traditional music at the Sautee Nacoochee Center community dance on Saturday, October 28, 2017.  The Cage Free string band, our favorite “house band”, is ready to provide its generous blend of Old Time Appalachian and New England contra dance music.  Costumed or not, come enjoy great calling by Doug Singleton, who has called dances with the band many times over the past 10 years.

The October dance will include special refreshments, a costume parade, and fun prizes for various category winners.  Costumes are optional, so just come in your usual dance garb and enjoy the view.

Cage Free has played for dances and other events in Northeast Georgia since 2007.  Four of the five band members will be present at the October dance:  Margie McDonald on fiddle, Jennie Inglis on acoustic bass, Mark Baker on guitar, and Walter Daves on claw hammer banjo, mandolin, and whistle.

Cage Free “four”: Jennie Inglis, acoustic bass; Mark Baker, guitar; Margie McDonald, fiddle; Walter Daves, banjo

Margie McDonald, a classical violin player since her teen years, has played traditional fiddle music for over 10 years and is well-versed in genres from New England contra dance to Scottish and English Country Dance music.  She is much in demand to play at musical events and contra and English country dances throughout Northeast Georgia and neighboring states.

All four of the Cage Free musicians have played regularly for the “Learn and Contra” classes at SNC for the past 10 years.  Walter Daves is the original organizer and caller for the classes, and Jennie Inglis is the current organizer and caller.  For several decades, the four musicians have performed at a variety of vocal, instrumental and dance events.  In addition to his guitar skills, Mark Baker holds a degree in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory of Music and performed for 10 years with the Boston Camarata.  He and Jennie are also accomplished Morris dancers.

Doug Singleton has been calling dances far and wide for many years.  A regular caller for Atlanta's Chattahoochee Country Dancers Friday night dances, he has called in dance locations throughout the Eastern United States and is known for his clear teaching and interesting dances.

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