The next of the summer series of live-music community dances will be hosted by Cowee Arts & Heritage Center at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19. Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix, all are welcome, including beginners and no dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to live music are welcome, too.
Brasstown’s local band, Paddy’s Return, unleashes a whirlwind of high-spirited Celtic energy that turns every contra dance into a joyous celebration. Leader Dawn Davis composes songs and tunes, several of which have been used in television documentaries; she moves effortlessly between banjo, piano and harp, shaping the band’s signature sound. Guitarist David Bellino plays a rich palette of alternate tunings and has a career of composing, arranging and performing for radio and television in the U.S. and Japan. Recorder and melodica player Amanda Burts adds her clear, expressive lines drawn from years of performing in diverse wind ensembles. Wendy Graham Settle, the music and dance coordinator at John C. Campbell Folk School, adds lyrical glue with her accordion prowess. Rounding out the group are multi-instrumentalists J.T. Smith playing fiery bass lines and Brian Gatti, whose bodhran beats anchor the band with unmistakably Irish rhythm. Lace up your dancing shoes.
Harrison Keely will call the dance, for the uninitiated, the caller walks the dancers through the steps of the upcoming dance for a few minutes, and then continues to call the moves in time to the music so the dancers know what to do next, to include contras, squares, mixers and perhaps a few other types of folk dances appropriate to the level of the dancers in attendance. Harrison frequently acts in theater productions in Hayesville and is known for his clear dance calling instructions, enthusiasm and permanent smile.
Beginners are strongly encouraged to arrive by 2:30 p.m. for the instruction and experienced dancers are on hand to help those new to contra dance get started with the movements. The dance is from 3-5 p.m. A suggested donation of $10-20 per person pays the musicians, callers, flyers and venue rental; kids age 14 & under are free; children over age 8 who are game to participate or sit and watch with an adult may also attend.
Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center is located at 51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, N.C. Bring a closed water container and a snack if you wish. Smooth-soled shoes work best for dancing on wood floors. Do not wear perfume or other scents to the dances. Visit and follow us on facebook.com/FranklinContra for photos and details about this and all of our contra dances through November. Our next two dances will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17 at the Macon County Public Library. Email: ContraDanceFranklinNC@gmail.com to be put on the email notification list.