[syr-contra-news] Contra Dance Newsletter

[David Smukler]

This is the somewhat irregular newsletter for the Syracuse Country Dancers.

Since earlier in the summer we have also been sending weekly bare-bones
reminders to many of you who receive this newsletter. If you are not
receiving the weekly reminders and would like to -- or if you are receiving
them and would prefer not to -- please respond to this message and let us
know. We will adjust accordingly. Note that if you are on the "Friends of
Folk" mailing list your list manager has subscribed you to the newsletter as
a group, but we are not sending you weekly reminders unless you sign up
individually to receive them.

Below is our upcoming schedule. We have two special events coming up that we
would like to tell you about. On September 15 there will be a dance workshop
from 4:30-6 in the afternoon, open to all, where we will learn several
contra dance "chestnuts": older traditional dances. Perhaps you've heard
callers say things like "...as in the dance 'Rory O'More'..." or, "...as in
'Petronella...'" but you haven't yet had the opportunity to dance those
wonderful classics. This may be your chance.... The caller for the evening
will be David Smukler, author of the "Cracking Chestnuts" column in the
newsletter of the Country Dance and Song Society. Our superb musicians,
George Wilson and Tom Hodgson, are well versed in the traditional tunes
necessary for such a workshop. The workshop will be followed by a potluck
supper and regular evening dance with David, George and Tom.

ALSO on the 15th is our fun/draising silent auction to support this year's
Phylla Mae Fall Fest (more about that event below). Bidding starts at the
beginning of the workshop and runs through the break in the evening dance,
which will end somewhere between 9:45 and 10:00. Some fantastic items have
already been donated, but Gretchen Ziegler, who is coordinating the auction,
would be delighted if you wanted to donate some more. Items can be
dance-related or not. Not sure what to offer? Consider donating services as
well as material objects. Gretchen can be reached at 315-682-0627 or
<eververdefarm at aol.com>.

The TENTH ANNUAL PHYLLA MAE FALL FEST on October 19 and 20 will be here
before you know it. Register now! Pre-registrants get a better deal on the
price, a cool button, guaranteed meals if you want them, and the warm fuzzy
feeling you get by helping us to keep the weekend thriving. This year's
featured performers are caller Kathy Anderson, the Great Bear Trio, and Long
John and the Tights. Lots of other great performers will be there as well,
including Bob Nicholson, Joyce Rossbach, Hearts Delight, and the Bassett
Street Hounds. For a schedule, registration form, directions, etc., go to
<http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/PhyllaMaeFallFest.html>.

Our website is <http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org>. Here's the schedule:

Sat, Sept 1 - an English country dance
Carmen Giunta
Kathy Selby, Jennifer Dotson, and John Wobus

Fri, Sept 7
Bob Nicholson
Three Wheel Drive

Sat, Sept 15 - "Cracking Chestnuts" workshop (4:30-6 PM)
David Smukler
George Wilson and Tom Hodgson
Followed by a potluck supper

Sat, Sep 15 - evening dance: 8-11 PM; silent auction bidding ends at 10
David Smukler
George Wilson and Tom Hodgson

Fri, Sept 21
Joyce Rossbach
Contrapasso

Sat, Sept 29
Caller TBA
Wild Rose

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Phylla Mae Fall Fest
October 19-20