The Christmas Community Contra Dance will feature three well-known musicians from Georgia at 8 p.m. Saturday in the historic Sautee Nacoochee Community Association gym.
Scott Russell, Beverly Smith and John Grimm will perform as Susan Davis calls out the steps. All three have graced the historic gym in Sautee Nacoochee with their musicianship over several years, as players in other bands. Recently, the three have joined talents to present their own unique Appalachian groove.
Beverly Smith is one of the most experienced and respected musicians in traditional music. She is an accomplished fiddler, guitar player and dance caller. She has played and sung with such luminaries as Bruce Molsky, Rafe Stefanini, Alice Gerrard and John Doyle. She was a founding member of the Heartbeats Rhythm Quartet.
John Grimm is an award-winning fiddler and multi-instrumentalist. His bands have included The Georgia Mudcats, Georgia Potlickers and Rural Radio Company. He has also appeared with bands such as The Indigo Girls and Rising Appalachia. He appeared in the Cotton Patch Gospel and the PBS film “The People Versus Leo Frank.”
Scott Russell has played guitar for traditional dancing for more than 30 years. His bands have included Cattywampas, Magic Truck String Band and the Tune Dogs. Scott is also an accomplished square and contra dance caller.
Susan Davis, Scott’s wife, has been playing and calling dances for more than 30 years. She and Scott have been key players in establishing and nurturing contra dancing in the Atlanta area. She has called regularly with the Chattahoochee Country Dancers and been a guest caller at dances all across the Southeast. Both beginning and experienced dancers love her clear calling and helpful instruction.
A free contra dance lesson will be given at 7:30 p.m. Regular dancing is from 8-11 p.m. No partner or prior experience is necessary. Dance coordinators will assist in pairing you with various experienced dancers throughout the evening.
Admission is $7 for SNCA members, $9 nonmembers, $5 for high school or college students and free for children 12 and younger.
SNCA is at 2834 Ga. 255 North, a quarter mile off Ga. 17 in Sautee.
For more information, call 706-754-3254, email thrivingspirit@me.com, or visit www.SNCA.org.