PORT ANGELES — Contra dances don’t typically happen on weeknights here. But with one of the country’s best-known dance callers in the area this coming week, the Black Diamond Community Hall hosts seized this Tuesday.
George Marshall, a Massachusetts-based caller who tours the nation, will be in Port Angeles for a special holiday contra dance at the Community Hall, 1942 Black Diamond Road.
A beginner’s workshop and refresher will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; then the Vermont-based band the Faux Paws will supply the live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission is by donation with $8 suggested for adults and $4 for those younger than 18.
Marshall’s mission, he said, is to “share the joy of dance,” especially the New England-style contra, a line dance that has everyone flowing across the floor, changing partners and stepping to the beat.
Known for concise teaching and calling, Marshall also organizes contra dance vacations in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Faux Paws trio pours large portions of music and passion into their sets, Marshall noted.
Noah Van Norstrand, Chris Miller and Owen Morrison mix saxophone, banjo, fiddles, mandolin, foot percussion, guitar and voices, and their repertoire ranges from traditional and original old-time gems to Irish and Quebecois tunes.
The Faux Paws themselves describe their music as “infectious,” made to draw dancers along for a wild ride.
The Port Angeles contra dances are usually a monthly thing on the first Saturday of the month. After this Tuesday’s event, dances are set for Dec. 7 — with caller Joe Michaels and the band Sweater Weather — as well as Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2 and June 6.
For information, phone 360-457-5667 and visit BlackDiamondDance.org.
