Live fiddle music and dancing will fill the heart of the Port Angeles Library at the Art Blast from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, when the library hosts a free contra dance featuring the Olympia-based band Riffraff.
The Port Angeles Library is at 2210 S. Peabody St., Port Angeles.
Riffraff plays contra dances up and down the I-5 corridor, from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Ore., specializing in high energy, fun dance music. Band members are Lindon Toney on fiddle, Jesse Partridge on fiddle, and Jay Finkelstein on guitar. Nan Evans, of Port Townsend, will call the dance.
New dancers, contra dance lovers and non-dancers are all invited to come enjoy a fun evening of dance and music at the library. Evans teaches a short lesson to beginners at 7 p.m., with dancing to follow.
The event kicks off the “2014 Get Moving” program series at the Port Angeles Library, encouraging people to incorporate movement and fitness activities into their daily lives.
Contra dancing is a social dance, sometimes referred to as New England folk dance. All dances are taught and include an introductory walk-though. Dancers are welcome to come alone or with friends and are encouraged to wear smooth-soled shoes, as this dance will take place on carpet. Contra dances are family friendly and a great way to connect with the community.
Reception on tap
The opening reception for the winter Art in the Library exhibit will be at 6:30 p.m., immediately preceding the contra dance. This is the time to meet the featured artists, view the art and enjoy refreshments. The winter exhibit features art by Nora Lawson, Harry von Stark and Port Angeles High School senior Aaron Wright.
The winter art show also includes selections from the Real Change collection. This is a touring collection of portraits of homeless individuals involved with Real Change, an organization that publishes the only “street newspaper” in Washington. Real Change provides employment for 300 homeless and low-income people in the Puget Sound region; vendors pay Real Change 60 cents for each Real Change newspaper and resell the paper on the street for the $2 cover price plus tips.
The winter art exhibit will be on display at the library from Jan. 9-April 8.
Art Blast events are free and open to the public. Refreshments are served and limited library services will be available during this special after-hours event.
For more information on the Art in the Library program, contact Emily Sly, volunteer program manager, at 417-8500 or e-mail to: volunteer@nols.org.
