Community News

     Ontario Center for Performing Arts along with Stewart's Shops, is sponsoring a contra dance (also known as a "barn dance") on Friday, Feb. 1, at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., in Oswego, adjacent to Breitbeck Park overlooking Lake Ontario.      The Great Bear Trio, consisting of musicians Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand and their mother, Kim, is the featured band for this event, with Sara VanNorstrand as the caller. There is a newcomer's workshop at 7 p.m., and then the dance will go from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
     The Contra Dance helps kick off the city of Oswego's Warm-Up Oswego Festival and the music continues Saturday night when Cliff Eberhardt takes the Oswego Music Hall stage at 8 p.m.
     A second contra dance will take place by the Great Bear Trio Friday, March 15, same time and location.
     All dances are learn-as-you-go and all ages are welcome. General admission is $7 ($20 family maximum), Music Hall members pay $6, SUNY students pay $5 and children 5 and under are free.
     Contra dancing is similar to the old-fashioned barn dances where a caller guides new and experienced dancers through a variety of line and square dance moves. A dancer and his or her partner perform a series of moves, or figures, with each other and repeat the same figures with other couples as they progress down the line.
     Contra dancing has traditionally been a social occasion to create an opportunity to meet others in the community. A partner is not necessary and (almost) all ages can participate.
     Those planning to attend should bring clean, soft-soled shoes to change into for dancing and are asked not to wear perfume. A water cooler is available and bringing a water bottle is strongly advised.     Refreshment donations are accepted.
     Ontario Center for Performing Arts, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization which has been bringing live entertainment, primarily folk and acoustic music, to Central New York for over 35 years. For more information, visit their website at oswegomusichall.org or call 315-342-1733.