The second Saturday Floyd Contra Dance welcomes the band Rule of Thumb, with caller Chris Youngblood, performing on Saturday, March 11, 8 p.m. at the Floyd Center for the Arts. A Southwest Virginia band, Rule of Thumb energizes local dances with rhythmic variety and unique improvisations – a dancer’s dream come true.
A multi-talented acoustic quartet, Rule of Thumb plays Celtic, Old-Time, Bluegrass and Gypsy Jazz. Fans say to expect signature tempos, “over-the-top” acoustic energy, and extraordinary instrumental improvisation. Band members are Joel Keebler on bass, FM Turner on fiddle, Steven Paul on guitar, and Matt Livingston on mandolin.
This month’s caller, Chris Youngblood, from Floyd, has a smooth calling style, expertly teaching the dance figures to experienced and inexperienced alike.
The dance is 8-11 p.m. with a beginner lesson at 7:35. Dance organizers suggest wearing soft, flexible shoes for dancing; the caller will teach each dance. Beginners and singles are welcome at this family-friendly event sponsored by Blue Ridge Country Dancers. Admission is $8.
The dance will be held on the second floor of Floyd Center for the Arts, 220 Parkway Lane South, Floyd. Community contra dances are held every second Saturday from September through June. For more information, visit floydcontradance.org.
