Liz Burkhart

A new local band and an up-and-coming Cincinnati caller will take the stage at Big Scioty’s second dance of the season. (And our annual celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day. Aaarrr!)

With a calling style that has been described as clear, enthusiastic and fun, Liz Burkhart seeks to find the balance between welcoming new dancers and pushing the edge of the average dancer’s expectations. She’ll be backed up Saturday by Firefly Trace, whose exceedingly pleasant sound will be provided by Pat Wilcox and Sandy Jones on fiddle, Richard Kinsley on guitar, Jennifer Evans Kinsley on hammered dulcimer and Janet Chandler on marimbula.

Beginners welcome! If you’ve never tried (or even heard of) contra dance, we make it easy to enjoy this friendly American tradition. You don’t need to bring a partner, and you can learn all you need to get going during the 7:30 p.m. lesson.

Membership drive continues! We’ve signed up 28 members so far this season and are hoping to reach or exceed last season’s 42 members. An annual membership costs just $12 and gives you perks such as a nifty name badge and $1-off admission to each dance. More importantly, it helps us to keep contra dance alive and thriving in Central Ohio. You can purchase a membership at Saturday’s dance.

Location: First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St. (next to the Columbus Museum of Art), Columbus, OH 43215
Times: Teaching session 7:30 p.m./dancing 8-11 p.m.
Admission is $8 ($7 for members), $4 ($3) for ages 12-26, free for children under 12.