Help Big Scioty kick off its 2023-24 season by dancing for free! Longtime board member Ellie Nowels is celebrating a significant birthday by sponsoring our Sept. 9 dance. That means you’ll pay nothing for the joy of dancing to the personable calling of Cincinnati’s Liz Burkhart and the exciting sounds of Hot Coffee Breakdown, a Kentucky-based band that will be playing in advance of its December appearance at Winter WarmUp.

When, where: 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 9) at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, 15 Clinton Heights Ave., Columbus. If you’re new to contra or a bit rusty, plan to arrive at 7:30 p.m. for a quick and easy lesson.

Admission: Free!

Big changes coming: As you know if you received our recent announcement, anyone can sponsor a dance, as Ellie is doing on Saturday, thanks to a program Big Scioty is introducing this season. But that’s just one of the changes we’re planning. Beginning in February, Big Scioty is moving a couple blocks to a new and bigger location that will allow us to accommodate more dancers comfortably. At the same time, our dances will move from the first Saturday of the month to the second, while All Soles Contra & Square Dance will move its dances from the second Saturday to the fourth. We think everyone will benefit from the change, as it gives us more room and spreads local contra dances more evenly throughout the month. Win-win!

Memberships, sponsorships: Since Saturday’s dance launches our new season, it’s the perfect time to consider buying a Big Scioty membership or sponsorship. Memberships are $12 and entitle you to discount admission to each of our monthly dances: $7 rather than $10 if you’re over 26; $3 rather than $5 for ages 12-26. (Children under 12 dance for free.) Sponsorships begin at $100 and include perks such as free admission to Big Scioty’s monthly dances. For more information on the various sponsorship levels, contact Richard Reichard at rdreichard58@gmail.com or visit our sponsorship page on our website.


COVID health protocols: Masks are optional at this time. No proof of vaccination is needed. We reserve the right to change requirements if we feel it’s necessary.

SNACKS, etc.: Treats are welcome and may be left on our snack table to share. Please bring a reusable water bottle for your own use.

For more information, email bigsciotycontra@gmail.com