The Kanawha Valley Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance known as “FOOTMAD” is celebrating the end of their season with three dance events, a concert and an annual cookout with its customary potluck and jam session. Visit FOOTMAD.org or call 304-729-4382 for more information or to purchase tickets.
On Friday, April 10, the dancing begins with the family-oriented community dance 7pm at the Kanawha United Presbyterian Church (KUPC). With live music provided by fiddler Dan Carney and friends and calling by the local calling cooperative, all are welcome, no experience necessary. A donation of $7 is suggested for admission and family rates are available.
On Saturday evening, April 11 singer-songwriter Joe Jencks will take the stage at the WV Culture Center at 7:30pm for the last concert of the FOOTMAD season. Jencks knew and was influenced by Pete Seeger and has been allied with Si Kahn. His songs celebrate who we are as Americans and what we hold dear, what we struggle with and what we share. Many of his songs will inevitably become audience sing-alongs. Known for his strong and smooth delivery and love for mankind, Joe Jencks is a man for our times that all ages will enjoy.
Tickets for the Saturday evening concert are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and students of any age are only $10. Children under 13 are admitted free at the door.
From Friday evening, May 1 to Sunday afternoon May 3 the annual FOOTMAD dance weekend pulling together dance gypsies from across the United States will be held at Fayette County’s 4-H Camp in Beckwith, WV. Featuring two energetic bands and three callers, this “Whitewater Whirl” will likely sell out. Register at FOOTMAD.org/whirl, $130 for age 30 and over, $80 for younger dancers. An on-site meal plan is avail able for purchase and cabin lodging or camping is free.
On Sunday, May 17, the FOOTMAD board of directors invites supporters to the grounds of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1600 Kanawha Boulevard East for the group’s annual meeting. Hot dogs and hamburgers and fixings are provided starting at 2pm. Participants should bring potluck additions to the celebration. Musicians will gather for an Old-Time jam after a short board report so all are invited to bring instruments and play.
And on Friday, May 29, re-scheduled from the snowed-out Old-Time Winter Breakdown IV, The Kessinger Brothers Band and caller Steve Ballman will host a square dance at KUPC from 7pm to 10pm. Part of FestivALL, admission is free. Inexperienced dancers should come at 7pm as the dances will build steam as the night goes on. All ages are welcome!
As an educational non-profit, FOOTMAD has presented traditional music and dance in the Kanawha Valley for 45 years. This presentation is made possible with funding from WV Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts.
