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Dancing and Old Time String Music to benefit Crozet Charities – 24 September 2011

Written by

Jim

Uncle Henry's Favorites Band

via press release:

UNCLE HENRY’S FAVORITES PLAYS OLD TIME STRING BAND MUSIC AT GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER WITH BRAD SAYLER CALLING

The sound of old time string band music and dancing feet will be heard Saturday night at a country dance to raise money for groups in Albemarle County that provide life-saving support and are working to keep our community healthy. Uncle Henry’s Favorites, one of the South’s premier old time string bands, will be playing tunes at the Greenwood Community Center from 7:30 pm to 10:30 on Saturday, Sept 24. The dance is sponsored by Ann Mallek to celebrate our community’s commitment to volunteerism and citizen engagement. The event will be fun for the whole family, whether you come to listen to music or to dance. Admission at the door is a donation of your choice to the Crozet Fire Dept., the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Company or the Crozet PARC.

The lively sounds of the fiddle, mandolin, banjo and bass will be accompanied by the entertaining calling style of Brad Sayler. Brad has called dances for over 30 years and knows how to get people at any level of experience up and dancing and having a good time. While playing traditional music, Pete and Ellen Vigour, Jim Childress, and Mark Beale continue to please crowds with new shows. Jim and Pete take turns with the fiddle and guitar, Ellen plays the mandolin and various musical instruments, while Mark provides the bass accompaniment. Pete also frails the 5-string banjo for the old dance tunes. Uncle Henry’s Favorites has won rave reviews, including an appearance on national public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and second place this year in the Traditional Band category at the Clifftop Appalachian String Band Music Festival.

And the tunes will be played for a good cause. “Our citizens are actively engaged in many community volunteer groups, and this service and dedication is a large part of what keeps our County thriving”, says Ann Mallek, Chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. “All Albemarle County citizens appreciate the work of these organizations, and an old time dance will be a fun way to celebrate and provide much-needed funds.” The four organizations that will receive donations from admission to the dance are all-volunteer groups. The Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad and the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Company, serve Western and Northern areas of the County, have saved countless lives over many years, and provide support to neighboring counties. Another beneficiary of the evening is the Crozet PARC, working to build an affordable year round swimming and fitness program for families in the western part of the county.

Cider and baked goods will be available and the event will be fun for the whole family. There will be chairs for those who just want to enjoy the music. But if you want to dance, all dances, such as the Virginia Reel, will be taught – so don’t let inexperience keep you from attending. This band and caller promises experience isn’t necessary to have a good time at a country dance. For more information, contact Ann Mallek at 996-6159.

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    Comments

    2 responses to “Dancing and Old Time String Music to benefit Crozet Charities – 24 September 2011”

    1. Mary Rice Avatar
      Mary Rice

      Even if you don’t think you like old-time music, this band is worth coming to hear.  Particularly for the price of a donation to a Crozet non-profit!   This is a great band for listening to, and dancing to, if you are inspired to dance.  I hope people take Ann up her on her invitation to come on out to Greenwood.  Ann has really been a beacon of light on the Board of Supervisors for open government and has been an incredible champion for all things Crozet. Come on out to say hello to Ann and listen to some local music. 

      Reply
    2. Mary Rice Avatar
      Mary Rice

      Thanks to everyone who came out to the Greenwood Community Center last Saturday for the benefit dance sponsored by Ann Mallek.   It was truly a great family event, with all ages dancing and listening to the great tunes of Uncle Henry’s Favorites.   Brad Sayler called all of the dances and kept people dancing until 10:30 pm.   The dance made $1,700 for the four community groups who were the benefactors – Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, Crozet Volunteer Fire Dept., Earlysville Volunteer Fire Dept., and the Crozet PARC.   We couldn’t have fit one more person in the Community Center, so thanks to everyone for coming out.  We think we had a span of ages from 3 to 93 doing circle dances, square dances, and contra dances.  What a wonderful and generous community we have!   

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