Spring Break
String Theory to play dance
LAURA GALBRAITH
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Traditional Southern music and dancing will come together this weekend, just outside of Athens.
There will be a Contra Dance at the OCAF Rocket Hall in Watkinsville Saturday night.
The dance, sponsored by the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society, will feature music from the band String Theory.
The members, in addition to having about five years of experience together, work at the University in various departments.
But they don't sing about their work.
"Our music largely draws on traditional Southern fiddle tunes, but we do venture into other regional flavors," said banjo player/vocalist Ned Gardiner.
He also said one of the most enjoyable parts of seeing his band perform is how the energy and rhythm of its music is reflected and strengthened in the members movements and of anyone who decides to dance.
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Started by Gardiner and two previous members in the '90s, String Theory began by playing on the streets of downtown Athens.
Throughout the years, the group has gotten numerous gigs at clubs including as Farm 255 and the Melting Point as well as performing annually at the Human Rights Festival.
The band members frequently jam every Tuesday and Thursday at lunchtime at the pond on South Campus between the School of Forestry and the Institute of Ecology.
Tommy Jordan, guitarist/mandolinist/vocalist, said another appealing aspect of performing is seeing a whole range of people from Athens come out and get into the dancing.
"In a dance, people are feeding off the energy and there is immediate feedback," he said.
For those who don't feel confident on their feet, there will be a beginning instruction lesson given 30 minutes before the band starts.
There is no need to bring a partner, but a pair of comfortable, soft-soled shoes is recommended.
At the event, there will be a dance caller who will determine a set of dances to call, each taught in a walk-through before the music starts.
