Spring Break
Folk music lovers perform 'hoot' shows
JESSICA BROWN
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Athens Living
Having a "hoot" in Athens is not so easily defined. It's not just having a good time - at least not for those in the Classic City who love folk music.
For Athenians who like to get folk-y, "hoots" most likely refers to music variety shows organized by the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society. The origins of hoots came from the want for rare music and entertainment.
"Back in the '80s there wasn't a lot of places for people who liked old-timey music," Susan Stanley, coordinator of the hoots, said. "There was a group of people who got together to form the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society to promote bluegrass, banjo and other traditional music. They create events that attract people with similar interests."
Where: Administrative building, Memorial Park, 293 Gran Ellen Avenue
When: Third Saturday of every month
More Information: http://www.Athensfolk.org
The hoots are notable events for anyone wanting to play their music.
"Anybody who wants to have an opportunity to play at a hoot can. I try to give everyone a chance; my only requirement being that it's acoustic music," she said.
Beyond the monthly hoots, all different types of dance and music are celebrated in this society.
"There are contra dances - like a square dance, but in a long line. You eventually dance with every single person in the hall," Staley said.
If any of the dances sound strange, there is no need to be intimidated. A dance "caller" is there to help everyone catch on quickly.
"You don't have to come with a partner or even know how to dance," Stanley said. "You end up laughing and smiling the entire evening. It's hard to describe how much fun it is."
The Folk Music and Dance Society is a unique organization with the goal to promote traditional music, dance and art in a city where it truly succeeds.
"It's good old-fashioned fun. Everyone just comes as they are," Stanley said.
For Athenians who like to get folk-y, "hoots" most likely refers to music variety shows organized by the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society. The origins of hoots came from the want for rare music and entertainment.
"Back in the '80s there wasn't a lot of places for people who liked old-timey music," Susan Stanley, coordinator of the hoots, said. "There was a group of people who got together to form the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society to promote bluegrass, banjo and other traditional music. They create events that attract people with similar interests."
FOLK SOCIETY
What: Athens Folk Music and Dance Society danceWhere: Administrative building, Memorial Park, 293 Gran Ellen Avenue
When: Third Saturday of every month
More Information: http://www.Athensfolk.org
The hoots are notable events for anyone wanting to play their music.
"Anybody who wants to have an opportunity to play at a hoot can. I try to give everyone a chance; my only requirement being that it's acoustic music," she said.
Beyond the monthly hoots, all different types of dance and music are celebrated in this society.
"There are contra dances - like a square dance, but in a long line. You eventually dance with every single person in the hall," Staley said.
If any of the dances sound strange, there is no need to be intimidated. A dance "caller" is there to help everyone catch on quickly.
"You don't have to come with a partner or even know how to dance," Stanley said. "You end up laughing and smiling the entire evening. It's hard to describe how much fun it is."
The Folk Music and Dance Society is a unique organization with the goal to promote traditional music, dance and art in a city where it truly succeeds.
"It's good old-fashioned fun. Everyone just comes as they are," Stanley said.
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