Shine up your cowboy boots and put on your 10-gallon hat! North House Folk School and the North Shore Music Association are collaborating to present a Traditional Music Weekend with a Western Swing theme March 12-13.
The centerpiece of the event is a Saturday night dance and concert with Western Swing band Swiddlin’ Fling. The newly formed band is made up of six accomplished musicians: Kevin McMullin, Randy Sabien, Andy Dee, Brian Barnes, “Solid Joe” Lindzius and Jim Chenoweth, and they’re sure to put on a good show. The music and dance start at 7 p.m. and tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for attendees 18 and under, available at the door.
There are numerous learning opportunities throughout the weekend as North House offers special Westernthemed coursework. With music as the emphasis, Swiddlin’ Fling musicians will offer four different two-hour courses in guitar and fiddle on Saturday.
A half-day course called Simple Tunes for Singing and Dancing is also scheduled and will take place in a jam session format—bring your instrument, learn traditional American folk tunes and play along with the group. A Cooking with Chilies course with Rob Wells, executive chef at Lutsen Resort, completes the roundup on Sunday. Registration for all courses is required.
Rounding out the weekend are family programs with Terrence Smith. Saturday from 10-11 a.m. drop in and build your own Limbertoy ($5 donation per family, ages 5 and up with adult, no registration necessary), followed by a special kids’ dance with traditional American folk music with Terrence Smith from 11 a.m. to noon (donations welcome).
Other events during the weekend include a saddle- making demo with master leather-worker Dan Smith from Duluth, and free western swing dance lessons with Wayne and Ann Russ prior to the start of the evening concert and dance.
For a complete schedule of events or to register for courses visit www.northhouse.org or call (218) 387-9762.
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