PORT ANGELES — The Possum Carvers, a band from Port Townsend, and Linnaea Chapman, a Seattle-based caller who likes to mix new and old styles, are headed for Port Angeles for this Saturday night’s community contra dance.
The event is open to everybody, singles, couples and families, regardless of age and previous dance experience at the Black Diamond Community Hall, 1942 Black Diamond Road.
It all starts with a beginners’ contra-dance workshop and refresher at 7:30 p.m., and then the band will play from 8 p.m. till 11 p.m.
Admission is a suggested $8 donation for adults and $4 for those 17 and younger.
The Possum Carvers are seasoned players: fiddler Scott Marckx, guitarist Chris Cooper and Jeanie Murphy on banjo — though instrument-switching has been known to happen.
Chapman, for her part, grew up barn dancing in upstate New York and became an avid contra dancer while in college. She started calling five years ago in Syracuse, N.Y., before she moved to Seattle.
With encouragement from the dance community across the country, she’s had opportunities to call in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Vermont and New York state.
For more details about this Saturday’s gathering and other contra dances across the region, see blackdiamonddance.org or phone 360-457-5667.
Veils, jewels
PORT ANGELES — Shula Azhar, the award-winning bellydance ensemble, will give a performance tonight at Wine on the Waterfront, upstairs in The Landing mall at 115 E. Railroad Ave.
There’s no cover charge, and all ages are welcome for the 7:30 p.m. show, which features ensemble and solo dances to music from around the world.
For information, phone the venue at 360-565-8466.
Concert in Woods
COYLE — Folk singer-songwriter Buddy Mondlock and harmony vocalist-bassist Mike Lindauer will get together for a gig at the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center next Friday, March 13.
Admission is by donation to the 7:30 p.m. show, part of the Concerts in the Woods series.
For details and directions to the Community Center at 923 Hazel Point Road, see www.CoyleConcerts.com or phone host Norm Johnson at 360-765-3449.
Castle returns
BLYN — Geoffrey Castle, the electric-violin showman who’s come out to Sequim and Port Angeles on many an occasion, will do a pre-St. Patrick’s Day concert at 7 Cedars Casino next Friday, March 13.
Castle’s All Star Band plus the Seattle Irish Dance Company will take the stage at 9 p.m. for a night of Celtic and traditional Irish songs.
There’s no cover charge at the casino, 270756 U.S. Highway 101.
More details can be had by phoning 360-683-7777.
Celtic music, yarns
PORT ANGELES — The annual Celtic Concert of storytelling, singing and bagpiping arrives at the Port Angeles Community Playhouse next Friday, March 13.
The Story People of Clallam County and mistress of ceremonies Pat Peterson host the evening to begin at 7 p.m.
Performers include singer-guitarists Michael Rivers and Dan Cobb; piper Tom McCurdy and storytellers Ingrid Nixon, Allison Cox and James the Obscure.
Admission is $10 at the door of the playhouse, 1235 E. Lauridsen Blvd., and more details await at www.ClallamStoryPeople.org.