A group of local musicians will perform traditional songs and contra dance music at the Union County Museum’s Third Tuesday Event in their Little White Church in Union, Tuesday, August 19, beginning at 7 p.m.
Small Town Girls formed about ten years ago and consists of 3 violins, 2 guitars and a base. They have been performing together at events and venues around Eastern Oregon, including recently at the North Powder Huckleberry Festival and at the Rockwell Grange near Elgin. The members are Brianna Huitt Sheehy, Melody Huitt, Sherry Griffith, Cindy Frick, Anna Cavinato and Dawn Roe. The bass player, Anna Cavinato, is unable to attend this event, but Brennan Sheehy will fill in on the bass.
The event will conclude with contra dance music and the opportunity for those in the audience to get up and try a couple of the traditional dances. Carla Arnold will do the calling and instruction. Contra dance is an American social folk dance with roots dating back hundreds of years in Europe. Dancers follow a series of choreographed moves called by a caller. Unlike square dancing, contra dancers form two lines facing each other rather than forming a 4-couple square. It's known for being accessible to beginners and is often described as a fun, community-oriented activity, enjoyed by all ages.
The Little White Church is located right beside City Hall on South Main Street in Union, across the street from the Union County Museum. Admission to the event is free and the public is welcome. The purpose of the Third Tuesday events through summer is to bring new and long-devoted museum patrons together and increase their interest in the area’s history and culture. Please come share a fun evening with friends and neighbors. The museum is open through September, Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.