Folklife Center Hosts Old-Fashioned Folk Dance/Cake Walk on Oct. 30

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will host an Old-Fashioned Folk Dance/Cake Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (304) 367-4403.

Taylor Runner is a square dance caller from Morgantown. One of his mentors was Worley Gardner who regularly called dances at the Marilla Center and was featured in Robert Dalsemer’s book “West Virginia Square Dances” published in 1982. Worley was known as a “singing caller,” and Runner learned his style of calling. Runner has continued the tradition of calling for the Marilla dances, as well as many other dances throughout the state and region including the West Virginia State Folk Festival at Glenville. Runner is recognized for his ability to make dances fun and easy for everyone including first-time dancers. Runner’s passion and respect for old-time dance is evident in his enthusiasm, and he easily spreads that enthusiasm to others.

The Kennedy Barn String Band hosts regular jam sessions on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Center. The band is a homegrown, old-time music group that was formed to promote folk music traditions. The band was originated by Dr. Michael Schroering and George Yost along with friends Brian Conaway, Jamie Greene, Susie Jones, Tom Manuel, George Reynolds, Joni Schroering, Sarah Sink and Dr. Steve Smigocki.

The Blues Tradition, featuring Bill Stalnaker, the founder of the Johnnie Johnson Blues and Jazz Festival in Fairmont, is planned for Thursday, Nov. 13.

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is dedicated to the identification, preservation and perpetuation of our region’s rich cultural heritage through academic studies; education programs, festivals and performances; and publications. The Folklife Center is part of the Fairmont State University College of Liberal Arts. For more information about the Folklife Center, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/folklife.

Folklife CenterTaylor RunnerOld-Fashioned Folk Dance/Cake Walk