The West Virginia Folklife Center invites the community to join two days of traditional dance and music on Oct. 24 and 25
The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will host two community-focused
events in October, both free and open to the public. The first event, a square dance,
will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., followed by the launch of
a traditional music jam series Friday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The square dance on Oct. 24 will feature the Kennedy Barn String Band and dance callers Lou Maiuri and Taylor Runner. The callers will guide participants through various dance figures during square dances. Maiuri, a beloved caller and dance instructor from Montgomery, West Virginia, has gained national recognition for his work. Runner, based in Morgantown, frequently collaborates with Maiuri, and together they make traditional dancing accessible and enjoyable for all. No partner or prior square dancing experience is required.
On Oct. 25, the Folklife Center will kick off its new monthly acoustic music jam series, inviting musicians of all skill levels to participate. The event, held on the last Friday of each month, will provide a unique opportunity for the Fairmont community, as no other regular jams are currently available in the area.
The idea for the jam series came from members of the Kennedy Barn String Band, who approached Folklife Center director Lydia Warren with the proposal, and she enthusiastically agreed.
“Jams are a great way for musicians to learn tunes, improve their skills and network,” Warren said. “We’re happy to host a recurring jam night, and we hope students and community members come to play a few tunes or just listen.”
Cardboard dulcimers will also be available for attendees interested in trying out this traditional stringed Appalachian instrument.
The Folklife Center is located on Squibb Wilson Boulevard on the Fairmont State University campus. For more information, email Lydia Warren at lydia.warren@fairmontstate.edu or call 304-367-4286.
