SFMS Sets Folk Art Program, Dance Class

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society (SFMS) will present a folk art program and a solo jazz dance class.

The folk art program, called 'Beautiful Gestures," is part of the "Bringing It Home" series and will be held virtually on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 7:30 p.m. The program will focus on women's art and the ways women make meaning with their hands.

The presenters will be Narda LeCadre, an original member of the African American Quilters Gathering of Harrisburg; Rachita Nambiar, a classical Indian dancer; and Julie Smith, who makes hooked rugs. Amy E. Skillman, a folklorist, will moderate the discussion.

The program is free to attend, but viewers must register at http://www.susquehannafolk.org.

The in-person dance class, "A Spoonful of Jazz," will be held on Friday, Aug. 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hall of Philosophy, 212 Gettysburg Ave., Mount Gretna. The class is intended as a companion activity to a concert set for 7:30 p.m. in the Mount Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mount Gretna, featuring the New Orleans-style jazz band Tuba Skinny. The concert and class have separate costs.

"A Spoonful of Jazz" will be taught by world champion swing dancer Carla Crowen. After learning steps traditionally found in New Orleans, such as the Charleston, participants will learn a routine choreographed to the music of Tuba Skinny.

The class is open to people of all ages and ability levels. No partner is needed. Attendees should wear comfortable shoes. The indoor venue is large enough to allow for social distancing, but attendees may wear a face mask. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the aforementioned website.

The Tuba Skinny concert will be presented in partnership with Central PA Friends of Jazz. In addition to busking in the streets, Tuba Skinny has played at jazz festivals from Italy to Australia and has won various awards, including Best Traditional Jazz Band at the 2017 Big Easy Awards. The band has released seven albums. Tickets for the concert may be purchased at http://www.gretnamusic.org or by calling 717-361-1508.

For more information about these events, visit http://www.susquehannafolk.org or call 717-745-6577.