Submitted by event organizers

The monthly San Juan Contra Dance will be held from 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, at the San Juan Island Grange in Friday Harbor.

This month’s caller is Marlin Prowell from Bellingham. Prowell runs successful dances in Bellingham and is a skilled and well-liked caller in the area. The band this month is The Spuds, a local contra group, all of whom live on San Juan Island. The band includes Val White on fiddle, Jim Nollman of mandolin, Katy Nollman on banjo and Malcolm Suttles on guitar. Everyone knows and love these folks, and they make fine music together. Islanders have probably seen them from time to time playing at the farmers market, too.

The event costs a donation of $10 at the door or $5 for students. As always, all dances are taught and no partner is needed since a feature of contra dancing is changing partners for each dance. Since each dance is taught beforehand, there’s no need for prior experience in contra dancing. It’s easy and fun. The dance is sponsored by San Juan Island Grange 966.

For more information, contact Alice Deane at alicedeane@rockisland.com or 360-378-5250.