Not just Celtic anymore
SUNDAY GAZETTE-MAIL
Sunday February 27, 2000
Outlook Section

By Marina Hendricks
STAFF WRITER

So just what is a contra dance, anyway?

Steve Ballman with the Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance is not sure how the term "contra" originated. It could explain how the couples move in a contrary motion to each other, he speculated, or it could be a corruption of the word "country."

Contra dances first became popular in New England during the 1700s and 1800s, he noted.

"In English country dancing, the formation and the figures that the dancers do are very similar to contra dancers." Ballman said. "Only in English country dances, things are more stately, reserved, slower. Contra dances are a bit more vigorous and physical.

"It kind of reflects the difference in character between the English and Americans."

No matter how one defines them, contra dances are an important part of FOOTMAD's outreach to the public. The group hosts them on the first and third Fridays of each month for anyone who wants to attend.

"It's always with a live band; it's never recorded music," said Bill Kimmons, FOOTMAD president.

"It's like an old barn dance. All the dances are taught beforehand, and everybody can participate. It's very inclusive, not exclusive."

Incorporated in May 1981, FOOTMAD also exposes local audiences to a variety of world music. But its members had a more modest goal in mind at first: to celebrate West Virginia's own musical heritage.

"In the region ... it would incorporate those numbers of musicians who play primarily dance tunes, the fiddle tunes that have been passed down from generation to generation," Ballman said. "Many of the tunes can be traced back to origins in Scotland, Ireland and England."

But like most cultural organizations, FOOTMAD has had to redefine itself somewhat in order to meet the ever-changing needs of its audience.

"We still focus heavily on the Celtic, but FOOTMAD's mission ... is to bring traditional music and dance to the Kanawha Valley," Kimmons said.

"We've discovered that there are other people here than just Celtic. What we like to do is bring in all the traditions."

Two of the six concerts FOOTMAD produces each year spotlight Celtic performers. The remaining four feature musicians who specialize in blues, jazz, Latin, Cajun, zydeco and more. The group averages audiences of 250 to 300 people per concert.

"Celtic groups tend to draw the largest crowds," Ballman said. "There's a lot of interest nationwide with 'Riverdance.' There's always been more interest in West Virginia, just because that's the origin of many of the people here - Scotch-Irish."

That has not always been the case, he added. "We've got somewhat of a problem in West Virginia that traditional music has been so much a part of people's lives that they tend to reject it. They're kind of coming back to it."

What has helped FOOTMAD endure, Kimmons said, has been its family-friendly philosophy.

"We've always tried to keep our ticket prices down and reasonable to attract families. With free child care and children under 13 [admitted] free, I think we're getting a much larger family audience than we've had before."

Another potential gold mine for FOOTMAD may be the youth movement.

"We're seeing a younger audience," Ballman said. "The last two or three years, we're getting college-age people. ... Some of the concerts, we see younger musicians. More of the dance bands are having teen-aged musicians."

The current FOOTMAD season closes with two concerts. Rising bluegrass and old-time music performer Johnny Staats appears with former New Grass Revival member John Cowan and his band at 7 p.m. March 19 in the Cultural Center Theater at the state Capitol Complex. Tickets are $10 for adults or $8 for senior citizens, students and FOOTMAD members.

The "Celtic supergroup" Cherish the Ladies performs at 8 p.m. March 25 at the West Virginia State College Capitol Center at 123 Summers St. in Charleston. Tickets are $12 for adults or $10 for senior citizens, students and FOOTMAD members.

"If you ever want to see one, you should come to that one," Kimmons said. "They're just awesome."

But wait - there is more. The annual FOOTMAD Fall Fling, a festival of workshops and performances, is scheduled for Sept. 22-24 at Fayette County Park in Beckwith.

On tap to participate are Robin Kessinger, a national flat-pick guitar champion, and Melvin Wine, a grand master of West Virginia fiddling.

Members of FOOTMAD plan to kick off their 2000-2001 season on Oct. 28 with Odetta, a blues, folk and gospel ensemble.

Other concerts include: Kornog (Celtic), Nov. 18; Rosie Ledet (Zydeco), Dec. 2; Vida (American and Balkan folk), Jan. 6, 2001; Tom Paxton (folk), Feb. 24, 2001; and Croabh Rua (Celtic), March 24, 2001.

For ticket prices, times and other information, call 344-4314 or 345-0924.