FOOTMAD’s
ANNUAL CÈILIDH DANCE
A ceilidh, originating from the Gaelic word for "visit" or "gathering, is a traditional Scottish and Irish social gathering, with music, dancing, storytelling and singing. The dance is sponsored by the Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance (aka Kanawha Valley FOOTMAD). No previous experience needed. All dances are taught.
Located at 1009 Virginia Street East, there is free parking beside the church on the lot stretching from Virginia Street to Kanawha Boulevard. Enter through the red doors facing the river. Admission is by suggested donation of $10, students $5 and those under age 13 are admitted free of charge. Family discounts are available.
This year, FOOTMAD is bringing in the Athens, Ohio-based Celtic band, the Brickersons. Dances will be taught and called by Steve Ballman and David Mould.
The Brickersons
From left to right: Zeke Hutchinson (mandolin), Ed Newman (hammer dulcimer), two of Ed’s bricks, Rusty Smith (fiddle), Todd Sams (banjo and bouzouki). Not in picture, Dave “Bubba” Borowski (guitar).
The Brickersons morphed out of another Athens-based Celtic band, The Boys of the Hock. When some members were unavailable to play concerts and dances, hammer dulcimer player Ed Newman and fiddler Rusty Smith decided to form another band so that they would not miss out on gigs. All members are multi-instrumentalists, and play in other bands.
“We kicked around names,” said Ed. “Rusty recalled an old TV comedy series, The Bickersons, where a couple is in a constant verbal war. I’m a brick collector and historian so we just combined the names. As a band, we occasionally bicker, but usually we get along fine.”
The Brickersons play jigs, slip jigs, reels, airs, waltzes—indeed, anything that’s Celtic and instrumental—plus some old-time.
Easy Celtic Social Dancing
No partner required
All dances taught with a walk through
Kilts and plaid encouraged!
March 6 - Friday
7:00 to 9:30 PM
$7 - Adults / Children under 13 FREE
Kanawha United Presbyterian Church,
1009 Virginia St East, Charleston, WV
Learn More about FOOTMAD Community Dances, click here.
Follow our dances on Facebook at FOOTMAD Community Dances Charleston WV
This Cèilidh dance is an event of Charleston’s annual Celtic Calling Gathering