FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2011
Contact: Darcy Minter, 775.340.4240
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Western Folklife Center Hosts Monthly Dances and Game Nights
Elko—Starting in May, the Western Folklife Center will host monthly Cajun/Zydeco Dance Nights on the first Saturday of each month, as well as Play Your Hand game nights on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Both events offer family fun at little to no cost on regularly scheduled days so you can plan ahead to be there.Cajun/Zydeco Dance Nights
Dick and Sandy Sturm will be the DJs, hosts and dance teachers for Cajun/Zydeco Dance Nights. The fun begins on Saturday, May 7, at 7:00 pm with dance lessons, followed by the dance. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at the door. All dances take place in the Western Folklife Center's G Three Bar Theater. The Pioneer Saloon's historic bar will be open and serving cold drinks. Kids ages 12-17 are free and must be accompanied by a parent.
Zydeco and Cajun music are closely related. Zydeco evolved in southwest Louisiana in the early 19th century from Creole music. The rural black Creoles of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas still sing in Louisiana Creole French. Cajuns are the descendants of Acadian exiles (French-speaking settlers from what are now the maritime provinces of Canada). Today, Cajuns make up a significant portion of south Louisiana's population.
According to dance instructor Dick Sturm, "a Cajun band will always have a fiddle as one of the primary instruments along with the accordion. Although both Cajun and Zydeco started at the same point musically, playing traditional French folksongs, through the years Zydeco has incorporated Caribbean and African rhythms, the blues, and most recently even elements of hip hop. Zydeco music seldom has a fiddle in it but does have a rub-board which is like a washboard in the shape of a vest which is hung over the shoulders and often played by using bottle openers."
The word Zydeco is a derivation of the French words "les haricots" or "snap beans" in English. Geno Delafose, who performed with his band French Rockin' Boogie at the last two National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings, explains that the music is called Zydeco because it is "snappy, up-beat, good-time, let-your-hair-down, have-fun music." It's just that feeling that makes Zydeco dancing popular around the world.
Play Your Hand Game Nights
Play Your Hand, the Western Folklife Center's twice-monthly game night is back with some changes in 2011. This year, you can play whatever game you're into. Grab your board games and your friends and family and head down to the Pioneer Saloon every 1st and 3rd Wednesday starting May 4th. The Folklife Center has cards, checkers, cribbage boards and a few board games on hand, or you can bring your own. If you're bored with your own games, you can learn a new game and make some friends in the process. Play Your Hand is a great opportunity to gather with friends, family and your community in the wonderful atmosphere of the historic Pioneer Saloon.
Play Your Hand is free, family-oriented and for all ages and abilities. It takes place in the Western Folklife Center's Pioneer Saloon, 501 Railroad Street. Volunteers will serve cold drinks from the historic bar throughout the evening, offering Happy Hour specials from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm; all beer, wine and mixed drinks are $1.00 off. Not a game player? Everyone is welcome to just meet up with friends on Wednesday nights to enjoy the smoke-free and air-conditioned old-time saloon and gallery.
The mission of the Western Folklife Center is to enhance the vitality of American life through the experience, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the American West.
