Spooky Sounds, Stories, and Square Dancing at the WV Folklife Center this October

The Frank and Jane Gabor Folklife Center is hosting two free events to get folks of all ages into the Halloween spirit. On Friday, October 16, from 7- 9 p.m., the West Virginia Storytelling Guld will perform their annual Spooky Stories Concert. On Thursday, October 29, the Folklife Center will hold its annual Halloween Square Dance from 7- 9 p.m.

Tellers for the October 16 Spooky Stories Concert event include JoAnn Dadisman, Fran Kirk, Karen Vuranch, June Riffle, and Judi Tarowsky. Joining them for the first time are musicians from Pittsburgh Sound Preserve, a collective of improvisational musicians who will provide an atmospheric soundscape for the evening. Musicians include Patrick Breiner, Eli Namay, Annick Odom, and Jay Rauch.

"Freely improvised music and ghost stories may seem far apart, but it is a pleasure bringing together these vernacular traditions that both thrive along the Monongahela River," says Jay Rauch, a Pittsburgh-based composer, performer, and educator currently working towards his PhD. "It has been exciting to explore which timbres and textures animate the devils and specters that haunt the tellers' wonderful stories." The event is all ages and refreshments will be provided.

The Folklife Center's Halloween Square Dance on October 29 will feature the Kennedy Barn String Band and callers Annick Odom, Taylor Runner, and 95-year-old Lou Maiuri. As always, the dance is open to experienced folks and those who have never danced before. Bringing a partner is not necessary, and costumes are encouraged.

"We are always thrilled to welcome everyone back to our annual Halloween dance," says Director Dr. Lydia Warren "Folks are invited to watch, listen, try out square dancing, or for our advanced folks, dance all night!"

The Folklife Center is located on Squibb Wilson Boulevard in Fairmont on the campus of Fairmont State University. Parking is available around the building, and there is elevator access to the second floor. For information, please call 304-367-4403 or visit www.fairmontstate.edu/folklife.