Okay, we’ve got a good contra dance lined up for you this Friday night, June 1. It’s the last one of the spring schedule and you won’t want to miss it.

The Mound City Slickers from the St. Louis area will be playing. It’s a big band with up to maybe seven players who’ve been part of the old-time music scene for a bunch of years, along with a ragtime piano player, just for a little extra punch. They’re sure to get your feet moving.

The Slickers will be joined by Columbia caller Jim Thaxter, who very rarely fails to show up with some dances in his pocket, and word has it he’ll have some of his best for Friday night.

The dance will be at the usual time and place: 7 pm lessons, dance 7:30 to 10:30 pm at the First Christian Church, corner of 10th and Walnut in downtown Columbia, north entrance under the driveway canopy. The dances start easy and become somewhat more difficult (but not impossible) as the evening progresses, so if you’re a beginner, come early. All dances are taught and no partner is necessary. Please wear clean soft-soled shoes to protect our gorgeous wooden floor. And most importantly, have fun!

Children 15 and under: free (as always); ages16-25 and students of any age with ID: $4; 26 and older: $7, a bargain!