"Fiddlekicks" to perform at Stecoah Valley July 28

FiddleKicks brings Appalachian clogging to life with a whoop and a holler! They will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28 at the Stecoah Valley Center auditorium.

STECOAH - FiddleKicks brings Appalachian clogging to life with a whoop and a holler! This uniquely American dance, from the southern Appalachian Mountains, emerged from a melting pot of influences - Celtic, African and Cherokee - creating a distinct new form of folk music and percussive dance. Fiddle- Kicks performs the old-fashioned way - to live music by talented singers and musicians who play a variety of instruments such as fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, concertina, flute, accordion, piano, bodhran & harmonica. Adding variety to performances, their repertoire also includes other traditional percussive styles, such as Cape Breton step dances and English clog & sword dances.

Over a decade ago, Fiddle- Kicks was formed when a group of Philadelphia cloggers and folk dancers began putting their Appalachian clogging steps and routines to bluegrass and oldtime music. Other dancers soon joined the group and Fiddle- Kicks was on its way. They have taught workshops and performed all across the Eastern U.S. and England. Concerts include narration and audience participation, enabling the public to connect with and personally experience this unique dance form. You will love this toe-tapping, high-energy dancing and music.

Special Events at the Center on Saturday will include a free clogging workshop by Fiddle- Kicks beginning at 2:00, "Meet the Artists" reception at 5:30 and costume contest at 7:00. The performance begins at 7:30 in the historic, air-conditioned Stecoah auditorium. Admission is $8 Adults, $2 Students and children under 6 are free.

An authentic Appalachian dinner will be served on Saturday evenings before the concerts. The dinners are served at two seatings - 5:30 and 6:30pm in the new Stecoah dining room located in the old gymnasium building. The menu on July 28th is old-fashioned meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and squash casserole. Each entrée is served with fresh biscuits, cornbread, spiced apples and cucumber, tomato and onion salad. Prices are $12 for adults, $9 for students and $6 for children. Reservations are required. Please call 828-479-3364 for more information or visit www.StecoahValleyCenter. com.