Phil Jamison Talks About Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics

The Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance

Wednesday, October 28, 2015, 6 pm–7pm

Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street

Lord Auditorium, lower level

Come hear Phil Jamison when he will journey into the past with stories – and a little music and dance– telling the history of southern Appalachian dance from cakewalks to clogging, and from the Shoo-fly Swing to the Virginia Reel. 

Phil Jamison is an old-time musician, flatfoot dancer and square dance caller, as well as a professor of mathematics and Appalachian music and dance at Warren Wilson College. His flatfoot dancing was featured in the film, Songcatcher, for which he also served as Traditional Dance consultant. From 1982 through 2004, he toured and played guitar with Ralph Blizard and the New Southern Ramblers, and he also plays fiddle and banjo. Over the last thirty years, Phil has done extensive research in the area of Appalachian dance, and has just published the book, “Hoedown, Reels and Frolics,” 2015, which tells the story behind the square dances, step dances, reels, and other forms of dance practiced in southern Appalachia.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Room and is free and open to the public.

Post by Zoe Rhine, Librarian