— San Juan Island Grange #966 and 3rd Saturday Contra Dance

A Solstice Celebration at the Grange Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, as a fundraiser for the Grange. The dance will start at 4:30 and the dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The band Continental Drift and caller Bob Nicholson, fresh from conducting traditional dances in Seattle, will be donating their talents for the evening.

Bob Nicholson has earned a reputation for calling wonderful dances for both beginners and experienced dancers, making everyone feel at home and part of the dance community. Continental Drift is comprised of Eric Anderson of Seattle and Eileen Nicholson of Syracuse, N.Y. One listener at a recent show asked: “Do you believe only two people are making all that music?” Eileen Nicholson grew up contra dancing along the East Coast, from Pennsylvania to New England, so knows how to keep feet moving. Anderson leads a busy schedule, taking the piano stool for such bands as Bandemonium, Fiddle Rats, Celticladda and Triangularity.

He even played in a Friday Harbor band called Island Time. “But that was a long time ago,” Anderson said.

Liz Francis, Third Saturday Contra Dance organizer, said, “This band is remarkable. I can’t wait!”

The dance will start at 4:30 p.m. Folks can dish up from the array of potluck offerings in the kitchen starting at 6:30 p.m.

After dinner, the band and caller will teach the fundamentals of contra dancing to those who have never danced.

A suggested donation for adults of $10-20, for students $5-10 will be asked at the door. And of course, potluck means bring a dish to share.