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| One of many views from the 2009 site |
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| Fort Union Grange |

Join us for the 4th annual in 2009!
What: A very relaxed weekend of camping and spontaneous
acoustical Bluegrass & Old Time jamming.
NEW for 2009:
The new location is at a lower (and warmer) elevation, located in the Grande Ronde valley of northeastern
Oregon with great views of the Blue Mountains in all directions. The previous locations were at higher elevations in
the mountains, where players got too cold at times.
A building where we can jam indoors regardless of any foul weather that may occur - day or night.
Dance on Saturday evening with three callers lined up so far.
Band Scramble to assemble the dance bands.
Where:
The Fort Union Grange Hall, just SE of the city limits of La
Grande. Camp in the grange yard or stay in a motel with just a short drive to town.
When: Friday
afternoon, July 31, through Sunday, August 2, 2009. This immediately follows the fiddle contest at the
Union County Fair on Thursday, 7/30. If you can't come for the entire event and live close by, just come
for a day or whenever you can.
Who: Bluegrass & Old Time music fans: musicians, listeners,
dancers, and families are very welcome.
Why: FUN!
Dance Band Scramble: Starting at
3:00 p.m. on Saturday the dance bands form, based on how many dances that individual musicians wish to play music for, and
to have a balance of instruments.
The bands and callers decide on the tune for each dance. We want
a variety of tunes during the evening - jigs, reels, plus two or three waltzes. Most often the tunes that work the best for dancing have 32 measures in the AABB format. That is eight measures
for part A, then repeat part A, then play part B twice. A medley of two or three songs makes a very FUN
time for all. Practice your songs, working out the intro to start, song transitions for medleys, lead breaks, and taking
it out. When not playing, you may dance to the other bands if you wish.
Chat'n'Chew: Potluck dinner Saturday around 5:00 p.m.
Dance: Contra, circle
dances, and squares will be called. No dancing experience is required,
as the callers will teach all steps before each dance. Waltzes will be free style. Saturday from 7:00 p.m. until
about 9:30 or until we drop.
Other:
- Fruit cobbler served on Friday evening.
- Sunday morning Gospel jam.
Bluegrass Sunday worship at 10 a.m. with a message at 10:30 by Irwin Smutz, pastor of Oregon Trail Christian Fellowship.
In the Grange Hall dining room.
- The fiddle contest during the Union County Fair on Thursday,
7/30. Contact Val at 541-562-5873.
- For other activities in the Grande Ronde valley click
HERE.
- For restaurants in the area click HERE.
- For lodging in the area click HERE.
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| Mt. Emily from the grange yard |
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| Mt. Harris, Mt. Fanny, and the Eagle Caps are the prominent peaks in this panorama |
If you plan to come or have any questions please contact me HERE and I will keep you informed of
any important updates. I will reply and include
my phone number.
Rules:
1. If you plug it
in or beat it
with a stick, you won't find it here.
2. Please keep dogs on a leash.
3. Alcohol and smoking is never allowed inside the Grange Hall.
4. Absolutely no illegal substances allowed. They are
not only illegal, they are not welcome at this event.
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