Saturday, Aug. 27 — BARNARD — BarnArts and the Barnard Rec Department are collaborating on the return of a cherished summer tradition, the Barnard Street Dance, this year at the Barnard Town Hall, Saturday Aug. 27. This family-friendly, non-alcoholic party gets started at 3 p.m. with the band, “ItsComplikated” providing the soundtrack for games and fun with Barnard REC, including a dunk tank. At 4:30 p.m. “Chloe, Justin & Friends” pick up the mic followed by “Moxley Union” at 6:30 p.m. and “The Party Crashers” at 7:45 p.m.
A community potluck begins at 5:30 p.m., so bring a dish to share. BarnArts will have non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase from 3 p.m. through the evening.
This is a free event but donations are gratefully welcome through a GoFundMe page to support costs and allow for future Barnard Street Dances.
History
The Barnard Street Dance was a beloved community event in Barnard that ran 21 years from 1994 to 2015. Former General Store owners Carolyn Dicicco and Kim Furlong organized early dances, which featured a line-up of local musicians with the popular “Jeanne and the High-Tops” headlining. The party took over the porch and street in front of the Barnard General Store, and people of all ages enjoyed the lively town center, beautiful Silver Lake, and music from talented local musicians.
The event came to an end in 2015, due to safety concerns following an accident during the event. This year, the parking lot in front of the Barnard Town Hall offers plenty of level space, paved and grassy, to dance worry-free. The party will move into the building if it rains.
The bands
ItsComplikated has a complicated name but they insist they aren’t a complicated band. “Just a group of local musicians who banded together to share our common interest in music that’s fun to play and to listen to.” They play bluegrass, light rock, reggae, folk and more. The group consists of Dan Roda, Kate Adams, Rachel Twerdowsky, Ed Castner and Jayson Benoit.
Chloe, Justin & Friends is Chloe Powell (fiddle, cello) and Justin Park (mandolin, guitar), who have been playing music together for over a decade. They will be joined by friends and musical collaborators Mark Burds and Spencer Lewis. The group shares a wide array of musical interests, from traditional fiddle music to contemporary songs.
The band Moxley Union is made of Nathaniel “rubber-legs” Titorenko on lead vocals and dancing. He can drink two gallons of water in under 30 minutes; Rio Mueller on bass. He never ages and looks a little like a young Johnny Depp in the right lighting; Kyle Chivers on drums. He is 8 feet tall, wears green shoes and is highly adept at farming and small engine repair; Tristan Bellerive on guitar. He has green eyes and can sometimes hit an apple with a re-curve bow and arrow from 15 yards. People in the greater Windsor area have been moving and grooving to these guys for quite a few years now, so come check ‘em out, say hello and have some fun! The Party Crashers have been performing for over two decades and pride themselves on a repertoire of music loved by all generations. Whether you grew up dancing to the Motown beat or prefer the modern music of today, the Party Crashers are sure to please! Lead vocalist Hillary Jeanne shares the stage with Ed McGee (guitar and vocals), Krissy Partch (bass guitar), Tom Jellison (drums and vocals), Bobby Sparadeo (percussion) with special guest Rich Davidian on Saxophone. The Party Crashers will have you on your feet all night dancing to a variety of music from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams, DNCE and so much more.
