Dancing and music are two common themes in events held this weekend.
Friday night is International Dance Night at Casa Nueva, located at 6 W. State St. An assortment of music from across the globe will be played.
Saturday is the second annual Yule Ball, a dance event based on the homonymous dance from the Harry Potter series. This year’s theme is the Roaring Twenties, in celebration of the upcoming film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which is set in the Harry Potter universe during the 1920s. Proceeds from the event will be split between two charities: Adyn’s Dream, an Athens-based charity assisting families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Lumos, an international charity that provides support to children in orphanages and institutions around the world.
There will also be a Contra Dance event Saturday night at ARTS/West, 132 W. State St. The “contra dance” is a folk dance featuring long lines of couples. Contra dance music is generally Irish, Scottish and old-time folk tunes, and the Back Porch Swing Band will be providing it. A beginner's lesson will be held at 7:30 p.m. for those who have little or no experience with contra dancing.
For those who would rather just listen to music instead of dance, Athens continues to attract a wide selection of musicians.
The Joe Marcinek Band will play at The Venue of Drxvms, 13 W. Stimson Ave., on Friday night. According to its website, the band plays “a blend of jazz and funk with a cerebral emphasis on groove and improvisation.” Singer-songwriter Dallas Craft will return to Athens for the first time in more than a year and will open for the Joe Marcinek Band.
Psych-pop outfit Soft Candy headline Saturday night’s show at The Union Bar & Grill. Victim of Time described the band as “a truly sophisticated pop band” and “angelic baroque pop entranced with hypnotic rhythms, delivered with genuine style.” Soft Candy will be joined by two Athens-based bands, psych-rockers Crooked Spines and “Al Dente Noodle Rock” band Smizmar.
If Tuesday’s election results left students feeling down and they need a laugh, the Have You Seen My Mom? comedy tour will be stopping in Athens Saturday night. Brian Doney and Amber Falter will be at Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 1/2 W. Washington St., making self-deprecating jokes about their personal experiences with drug abuse and mental disorders.
Finally, if one just needs to pet a dog, New Beginnings Animal Center will be hosting another of their adoption events Saturday morning at Tractor Supply Company, 1000 E. State St. The animals will be available for adoption.
If You Go
Friday
What: Athens Veterans Day Parade
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Uptown Athens
Admission: Free
What: The Trail Running Film Fest Tour
When: 5 p.m.
Where: The Athena Cinema, 20 S. Court St.
Admission: $20
What: Megan Bee & Josiah Whitley
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 1/2 W. Washington St.
Admission: Free
What: Nik Turner’s Hawkwind with Hedersleben, Water Witches and Eye
When: 9 p.m.
Where: The Union Bar & Grill, 18 W. Union St.
Admission: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
What: Joe Marcinek Band with Dallas Craft
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue of Drxvms, 13 W. Stimson Ave.
Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door
What: International Dance Night
When: 10 p.m.
Where: Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St.
Admission: $3 for ages 21 and up, $5 for ages 18-20
Saturday
What: New Beginnings Animal Center Adoption Event
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Tractor Supply Company, 1000 E. State St.
Admission: Free, dogs for sale
What: Former Friends of Young Americans
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Athens Uncorked, 14 Station St.
Admission: Free, drinks for sale
What: Yalda Night
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Baker Ballroom
Admission: $8
What: Yule Ball: Yule in the '20s
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Central Venue, 29 E. Carpenter St.
Admission: $12 per person, $22 per couple
What: Have You Seen My Mom? Tour
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 1/2 W. Washington St.
Admission: $4
What: Acoustic Jazz Night with John Horne
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Athens Uncorked, 14 Station St.
Admission: Free, drinks for sale
What: Contra Dance
When: 8 p.m., beginner’s lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Where: ARTS/West, 132 W. State St.
Admission: $3 for students, $7 for adults, $15 for families
What: Soft Candy with Crooked Spines and Smizmar
When: 9 p.m.
Where: The Union Bar & Grill, 18 W. Union St.
Admission: $5
Sunday
What: Hike to Sells Park, hosted by Ohio University Community Engagement
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Meet at bottom of Baker Center
Admission: Free
What: International Student Union International Dinner
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Baker Ballroom
Admission: $10
