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Abbots Bromley Horn Dance like it’s 1226

Steppin’ Out
April E. Clark

Today is Sept. 6. This means people were dancing to a jolly old tune about 800 years ago.

Why in the world do I know that?

Because Sept. 6 is the earliest date on which the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance was performed, as recorded in history. Like back in 1226.



I think I know the next question.

Just what is the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance? Well, first, it’s a dance. An English folk dance to be exact. Every year on Sept. 6, Staffordshire villagers in England get their Abbots Bromley Horn Dance on with six Deer-men (this involves reindeer antlers), horns borrowed from the church, someone who plays a fool, a hobby horse, a bowman and Maid Marian, of course. These noisy dancers make their way around town starting at 8 in the morning until they can’t dance anymore.



Of course they throw a few pubs in there for good measure.

This year, the dance takes place on Monday, Sept. 9, to onlookers from around the world who come to figure out just exactly is happening during the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance. The event is described as spectacular and unusual.

Sounds like my kind of party.

For those who won’t be in Staffordshire, England, anytime soon, don’t fret. The weekend is booming with activities, from First Friday in Carbondale to Music on the Mountain at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Saturday. Be safe and have fun out there.

Friday and Saturday

I have one word for anyone thinking of going to New Castle’s 40th Burning Mountain Festival this weekend: Pancakes. Sure, there’s so much more than pancakes at the Burning Mountain Festival. There’s live music with the Western Slope’s Miss Emily Band, plus John Noel and Joe Brown Friday night. I always trust a guy playing music who’s named Joe Brown. It’s just intuition. Like a Def Leppard song, the pancakes get sticky and sweet starting bright and early at 8 a.m. The day’s activities go into night, ending at 10 p.m. at Burning Mountain Park. Don’t miss the bed races down Main Street after the parade and zombie golf. I don’t know what zombie golf is, but it sounds killer.

Saturday

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is spelling out S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y night with the continuation of its popular Music on the Mountain Concert Series. This Saturday, Steve Skinner, Louie Girardot and friends play an eclectic mix of classic and California surf rock as Lizard Skinner. Bring a canned food item for a free tram ride beginning at 4 p.m. The band plays from 6-10 p.m. Girls and guys, wear your dancing boots.

Saturday

Over the years as my time as an A&E reporter, the Hotel Colorado has been the host to some great blues and bluegrass over the years. This weekend is the perfect example. On Saturday night, the historic hotel of Teddy Roosevelt fame brings The Black Lillies to the ballroom stage.

The Americana band hails all the way from Knoxville, Tenn., and is touring in support of its third studio album, “Runaway Freeway Blues,” which debuted in the top 40 of the Billboard Top 200 and has spent more than four months in the Americana Music Association charts. Check out their website at http://www.blacklillies.com to see the band’s videos.


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