Kick up your heels at community dance

The entire community is invited to kick up its heels at the monthly community dance in the North Community Building March 20. Bill Duling and his band will play a variety of tunes, from country to classic rock and roll. Duling said about 50 to 70 people regularly come to the dances.
“It’s amazing how many people love going out and socializing in this fashion,” he said.
The dances also incorporate a community pot luck meal. Dancers are asked to bring either finger food or a beverage to share, said Kristy Sutherland of the parks department. Coffee and water are provided.
The all-ages dances are held the third Friday of each month at the North Community Building, Sutherland said.
Duling said this is the second year the dances have been held, and the crowd has grown considerably.
“It started out with less than a handful of people coming,” Duling said. “Over the months, it’s really grown.”
Duling and his band have changed their repertoire as the crowds have grown. The band consists of Duling on rhythm guitar, Kenny Madden on electric bass and Lou Davidson on lead guitar and keyboards. All three are accomplished professional musicians and all three sing. In addition, Davidson plays “multiple instruments,” Duling said.
“We normally classify ourselves as country classic,” Duling said, but the band has ventured into jazz and rock through Davidson’s influence.
“He adds a lot of variety and change-up of style,” Duling said. “We really like that.” And, Duling said, the crowd does, too.
“People like to get up and dance fast.”
Dulling hopes the crowds continue to grow. “There’s a stigma about dances like this,” he said. “That has been one of the greatest challenges to overcome.”
Duling wants people to know the dances are for everyone. “That’s where the word ‘community’ comes into play,” Duling said.
“Since we do a variety of music, we are able to related to a wider guest list, which makes it more enjoyable to all,” he said.
The dances runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye St., Iola. A $5 donation is requested, but Sutherland said everyone is welcome, regardless of ability to pay.
“If you can fog a mirror, you’re invited,” Duling said.