The Oak Tree Boys (the house band)
The Old-Time Square Dance is held on the third Saturday of each month (2nd Sat. in December) in the Denton Civic Center on W. Salisbury St. in Denton. The dance features regional old-time and bluegrass bands, with an experienced caller. There are opportunities for other dances such as waltzes, two-steps, flatfooting, and clogging, in addition to the called dances. Those who just want to listen to the music are always welcome. Providing music for the December dance will be local bluegrass band The Oak Tree Boys with dances called by John Blake.
Dean Maines, fiddler for the Oak Tree Boys is originally from Sparta, NC. He grew up listening to and learning the traditional mountain tunes of the area. When he moved to the Piedmont to work in the 1950′s, he brought his musical tradition with him, and has transmitted his love for traditional music to his son, Tim, who plays guitar with the band. Other band members are Matthew Nance, banjo; Scott Arnold, mandolin; and Mike Plummer on the bass. Noted for their timing and hard driving sound, the band has provided music for church services, homecomings, family gatherings, socials, and dances. They have been the house band for the Old Time Square Dance since it’s beginning in 1996 and for the former Farmer Dance that was held at the old Farmer Grange Hall in Farmer NC, during the late 1980′s and early 1990′s.
The dance is from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Adult admission is $5.00, and children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. In order to protect the dance floor and provide good listening for all, dancers are asked not to wear taps on their shoes. Door prizes will be given and refreshments are available. This is a family-oriented event and no alcohol is permitted. The Denton Civic Center is on W. Salisbury St. in Denton. For information call 336-472-2802 or view the website at \\www.dentondance.net.
The Old-Time Square Dance is sponsored in part by the North Carolina Arts Council, with funding from the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, by the Denton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the following local businesses: Troutman’s Barbecue, Denton Florist and Crafts, and The Classic Restaurant.
