There will be a country dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Netel Grange, south of Astoria. The evening will consist of traditional contra dances, in which dancers form two parallel lines and progress up and down the hall while dancing alternately with their partner and every opposite dancer in the line. Contra dances are vigorous and easy to learn.

Stacy Rose of North Bend, a regular caller at dances in Coos Bay and elsewhere around the state, will call the contra dances to delight both novices and enthusiasts alike. A longtime folk and contra dancer, Rose also plays hammered dulcimer and whistle with The Bumbling Buskers.

Hands4 from Vancouver, Wash., brings high-energy contra tunes to Astoria, combining seldom heard traditional tunes with original music written by band members and other musicians. Hands4 features Keith Moe (fiddle, mandolin) providing a rock-steady lead, Carl Thor (piano) propelling the music and dancers ever forward, Fran Tewksbury (flute, whistle) adding a bright and lively energy and Rich Goss (percussion).

The basics of the country dance will be taught at 7:30 p.m.; after that, each dance will be taught in turn. All ages, singles, couples and families are welcome. The dance is an alcohol- and smoke-free event sponsored by the Netel Grange, with refreshments available. Admission is $5 to $10 on a sliding scale of ability to pay; escorted children younger than 12 are admitted free. The Netel Grange is located at 90525 Logan Road. For more information, call Craig Holt at (503) 325-8207.