Stepping Out To The Stand In Band
Author: mt43news staff reporter
Stepping Out to the Stand in Band
MT43 News Staff Reporter
The late September night was perfect for dancing to the classic rock and roll music of the Helena band, The Standins. A cache of slow tunes and country western music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s encouraged dancers to try their talents at line dancing and just plain old jitterbug in the first block on South Spruce Street near the Lodge.
The seniors sat in the loges listening to the music while various couples performed line dances and the Macarena. Small children skittered around the band.
American Legion Post 42 provided hamburgers and hot dogs along with an array of beverages.
The Standins, formed in 2016, play in most venues around Helena with lead singer Kelly McNurlin, guitar players Tommy Loproto and Christian MacKay, bassist Matt Beckstrom, and drummer Chuck Clark. According to Mackay, the group doesn’t play full-time. A couple of them are retired – the rest wish they were.
Organizer and Broadwater Community Theater board member Jim Domino said the group was happy with the turnout, happy enough to bring another band for Townsend dance fans to enjoy a night out.
BCT, a nonprofit, sponsored the dance and STOKE members helped set up and take down the venue.
BCT sponsors are Jak’s Heating and Air, East Helena; Townsend Rotary, Retired Teachers, Lions Club and Opportunity Bank. Judy Schenk, Ron and Mary Ann Salladay, Jeanne Mainwaring, Bob Saxby, Bill Kearns, Brian and Laura Obert and Nancy Marks also sponsor the theater group.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Townsend Senior Citizens enjoyed the music, the ambiance and the good company at the street dance Friday night.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 2 Caption: Connie Shindoll visits with friends at the Spruce Street dance.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 3 Caption: STOKE photojournalism class student, Destiny Grandy, practices producing a video at the dance.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 4 Caption: Start 'em Young - preschoolers Ari Ross and Evelyn Spencer Sjoden gather tips for the band Friday night.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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