Strings in the Schools perform with World Dance

Students from Carson City Symphony's Strings in the Schools youth orchestra will open World Dance Open Floor Night with a mini-concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson Street.

The event is hosted by Starr Nixdorf as a fundraiser for the youth string program.

The strings students, directed by Sue Kitts, will play "Peanut Butter Shuffle," "Amazing Grace," and "Orange Blossom Special."

"We invite people of all ages to support the student musicians and enjoy the world of dance," Starr Nixdorff, organizer of World Dance Open Floor Night, said. "The event is free, all-ages fun; a performance night for dancers much like an open mic for musicians or comedians. Audience and dancers are welcome."

World Dance styles can include hip hop, Irish, Tahitian, samba, Bollywood, flamenco, Egyptian Raks Sharki, hula, Turkish, Gypsy, bellydance, ballroom, and other dance styles from anywhere in the world.

Strings in the Schools began in 2005 under the direction of Sue Kitts, concertmaster of the Carson City Symphony. The program provides beginning violin lessons for students in grades two through five, plus a string orchestra for more advanced students in all grades. Public school, private school, and home-schooled students participate.

This youth outreach activity of the Carson City Symphony is funded in part by grants from Carson City; the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; the Sierra Philharmonic League; Carson City Music Club; and private donations.