Dear Sun Spots: In response to recent queries from Sun Spots column readers seeking opportunities to learn and practice ballroom and other types of social dancing, I’d like to direct your attention to the new Marsden Hartley Cultural Center at the Lewiston Public Library where, next week, folks can not only listen to the South American band, Yarina, but also learn to dance to their music.

• Tuesday, Aug. 8, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., local dancer John Blanchette will teach basic Latin ballroom dances. These are suited to the music Yarina will be playing the following evening.

• Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m., a dance party featuring Yarina, whom readers will recall from several previous appearances at the Great Falls Balloon Festival. Anyone interested in attending can come early, at 6:30 p.m., to get some pointers in traditional Andean dancing.

And for the younger set:

• Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 3 to 4:45 p.m, Yarina members will conduct a panpipe workshop for youths ages 12 and up, where participants will each make their own wooden flute and receive instructions on how to play it.

• Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Yarina members will lead a dance workshop for youngsters age 10 and older and their parents.

Advance registration is requested for the afternoon workshops.

All of the aforementioned dance events will take place in Callahan Hall, the newly renovated (and air-conditioned) ballroom on the third floor of the library. The panpipe workshop is scheduled for the Couture Room, adjacent to the first-floor lobby. Further information on all of these activities is available via the library’s Web site at lplonline.org, or by calling 784-0135, ext. 200.

Thank you, Sun Spots, for helping us to get the word out on these unique opportunities for members of our local community – young and old alike – to immerse themselves in the lively music and dance of Ecuador. – Cindy Larock, Lewiston Public Library Cultural Coordinator.

Dear Sun Spots: Are there any buses going to the Bill Gaither show in Portland in September? Will Gaither have any more concerts this year and where?

Thank you for your help. Your column is one I never miss and a great big thank- you to your staff for getting the answers to the questions we all ask. – E.A., Peru.

Dear Sun Spots: I have noticed Alpine Tours has listed its bus tours for the month of August. I am interested in finding out if any Maine bus companies are scheduling a trip in September to the Gaither homecoming concert in Portland. Thank you. – No Name, Wilton.

Answer: Although hopeful for responses from readers, Sun Spots has not located any and would urge any groups arranging such tours to please contact the column with your information. In the meantime, for a list of upcoming concerts for this year, including Christmas and New Year’s, check on the Web site at www.tickets.gaither.com. The list is too extensive to include here.

Dear Sun Spots: About a year ago, you provided for readers the name and address of a Wilton individual who made canvas awnings and shades. Would you please run this again? – Livermore Falls Inquirer.

Answer: Sun Spots wonders if you might be referring to Ed Boucher at O-J’s Upholstery and Hobby Shop on Main Street in Wilton. Boucher specializes in furniture, cars, trucks, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and marine canvas and cushions. He also does custom work. He has changed his phone number, and Sun Spots does not have his current listing. Perhaps Boucher will contact the column with his current information.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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