Amy Abernathy began taking clogging lessons at the age of nine. It wasn’t until she graduated from SWOSU and moved back to Altus that she started helping instruct the Footloose Cloggers. In 2006, Amy recruited Jill Abernathy to start clogging and in 2010 and they stared their own business called Double Take Clogging. Double Take Clogging now offers a variety classes for all ages of children and still has an active adult intermediate group. They perform several times a year at venues in the community and have a year end recital in May.
At the “Giddy-Up Gala” Double Take Cloggers will feature three 11 year old girls who excel in clogging. Emily-Kate Pickett is the daughter of Jennifer and Brad Pickett. Emily is starting her third year of clogging and her personality and stage presence make her a stand-out on stage. Kylee James is the daughter of Kyle and Sheryl James and has been clogging alongside her Mom for the last five years. Her contagious smile charms the audience as she performs. Anna Willey is the daughter of Brett and Sherry Willey. Anna has a natural passion for clogging and her dedication and beauty make it a joy to watch her perform. These three young ladies will be performing to a variety of country and western songs.
The featured performer at the pre-rodeo event will be the official “Oklahoma Balladeer,” Les Gilliam and his Silver Lake Band, as well as a performance by talented local vocalist Mikayla Jo Balderas. The Shortgrass Arts and Humanities Council sponsors the annual Giddy-Up Gala dinner and concert each year as a part of the family fun activities during the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo week. Tommy Joe’s brisket and home-made desserts will be served on Friday, Aug. 24 at the Jackson County Expo Center. Everyone is invited to come to eat, enjoy the entertainment and dance to western swing music. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and will end in time for everyone to attend the rodeo. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Partial funding is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council. Tickets are available from the Chamber of Commerce (482-0210), area financial institutions, or call the SAHC office (477-1616) and leave a message requesting tickets.
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