If you want to cast a vote on "Dancing With the Stars at the Raven" while you also quaff a few brews, one of the nine contestant couples will give you a chance on Thursday, Nov. 1.
On that night, dance professional Lauralie Staley will be pouring drinks at John & Zeke's in Healdsburg, the pub owned by her celebrity partner Neil Cronin. Proceeds from the brew sales go toward votes -- @$1 per vote -- for Staley and Cronin, who compete with eight other couples Nov. 9-10 at the Raven Performing Arts Theater.
"Voting is going very well," said Vera Harvey, event co-producer with Joe Gellura. "The stars and the pros are all doing what we told them to do -- talking to friends and family, getting votes."
You can also vote online for Staley and Cronin -- or any of the other eight couples -- at www.raven.org. In addition to online voting, paper ballot boxes will also be set up at the theater both Friday and Saturday nights.
the nine pairs, in addition Staley and Cronin, are:
Hallie Beacham and Jason Taylor;
Bobbi Beehler and Tony Gutsch;
Tom Chambers and Janelle Guido;
Richard Fourzon and Brina Cimino;
Jennifer Gotti and Raymond Byun;
Jennifer LeBrett and Griffin Wayne;
Viveka Rydell and Eddie Vedola Jr.
Money raised from votes and ticket sales at the second annual event all goes toward continued operation of the Raven.
Tickets are sold out for the Saturday, Nov. 10 show and only about 70 tickets are left from Friday, Nov. 9, Harvey said. To purchase tickets for Friday night, click here.
Also sold out is a "star party" on Saturday, Nov. 10 at she said.
"Each night is a completely different show," Harvey said. "We're also adding in some surprises each night."
Your votes will be combined with votes from a panel of three professional dance judges: "King of Swing" Buddy Schwimmerwho is also giving West Coast Swing classes Sunday in Santa Rosa; Steven Nordquist, director of the well-known Nordquist Dance school in Santa Rosa and a judge last year; and Elizabeth Mustaro, a prominent North Bay dance teacher and last year's alternate judge.
Dance professional Kelly Casanova, a judge last year, is this year's alternate judge, Harvey said.
Schwimmer will give a beginner West Coast Swing class from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Saturday Afternoon Club, 430 10th St., Santa Rosa. An intermediate class will follow at 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
Cost is $20 for beginner class only or $35 for both. Because the two classes build on each other, Schwimmer is not admitting students to only the intermediate class, Harvey said.
A DJ dance will follow at 7 p.m. sponsored by the Redwood Empire Swing Dance Club. ($7 members, $10 non-members). DJ is Ben Ferrin.
Who's your favorite couple? Tell us in the comments below.
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