In the mid 1950s, couples from around Columbia joined together for nights of dining and dancing with their spouses and close friends. After multiple nights of endless laughter and fun, they decided to create a club devoted exclusively to these activities and named it, The Saraband Club. The founders decided on “Saraband” because it represents a “stately Spanish court dance from the 17th and 18th centuries” and seemed to portray the mission of the club perfectly. This year, The Saraband Club celebrates its 60th year of fun-filled evenings.
The Saraband Club has evolved throughout the decades but its commitment to its members has remained the same: to enjoy the very best in music, food and friends. Members of the club enjoy four dances each year — one each quarter — with the spring and Christmas dances being the most formal. The evening begins with cocktails and a delicious meal and is followed by a night of dancing to delights of top-notch bands such as Second Nature, The Headliners, Coastal Breeze and Heart and Soul.
The Saraband Club holds an annual meeting each year to conduct business and elect officers. Current President of the club is Harry Mashburn, while Vice President and Treasurer is held by Toby Chaffin. Board members include General John Finan, Norm Nickerson, Dennis Powell, Greg Ecans and Jim Rhodes.
Membership is limited to 115 couples, but there is a waiting list maintained for occasional vacancies that may arise. Interested couples that would like to dance the night away with good drinks, good friends and great music may contact Jane Andrews at (803) 400-1000.