Some organizations step out of their comfort zones to bring innovative ideas to life. The Johnson Center for the Arts just steps out of its shoes.

Once again, the arts center will open the doors to The Studio and invite people of all ages to kick off their shoes and dance in their socks to the music of The Fabulous Shades.

“If you are a lover of the fabulous, danceable music of the 1960s and 1970s, you will not want to miss the Sock Hop at The Studio on Saturday night August 8,” said Vicki Pritchett, Johnson Center executive director. “We are so excited to have The Fabulous Shades as our feature band. Most of the ‘Shades’ are either from the Troy area and/or attended Troy University. They have a large local fan base in addition to being popular regionally.”

The “Shades” names are familiar to many people in the county. John Key, lead singer and guitarist, was the superintendent of Pike County Schools for several years. Other familiar names are Mike Mobley, Larry Hughes, Bobby Johnson, Bob Corley, David Headley, David Langford and Rick Roper.

Pritchett said The Fabulous Shades have a broad knowledge of the music of the 1960s and 1970s era.

“They can play any selection, probably with their eyes closed,” she said. “They will take requests and, if you request it, nine times out of ten, they can play it. Not only will the Sock Hop at The Studio be fun night of dancing, it will also be a good time to reminisce with friends about the good ol’ days.”

Dress for the Sock Hop at The Studio is casual.

“You can wear your favorite summertime outfit, jeans, bobby sock or a poodle skirt,” Pritchett said. “It really doesn’t matter what you wear as long as you wear your dancing shoes.”

The Sock Hop at The Studio is a fundraiser for the Johnson Center for the Arts and the funds raised will help keep the Johnson Center admission free.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend an Alabama Saturday night in August or a more fun way to support the arts in Pike County than at a Sock Hop with The Fabulous Shades on center stage.”

The Sock Hop will get underway at 7 p.m. and last until. Tickets are $20 each or $15 for Johnson Center members. Reserved tables of eight are available for $150.

“We only have a limited number of tickets available so I encourage everyone to get their tickets before they are all gone,” Pritchett said.

Tickets are available by calling the Johnson Center at 334-670-2287 or visiting the Johnson Center at 300 East Walnut Street in Troy. Tickets may also be purchased on line at tpcac.org.