Fur Ball Guests Groove To Sounds Of Laditude By Mike Shands Animals from the Humane Society It’s difficult to determine who is having more fun during the Fur Ball – the guests or the band. Popular High Country dance band Laditude will continue its tradition of performing during the Watauga Humane Society’s Fur Ball Saturday, Sept. 9 from 6 to 11:30 p.m. at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center in Boone. Sponsored by Westglow Spa, the ninth annual Fur Ball will feature fine dining, silent and live auctions and dancing to the live music of Laditude. All proceeds from the event will benefit the humane society’s animals. The last day to purchase tickets for the event is Wed., Aug. 30. The Fur Ball is the humane society’s largest fund-raiser of the year with last year’s event generating more than $35,000. Laditude The five members of Laditude, formerly Cloud Nine, collectively boast more than 85 years of stage experience. They are led by the wife and husband duo of Amy and Ken LaDeroute. Amy is the band’s lead vocalist while Ken plays guitar and also serves as a vocalist. Other members include Klee Liles on bass, guitar and vocals, Wes Powers on percussion and Glenn Hubbard on keyboards and vocals. The group plays a wide variety of tunes for all ages including Top 40, soft jazz, rock and roll, Motown, beach music, country, swing, disco and funk. “We play something for everyone – from jazz to rock and everything in between,” Amy LaDeroute said. Just some of the songs on Laditude’s play list were made famous by artists such as James Brown, the Village People, Donna Summer, John Cougar, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Allison Krauss, The Drifters, Natalie Cole, Van Morrison, Jimmy Buffett, Chaka Khan, Chuck Berry and Frank Sinatra. Amy LaDeroute was involved with the humane society for several years before the LaDeroutes moved to Asheville recently. She even used to serve on the Fur Ball’s silent auction committee. “I’m just a big fan of the humane society and what they do for the community and the animals,” she said. “I’ve worked closely with all of the folks at the humane society, and the board members are fabulous people. They have huge hearts. They go the extra mile for the animals.” LaDeroute said the band enjoys playing the Fur Ball each year. “It’s just a nice group of people that come to this event,” she said. “It’s not too upscale. It’s suitable and accessible for everyone in the community. You don’t have to come in a tuxedo or evening gown. “I love seeing all my old friends, having a good time and helping out our furry friends.” For more information about Laditude look online at www.laditude.com. Auctions Fur ball guests will have the chance to bid on more than 300 silent auction items, including gift certificates to several area restaurants, memberships at Deer Valley Racquet Club, clothing, greens fees at Blowing Rock Country Club and at Boone Golf Club, pet supplies, golf and tennis lessons, home accessories and gift certificates for advertising space in High Country Media publications such as “The Mountain Times,” the “Watauga Democrat” and “All About Women” magazine. Another popular silent auction feature is Art in the Bark, which includes works by many of the High Country’s popular artists and craftspeople. Some of the items for auction will include original paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry and other craft items. There will also be at least three or four live auctions, including one for a new Dyson vacuum cleaner. Tickets Fur Ball tickets are $75 each ($45 is tax deductible) and are going quickly. There are also a few “Tables for 10” available for $750. For more tickets or more information about the Fur Ball contact Jan Watson at (828) 264-1743 or janwatson@charter.net or look online at www.wataugahumanesociety.org or call the humane society at (828) 264-7865 Those who can’t attend the Fur Ball but would like to serve as a patron of the event can do so by sending a check payable to the Watauga Humane Society to P.O. Box 1835, Boone, N.C., 28607.