Calendar

Calendar

Submit calendar info to:

calendar@corvallisfolklore.org

Dec
14
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Dec
16
Sat
Contra Dance – Countercurrent with Lindsey Dono @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church
Dec 16 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Masks required at this dance!

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

All attendees must provide an email address for COVID exposure notifications and sign waivers for the Corvallis Folklore Society and the First Congregational UCC (our dance hall) before their first dance of the 2023-24 season. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the check-in process at the door.

Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here, to be further updated soon.

CountercurrentCountercurrent

From Seattle:

  • Brian Lindsay – fiddle
  • Alex Sturbaum – guitar

Countercurrent is a contra dance and folk music band in western Washington, featuring driving guitar, foot percussion, lyrical fiddle, and harmony vocals.

Lindsey DonoLindsey Dono

Massachusetts transplant Lindsey Dono is rapidly establishing herself as a Northwest mainstay. With her serene teaching, meticulous programming, and sunny demeanor, Lindsey transforms absolute beginners into confident regulars. Known for her creativity on the dance floor, Lindsey incorporates knowledge of waltz, swing, and blues to lead a variety of workshops, including the ever-requested “advanced contra flourishes.” By day, Lindsey is a devoted research scientist.

 

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com

Dec
28
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Dec 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Jan
6
Sat
Contra Dance – Rhubarb Runaround with Eric Curl @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church
Jan 6 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

All attendees must provide an email address for COVID exposure notifications and sign waivers for the Corvallis Folklore Society and the First Congregational UCC (our dance hall) before their first dance of the 2023-24 season. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the check-in process at the door.

Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here, to be further updated soon.

Rhubarb Runaround

A combination of The Gossamer Strings and Breakers Yard.  Brandon Olszewski on fiddle, Liat Lis on banjo, Kyle McGonegle on guitar, (Bass TBD). 

Calling the Willamette Valley home, Rhubarb Runaround pushes the boundaries of old-time, folk, and ragtime with arrangements designed for dancers. The band pulls players from local groups such as The Gossamer Strings and Breakers Yard to bring new, creative life to traditional tunes and medleys with dynamic arrangements as well as the hard drive of an epic downbeat.

Eric CurlEric Curl

Eric started calling in 1996 and called in California and Colorado before moving Seattle in 2006. A mechanical engineer working for Boeing, he now enjoys calling in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia on a semi-regular basis. In his spare time, he likes to hike, snowshoe, camp, visit friends and family, play music, and of course, dance and call.

 

 

 

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com

Jan
11
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Jan 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Jan
20
Sat
Contra Dance – Joyride with Kelly Tabor @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church
Jan 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

All attendees must provide an email address for COVID exposure notifications and sign waivers for the Corvallis Folklore Society and the First Congregational UCC (our dance hall) before their first dance of the 2023-24 season. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the check-in process at the door.

Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here, to be further updated soon.

JoyrideJoyride

 Joyride is a Portland Oregon contra dance band known for fun, skilled play, tunes fit to dance figures, and ringing, rocking, gorgeous melodies that make you want to move. George Penk’s rich and lively fiddle, Erik Weberg’s nimble flute, harmonica and bombarde, Sue Songer’s pulsing piano, and Jeff Kerssen-Griep’s percussive guitar energy breathe big life into modern and traditional tunes for dances, weekends, and festivals.

Kelly TaborKelly Tabor

Kelly Tabor is a caller and organizer from Portland, Oregon. She enjoys dances that play with elasticity of momentum and works to incorporate them at an accessible level.

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com

Jan
25
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Jan 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Feb
3
Sat
Contra Dance – Bandwidth with Karen Olsen @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church
Feb 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

All attendees must provide an email address for COVID exposure notifications and sign waivers for the Corvallis Folklore Society and the First Congregational UCC (our dance hall) before their first dance of the 2023-24 season. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the check-in process at the door.

Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here, to be further updated soon.

BandwidthBandwidth

  • Gordy Euler – fiddle, piano
  • Kieth Mo – fiddle
  • Carl Thor – piano, mandolin

 

Karen OlsenKaren Olsen

Karen has an encyclopedic knowledge of contra dances and is a good teacher and caller. Very patient and clear. She likes to keep the dancers moving, starting out with simpler dances in the beginners lesson, and progressing to more complex dances. She is also a musician and plays her concertina for dances in Coos Bay. She strives to infuse both her calling and the dancers with her own joyful enthusiasm for contra dance and music.

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com

Feb
8
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Feb 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Feb
16
Fri
Corvallis Contra Weekend 2024 @ Gatton Hall, First United Congregational Church
Feb 16 @ 7:30 pm – Feb 18 @ 5:00 pm

 CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend 2024

Riptide TrioRiptide Trio

Riptide is one of the most energetic contra dance bands on the scene today. They love the tunes they play, and their repertoire contains  hundreds of tunes from New England, Quebec, Ireland, Appalachia, and a few other places. Featuring Glen Loper on mandolin, Alden Robinson on fiddle, Max Newman on guitar.French Canadian and New England tunes.

Fiddle HellionsThe Fiddle Hellions

Combine the driving rhythm of George Penk’s fiddle, the soaring harmonies of Betsy Branch’s fiddle, and the propulsive accompaniment of Sue Songer’s piano and you get…The Fiddle Hellions! This trio of long-time musical collaborators from Portland, Oregon came together to give concerts and lead jam sessions at Fiddle Hell online in 2021 and have been repeat performers in this setting ever since. They take special delight in chances to share their vibrant energy with live dancers.

Frannie MarrFrannie Marr

Frannie Marr, from southern California, began contra dancing in 1998 when she went looking for a new form of dance to bring back to her elementary school.  She quickly fell in love with the music and dance scene and became an organizer as well as a caller.  Frannie is known for her excellent choices of wonderful dances, and her clear precise walkthroughs which make her easy to understand and follow.  Can you tell she was a kindergarten teacher?  Frannie’s joy of dance is so present in her exuberant calling you’ll think you’re at a dance party.  Which is exactly where you’ll be when you arrive in Corvallis.

Julian Blechner

Julian Blechner has a passion for contra dance and is excited to share it with you! He is a seasoned contra and set dance caller based in Western Massachusetts. Since 2011, he’s called dances of all sizes, from big festival and camp stages, to series from Maine to the Mid-Atlantic. Julian is excited to return to the West Coast to call! He loves calling for all skill levels. He brings a cheerful, friendly attitude with clear, concise teaching and prompting. Julian has written dozens of dances, and combines this expertise with his love of dancing to provide a joyful flair to dances!

 

NOTE: This is a fragrance-free event. Please do not use cologne, perfume; or scented deodorants, soaps or other grooming products. We will provide scent-free hand soap at the dance venues.

Registration is open!

Check the FAQ for Covid restrictions before registering.

Feb
18
Sun
Special Sunday Dance @ Gatton Hall, First United Congregational Church
Feb 18 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

 Corvallis Contra Weekend 2024 Public Dance

Masks Required

Riptide TrioRiptide Trio

Riptide is one of the most energetic contra dance bands on the scene today. They love the tunes they play, and their repertoire contains  hundreds of tunes from New England, Quebec, Ireland, Appalachia, and a few other places. Featuring Glen Loper on mandolin, Alden Robinson on fiddle, Max Newman on guitar.French Canadian and New England tunes.

Fiddle HellionsThe Fiddle Hellions

Combine the driving rhythm of George Penk’s fiddle, the soaring harmonies of Betsy Branch’s fiddle, and the propulsive accompaniment of Sue Songer’s piano and you get…The Fiddle Hellions! This trio of long-time musical collaborators from Portland, Oregon came together to give concerts and lead jam sessions at Fiddle Hell online in 2021 and have been repeat performers in this setting ever since. They take special delight in chances to share their vibrant energy with live dancers.

Frannie MarrFrannie Marr

Frannie Marr, from southern California, began contra dancing in 1998 when she went looking for a new form of dance to bring back to her elementary school.  She quickly fell in love with the music and dance scene and became an organizer as well as a caller.  Frannie is known for her excellent choices of wonderful dances, and her clear precise walkthroughs which make her easy to understand and follow.  Can you tell she was a kindergarten teacher?  Frannie’s joy of dance is so present in her exuberant calling you’ll think you’re at a dance party.  Which is exactly where you’ll be when you arrive in Corvallis.

Julian BlechnerJulian Blechner

Julian Blechner has a passion for contra dance and is excited to share it with you! He is a seasoned contra and set dance caller based in Western Massachusetts. Since 2011, he’s called dances of all sizes, from big festival and camp stages, to series from Maine to the Mid-Atlantic. Julian is excited to return to the West Coast to call! He loves calling for all skill levels. He brings a cheerful, friendly attitude with clear, concise teaching and prompting. Julian has written dozens of dances, and combines this expertise with his love of dancing to provide a joyful flair to dances!

 

NOTE: This is a fragrance-free event. Please do not use cologne, perfume; or scented deodorants, soaps or other grooming products. We will provide scent-free hand soap at the dance venues.

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com

 

Feb
22
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Feb 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Mar
2
Sat
Contra Dance – Northwest Stomp with Shell Stowell @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church
Mar 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

All attendees must provide an email address for COVID exposure notifications and sign waivers for the Corvallis Folklore Society and the First Congregational UCC (our dance hall) before their first dance of the 2023-24 season. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the check-in process at the door.

Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here, to be further updated soon.

Northwest StompNorthwest Stomp

Katie Jane Lubiens is a dynamic fiddler from Portland, OR, best known for her high-energy fiddling, infectious smile, and unstoppable dancing feet. Katie Jane fiddles her way up and down the West Coast with her popular traditional Irish band, Katie Jane Band. She has recorded several albums, and she directs the dazzling Celtic Light Orchestra. As a teacher Katie Jane shares the joy of fiddle music with students of all ages in every step of their musical journey.
Thom Dudley, singer/guitarist/songwriter, is one of the founding members of the Portland area Celtic group Raven. He has been composing and playing music for many years, with his song “If I were the West Wind” winning a JPF Songwriter award in 2004. He has recorded two “solo” albums of well received original contemporary folk music featuring musicians from the Pacific NW, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Rob Ripley is a multi-instrumentalist originally from New England, and currently located in Portland, Oregon. He has been playing Irish Traditional Music for 8 years, primarily on the flute and whistle. In addition to playing traditional music, Rob is also an audio engineer and a long time producer of electronic music.
Eddie Butler and Nila Garner both reside and enjoy playing Irish music in Portland. They have been playing Irish music professionally since 2014 at Contra Dances, Ceili Dance, wineries, breweries, St Patrick’s Day Celebrations and for special occasions. Eddy is an excellent musician demonstrating great skill and authentic Irish style while also using the freedom afforded by the genre to create his own unique Celtic voice on the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar. Nila who plays Bodhran, the Irish frame drum, is also an excellent musician with a terrific sense of rhythm and highly ornamented authentic Irish style.

Shell StowallShell Stowell

Shell Stowell started contra dancing in 2015, and has been dancing up and down the West coast ever since. Driven by her passion for the dance, music, and community, Shell now plays the fiddle and helps to organize contra dances in Corvallis, and has been calling since 2019. As a dancer, Shell is known for her enthusiasm on and off the dance floor. As a caller, she incorporates her love of teaching, organizing, and music to strive for clear, energetic instruction and variety in her programming. Shell also emphasizes safe, inclusive dance etiquette that promotes positive communication between dancers.

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com

Mar
14
Thu
Hoolyeh Folk Dancing online @ Unitarian Fellowship
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Corvallis Hoolyeh dances are back in person

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Hoolyeh DanceHoolyeh Folk Dance
COVID-19 Policy

Updated 2023-06-13

These policies are created by an informal Hoolyeh Live Dance Committee and are approved by the Corvallis Folklore Society. They are intended to keep our community and dancers as safe, healthy, and happy as possible.

Folk dancing involves physical exertion and close contact with many people and is therefore associated with greater risk of viral transmission than other common activities. To protect our community as much as possible, Hoolyeh folk dances will have the following precautions in place until further notice, which meet and may exceed mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Please note: People at higher risk of severe illness from the COVID-19 virus, or who are in regular contact with someone at higher risk, including young children and other unvaccinated people, should not attend folk dancing at this time.

All attendees are required to:

  1. Provide an email address for contact tracing if needed (gathered at dancing).
  2. Be mindful of others’ variable comfort levels, especially with respect to personal space and level of touch.
  3. Feel comfortable wearing a mask if that is their personal choice.
  4. Stay home if you experience any illness symptoms.

Additional precautions will include:

  • An attendance capacity of 20-25 dancers
  • Unscented hand sanitizer available at the dance
  • Ventilation (open doors and windows)
  • Attendees should wash hands regularly
  • Letting Dana know if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms after the dance or in the following week

Current fees are $5 per person if not CFS member, $4 for CFS member, 18 and under $2.

Mar
16
Sat
Contra Dance – Loose Flagstone with William Watson @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church
Mar 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

All attendees must provide an email address for COVID exposure notifications and sign waivers for the Corvallis Folklore Society and the First Congregational UCC (our dance hall) before their first dance of the 2023-24 season. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the check-in process at the door.

Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here, to be further updated soon.

Loose FlagstoneLoose Flagstone

Loose Flagstone celebrates its fifth year as a Corvallis Celtic quartet drawing from Irish, Scottish, and American musical influences both traditional and contemporary. Their contra repertoire explores a rich mix of Celtic jigs and reels, rousing old-time tunes and New England dance music. Loose Flagstone features Jennifer Parke on fiddle, Leslie Glassmire on silver flute, Tracy Daugherty on bodhran, and Marjorie Sandor on DADGAD guitar.
 

William WatsonWilliam Watson

William Watson, a resident of Eugene, OR, danced his first contra in 1989 and began calling in Texas in 1992. Having called numerous contra events in cities coast-to-coast, William’s extensive experience and soothing voice project a calm confidence. His vigilant and thoughtful dance programming ensures a variety of figures, transitions, and sequences to entertain and support new dancers while offering the occasional challenge for the more advanced. His calling proficiency and sensitivities ensure everyone has a good time.

Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged)
Dance starts at 7:30pm.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary
(it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at:
https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com