Calendar

Calendar

Submit calendar info to:

calendar@corvallisfolklore.org

Dec
10
Tue
Local Folk Open Stage @ Corvallis Arts Center
Dec 10 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

LOCAL FOLK

Local Folk imageLocal Folk image

This is a collaborative program of CFS and The Arts Center. Free and open to all, the stage is open to individual musicians and groups presenting a variety of music under the large “folk” umbrella. Sign up for a set of one to three songs (10 minutes or so) in a rotating format. Or, just come to be part of an audience appreciative of local performers. Local Folk! will continue monthly, on second Tuesdays. For more information, contact Kurt Smith at k_smith1342@comcast.net or 541-270-6369.

Sign up for a set of two or three songs for a total time of 10-15 minutes in a rotating format. Or, just come to be part of an audience appreciative of local performers.

This month featuring Shari Ame, fiddler, teacher and member of the contra band Treehouse.

 

 

 

 

 

Local Folk convenes monthly, on second Tuesdays, from 7-10 pm.

Dec
13
Fri
Mark O’Connor: An Appalachian Christmas @ Whiteside Theatre
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

O'ConnorMark O’Connor
An Appalachian Christmas

Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas album (2011) reached the #1 ranking on Billboard’s Bluegrass Album charts and has been in the top five each year since. Hailed by critics from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a top 10 album of the holiday season, it has become a perennial classic Christmas recording.

O’Connor says, “Appalachia is the original melting pot of our country featuring more diverse styles of American music than just about anywhere. This theme makes for what is a trilogy of my “Appalachia” recordings now; Appalachia Waltz, Appalachian Journey, and An Appalachian Christmas

 

 

Dec
14
Sat
WINTERDANCE a Celtic Christmas Celebration @ First Presbyterian Church
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

WINTERDANCE

a Celtic Christmas Celebration

winterdance 2016Molly’s Revenge
special guest vocalist Amelia Hogan

The Murray Irish Dancers
(out of Portland)

Molly’s Revenge, whose lineup includes bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, guitar, mandola, and bodhran, have toured extensively in the USA as well as Australia, China and Scotland.  The band is known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.

Amelia HoganGuest vocalist Amelia Hogan sings traditional, Irish, Scottish, British, American and contemporary folk music with lilting grace and subtle power. She transports you with a spell into another time and place, where the beansidhe (banshee) cries and lovers embrace. Haunting melodies, stirring passion, and evocative storytelling are what you’ll find with Amelia’s music.

The Murray Irish Dancers bring a percussive, joyful, and colorful exuberance to the stage. This 13th Annual Celtic Christmas Celebration will capture the traditional spirit of the season and warm the hearts of all.

“A seriously joyous, masterly musical experience.”
Tom Clancy, Irish Music Magazine

Murray Irish DancersThe Murray School of Irish Dancing offers classes for students of all ages and levels wishing to become outstanding Irish dancers.  At the Murray school we believe in supporting students through enhancing their self esteem and confidence.  We also encourage our students to work hard and strive for excellence.  Through this they will develop skills that will last a lifetime.  We endeavor to create a safe learning environment for all students through mutual respect and responsibility towards all teachers, students and parents in The Murray School.  We welcome students from all levels of dance experience and of all cultural backgrounds to learn about  Irish Culture, Music and Dance and to be part of the Murray team.

Molly's RevengeThese folks gave an outstanding concert last year. The crowd was enthusiastic, especially when the musicians upped the tempo and the Irish dancers joined in with gusto. David Brewer is the most vigorous piper I have ever seen. He also plays whistles and bodhran (Celtic drum). The group has fun playing songs of the season with a Celtic twist. Amelia has a gorgeous voice and lovely vocal ornamentation.

Dec
21
Sat
Contra: Bandwidth with Rich Goss @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

BandwidthBandwidth

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

 

 

Rich GossRich Goss

Most weekends, and sometimes on weekdays, I can be found in a dance hall somewhere calling, playing, doing sound, or contra dancing. I also play percussion once or twice a year with The Portland Megaband, a 75-80 member contra orchestra!!

The Pacific NW is such a terrific place to live! It’s great for calling and playing opportunities. In addition to established contra dances, I also enjoy calling for parties, weddings and community dances.

I’ve called dances from coast to coast for events ranging from large to small, novice to experienced, in a driveway to very large dance halls. My goal is to call fun accessible dances with clear concise teaching, always with a good-natured, easy-going style.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 7:30pm

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

First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.

Jan
4
Sat
Contra: The Alchemists with Erik Weberg @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Jan 4 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

George Penk & Heather PinneyThe Alchemists

George Penk is a well-known fiddle player across the USA, especially in the Pacific Northwest. He lives in Portland where he currently plays with the bands Joyride and Jigsaw. George collaborates with many musicians in various musical adventures, including being part of the Portland Collection project through his playing on the Portland Selection CD’s. His spirited and rich fiddle style is a delight to listen to. George is widely appreciated as a consummate dance fiddler working with callers to make sure the music is in-tune with the spirit of the dances.
Heather Pinney, also a member of Jigsaw, joins on piano and fiddle.

Steven SkolnikSteven Skolnik has been steeped in percussion for most of his life, playing professionally from jazz to classical and folk, adding taste and power to our driving and lyrical melodies.

 

Maia Hoffman

Maia Hoffman is studying viola at the Cleveland Institute of Music and allows us to tap into her talents when we snatch her for our contra dance gigs indulging us with twin or triple fiddling.

 

 

Erik WebergErik Weberg

I danced my first contra dance in Moscow Idaho in the Fall of 1986.  Several excursions to the dance hall were necessary for me to find the courage to actually dance, but once I, tried it caught hold quickly and I became a regular dancer. Christian Petrich encouraged me to try calling for the first time in 1990 and soon after that I started regularly attending the first Wednesday open mic in Spokane Washington. I called dances around Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho for a few years before moving west of the Cascades in 1993. I was soon asked to call dances in Portland and up the Willamette Valley. Since then I’ve been calling dances, festivals and weekends around the country from Seattle to Boston, from Fairbanks to Tuscon and most places between. I am able to enjoy this craft because of the good folks who encouraged and taught me to call dances years ago, the booking agents and local dance committees who have given me wonderful opportunities to practice in their communities, and the thousands of dancers and musicians who forgive me my mistakes and make it all worthwhile. If you’re reading this you’re probably one of them; so, thank you!

Beginners lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 7:30pm

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

First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.

Jan
13
Mon
CANCELED – Hoolyeh International Folk Dance @ UU Fellowship Social Hall
Jan 13 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

This event has been CANCELED

The Hoolyeh International Folk Dancers meet once a month on the 2nd Monday at the UU Fellowship Social Hall, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330. We will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 with beginning teaching from 6:30 to 7:15, program dancing from 7:15 to 8:00, intermediate teaching from 8:00 to 8:15 or 8:30, and request dancing from 8:30 to 9:30.

We will mix Balkan, Israeli and other folk dances each week, with occasional live music from Balkan, Israeli and other traditions. Watch the calendar for announcements about special dances, but just come to each dance and learn all sorts of dances.

Jan
18
Sat
SVER @ Whiteside Theatre
Jan 18 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

SVERSVER

play grand Norwegian folk music with relentless energy and seductive spark taking you on a fantastic musical journey guaranteed to excite you. Ranging from the very dreamy to a swinging, pounding and sweaty madness – you are invited to the party, greeted by a welcoming primal force that pulls you into the dance.

SVER has often been described as “sounding electric without electricity”, and their flexible musicianship has also made them an attractive backing band for some of Scandinavia’s leading singers in different genres. That has lead to playing on TV-shows, big festivals and positions in the radio charts with the music ranging from folk to reggae/dancehall and rap. Their imaginative soundscapes, grooves, and melodies will take you on a journey over the Norwegian fjords and mountains, into the lively pubs and back out into the deep forest of their musicality.

SVER consists of Olav Luksengård Mjelva (fiddle and hardangerfiddle), Anders Hall (fiddle and viola), Leif Ingvar Ranøien (diatonic accordion), Adam Johansson (guitar) and Jens Linell (Drums and percussion). Olav and Leif Ingvar have played together since 2002. Vidar Berge joined the group in 2007 on guitar and together they released the self titled album “SVER”. In the spring of 2008 Anders and Jens completed the band, and they released “Fruen” in 2010. Vidar quit the band later that year and Adam joined the group. Since 2011 SVER has collaborated with the Swedish dance-hall artist Snakka San.

https://youtu.be/eUMjqrAGpk0
https://youtu.be/ambGSIQ3Gv4

Contra: The Nettles with Isaac Banner @ OSU MU Ballroom
Jan 18 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

The NettlesThe Nettles

The Nettles are well-known on the West Coast for their original approach to contra dance music. Playing traditional music from all over the world, The Nettles create a strong rhythmic groove under soaring improvisations. Rhythmic drive and melodic fluidity allow The Nettles to propel contra dances into the stratosphere.

Isaac BannerIsaac Banner

A long-time contra dancer and Seattle transplant, I’ve worked for several years to become known in the Pacific Northwest for my particular blend of humor and dance instruction. With contagious excitement, a warm cadence, and a cheerful personality, I strive to bring moments of magic into the lives of newcomers and veteran dancers alike. Contra has always held a special place in my heart and I try to share that love with every dance I visit.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 7:30pm

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

First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.

Jan
31
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church
Jan 31 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Randy McCoy7:30 Randy McCoy and Family

Randy McCoy is a local musician and co-owner of the Little Gym of Corvallis

His song “26 Reasons”,  inspired by the Sandy Hook shooting, appears on the CD Connecticut Voices for Heroes.

Rita Brown

8:30 Rita Brown

Rita has been performing in Corvallis for years, as a soloist, with partner Bill Smyth and as part of groups The Flow and Crooked Kate.  She helped highlight the Best Cellar tribute to female musicians last spring.

 

 

 

The best Cellar is a once-a-month evening of acoustic music. Admission is “pay what you will,” and kids are free. Cookies and coffee are available. Located in the cellar of the Methodist Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Feb
1
Sat
Contra: Coriolis with Eric Curl @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Feb 1 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Coriolis

Dave Hamlin – fiddle, mandolin,
Jon Neff – guitar, bass,
Victor Fiore -fiddle

Two thirds of the Steeltones and one third of Mad Robin.

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.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 7:30pm

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

First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.

Feb
6
Thu
Jim Malcolm & Susie Malcolm @ First Congregational United Church of Chris
Feb 6 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Jim & Susie MalcolmJim & Susie Malcolm
From Scotland

Corvallis has a special treat coming on Feb 6. Jim Malcolm has done highly entertaining concerts here before but always by himself. I enjoyed the music they did together when we visited them in Perth, Scotland. Susie adds a lot to the show. The image shows them having a bit of fun Susie does not play an instrument, that is a frying pan.

“For his 14th album, favorite Scots troubadour Jim is joined by his wife Susie, who’s often sung backing vocals on Jim’s albums but here takes equal part in this collection of duets – including taking the lead on several songs – and the two singers sound very well together in happy consort throughout. Although a number of the songs embrace romance and elopement, there’s more than the usual quota of happy endings (False Lover Won Back, Braw Sailin’). There’s humor too (The Lass Of Killiecrankie, and a frisky take on Jack Foley’s ode to whisky, A Bottle O’ The Best). Even so, the album highlights for me are Jim’s own compositions., This is a most cherishable CD.”                    – David Kidman

“One of the great Scottish voices of our time” Frank Hennessy – BBC Radio Wales

“Quietly, unforcefully and undeniably stunning” – Mojo

“A master of well chosen words and melodic inventiveness” – Rock ‘n’ Ree

l“One of the finest singing voices in Scotland in any style” – Living Tradition

Feb
10
Mon
CANCELED – Hoolyeh International Folk Dance @ UU Fellowship Social Hall
Feb 10 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

This event has been CANCELED

The Hoolyeh International Folk Dancers meet once a month on the 2nd Monday at the UU Fellowship Social Hall, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330. We will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 with beginning teaching from 6:30 to 7:15, program dancing from 7:15 to 8:00, intermediate teaching from 8:00 to 8:15 or 8:30, and request dancing from 8:30 to 9:30.

We will mix Balkan, Israeli and other folk dances each week, with occasional live music from Balkan, Israeli and other traditions. Watch the calendar for announcements about special dances, but just come to each dance and learn all sorts of dances.

Feb
11
Tue
Local Folk Open Stage @ Corvallis Arts Center
Feb 11 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Local Folk imageLOCAL FOLK

This is a collaborative program of CFS and The Arts Center. Free and open to all, the stage is open to individual musicians and groups presenting a variety of music under the large “folk” umbrella. Sign up for a set of one to three songs (10 minutes or so) in a rotating format. Or, just come to be part of an audience appreciative of local performers. Local Folk! will continue monthly, on second Tuesdays. For more information, contact Kurt Smith at k_smith1342@comcast.net or 541-270-6369.

Sign up for a set of two or three songs for a total time of 10-15 minutes in a rotating format. Or, just come to be part of an audience appreciative of local performers.

SkittishThis month featuring Skittish

 

 

 

 

Local Folk convenes monthly, on second Tuesdays, from 7-10 pm.

Feb
14
Fri
Corvallis Contra Weekend 2020 @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Feb 14 @ 7:30 pm – Feb 16 @ 5:00 pm

 CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend

Registration opens Nov 15, 2019

Stomp RocketStomp Rocket

Beacoup de stomping pour le contra danse, avec Dave Langford on fiddle, Glen Loper on mandolin and banjo, and Bethany Waickman on guitar and sometimes piano. Look for us in the general New England area and elsewhere.

JoyrideJoyride

Joyride is a Portland Oregon contra dance band known for fun, skilled play, tune sets carefully tailored to dances, and well-phrased melodies and harmonies set in a danceable groove. George Penk’s rich, compelling fiddle, Erik Weberg’s deft flute, harmonica and bombarde, Sue Songer’s heartbeat piano and Jeff Kerssen-Griep’s vital guitar and percussion provide modern and traditional tunes for dances, weekends and festivals throughout the year. This band loves creating a great experience for everyone, every time.  Come catch a lift with Joyride at home or on the road!

 

Sarah VanNorstrandSarah VanNorstrand

I started dancing as a teenager and was instantly hooked. I was lucky to learn in an incredibly friendly and encouraging dance community, and I soon started bringing groups of my friends. Throughout high school, we became enthusiastic dancers and started our own Contra Prom in our junior year, which has since become an annual event of the Syracuse Country Dancers. I started calling in 2006, and again, our local community of dancers and callers provided a wonderful learning environment.

I regularly call at our Syracuse dance, as well as dances and dance weekends across the country.

Depending on the event, my repertoire includes a wide variety of contra dances as well as squares and party dances. I enjoy working with everyone from first-time dancers to decades-long contra veterans. Above all, my goal as a caller is to make sure the dancers are having a wonderful time connecting with the music and each other. I love dancing, community, and music and I always try to communicate that enthusiasm in my calling.

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.

 

 

 

Feb
16
Sun
Special Sunday Contra Dance with 2 bands and callers @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Feb 16 @ 7:30 pm – 7:45 pm

Special Sunday Contra Dance

Stomp RocketStomp Rocket

Beacoup de stomping pour le contra danse, avec Dave Langford on fiddle, Glen Loper on mandolin and banjo, and Bethany Waickman on guitar and sometimes piano. Look for us in the general New England area and elsewhere.

JoyrideJoyride

Joyride is a Portland Oregon contra dance band known for fun, skilled play, tune sets carefully tailored to dances, and well-phrased melodies and harmonies set in a danceable groove. George Penk’s rich, compelling fiddle, Erik Weberg’s deft flute, harmonica and bombarde, Sue Songer’s heartbeat piano and Jeff Kerssen-Griep’s vital guitar and percussion provide modern and traditional tunes for dances, weekends and festivals throughout the year. This band loves creating a great experience for everyone, every time.  Come catch a lift with Joyride at home or on the road!

 

Sarah VanNorstrandSarah VanNorstrand

I started dancing as a teenager and was instantly hooked. I was lucky to learn in an incredibly friendly and encouraging dance community, and I soon started bringing groups of my friends. Throughout high school, we became enthusiastic dancers and started our own Contra Prom in our junior year, which has since become an annual event of the Syracuse Country Dancers. I started calling in 2006, and again, our local community of dancers and callers provided a wonderful learning environment.

I regularly call at our Syracuse dance, as well as dances and dance weekends across the country.

Depending on the event, my repertoire includes a wide variety of contra dances as well as squares and party dances. I enjoy working with everyone from first-time dancers to decades-long contra veterans. Above all, my goal as a caller is to make sure the dancers are having a wonderful time connecting with the music and each other. I love dancing, community, and music and I always try to communicate that enthusiasm in my calling.

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.