Calendar

Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s/refresher lesson, 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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

The Overtones

A new Corvallis band: “The  Overtones”, featuring Shari Ame on fiddle, Bo Leyden on mandolin and Irish flute, and Evelyn Idzerda on keyboard, with additional backing by guest musicians.

Laurel Thomas

Laurel Thomas started calling contra dances at Portland’s open mike night in 2008. Since then, she has called for the regular dances in Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, Bend, Vancouver, Olympia and Tacoma. She has also called at Salem’s Camp Westwind. Dancers appreciate her clear teaching, articulate calling and her ability to choose fun, lively dances that have good flow. “In a mixed crowd my goal for the evening is not only to call dances that are accessible to beginners yet still fun for more experienced dancers, but also to make sure that there is an element of challenge built into the program that allows newcomers to increase their skills.”

Newcomers 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)

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

The Pringle Creek Band

The members of the Pringle Creek Bank have ben involved in various styles of folk music for a long time.

Jeff Graham (fiddle, string bass) started out flat picking on the guitar, played fiddle for contra dances in Alaska and currently plays string bass in the Salem Philharmonic Orchestra.

Louise Rothrock (string bass, mandolin) was a clog dancer in Portland, played electric bass in the Cajun band Blackfish, and at present is concentrating on mandolin and string bass.

Shawn Morford (piano, fiddle, penny whistle) has impressed people for many years with her singing and finesse on the acoustic guitar. She has now added fiddle and back up piano to her long list of instruments.

Dennis Rothrock (accordions, banjo) has played piano accordion for contra dancing and Zydeco music, as well as button accordion for Cajun, Irish, and French Canadian. As a diversion, he has lots of fun playing the clawhammer banjo.

William 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).

Tannahill Weavers

The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better…yet continue to do just that.

Releasing their first album in 1976 they became notable for being one of the first popular bands to incorporate the sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe in an ensemble setting, and in doing so helped to change the sound of Scottish traditional music. In 2011 the band was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.

Save $2 with promo code wtfcfs

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

Loose Flagstone

Loose Flagstone is a Corvallis Celtic band.

Shell 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 the Corvallis Contra Weekend. 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).

Ye Vagabonds

Ye Vagabonds is an Irish folk music duo consisting of Dublin-based brothers Diarmuid and Brían Mac Gloinn. Having been described as “being at the fore of a new wave of Irish folk”, they won three awards at the 2019 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards: Best Track, Best Album, and Best Folk Group. Ye Vagabonds are signed to River Lea, which is described as an offshoot of Rough Trade Records. They are currently working on a fourth album.

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org

Colm Broderick and Patrick Finley

Colm Broderick (County Carlow, Ireland) and Patrick Finley (Atlanta, Georgia) have created a wonderful partnership in Irish traditional music. Colm is a multiple All-Ireland champion piper and was selected by Na Píobairí Uilleann as the inheritor of Liam Ó Floinn’s pipes, on Liam’s death in 2018. Having recently been awarded the Gold medal at the Seán O’Riada Bonn Oir competition in Baile Mhuirne, Co. Cork, Colm was invited to a private reception in Áras an Uachtaráin hosted by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. While here Colm performed a private concert for the president.

Patrick, a multiple All-Ireland champion fiddler, plays with a unique style with influences from Sligo and Clare music. Patrick began playing the fiddle at the age of four, joining the Atlanta Irish Music School, and eventually studying with Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada. Patrick is also an experienced music teacher, having co-founded the Phoenix School of Irish Arts in Atlanta, teaching Irish music on a variety of instruments.

Together, they focus on creating a refreshingly traditional style of music on the pipes and fiddle.

Meet and socialize at 6 pm with the concert starting at 7 pm
460 SW Madison Ave, 2nd floor, Suite 9, Corvallis OR 97330

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

Bandwidth

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

Noah Grunzweig

Noah Grunzweig is a master of stories and dance! It’s been a while since he’s called in Corvallis but he’s called here many times. Noah brings enthusiasm and encouragement to new and experienced dancers alike. He promotes safe dancing and a culture of consent that welcomes children and adults to contra dancing. Noah is fluent in traditional and techno contra.

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).

This Contra Dance has been cancelled
because of a venue problem

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

Coriolis

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

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

Gordy Euler

Half of Shanghaied on the Willamette and co-director of the Portland Megaband has been calling dances all over the west coast for 15 years and he’s good.

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).

The Young Dubliners

After thirty years as one of the world’s leading Celtic Rock bands, the Young Dubliners have begun work on their tenth studio album while still maintaining their busy tour schedule.

Having survived the crushing impact of the lockdown on their industry they have returned stronger than ever and determined to bring their fusion of Celtic and rock music to as many people as they can.

The band is Keith Roberts (vocals / guitar), Chas Waltz (Violin, keys, vocals), Justin Pecot (guitar, vocals), Dave Ingraham (drums) and Ethan Jones (bass guitar).

With a solid line up and a new batch of songs to play, The YD are excited to bring live music back into people’s lives. Following their recent signing to the Skyline music agency, new dates are being added daily as the world reopens.

“We want to be the band who reminds the world how important a good gig can be to our sanity after what we’ve all been through” says Roberts.

The Young Dubliners have released nine albums to date. The set on the upcoming dates will draw from all their albums and include unreleased new material.

In recent years the Young Dubs have appeared twice on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, had songs featured in TV shows (Sons Of Anarchy, Human Target) and toured extensively as a headliner and as the opener for such a diverse list of artists as Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, Johnny Lang, Los Lobos, Chris Isaak and many more.

Although the Young Dubliners sound is most commonly called ‘Celtic Rock’, that label can often be misleading. The Irish influence is certainly there, but it’s not the only influence that bursts through on their albums or live shows. After all, several of the band members have no Irish roots of any kind. “That was always the idea”, explains Roberts “The sound was intended to be a hybrid because we all come from different backgrounds. Even though I am from Ireland, a lot of the music I listened to growing up wasn’t Irish at all, but when I got here, I got homesick and developed a new appreciation for Irish Music. In truth the Celtic riffs can just as easily come from the American band members. Everyone writes now so you never know what you’ll end up with”

“Their sound defies categorization. The Young Dubliners can be seen as Ireland’s answer to Los Lobos, with a similar combination of traditional folk music, raucous electric rock, and forward-thinking experimentation.”    –Allmusic.com

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org

Hanneke Cassel
Christmas Tour 2022
w/ Ryan McKasson, Brooke McKasson, Liddy Voetberg, Tim Downing, & Christopher Lewis

Come celebrate Christmas with Hanneke! Scottish- American Fiddler and native Oregonian Hanneke Cassel will team up with Ryan McKasson, Brooke McKasson, Liddy Voetberg, and more for a night of holiday favorites and some new tunes from Cassel’s recent album “O Come Emmanuel”. The night will be filled with fiddling, singing, and hopefully some joy.Effervescent and engaging, Port Orford-raised fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. She has performed and traveled across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Hanneke’s music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness.”

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

Countercurrent

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 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).

On December 17th, The Fire presents their fan-favorite holiday show titled “The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas” at the CHS Performing Arts Center in Corvallis, OR. Prepare to be inspired as California’s favorite Scottish music trio joins forces with both Scottish and Irish dancers for an extraordinary performance. This unprecedented collaboration features Scotland’s visually dynamic highland dance in step with the powerful rhythms of Ireland. The Fire’s signature brand of dazzling virtuosity delivers an unforgettable experience as the band leads listeners through an evening of classic Christmas carols and lively dance tunes.

Enjoy David Brewer’s unparalleled mastery of the Great Highland Bagpipe, Corvallis native and CHS alum Rebecca Lomnicky’s internationally awarded Scottish fiddling, and Adam Hendey’s warm-emotive voice over a lush foundation of guitar and reed organ. Featuring material from their critically acclaimed album, “The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas,” the live show experience presents seasonal folk ballads dating back to the 1300s alongside beloved holiday favorites. Ring in the holiday season with yuletide cheer, and join us for “The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas.”

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

The Overtones

A new Corvallis band: “The Overtones”, featuring Shari Ame on fiddle, Bo Leyden on mandolin and Irish flute, and Evelyn Idzerda on keyboard, with additional backing by guest musicians.

Eric 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).

Kalos Brings Its Innovative Celtic Roots Music to Corvallis

Kalos features Ryan McKasson (fiddle, viola, vocals), Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, lead vocals), and Jeremiah McLane (accordion, piano, vocals). All three are long standing touring artists who, as part of their development, learned from masters of traditional music (Ryan with Alasdair Fraser, Eric with John McGann, Jeremiah with Jimmy Keane). Their individual artistry springs from these strong traditional roots. As a trio, Kalos moves beyond this foundation, creating music that is compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes.

While much of Kalos’ material is rooted in traditional forms, this does not limit the trio’s scope and collective imagination is the primary expression in its music. Kalos’ new album, Headland, (set for release in Spring 2023) does not shy away from anything in favor of a certain direction. Rather, it is a body of music that, even if sometimes in the abstract, creates an emotional narrative. The name Headland, which refers to a point where land meets sea, is representative of the exploratory space Kalos seeks in its arrangements and live performances. All of the various elements at play gather together into a collective mood, creating an environment of Kalos’ design and a memorable live music experience. As a critic for the UK’s Folkwords wrote: “There s a certain spontaneity at work as the three musicians alternately contest and duel, combine and coalesce to bring their talents together.” More information on the trio can be found on its website.

Here are links to a couple of Kalos performance videos

“Fare Thee Well”
“Fanny Vanille/The Kerry Polska”

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org

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:

• Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
• We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
• All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.

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

Joyride

 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.

Susan Petrick

An avid dancer for many years, Susan started calling for contra dances in 2000 and teaching couple dances, including waltz, cross-step waltz, and hambo, shortly thereafter. Susan lives in Redwood City, CA and has become a regional treasure with national prominence, calling for dance weekends and festivals throughout the country. She is known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. By profession Susan is a cognitive psychologist who manages a team of User Experience researchers at Google in Mountain View, CA.

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).