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 featuring Leslie Glassmire (flute), Jennifer Parke (fiddle), Marjorie Sandor (guitar), and Tracy Daugherty (bodhran). They will be joined by special guest Shawn Morford on piano. Their repertoire of traditional and contemporary Celtic tunes will be augmented by rousing old-time and New England dance music.

Kelly 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).

The Best Cellar

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 Adam Scramstad

Adam is an award winning Acoustic/Electric Finger-style & Blues Musician, born and raised in Oregon. Performing regularly throughout the Pacific Northwest, Scramstad’s reputation as a professional Blues Guitarist & Vocalist is rapidly becoming widespread.

A strong and creative Songwriter in his own-right, Scramstad’s repertoire also covers a broad range of early American Folk/Blues artists’ works – such as: Son House, Bukka White, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis, Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Lightning Hopkins, Blind Blake, John Fahey, Elizabeth Cotton.

Adam’s 2006 debut Solo album “No Sun Around Blues” climbed to #33 on the Roots Music Radio Blues Chart – June 2006. The CD is a mix of acoustic blues (w/vocal) & finger-style guitar songs, and quickly became a favorite of local NW Radio Stations. His music has been featured on the nationally syndicated “Blues Deluxe Show” as well as receiving regular airplay on many regional, national and international stations/shows.

Although he maintains a focus on Solo Acoustic Delta Slide & Country Blues (both vocal and instrumental), Adam also regularly performs with Blues Guitar Legend Terry Robb (Adam’s Producer & Mentor)– as an acoustic duo as well as slinging electric guitar in the acclaimed Terry Robb Band. You can hear Adam’s rhythm & lead electric guitar work throughout the 2012 Terry Robb Band release “Muddyvishnu”.

8:30 The Wallop Sisters

Suz Doyle and Jeannie Holmes (joined by their spouses, John Swanson and Nils Nielson) doing “Novelty Songs through the ages.” One of the most “alive” groups around. Full of energy, great singing, and some very special instrumental work.

Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

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.

Penk, Pinney, Lindsey

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. The Penk, Pinney, Lindsay trio, includes Heather Pinney on piano and fiddle (also a member of Jigsaw) and Deborah Lindsay (from Corvallis) on percussion.

Kelsey Hartman

Since I am a “contraholic,” I can often be found any given weekend dancing or calling a contra dance. My inspiration for calling comes from Nils Fredland, whose callers’ workshop at American Week (BACDS) in 2012 spurred me down the caller’s path.

When calling, I consider myself a conduit between the dancers and the band, helping to channel the  joy of the musicians’ music through flowing, interesting dances.

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).

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

The Overtones is a Corvallis band featuring Shari Ame on fiddle, Bo Leyden on mandolin and Irish flute, Evelyn Idzerda on keyboard, Marjorie Sandor on guitar, and Tracy Daugherty on percussion.

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 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 currently seeking new volunteers to help with dances! If you are interested in volunteering, 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.

American Strings
An Evening with
the Kingston Trio

Join University Director of Popular Music Bob Santelli in a conversation with the legendary folk group: The Kingston Trio. Current members Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Buddy Woodward, have intrinsic links and experience with the iconic trio’s original members. Mike is the adopted son of founding member Nick Reynolds, who was also his musical mentor; Tim, a close friend since boyhood, is one of the few musicians outside the trio who has recorded with Nick Reynolds; and Buddy has performed with longtime Kingston Trio member George Grove. Together, they recall and will talk with Bob about the original members’ journey as folk music made its extraordinary ascent to the pinnacle of popular culture and the top of the music charts.

Following the interview, the trio will perform such timeless classics as “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” and “Tom Dooley”.

Only 200 seats!  Take advantage of the presale now at the link above to secure your seats.

The Best Cellar

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 Cassandra Robertson

A muse with a message, Cassandra has the heart of a lion, and the mane to match. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, she floors the audience like a sonic boom with captivating messages of peace, prosperity, hope and above all, inspiration. Her unique style of “acoustic conscious folk” kick starts the heart and levitates the soul; reminding us all that we CAN positively affect the world we all share, as long as we choose planet over profit and remember to be ourselves.

8:30 Evelyn Idzerda and friends

Great vocal harmony and some pretty flashy guitar work.

Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

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.

Cucunandy

Cucunandy is a Corvallis band with Katie Maxey on fiddle, Beth Brown on cello and pennywhistle, Riley Neil on guitar and Laureen Urey on Bodhran. They play an eclectic mix of traditional and modern Celtic and Celtic inspired tunes.

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).

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.

Stage Crew

The Stage Crew consists of veteran contra dance musicians Lori Shaffer, fiddle; Sue Songer, fiddle and piano; and Lanny Martin, accordion and piano. They have hosted the First Saturday dance in Portland since 2015. They are looking forward to playing a CFS dance for the first time.

Isaac 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.

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).

We are currently seeking new volunteers to help with dances! If you are interested in volunteering, 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.

The Best Cellar

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 A Bunch of Pals

A benefit for Mid-Valley Health Care Advocates

Audrey Perkins, Tim Hardin, Mark Weiss, and Chere and Cliff Pereira have been getting together to make music around a mobile fire pit during the pandemic and will share their music in various mashups.  They play some very fun songs, use a lot of vocal harmony, and locally, lovingly, developed musicianship.

 Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

2023 Annual CFS Membership Meeting

This year’s meeting will be held online using the jit.si platform.  If you are new to Jitsi, you may be interested in this link: Intro to Jitsi Meet

The CFS board will be meeting on the same platform at 3 pm, and all members are invited to join the Jitsi video conference for the June 3 Board Meeting and stay for the Membership Meeting, or you can join the Membership Meeting at 4 pm.

• See your Board in action.
• Learn how CFS works.
• VOTE for the 2023-24 Board of Directors. Any CFS member may put forth names for consideration to serve on the CFS board, including of course, their own.
• Take an active role, make friends and bring more music, song & dance to our town!

Only current CFS members may vote on the slate of candidates.
Check to see if your membership is current so that you may vote!

If you are interested in helping with CFS activities or serving on the Board or have any questions, please contact any board member.

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.

Gordy, Jon & Dave

Gordy Euler (fiddle and whistle), Jon Neff (guitar) , and Dave Hamlin (mandolin) are veterans of Portland’s contradance community. Gordy and Dave played together for 20+ years in Full Moon, and Jon and Dave played together in the Steeltones. Jon and Gordy have played together in pick-up bands, and we are all long-time members of the Portland Megaband. We share a large repertoire spanning Irish, Scottish, Quebecois, and American old-time.

Richard Barnes

Richard Barnes has been dancing his way up and down the West Coast for years, bringing energy and enthusiasm to many dance floors. As a caller, this will be his Corvallis debut!

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 currently seeking new volunteers to help with dances! If you are interested in volunteering, 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.

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.

Alan Snyder/Carl Thor

Alan Snyder (fiddle) and Carl Thor (piano) started playing together when dances resumed after the Covid shutdowns, but they both have a long history in the contra dance world. Alan is well known throughout the region for his work as lead fiddle with The Euphemists and The Wisenheimers. Carl played for over 15 years with Cascade Crossing and Hands4, and currently plays with Bandwidth and The Portland Megaband. Together, they’ll get your bones shaking and your feet moving!

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 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

The Best Cellar

More details soon.

 Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is pay-what-you-will, with a minimum of 2 dollars. Kids are free and welcome.
Coffee, tea, and gluten free cookies are fifty cents each.
Masks are encouraged but not required.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

The Best Cellar
50-year Celebration

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 Some of the long time Cellar performers

including one who played the very first night of the Best Cellar, will be on hand. They include Rita Brown and Bill Smyth, Tom and Ellen Demarest, Barbara Gladstone, Audrey Perkins, John Swanson and Jeannie Holmes, Mark Aron, Sharon and Dave Thormahlen, Dave Plaehn, and Tim Hardin. We are also trying to track down some of the folks who created The Cellar back in 1973, so that we can honor them, as well. Please join us for this special occasion

 Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is pay-what-you-will, with a minimum of 2 dollars. Kids are free and welcome.
Coffee, tea, and gluten free cookies are fifty cents each.
Masks are encouraged but not required.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 Ben Woodman and Dave Chiller

Offering a set of original and standard instrumental music compositions, weaving guitar and percussion (tabla, handpan and cajon), in sweet dialogues, and intricate rhythmic harmonies, influenced by genres from around the globe. Ben has been diving deep into a variety of guitar styles, regularly performing in Portland and the Mid-Valley. Dave has enjoyed a long exploration of percussive genres and instruments, playing with a number of Corvallis groups over the years.

8:30 Singchronicity

Great vocal harmonies with strong instrumental accompaniment. Featuring songs from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, along with a few originals. Singchronicity has been performing together since the mid 80’s and features Jennie Wells-Whitney with Laurie and Randy Davison.

 Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is pay-what-you-will, with a minimum of 2 dollars. Kids are free and welcome.
Coffee, tea, and gluten free cookies are fifty cents each.
Masks are encouraged but not required.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com