Calendar

Calendar

Submit calendar info to:

calendar@corvallisfolklore.org

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

The Best Cellar

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

Adam Scramstad7:30 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”.

Wallop Sisters8:30 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

Apr
28
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Sanctuary
Apr 28 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

Cassandra Robertson7:30 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.

 

Evelyn Idzerda8:30 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

May
5
Fri
Westwind Weekend @ Westwind Stewardship Group’s Camp Westwind
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – May 7 @ 2:00 pm

Westwind
Salem Folklore Community’s
34th Annual

Westwind Weekend
of music and dance

A beautiful setting on the Oregon Coast.  A pristine, sheltered beach, tidepools galore, wildlife in the water, woods, and air, hikes that lead to superb vistas up and down the coast.  It’s a weekend at the beach, with music and friends old and new.  It’s always sunny at Westwind, AND it almost always rains.  Which is to say, any weather can happen.

A growing, family friendly community.  More than a fourth of those who attend the Westwind Weekend are young people.  Kids bring their friends.  They dig in the sand, play Frisbee, hike, play cards, dance, play music, drink hot cocoa, help out, hang out, and build lasting memories.

Non-stop music jams.  At any moment you’ll find swing favorites on the front porch, old-time in the shed, and Irish/contra tunes in the kitchen.  Some of the finest musicians in the Willamette Valley come to Westwind and are joined by folks just learning to play and everyone in between.

Contra dancing and more.  Friday and Saturday evenings feature the Westwind All Star Orchestra playing tunes, and dance programming that’s aimed at all ages and abilities. Expect family dances, contras and squares, and a set of Scandinavian favorites. Also find musicians jamming and swing or zydeco dancing underway outside the main hall.

Camper-led workshops.  Gumboot dancing, daisy chain squares, swing chords, beach talk, favorite folk songs: come with your special talent to share or learn something you’ve never heard of before. Sunday morning expect time for singing the gospel of our non-denominational love of community.

A Saturday camper concert. Enjoy listening to the crazy, creative, and sublime as your fellow campers perform, or put together your own high or low art performance and step up onto the whale bone stage.

Happy, hearty vegetarian food.

Registration opens February 23.

May
26
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Sanctuary
May 26 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 A Bunch of Pals

Mash Up

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

Jun
30
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Martha Room
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

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

Best Cellar 50-year celebration @ Methodist Church Sanctuary
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar
50-year Celebration

Masks requested for everyone’s continued safety

Best Cellar June 20237:30 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

Aug
25
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Martha Room
Aug 25 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

Woodman & Chiller

Dave Chiller Ben Woodman

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.

 

Singchronicity8:30 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

Sep
29
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Martha Room
Sep 29 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 Mike and Carleen McCornackMike and Carleen McCornack

In support of their new CD, Carleen and Mike bring their own special blend of beautiful harmonies and strong instrumental work to The Best Cellar, where they have been playing since the 70’s. Singer-songwriters Mike & Carleen McCornack have been delighting audiences for over fifty years with an engaging musical style that blends clear, expressive, harmonious vocals with sparkling acoustic instrumental accompaniments. Their wide-ranging repertoire includes many critically-acclaimed original compositions. They have released nine albums during their career: Possibilities; Live On Earth; Beasties, Bumbershoots & Lullabies; Sunshine Cake; High Hopes; A Road To Call Your Own; Ready For Christmas, Stories We Could Tell, and their most recent, Dream True.

 Ralph & Beth8:30 Nicasio Ralph and
Bethie Bee

Ralph Penunuri and Beth Brown bring their neo-traditional folk stylings old, new and borrowed back to the Best Cellar after a long hiatus. Their shared musical conversations on guitar, cello, woodwind and vocals – create far-ranging musical journey, from rootsy mystic balladry to swingin’ improv celebration.
31

 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

Oct
27
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Martha Room
Oct 27 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

 Tom Rawson & Ellen van der Hoeven7:30 Tom Rawson and
Ellen van der Hoeven

This international duo of Ellen van der Hoeven, from Vancouver BC, and Tom Rawson, from Orcas Island WA are armed with banjo, mandolin, penny whistle, and other weapons of mass delight. Ellen and Tom love to strike up hootenanny fun on both sides of the 49th Parallel. Their humorous stories, user-friendly songs, and acoustic folk philosophy are guaranteed to have you singing along in no time and to leave you smiling. Tune up your vocal chords; you’ll need ‘em!

I have a banjo and I’m not afraid to use it.

8:30 Wild Hog In The WoodsWild Hog in the Woods

Stringband music from a bygone era played the way it always should have been.

 

 

 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

Nov
17
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Martha Room
Nov 17 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

7:30 Sharon and Dave ThormahlenSharon & Dave

Sharon and Dave have been making beautiful music together in Corvallis for decades. They perform traditional and new music written by Sharon, mostly on instruments made by Dave.

 

 8:30 Sweet Melange

Sweet Mélange plays a wide mix of music.  Doug Crotty on vocals, guitar, and ukelele, Stephanie Higgins and Kory Riseley on vocals, Warren George on acoustic bass, with Pat Megowan joining on guitar and mandolin. Strong vocal harmonies

 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.
Most often in “the cellar” of the church, with an entrance around the back side of the church.
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Dec
29
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Sanctuary
Dec 29 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

Lucky In Love7:30 Lucky in Love String Band

Bluegrass, blues and folk tunes will tumble through as Pete Kozak, DeLynn Anderson-Hino, Jeff Hino and Mark Weiss take the stage.

Guitar, mandolin, dobro and bass are the tools of the trade for this talented Corvallis quartet. Join us for an hour of acoustic feel-good music.

Johanna Beekman8:30 Johanna Beekman

Johanna Beekman is one of a kind. Whether she’s leading a kirtan, performing original music at a concert or festival, or guiding students through a Lullaby Yoga session, she warms hearts with her soulful music and her soaring spirit. Her velvety voice, her creative interpretations of music from various world traditions, her gorgeous original songs, and her open-hearted presence come together to create unforgettable musical experiences.

Johanna’s songwriting knows no stylistic boundaries. Her catalog includes heart-opening folk-pop songs, gospel hymns, a cappella anthems, classic soul songs, and jazz-infused love ballads. And these songs haven’t gone unnoticed. One of them, Free to Decide (Breathe), has been performed by several choirs and a cappella groups across the United States and Canada.

She’ll be joined by some of the area’s finest musicians as she performs her soulful songs.

 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.
Most often in “the cellar” of the church, with an entrance around the back side of the church.  Tonight in the main sanctuary at the main entrance on Monroe.
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Jan
26
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Martha Room
Jan 26 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

Adam Scramstad7:30 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”.

Cucunandy8:30 Cucunandy

Best Cellar in honor of Robert Burns whose birthday is on January 25. Born in 1759, Robbie Burns is the much beloved national poet of Scotland. Cucandy will be singing and playing both lively and soulful Scottish songs and tunes with Katie Maxey on lead vocals and fiddle, Beth Brown on cello and whistle, Riley Neil on guitar and Laureen Urey on bodhran and harmony vocals.

 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.
Most often in “the cellar” of the church, with an entrance around the back side of the church.
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

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
23
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Sanctuary
Feb 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Best Cellar

Masks welcomed for everyone’s continued safety

Compass Rose7:30 Compass Rose

Laura Zaerr, George Beekman,
Jeanette Hardison, Sabina Monn, Bill Veley

Unusual and creative instrumentation makes even familiar songs sound fresh and new.

Wallop Sisters8:30 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 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.
This Best Cellar will be held in the church sanctuary – use the front entrance.
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com