Calendar

Calendar

Submit calendar info to:

calendar@corvallisfolklore.org

 

Jan
15
Sun
Kalos  Celtic Roots Music @ Whiteside Theatre
Jan 15 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Kalos Brings Its Innovative Celtic Roots Music to Corvallis

KalosKalos 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

Feb
8
Wed
Seán Gavin & Johnny B Connolly @ Conundrum House
Feb 8 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Seán Gavin & Johnny B ConnollySean Gavin & Johnny B Connolly

Seán Gavin, is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. Master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. His most recent recording, Music from the Lost Continent, with fiddler Jesse Smith, accompanist John Blake, and bodhran player Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh, was hailed by The Irish Echo as “traditional music at its best!”

He tours regularly with Téada, as well as solo and other projects. Seán was the Musical Director for the PBS program “I Am Ireland”, and for the long-running Atlantic Steps. He has lectured on traditional music at the University of Chicago, St. Andrew’s in Scotland, and many other locations. He is now back in his native Detroit where he continues to play, teach, and promote traditional Irish music. www.SeanGavinMusic.com

Johnny B Connolly is a Dublin-born accordionist whose exquisite playing has become a byword in traditional circles. After signing with Green Linnet Records, Bridgetown was released to universally glowing reviews. “A joy from beginning to end…Connolly’s playing is skillful and exciting,” All Music Guide. “Connolly is clearly a master of the box accordion’s many possibilities.” Bill Compton, Sacramento News & Review

Johnny has taken the rich fluid sound of his box playing around the world with other great artists including Solas, Kevin Burke, Nuala Kennedy, Ged Foley, Tony Furtado, Aidan Brennan, and Casey Neill. He has appeared at many festivals including the Dublin Ohio Irish Festival, North Texas Irish Festival, Austin Celtic Festival and ICONS Festival in Boston.

Friends of many years, Seán and Johnny have a special chemistry. A sure and certain mastery of their instruments, combined with a love of traditional music and wide knowledge of both tunes and players, makes this a very special duo. Prepare to be amazed!

Capacity is limited to 30
any remaining tickets on the day of the show will sell for $30

Meet and socialize at 6 with the concert starting at 7

Mar
19
Sun
Brazilian choro music by Choro na Cozinha @ Corvallis Arts Center
Mar 19 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Choro na CozinhaBrazilian choro music by
Choro na Cozinha (CnC)

Choro is a Brazilian music style whose parents were Portuguese harmonies and African rhythms. In turn and in time, choro gave birth to other Brazilian forms like samba and bossa. Choro tunes are lively and lovely, traditionally played in a small ensemble. In that tradition, CnC is a quartet of 7-string guitar, 10-string bandolim, clarinet, and a hand drum called the pandeiro. We supplement the choro repertoire with songs from related Brazilian styles, sung in Portuguese. The Arts Center is a delightful small venue, the perfect setting for an intimate concert of this very fun music.

Find a sampling of their music at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrcogGWpf6gK3KkqqAGEONQ/videos

Apr
29
Sat
Old Blind Dogs @ Whiteside Theatre
Apr 29 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Old Blind DogsOld Blind Dogs

The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage.

​Like many of the early flag bearing Scottish folk bands, the Old Blind Dogs line up has faced inevitable changes over the years but the core values at the band’s musical heart continue to beat strong. The current band line up has been settled for several years now and consists of four of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals), Ali Hutton (pipes/whistles) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and collectively they comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today.

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

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

May
20
Sat
Dàimh @ Whiteside Theatre
May 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

DaimhDAIMHDàimh, Gaelic Supergroup and unchallenged champion, play straight in the eye Highland music and are based around West Lochaber and the Isle of Skye.

Formed around the turn of the century and taking the name from the Gaelic word for kinship Dàimh (pronounced Dive) have taken their contemporary take of Highland and Gaelic music to over 20 countries, setting audiences alight from Moscow to San Francisco.

With a reputation as giants of the Bagpipes and Fiddle, Angus Mackenzie and Gabe McVarish lead the melodic powerhouse with fellow founder member Ross Martin underpinning the groove on the Guitar. The Band is joined by new guy Murdo Yogi Cameron on Mandola and Accordion to complete the instrumental line up.

Recent achievements include receiving the MG ALBA Folk Band of the Year Award in 2015 and 2018 and passing the halfway mark on their career ambition of performing on every populated Scottish Island.

Aug
3
Thu
Zimfest – Zimbabwean Musical Festival @ Oregon State University
Aug 3 – Aug 6 all-day

Zimfest logoZimfest
Zimbabwean Musical Festival

Concerts

Music & Dance

Workshops

African Marketplace

Cultural Presentations

Other Events

General Information       Schedule

Jan
12
Fri
Cantrip -Celtic music @ Majestic Theatre
Jan 12 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

CantripCantrip -Celtic music

The name Cantrip is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or piece of mischief and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in their musical arrangements, likewise the compelling potency of their musicianship. Swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar and three rich voices blend to create a sound energetic enough to tear the roof off. Echoes can be heard of trad music from the 1960s and 70s, but the years have slowly infested their music with the sounds of funk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and even klezmer. After 20 years of touring, Cantrip has found a character like no other. Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, Alasdair White and Eric McDonald stir the elements in a witches’ cauldron, slowly coalescing into chaotic order.

Mar
25
Mon
Hanneke Cassel with Tristan Claridge and Christopher Lewis @ Unitarian Fellowship
Mar 25 @ 7:00 pm

Hanneke CasselHanneke Cassel
with Tristan Claridge
and Christopher Lewis

Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle 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.”

A benefit for the Celtic Festival logo July 25-28, 2024

Advance ticket sales at Grassroots Books and Music

Apr
12
Fri
Dick Hensold and Patsy O’Brien @ Unitarian Fellowship
Apr 12 @ 7:00 pm

Dick Hensold & Patsy ObrienDick Hensold
and
Patsy O’Brien

Music born from the age-old traditions of Ireland, Scotland, England and Cape Breton is given new life in the hands of two of its master musicians.
Piper Dick Hensold and guitarist and singer Patsy O’Brien deliver an astonishing evening of songs, tunes and stories that have stood the test of time, and leave both the serious music lover and casual listener wanting more.

Dick and Patsy will offer workshops on Saturday, April 13, at 10am.  More details to follow.

A benefit for theCeltic Festival logoJuly 25-28, 2024

Advance ticket sales at Grassroots Books and Music

May
19
Sun
House Concert – Countercurrent @ Private home in Corvallis
May 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

CountercurrentCountercurrent

Countercurrent is an acoustic folk music duo based in Olympia, Washington, composed of Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay. They have achieved nationwide acclaim for their high-energy style, which draws on deep traditional roots from Ireland and North America while incorporating new influences to create a sound that is at once unique and timeless. Alex’s driving guitar and gifted songwriting, Brian’s lyrical fiddle and rock-solid foot percussion, and the duo’s lively interplay, tight vocal harmonies, and unstoppable groove make a Countercurrent performance an event unlike any other. Wherever they go, the question remains the same: “How does that much sound come out of just two people?”

For this special fundraiser concert, they will be joined by renowned New England fiddler Cedar Stanistreet for twin fiddle harmonies and driving dance tunes that can’t be beat! Countercurrent has a huge following among Corvallis contra dancers. This house concert provides a rare opportunity to hear the full breadth of their musicianship in an intimate, acoustic setting. 

Tickets will go on sale April 14 at https://www.corvalliscelticfestival.org/upcoming-events/

The location has a capacity of only 40 people, so order early

Jul
26
Fri
Rakish – Irish and American folk @ PRAx
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm

Rakish

In a performance that toes the line between concert music and session music, Boston-based Rakish explores tunes and songs from Irish and American folk traditions in a way that reflects their shared interest in and love for old traditional tunes and chamber music. Maura Shawn Scanlin, a two-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition, wields the technical range of a classical violinist and the deep sensitivity of a traditional musician. Guitarist Conor Hearn, a native to the Irish music communities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, performs with several traditional music bands. Rakish has taken the Celtic music scene by storm with performances at festivals across North America. This concert, co-presented by the Corvallis Folklore Society and PRAx, is a benefit for the Corvallis Celtic Festival, July 25-28.

“Naturally nimble and stylistically well-matched, with a genuinely infectious sense of delight, heart, and jubilation.”             —STRINGS MAGAZINE

Pre-concert happy hour with Celtic harp music by Laura Zaerr, 6:30 p.m.

CFS discount code: cfsceltic24

Sep
12
Thu
San Miguel Fraser @ First United Methodist Church
Sep 12 @ 7:00 pm

San Miguel FraserSan Miguel Fraser

Celtic + Castilian fiddle duo, María San Miguel and Galen Fraser, are multi-instrumentalists and educators who celebrate the values of community and traditional music in their unique chamber music style.

San Miguel Fraser is a project that will always stand for connection, celebrating the joy of music and shared inspiration. The dynamic duo was born as a result of the 2020 quarantine with the “Stay At Home Festival”. Thanks to the beautiful and universal folk community, they raised over $60,000 with the aim of bringing light to the world, maintaining morale and financially helping musicians around the globe. The “Stay At Home Festival” family lives on today with San Miguel Fraser.

As a lifelong fiddler and the son of Alasdair Fraser (Scottish fiddle champion), Galen Fraser continues the tradition of bringing us the traditional music of Scotland while adding contemporary tunes, some of which he has written himself. Maria San Miguel adds the voice of traditional Spanish music to the mix.

Nov
7
Thu
John Doyle and Mick McAuley @ Unitarian Fellowship
Nov 7 @ 7:00 pm

John Doyle and Mick McAuleyJohn Doyle and Mick McAuley

Irish musicians extraordinaire,

John Doyle (guitar) and
Mick McAuley (accordion, melodeon, concertina, whistles, guitar),

both previous members of the Irish-American supergroup Solas, and now soloists on the international stage, will perform a concert of instrumental music and songs in Corvallis before heading to the Yachats Celtic Festival. John Doyle is considered one of the best guitar players of traditional music in the world and is well-known for his guitar accompaniment of Liz Carroll, Karan Casey, and many others.

John Doyle & Mick McAuley have been playing music together on the international stage for over twenty years. As multi-instrumentalist members of Irish-American supergroup Solas, they combined to create part of the group’s unmistakable early sound which garnered critical worldwide acclaim with the Boston Herald heralding Solas as “The Best Traditional Band in the World”.

John Doyle is the most influential Irish American guitarist of his generation. Born in Dublin, John came up in a family where “everybody played something,” and his father, singer and song collector Sean Doyle, nurtured his interest in the deep wellspring of Irish song.

Dec
8
Sun
Kevin Burke @ Corvallis Arts Center
Dec 8 @ 3:00 pm

Kevin BurkeKevin Burke

is an Irish master fiddler considered one of the finest living Irish fiddlers. For nearly five decades he has been at the forefront of Irish traditional music and Celtic music, performing and recording with the groups The Bothy Band, Patrick Street, and the Celtic Fiddle Festival. He is a 2002 recipient of a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.  He has been living in Portland for decades but this is his first concert in Corvallis in many years.