Calendar
Submit calendar info to:
calendar@corvallisfolklore.org
True Life Trio
On tour from the SF Bay Area, True Life Trio is excited to be back in Corvallis. TLT’s music takes listeners on a borderless journey through the villages of Ukraine, the mountains of Bulgaria and Louisiana’s Cajun country, showcasing the beauty, power and diversity of vocally driven folk music from Eastern Europe and North America. True Life Trio honors these traditions while adding their own unique spin via innovative arrangements and folk-inspired compositions, dazzling audiences with fiery and supple vocals. The trio’s collaboration was forged in the acclaimed Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble.
Fire & Grace – William Coulter and Edwin Huizinga
Fire & Grace is an eclectic collaboration between guitarist William Coulter and violinist Edwin Huizinga. This unique duo explores the connective musical elements of classical, folk, and contemporary traditions from around the world. Fire & Grace’s repertoire is vast, ranging from Bach to Vivaldi, tango to Celtic tunes, traditional Bulgarian to American fiddle tunes and waltzes, all played with a sense of discovery and commitment to the elements of passion and virtuosity — fire and grace — found in these diverse traditions. Recent and upcoming performances have included engagements at the Carmel Bach Festival, the Mozaic Festival, the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival, the Electric Earth Concerts, the Monterey Museum of Art, and with Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. In March and April 2017, Fire & Grace toured to New Zealand with appearances at the UPSURGE Festival, the Festival of Colour, and the New Zealand School of Music. The group’s self-titled debut album combines melodies from Argentina, Bulgaria, and Western Europe with dance elements from baroque and folk musical traditions.
This is a house concert at a private home located in the town of Monroe/Alpine, about halfway between Eugene and Corvallis. We ask each attendee to donate $20 or $25, which all goes to the outstanding world-class touring performers. To reserve a ticket, please email lisa@lisalynne.com. Address will be provided upon reservation RSVP. More information about Cedar House Concerts is available here:
Philomath Bluegrass Workshop/Jam
Philomath Bluegrass Workshop/Jam
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
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
Philomath Bluegrass Workshop/Jam
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
Philomath Bluegrass Workshop/Jam
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
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.”
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
Seán 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
CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend 2023
Elixir
Elixir blends driving fiddle and guitar with the rich texture and rhythmic excitement of a full horn section, deftly weaving brassy riffs and daring solos in and out of traditional Irish, French Canadian and New England tunes. Elegant melodies evolve into raucous dixieland horn riffs; transcendent harmonies, playful improvisations, and rock, swing and reggae-inspired rhythms weave in and out of traditional and original Irish, French Canadian and New England tunes.
Countercurrent
A powerhouse acoustic duo based in Seattle WA, featuring fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion.
Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay display a musical fluency that comes from a decade of playing together at contra dances, concert halls, jam sessions, festivals, bars, and living rooms all across the continent. When dancers and listeners experience the blend of lyrical melodies, groovy chords, thumping percussion, and vocal harmonies all simultaneously, the reaction is usually “How does so much music come from just two people?!”
Nils Fredland
Nils Fredland has been calling dances with admirable skill and infectious energy since 2000. Respected for his expertise as a teacher and caller, sensitive leadership, and generosity, Nils is one of the busiest and most sought-after callers in the business. He draws on a large and varied repertoire of dances, presenting material from centuries-old “chestnuts” to cutting-edge contemporary choreography.
Nils is also known for breathing new life into traditional singing squares, and he has co-authored two books on the topic with master callers. Nils studied classical trombone at Indiana University, and has played his horn in ensembles ranging from symphony orchestras to ska bands. In Elixir Nils brings together his myriad talents in one thrilling package. Nils also works as the American Dance Publications Coordinator at the Country Dance and Song Society.
Jacqui Grennan
Jacqui Grennan is a contra dance caller, choreographer, and dance organizer in the Los Angeles contra dance scene.
A fixture in the Los Angeles contra dance community since 2010, Jacqui currently calls at contra dances around the nation and in her home community of Los Angeles, CA. Jacqui produced and organized the 3rd Saturday contra dance series held at the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena, CA, from 2014 to 2016.
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.
Register after Nov. 17, 2022 by completing the online application form or by printing, filling out and mailing the paper registration form.
Check the FAQ for Covid restrictions before registering.