Calendar

Treehouse

• Rachael Young (piano)
• Ben Young (banjo, whistle)
• Bo Leyden (mandolin)
• Shari Ame (fiddle)

bring a mix of Irish, Quebecois, and New England style, and put it together with Pacific Northwest flair. Becky has played for dances throughout Vermont, New Jersey, Arizona, and California, and previously played with Amazon Creek in Eugene. Ben and Rachael come from the Irish traditional session background, having played with many groups across Canada and throughout Washington, Oregon, and California.

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.

Beginners lesson starts at 700pm (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)

First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.

First and Third Sundays

We will mix Balkan, Israeli and other folk dances each week, with occasional live music from Balkan, Israeli and other traditions.  Watch the calendar for announcements about special dances, but just come to each dance and learn all sorts of dances.

Peter Yarrow Benefit Concert

Proudly presented by CHS Green Club! Singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, offered to give a concert in support of the Fellowship’s immigration and refugee work, something that is very important to him. Realizing the impacts and importance of this work, CHS Green Club has partnered with the Fellowship so more people can be a part! All proceeds benefit the Fellowship’s immigration and refugee work.

We’re part of a long train ride, is the way Peter Yarrow visualizes the many events that have highlighted a career spanning more than five decades. With characteristic care, Yarrow places the success hes had within a greater context, seeing his accomplishments as part of a tradition, to be credited as his inspiration and carried on. When I was in high school, he recalls, I heard The Weavers at Carnegie Hall singing songs like If I Had a Hammer Follow The Drinking Gourd and Wasnt That a Time. I was stunned by the extraordinary effect that music of conscience can have on people, particularly when they sing songs of conscience together. That lesson launched Peter on a lifelong journey that is now, perhaps, in its most vital phase.

Over the years, many issues have moved Peter to commit his time and talent: equal rights, peace, the environment, gender equality, homelessness, hospice care, public broadcasting and education. All have utilized his skills as both a performer and an organizer. Along with his singing partners, (Noel) Paul and Mary, Peter became deeply committed to the Civil Rights Movement, which brought them to Washington in 1963 to sing at the historic August 28, 1963 March On Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the equally historic Selma-Montgomery March in 1965. When the Civil Rights Movement merged its efforts into the Peace/Anti-Vietnam War Movement, Peter produced numerous large events including peace concerts at Madison Square Garden and Shea Stadium with tens of performers. These efforts culminated in his co-organizing with Cora Weiss, his friend and ally and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, the famous1969 Celebration of Life, a march and demonstration in Washington, Dc attended by a half-million people who demanded an end to Americas military involvement in Vietnam.

Though much of Peters activism has been directed toward the social/political arena, Peter has also been active on behalf of more personal projects such as the Hospice Movement. He is a board member of the Connecticut Hospice, the first hospice established in the United States, where he periodically sings for patients and staff and for whom he has been a voice of media advocacy for over two decades. Also, in 1996, Peter founded the Save One Child Fund, now centered at Roosevelt Hospitals Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (INN) in New York City. Over the last fifteen years, Save One Child has provided free interventional radiological and neuro-surgical treatment, saving the lives of over 200 children who have been brought from all over the world with their families, all expenses paid.

A concert by Peter, today, is exciting, moving and also entertaining but it is also an event that follows in the tradition of his early mentors, The Weavers and Pete Seeger. Peter intentionally uses his music to create a community of acceptance from the stage, an oasis of peace as he calls it. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most poignant songs Peter, Paul & Mary have recorded, including Puff, the Magic Dragon, Day is Done, Light One Candle, and The Great Mandala. As a member of the renowned musical trio, he has earned many gold and platinum albums and has been awarded and nominated for numerous Grammys.

Peter Yarrows life and work, culminating in the founding and leadership of Operation Respect, embraces the premise that if each person finds a way to articulate his or her own voice and joins with others, together they can become a powerful force for society’s transformation. “We’ve lived through a time in which people have felt they could forge their own future and make a better world. We may not have achieved our dreams in the time frame that we once believed was possible, but the magnitude of what is yet to be achieved only confirms the importance of our continuing commitment. Knowing this, we can’t stop now.”

7:30 Tim Hardin

Folk songs and good humor from a long time Corvallis singer and guitarist, now living in the Virgin Islands.  He will be joined for some songs by Corvallis singer Audrey Perkins.

8:30 Dave Plaehn and Jeff Hino

Dave Plaehn and Jeff Hino are the Corvallis Blues Brothers.

Dave Plaehn & Jeff Hino have been performing their own distinct blend of acoustic blues, folk, and original material since 1990. Plaehn and Hino explore the uncluttered powerful interplay of blues harmonica, National steel guitar, and vocals in the tradition of the great country bluesmen like Robert Johnson, Elmore James, and Bukka White.

“It’s a nice reminder that not all the talented musicians in this state are based in the city at the terminus of the Willamette River. This is roots music at its finest played by craftsmen in the deepest sense. This is a duo that has a lot to say and the skills to back those voices, too.”
Greg Johnson, President,
Cascades Blues Association

“Two talented blues musicians who offer a fresh and diverse array of original and traditional acoustic based compositions. Treat you ears to a real pleasing performance.”
Rod Downing, President,
Washington Blues Society

Hope to see you there for this spring evening of Corvallis musicians!

The best Cellar is a once-a-month evening of acoustic music. Admission is “pay what you will,” and kids are free. Cookies and coffee are available. Located in the cellar of the Methodis Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

The Nettles

Laura Brophy – fiddle;
Kevin Johnsrude – guitars;
Michael Proctor – bass;
Brian Bucolo – percussion;

The Nettles are well-known on the West Coast for their original approach to contra dance music. Playing traditional music from all over the world, The Nettles create a strong rhythmic groove under soaring improvisations. Rhythmic drive and melodic fluidity allow The Nettles to propel contra dances into the stratosphere.

Marlin Prowell

Marlin Prowell is a well known caller from Bellingham. “Marlin has an easy-going way of teaching so that your feet know what to do before your mind has time to worry about it. If you’ve never danced a step in your life, follow the caller’s instructions and you’ll be smiling and swinging in minutes.”

Beginners 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)

First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.

First and Third Sundays

We will mix Balkan, Israeli and other folk dances each week, with occasional live music from Balkan, Israeli and other traditions.  Watch the calendar for announcements about special dances, but just come to each dance and learn all sorts of dances.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

LOCAL FOLK

the collaborative open stage program of CFS and The Arts Center has started again after a nearly ten year hiatus. The venue, as in the past, is The Corvallis Arts Center and stage. Free and open to all, the stage is open to individual musicians and groups presenting a variety of music under the large “folk” umbrella.

Sign up for a set of two or three songs for a total time of 10-15 minutes in a rotating format. Or, just come to be part of an audience appreciative of local performers.

This month featuring Laura Zaerr, singer-harpist.

Local Folk convenes monthly, on second Tuesdays, from 7-10 pm.

Contra Sutra

“May all beings be free to dance to the most melodious and rhythmically funky Contra Sutra”

Andrea Nettleton

From Atlanta, Andrea has been calling dances all along the mid-atlantic region and around the country.  She last called a CFS dance in September, 2013.

First and Third Sundays

We will mix Balkan, Israeli and other folk dances each week, with occasional live music from Balkan, Israeli and other traditions.  Watch the calendar for announcements about special dances, but just come to each dance and learn all sorts of dances.

Hanz Araki
with Dan Faiella
album release concert

Considered one of the most talented Irish musicians in America today, flautist, whistle player, singer, and Juno Award-winner Hanz Araki has been lauded by publications and audiences alike.  Three decades of musical exploration into Irish, Scottish, Japanese, and American traditions has yielded his distinct style described by Fatea Magazine as “achingly beautiful.”

As the sixth generation of his family to bear the title Araki Kodo, Hanz (short for Hanzaburo, his great-great grandfather’s name) spent his formative years mastering the Japanese end-blown bamboo flute.  Discovering and relishing the melodic and mechanical similarities between shakuhachi and Irish whistle, Hanz applied his natural capacity and boundless curiosity to his Irish heritage.  Taking advantage of the rich Irish music scene in Seattle, where he spent his youth, Hanz quickly became known for his exquisite instrumental work on both Irish whistle and flute and a haunting singing voice that was born to tell tales.

“Hanz Araki is a master of his art – of that there is no doubt. His stunning musicianship and mind-spinning delivery of traditional tunes is a pure exhilaration for the ears. Combining an unprecedented feel for the Japanese shakuhachi flute with an unerring ability as an interpreter of Celtic music, Araki has carved out a rock-solid status. Fashioned through a heritage of Irish and Japanese parental influence, education, and personal dedication, his musical influences combine the disciplines and traditions of both cultures to create the virtuoso we hear today.”  (Folkwords)

Over the years, Hanz has released 11 albums, including 2014’s critically acclaimed Foreign Shore.  Festival appearances include the Austin Celtic Festival, the Maine Celtic Celebration, the Missoula Celtic Festival, KVMR Grass Valley Celtic Festival, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Bumbershoot, Celtic Connections, and over 20 years of performances at the Northwest Folklife Festival. Hanz has also been invited to perform with the Seattle Symphony, at the Gates Estate, and for the Japanese Consul General.

A fund raiser for The Folklore Society and The Best Cellar. We will have several local musicians:

Rita Brown,
Suz Doyle, Adam Scramstaad, Fred Towne, Mina Carson, Cliff and Chere Pereiera, Mark Weiss, Evelyn Idzerda, and  others.

They will be singing songs from The Great Women Songwriters. Including songs from Carol King, Elizabeth Cotton, Joni Mitchell, Etta James, Nanci Griffith, Kate Wolfe, Gillian Welch, Laura Nyro, Malvina Reynolds, and more.

The best Cellar is a once-a-month evening of acoustic music. Admission is “pay what you will,” and kids are free. Cookies and coffee are available. Located in the cellar of the Methodis Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

LOCAL FOLK

the collaborative open stage program of CFS and The Arts Center has started again after a nearly ten year hiatus. The venue, as in the past, is The Corvallis Arts Center and stage. Free and open to all, the stage is open to individual musicians and groups presenting a variety of music under the large “folk” umbrella.

Sign up for a set of two or three songs for a total time of 10-15 minutes in a rotating format. Or, just come to be part of an audience appreciative of local performers.

This month featuring Fred Towne, singer-songwriter.

Local Folk convenes monthly, on second Tuesdays, from 7-10 pm.

I Draw Slow

The Dublin-based roots band coaxes the past into the present with original songs that draw from the best of Irish storytelling and American folk music.

The band is fronted by siblings Dave (guitar) and Louise (vocals) Holden who have been writing together for two decades. In 2008 the pair teamed up with violinist Adrian Hart, clawhammer banjo player Colin Derham, and double bassist Konrad Liddy to form I Draw Slow.

The band has played to audiences in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and performed at many North American festivals including MerleFest, Pickathon, Wintergrass, RockyGrass, Grey Fox, Red Wing, Edmonton Folk Fest, Sisters Folk Festival and Mountain Stage. It was their 2014 performace at MerleFest that first put the band on the radar for Compass co-founders Garry West and Alison Brown, who were impressed with the band’s performance and the reaction from buyers in the MerleFest merch tent.

First, we noticed how they got the crowd involved in what they were doing. Their energy is truly infectious,” says West. “Then we noticed that their CDs and merchandise were flying off the shelves in the festival store. That kind of immediate response is always going to get our attention! But more than anything we’ve been impressed with the strength of the songwriting, the sibling harmony and the musical proficiency of the band. They are truly dedicated to their craft.”