Calendar

Contra Dance – Bandwidth w/ Noah Grunzweig @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Nov 19 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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.

Bandwidth

Gordy Euler – fiddle, piano
Kieth Mo – fiddle
Carl Thor – piano, mandolin

Noah Grunzweig

Noah Grunzweig is a master of stories and dance! It’s been a while since he’s called in Corvallis but he’s called here many times. Noah brings enthusiasm and encouragement to new and experienced dancers alike. He promotes safe dancing and a culture of consent that welcomes children and adults to contra dancing. Noah is fluent in traditional and techno contra.

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).

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

Dec

CANCELLED: Contra Dance – Coriolis w/ Gordy Euler @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Dec 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

This Contra Dance has been cancelled
because of a venue problem

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.

Coriolis

Dave Hamlin – fiddle, mandolin,
Jon Neff – guitar, bass,
Victor Fiore -fiddle

Two thirds of the Steeltones and one third of Mad Robin.

Gordy Euler

Half of Shanghaied on the Willamette and co-director of the Portland Megaband has been calling dances all over the west coast for 15 years and he’s good.

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).

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

The Young Dubliners @ Whiteside Theatre

Dec 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

Categories: Concerts In Corvallis International Folk Music

Dec

Fri

Hanneke Cassel Christmas Tour 2022 @ Whiteside Theatre

Dec 16 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

Categories: Concerts In Corvallis International Folk Music

Dec

Contra Dance – Countercurrent w/ Lindsey Dono @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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.

Countercurrent

From Seattle:

Brian Lindsay – fiddle
Alex Sturbaum – guitar

Countercurrent is a contra dance and folk music band in western Washington, featuring driving guitar, foot percussion, lyrical fiddle, and harmony vocals.

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).

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas @ Corvallis High School

Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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.”

Categories: Concerts In Corvallis International Folk Music

Jan

Contra Dance – The Overtones w/ Eric Curl @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Jan 7 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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

A new Corvallis band: “The Overtones”, featuring Shari Ame on fiddle, Bo Leyden on mandolin and Irish flute, and Evelyn Idzerda on keyboard, with additional backing by guest musicians.

Eric Curl

Eric started calling in 1996 and called in California and Colorado before moving Seattle in 2006. A mechanical engineer working for Boeing, he now enjoys calling in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia on a semi-regular basis. In his spare time, he likes to hike, snowshoe, camp, visit friends and family, play music, and of course, dance and call.

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).

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

Jan

Sun

Kalos Celtic Roots Music @ Whiteside Theatre

“Fare Thee Well”
“Fanny Vanille/The Kerry Polska”

Jan 15 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!

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

Categories: Concerts In Corvallis International Folk Music

Jan

Contra Dance – Joyride with Susan Petrick @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Jan 21 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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.

Joyride

Joyride is a Portland Oregon contra dance band known for fun, skilled play, tunes fit to dance figures, and ringing, rocking, gorgeous melodies that make you want to move. George Penk’s rich and lively fiddle, Erik Weberg’s nimble flute, harmonica and bombarde, Sue Songer’s pulsing piano, and Jeff Kerssen-Griep’s percussive guitar energy breathe big life into modern and traditional tunes for dances, weekends, and festivals.

Susan Petrick

An avid dancer for many years, Susan started calling for contra dances in 2000 and teaching couple dances, including waltz, cross-step waltz, and hambo, shortly thereafter. Susan lives in Redwood City, CA and has become a regional treasure with national prominence, calling for dance weekends and festivals throughout the country. She is known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. By profession Susan is a cognitive psychologist who manages a team of User Experience researchers at Google in Mountain View, CA.

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).

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

Contra Dance – The Hat Band w/ Karen Olsen @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Feb 4 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Because of the Covid-19 situation:

A well-fitted face mask,

proof of up-to-date vaccination, and

waivers for CFS and Gatton Hall

will still be required at this time. Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door. For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here.

The Hat Band

The Hat Band is an all-purpose string band from Portland that includes Jon Neff on guitar and Syd Newell on fiddle. Jon Neff is an IT specialist, and Syd Newell is a retired technical writer and former chemistry professor. The band plays for contra dancing and other events throughout Oregon and Washington. Dancers love their diversity – traditional, rags, blues, swing, klezmer. Jon and Syd have also been members of The Portland Megaband and Five-Euro Tip.

Karen Olsen

Karen Olsen has an encyclopedic knowledge of contra dances and is a good teacher and caller, very patient and clear. She likes to keep the dancers moving, starting out with simpler dances in the beginners lesson, and progressing to more complex dances. She is also a musician and plays her concertina for dances in Coos Bay. She strives to infuse both her calling and the dancers with her own joyful enthusiasm for contra dance and music.

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.

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

Wed

Seán Gavin & Johnny B Connolly @ Conundrum House

Feb 8 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

Categories: CFS Concerts Concerts In Corvallis International Folk Music

Fri

Corvallis Contra Weekend 2023 @ Gatton Hall, First United Congregational Church

Feb 17 @ 7:30 pm – Feb 19 @ 5:00 pm

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.

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance Contra Dancing In Corvallis Tags: Contra

Sun

Special Contra Dance – Two bands and callers @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church

Feb 19 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Contra dance is back on its regular schedule in Corvallis! 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.

Elixir

Countercurrent

A powerhouse acoustic duo based in Seattle WA, featuring fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion.

Nils Fredland

Jacqui Grennan

Jacqui Grennan started contra dancing in Los Angeles, CA, in 2009. Her diverse experience dancing, calling, and choreographing various styles of folk dance has enhanced her ability to consider different ways of teaching and learning. She is known for her clear and caring teaching, with a stage presence that is a blend of calmness and dynamism. She knows what dancers want, and knows how to make it happen, seeing herself as the host of a
party who wants to help everyone have a good time. When Jacqui isn’t calling or dancing at contra dances and English Country dances around the nation, she likes to host BBQs at her home, learn various musical instruments, hang out with her cat, and work on home projects.

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).

Categories: CFS CFS Contradance In Corvallis

Mar

Contra Dance – Carr Family Band w/ Jean Gorrindo @ Gatton Hall, First Congregational Church