Calendar

Our mission: to preserve and promote the cultural and ethnic traditions of the people in the Mid-Willamette Valley through folk music, dance, exhibits, arts, crafts and food.

– Live Music

– Performing Arts

-Ethnic Foods

– Kids Area

– Quality Arts & Crafts

– Acoustic Music Jamming Area

– Rogue Farms Beer & Airlie Winery Garden

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.wherever they play.

Lynn Ackerson calling

Lynn’s huge collection of dances (including over 800 contras) keeps growing as she tries to keep the dancing fresh and interesting even for long-time dancers. This Spring, she’ll be calling at two weekend camps in the Bay Area (Monte Toyon and Balance the Bay), a festival (NEFFA) and various dances in New England, along with various west coast dances. In the summer, she’s on staff at two weeklong camps for the very first time: Folklore week at Mendocino, and American Dance and Music Week at Pinewoods. Even while all of these events are going on, she finds time to attend other dance weekends as “just a dancer” to keep remembering the joy that is found in the dancing and the music.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

Pre-Dance Potluck at 6:00 p.m.

Hosts: April & Craig Hall Cutting, 1975 SE Crystal Lake Dr #192, Corvallis (in CoHo Ecovillage); 541-754-7040.

Directions: Drive south on SW 4th St, which turns into SW 3rd ST/Hwy 99 W; turn left onto Crystal Lake Dr. Drive less than ½ a mile then turn left into the CoHo Ecovillage parking lot, just past the Crystal Lake Cemetery. Park in the lot, walk back to Crystal Lake Dr. and then to the second building, Unit 192. Look for the twinkle lights!

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

The Euphemists

Dave Goldman — piano
Alan Snyder — fiddle
Paula Hamlin — winds
Kaye Blesener — trombone
Jerry Nelson — guitarpercussion

Enjoy contradancing but miss that Big Band sound? Then you’ll love the Euphemists, a band whose motto is “All fiddle tunes get better with horn riffs!” Over the past few years, various pairings of these Portland musicians have said, “We should form a band!” Finally, inspired by the recent immigration of fiddler Alan Snyder from warmer climes, The Euphemists congealed in 2011. The band features a brass front line of Paula Hamlin, Kaye Blesener, and Jerry Nelson, while Jerry’s several guitars share backup rhythmic duties with the keyboard of Dave Goldman.

Eric Curl calling

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.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

Potluck: There is usually a pre-dance potluck

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

Warning: Different venue: The Chintimini Senior Center

Band:

George Penk — fiddle
Heather Pinney — piano
Deborah Lindsay — percussion

George Penk is a well-known fiddle player across the USA, especially in the Pacific Northwest. He lives in Portland where he currently plays with the bands Joyride and Jigsaw. George collaborates with many musicians in various musical adventures, including being part of the Portland Collection project through his playing on the Portland Selection CD’s. His spirited and rich fiddle style is a delight to listen to. George is widely appreciated as a consummate dance fiddler working with callers to make sure the music is in-tune with the spirit of the dances. The Penk, Pinney, Lindsay trio, which includes Heather Pinney on piano and fiddle (also a member of Jigsaw) and Deborah Lindsay (from Corvallis) on percussion, works most often with the caller Erik Weberg, who also lends his expertise on wind instruments to the tune medleys.

Erik Weberg

Erik has been calling contra dances and English Country dances for over twenty years. He has called local dances, festivals and weekends in many parts of the USA and Canada and has developed a style and repertoire that dancers enjoy very much. Erik lives in Portland, Oregon where he is active in the music and dance scene and is co-organizer of the annual Portland Megaband contra dance.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

Potluck: No pre-dance potluck this week

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

MUSIC by Nor’Easter and KGB.
CALLERS: Jeremy Korr and Susan Petrick.
THEME: Alice In Wonderland; Through the Looking Glass.

Costumes welcome for Saturday night dance.

Tunestruck

Gordy Euler – fiddle & whistle;
Karen Iglitzin – fiddle;
Lori Shaffer – fiddle;
Sue Songer – Piano;
A great combination of some of our favorite Portland musicians, Tunestruck lives up to its name.

Rich Goss

Rich was introduced to contra dancing in 1990 in Austin, Texas and was immediately hooked. He began calling dances in 1992. He has a feel for what makes a dance fun, and a concise teaching style that makes contra dancing seem easy. Now transplanted to the west coast, Rich is living in Portland, Oregon, calling and dancing in the Pacific Northwest. A dance gypsy his whole dancing life, he has collected many interesting and fun dances in addition to composing a few dances of his own.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

*Potluck at 6 pm: Ginnie & Paul, 3138 SE Hathaway Drive; Phone: 541-913-5538

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

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.  Beth Littlewolf has been our cook for 25+ years. She makes wonderful fare that brings us all together in the historic Wilson Lodge for family-style meals.  Meals at Westwind include snack Friday evening, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and early-wake up breakfast fare plus brunch on Sunday.

The Hat Band

Sue Gray – fiddle;
Syd Newell – fiddle;
Jon Neff – guitar
Portland regulars, the Hat Band brings traditional as well as innovative contra music.

Susan Petrick

By profession Susan Petrick is a cognitive psychologist. In contra dance circles, she has been teaching and calling for ten years and is a local treasure rapidly gaining national prominence. Her efficient guidance, expert pacing, and gracious manner make even complex dances accessible to all. Susan travels and calls throughout the country in addition to up and down the West Coast.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00 p.m.

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).

*6:00 pm Potluck. Hosts: Jennifer Carlin & Duane Walrod, 1837 SW Roth St, Corvallis; Phone: 541-754-1336.  Directions from central Corvallis: Drive south on SW 4^th St, take the ramp onto OR-34 W, also known as SW Philomath Blvd. Turn left at SW Brooklane Drive. Turn right at SW Knollbrook Ave. Turn left at Roth Street. 1837 SW Roth near the intersection with SW Long Ave, and on the left: the house sits back off the street. Park on the street then walk up the driveway. The house number is clearly marked on a section of fence next to the driveway.
Map:  https://tinyurl.com/27ptaxs

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

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. .

Kelsey Hartman

Since I am a “contraholic,” I can often be found any given weekend dancing or calling a contra dance. My inspiration for calling comes from Frannie Marr, who got me thinking that there was life in contra off the dance floor, and Nils Fredland, whose callers’ workshop at American Week (BACDS) in 2012 spurred me down the caller’s path.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

Potluck: 5:30 pm; Host: Diane Arney, 770 Lookout Drive.  The annual CFS membership meeting will coincide with the pre-dance potluck.

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

The 13th annual festival has moved from Peace Presbyterian Church to the Irving Grange which is still in the Santa Clara area.  The Eugene Scottish Festival Committee is a nonprofit organization that provides the only Scottish cultural event in Lane County, the 13th annual such event.  On stage the music is mainly folk with lots of fiddles, Guitars, harps and bagpipes.  It is a family event and no alcohol is served.  We organize games for children, including a bouncy house, a Scottish museum, Scottish foods and a dog parade.

Celtic Swing

Jennifer Sordyl – fiddle;
Don Berg – guitar;
Beth Brown – cello, whistle;
Ralph Penunuri – mandolin, harmonica, percussion;

Celtic Swing brings Jennifer and Don from Coos Bay together with Beth and Ralph from Corvallis. The combination brings us wonderful “Celtic with a twist”  music.

Silas Minyard

From Portland, Silas brings long experience with contra dancing as well as a large list of dances from which he always finds the perfect set for an evening.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

Potluck at 6:00 pm; Host: Relan Colley, 745 NW 16th St; 541-753-2617.  (Located near the south side of Corvallis High School and several blocks east of Fred Meyer.  The closest intersection is NW Taylor & NW 16th.)  Map:  https://mapq.st/1cyFC3m

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

Magpie

Victor Fiore – fiddle;
Jon Neff – guitar;
Lanny Martin – piano;

Victor’s educated fiddle, Jon’s experienced guitar and Lanny’s hot piano playing merge into traditional contra music with more than traditional drive and fluidity.

Sue Baker

Sue has been calling dances all over the Pacific Northwest since 2001. Sue says “Dancing is a joy and I try to make every dance a wonderful experience for everyone in the hall.” From her store of “dorky” wedding dances to complex technical dances, she’s danced most of them and chooses the best set for each event.

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

Potluck at 6:00 p.m.  Hosts: Erik & Christine, 2307 NW 12th ST. Phone: 541-757-7211.

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

Concerts

Music & Dance
Workshops

African
Marketplace

Cultural
Presentations

Other
Events

Join us for a free one-day DIY gathering

of ukulele players to Converge in Corvallis.  Our goal is to play music and have fun at all levels of experience as we play the ukulele.  Share in the joy of playing music; connect with other musicians in the region; learn new songs, and advance your ukulele skills.

Take free classes, teach a free session.
This will be a Do-It-Yourself event.  When you arrive you can simply take a class at your skill level, or you can teach a song, a skill or a theory to others. It’s as simple as signing up on a volunteer board.It’s all free!

No registration.  Just show up.

This event will be free and open to the public.  Help us invite and spread the word by emailing friends and the many ukulele groups in Corvallis, Eugene, Salem, Portland and other neighboring communities.

Volunteers interested in leading a session are requested to bring extra music sheets or educational material to share. There is a copy center right across the street from our venue if you should need it.

A quadrant of skill levels:

• Beginners
• Beginner-Intermediate
• Intermediate
• Intermediate-Advanced

Learn at your appropriate skill level.

The Convergence will feature a quadrant of areas for beginners, beginner-intermediate, intermediate, intermediate-advance skill levels. Each quadrant will have sign-up area for volunteers to lead a 40-minute session teaching a song or a skill or a concept.

There will be a time allotted for a children’s circle.

Location:
We will meet in Central Park in downtown Corvallis, which will give participants close access to restaurants, music stores, copy stores and other businesses. We are looking at alternate venues nearby in the event of rain, and will announce those if necessary.  Refer back to this website for that information as needed later on.

Parking:
Free Parking Area is located in the heart of downtown and limited to 3 hours per block. Metered parking is available adjacent to the Free Customer Parking Area and free unrestricted parking in the areas beyond that. The Free Customer Parking Area and metered spaces are enforced daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. except Sundays and holidays.

Treehouse

Becky Dorsey (fiddle), Benjamin Young (banjo, whistle), and Rachael Young (piano) 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.

Laurel Thomas

Laurel Thomas has called contra dances all over Oregon and Washington since 2008. Dancers appreciate her clear teaching, her articulate calling and her carefully crafted programs designed to build skill for beginning dancers while keeping experienced dancers happy with an appropriate level of challenge. .

Beginners lesson starts at 7:30pm (experienced dancers welcome) dance starts at 8:00pm

Each dance is taught.  No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner)

*Potluck at 6:00 p.m. ~Hosts: Diane Rainsford & Paul Catullo, 830 SE Bridgeway Ave.
 541-753-1019
Directions: Drive south on SW 4th St/Hwy 99 W. This becomes SW 3rd St/Hwy 99 W. Turn Left onto SE Bridgeway; Keep left to stay on Bridgeway. House will be on your right.
 Map: https://tinyurl.com/ydtqt6b

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