Calendar
Submit calendar info to:
calendar@corvallisfolklore.org
American Banjo Camp
Spend a weekend away from the toil and cares of everyday life, with nothing to do but learn about the 5-string banjo or fiddle or guitar or some other instrument from world-famous teachers, play in jams, eat delicious food, and possibly even sleep!
The American Banjo Camp takes place on the first weekend after Labor Day each year at a camp on the Puget Sound.
ABC is a camp for adults of all ages (students under 18 may attend if accompanied by a parent). There you can study old-time or bluegrass banjo with world-class instructors. Or you can take classes in fiddle, guitar, or other instruments (see the schedule).
The schedule is packed with hands-on classes and faculty concerts as well as dozens of jamming opportunities. An “Extra Day” offers a band scramble, student open mic, hosted jams, and panel sessions.
Registration is now open. Click here for details.
Come join us for the fourteenth annual American Banjo Camp. The dates are Sept. 9-11, 2016. We also offer an optional Extra Day beginning mid-afternoon on Thursday Sept. 8 (for details, see below). Our new site is the Pilgrim Firs Conference Center near Port Orchard, WA.
American Banjo Camp offers a weekend of intense instruction with some of the best old-time and bluegrass banjo players around (not to mention great fiddle and guitar players), plus demonstrations, concerts, and plenty of jamming opportunities.
We have full time programs in bluegrass banjo, old-time banjo, fiddle, and guitar. We offer four levels of banjo instruction: Novice, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced.
Here’s our 2016 staff:
Bluegrass Banjo Instructors:
+ Janet Davis (Arkansas) – One of America’s foremost banjo teachers and a regular columnist for Banjo newsletter
+ Bill Evans (California) – Versatile instructor; veteran of Dry Branch Fire Squad and numerous other bands
+ James McKinney (Georgia) – Virtuoso in both Scruggs & Single String Styles.
+ Alan Munde (Texas) – Legendary picker, innovator, and educator; banjo player for Jimmy Martin, Sam Bush, and Country Gazette
+ Mike Munford (Maryland/Pennsylvania) – Hard-driving, eclectic player; banjoist for the well-known national touring band Dirty Kitchen
Old-time Banjo Instructors:
+ Riley Baugus (North Carolina) – Widely-traveled exponent of the Round Peak and other traditional Appalachian styles
+ Bob Carlin (North Carolina) – Versatile master of numerous traditional banjo styles; noted scholar of banjo & old-time music history
+ Michael Miles (Chicago) – Clawhammer innovator; known for his original banjo “suites” & for clawhammer adaptations featuring world music and classical music.
+ Joe Newberry (North Carolina) – Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist; plays a powerful clawhammer style; he often appears on Prairie Home Companion
+ Ken Perlman (Massachusetts) – Pioneer of melodic clawhammer; author of several widely-acclaimed clawhammer instruction manuals
Novice Programs:
Mike Stahlman from Portland, OR continues as our bluegrass novice specialist, and Laura Smith from Bellingham, WA is once again our old-time novice specialist.
The ABC Fiddle Program:
We offer a full time fiddle program at ABC. Returning as our principal instructor for 2016 is Erynn Marshall, the first woman (and the first Canadian) to win first place in old-time fiddling at Clifftop. Fiddle classes will also be offered by old-time fiddler Greg Canote and by bluegrass fiddler Paul Elliott.
New! the ABC Full-Time Guitar Program:
ABC offers a full-time program in guitar this year. The principal instructor in guitar for ABC 2016 is Chris Luquette, who plays in the Dirty Kitchen band. Camp accompanists Jere Canote and Peter Langston will also teach in the program.
Accompanists:
Our old-time accompanists for 2016 are Greg Canote and Erynn Marshall (fiddle) and Jere Canote (guitar). On the bluegrass side, Peter Langston is our guitar/mandolin/dobro accompanist, Paul Elliott joins us for his ninth year as our fiddle accompanist, and Mick Nicholson is back as our bass accompanist.
Special Classes:
ABC also offers a variety of “miscellaneous” classes. So far, our 2016 offerings currently include bass, mandolin, and jazz ensemble.
The ABC Extra Day:
Our Extra Day gives students and staff a chance to get to know each other, and ease their way into the regular Camp with a bunch of low-pressure activities in a relaxed atmosphere. Generally, on Thursday evening we have a student open mic and band scramble followed by instructor-led jams; on Friday morning we offer round-robin demonstrations. There is an extra charge for students who wish to take part in the Extra Day, which also covers the cost of lodging and meals (dinner on Thursday through lunch on Friday).
You can access artists’ bios, logistical information, and the registration form on our website, https://AmericanBanjoCamp.com. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email us at info@AmericanBanjoCamp.com.
Animals of Grace
Animals of Grace is an alt-folk duo based in Seattle led by innovative 12-string guitar player and classically trained vocalist Erika Lundahl. Together with percussionist Doug Indrick, Animals of Grace
“Watching her fingers play that 12-string was mesmerizing as she rapidly switched between tapping, drumming and finger picking.” (Norm Johnson, Concerts in the Woods)
Cascade Crossing
Carl Thor – piano, dulcimer, mando
Lori Prime – Fiddle
Rich Goss – guitar, percussion
Sarah Goss – Bass, whistle, oboe
Cascade Crossing is currently one of the hottest and most sought after bands in the Pacific Northwest region. They have developed a reputation for intense creativity, breadth of instrumentation, and energizing dance crowds. Cascade Crossing’s music is influenced by many styles, with touches of baroque, Caribbean, Celtic, Klezmer, traditional, northern, southern, jazz and ragtime. With many original tunes, expect the unexpected, from hard-driving reels to smooth, mysterious jigs. Using their wide range of instrumentation and styles, Cascade Crossing fills the dance hall with an exciting palette of musical colors and textures.
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 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)
First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.
WB Reid & Bonnie Zahnow
WB & Bonnie present a wide range of musical traditions: old-time country songs and fiddle tunes, string blues music and rags from Mississippi and Memphis, early tin pan alley songs, and a Mexican song or two. Both play fiddle and guitar, and WB also plays both 5- and 6-string banjo. Sweet harmonies on songs ranging from poignant to humorous, twin-fiddling, foot-tapping tunes and slow waltzes, all make for an entertaining evening of music.
Based in Seattle, they perform and teach annually at a number of festivals including Lark Camp, Fiddle Tunes, and the Berkeley, Portland, and Olympia old-time music gatherings. Their third CD, “Ryestraw,” released in May, 2016, is getting great notices across the country.
Together they played for 10 years in a trio with the ledendary Lee Stripling, and currently play in several other bands. WB was the fiddler for the Tallboys for four years. He also plays regularly with the Todalo Shakers and the Rhythm Rollers, and as a jazz duo with Mark Graham.
A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.
Full Moon
Gordy Euler – fiddle
Dave Hamlin – fiddle, mandolin
Janet Ghoulston – concertina, banjo
Fran Slefer – fiddle, button accordion, piano
Full Moon have used their 15+ years of playing together to hone a distinct sound focused on lifting dancers’ feet and hearts.
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)
First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.
Bill Staines
If you know the songs River or Roseville Fair or many others, this is the man responsible for them.
“One of the most admired and imitated writers on the contemporary folk circuit.. [He writes] pensive, probing narratives made especially memorable by their ability to translate the common details of common lives into songs of uncommon eloquence and beauty.” – The Austin American-Statesman
The Weisenheimers
Alan Snyder – fiddle,
Dave Goldman – keyboard
from Portland play zesty dance tunes with a sly sense of humor.
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 7:30pm (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)
First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.
Special Halloween Dance
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. .
Noah Grunzweig
Noah has been calling contra dances in Corvallis for a couple of years now.
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: Diane Arney, 770 SW Lookout Drive; just a 1/4 mile from the dance hall! Phone: 541-753-0762
First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.
Reilly and Maloney
Farewell Tour
Ginny Reilly and David Maloney have been entertaining CFS members and people all over the country for decades. This is probably your last chance to see them perform together.
John Reischman
& the Pine Siskins
John Reischman – Mandolin, Mandola
Eli West – guitar, bouzouki, vocals
Trent Freeman – fiddle
Patrick Metzger – bass
The Pine Siskins is a new group John Reischman assembled to perform the music from his recent solo CD, “Walk Along John”. The all-instrumental recording includes nine new John Reischman originals, a few hand-picked traditional tunes, and a remake of the very first tune John wrote.
John Reischman is one of the premier mandolinists of his generation. He’s a master instrumentalist capable of swinging between re-inventions of traditional old-time tunes, deconstructions from the bluegrass repertoire, and compelling original tunes, many of which have become standards. He’s also a powerful bandleader, touring his band the Jaybirds all over Canada and the United States. But most of all, he’s an understated visionary, the kind of master craftsman whose music is virtuosic without ever being flashy and who is renowned for his impeccable taste and tone as an artist. John Reischman embodies the true spirit of acoustic music in the 21st century.
Eli West is one half of the highly acclaimed Northwest duo Cahalen Morrison & Eli West. He is an adventurous soloist equally adept at playing fiddle tunes and slow ballads. His rhythm playing features unusual and sophisticated chord voicings that strongly support the melody. Also adept at bouzouki, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo, he finds his musical identity in collaboration, and has created music in the Northwest with John Reischman, Tony Furtado, and many others.
Trent Freeman can play everything from groove based old- time tunes to melodically intricate modern Jazz. He excels at playing back up to the other soloists, incorporating lush double stops and a propulsive rhythmic chop.
The recipient of numerous awards, he has a broad range of experience and is a well-respected and sought after session musician. Trent’s Rock Paper Scissors album, an all original endeavor, won him the 2012 Canadian Folk Music award. Trent has toured and recorded with many bands and artists such as the Wailin Jennys, Jessie Farrell, The Griffins, Wyclef Jean, The Fretless and countless others.
Patrick Metzger’s Bass playing exhibits a robust tone and solid groove coupled with a fine melodic sense. A fixture of the Vancouver roots music scene, Patrick is at home playing a wide range of styles from jazz and rock to folk, bluegrass and old time. He performs regularly with a wide range of artists from the Western Swing of Petunia and the Vipers and jazz pianistBruno Hubert to the haunting folk-noir group The Abramson Singers.
Potluck munchies at the break, BYOB. Parking is limited, please bike or carpool if possible.
A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.
Broken Top
Bo Leyden – mandolin
Shari Ame – fiddle
John Light – keyboards
A new Corvallis contra band, with a Portland keyboardist, Broken Top brings lively traditional music to the dance.
Woody Lane
Woody Lane has been calling contra dances throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years, and when he’s not calling you can find him dancing.
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: April & Craig Hall Cutting, 1975 SE Crystal Lake Dr #192. Phone: 541-754-7040. At CoHo Ecovillage; look for the unit with the twinkle lights, visible from Crystal Lake Drive.
First and Third Saturdays of the month except July, August. Occasional special dances.
Cosy Sheridan
Cosy Sheridan first caught the attention of national folk audiences in 1992 when she won the songwriting contests at both The Kerrville Folk Festival and The Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
When she released her critically acclaimed CD Quietly Led on Waterbug Records, The Boston Globe wrote “She is now being called one of the best new singer/songwriters.”
Her concerts are wide-ranging explorations: love songs for adults and practical philosophy for a complicated world. She has written about the stock market crash of 2008 and fall-out from uranium mining in the American southwest. She has re-written greek myths: Persephone runs away with Hades the biker. And then there are her signature parodies on aging and women. Her lyrical dexterity is backed by her distinctive percussive guitar style.
A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.
Latif Bolat
Latif Bolat, one of the most renowned Turkish musicians in North America , is a native of the Turkish Mediterranean town of Mersin. After receiving his degree in folklore and music at Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey, he taught traditional music throughout the country. He then went on to manage Ankara Halk Tiyatrosu, a musical theater company, which performed traditional musical plays. Mr. Bolat also received additional degrees in Turkish History and Middle East Religion and Politics from Ankara University and an MBA from San Francisco State University.
Latif Bolat will present a concert of Turkish mystic music and poetry. He is one of the most distinguished Turkish musicians outside of Turkey. His concert and conference itinerary has taken him all across America, Canada, Australia, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Indonesia, England and Turkey. He composed soundtrack music for “Young Indiana Jones” and PBS documentary “Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet.”
Birch Pereira
and the
Gin Joints
afternoon house concert
Born out of a love of the early years of swing, country and rock ‘n ‘roll, Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints is a band whose sound transports you to the time of speakeasies, honky-tonks and rock ‘n’ roll joints. With upright bassist and vocalist Birch Pereira at its center, the band features many of Seattle’s most skilled and versatile musicians who share the love of the American song traditions and a desire to offer a fresh angle on them.
The band itself plays in a variety of formats from intimate duo or trio gigs to dance gigs as a larger ensemble and features a revolving cast of professional, Golden Ear nominated, Seattle musicians. Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints released their debut album Dream Man on May 12th and continue to support the release with performances around the West and East Coast.
“The Gin Joints are a new group in town and feature Seattle mainstays Birch Pereira on bass and vocals, Jason Goessl on guitar, Sam Esecson on drums and Kate Voss on Harmonies. On this cover of “Lost Highway,” Pereira sweetly carries the lyrics of loss as Goessl accompanies on lead guitar. The quartet are masters of the early Americana sound. In short, we expect big things from their upcoming record, Dream Man.” Jake Uitti – The Monarch Review
This is a special MONDAY evening dance. We book Wild Asparagus when they are available.
Unfortunately, they are not available this year
Wild Asparagus
Ann Percival – piano, guitar, and vocals,
David Cantieni – flutes, tin-whistle, oboe, saxophone and bombard
Becky Tracy – fiddle
and various additional players
Wild Asparagus is the premier contra dance band, performing all over the country.
George Marshall
George calls with Wild Asparagus and other bands, and plays bodrahn or concertina when he gets the chance.
Dance starts at 7:30pm with no teaching session (inexperienced dancers are welcome)
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.