Calendar

Calendar

Submit calendar info to:

calendar@corvallisfolklore.org

 

Dec
1
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church
Dec 1 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Songwriters’ Roundtable

with
Cassandra Robertson, Ralph Penunuri, and Paul Mckenna

Cassandra RobertsCassandra Robertson, a muse with a message, has the heart of a lion, and the mane to match.  Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, she floors the audience like a sonic boom with captivating messages of peace, prosperity, hope and above all, inspiration.  Her unique style of “acoustic conscious folk” kick starts the heart and levitates the soul; reminding us all that we CAN positively affect the world we all share, as long as we choose planet over profit and remember to be ourselves.

 

 

Ralph PenunuriRalph Penunuri brings a wide range musical stylings and sensibilities to his neo-traditional folkroots songwriting. Existential awakenings both great and small inhabit his lyrically rich storysongs — from balladry to bluegrass and blues, jazz, vocal improv and tone poem exploration. A progressive eco-advocate and backyard farmer, Ralph is a cultural citizen and activist in the community. He will be accompanied for this Best Cellar session by fiddler extraordinaire and darn nice guy Kevin Craven.

Paul McKennaPaul McKenna has worked for 43 years as a staffer for the Service Employees International Union, including 28 years for SEIU Local 503 in Oregon. During this time, he has written over 300 labor and topical songs, addressing the trials and tribulations of working people in America, both original songs and parodies. Paul recently released a double CD entitled “Come Join Us In A Union Song, ” featuring 36 of these songs, with accompaniment by Corvallis musicians Nick Rivard, Dave Storrs, and Laura Brophy. The CD reflects Paul’s eclectic musical tastes, with a wide range of styles, including folk, rock, blues, jazz, country, rap and reggae. He has two daughters, Katie, 34 and Rachel, 31 and lives in Corvallis with his wife of 39 years, Wendy.

The best Cellar is a once-a-month evening of acoustic music.
Admission is $2-10 “pay what you will” and kids are free.
Cookies and coffee are available.
For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Dec
16
Sat
WINTERDANCE a Celtic Christmas Celebration @ First Presbyterian Church
Dec 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

WINTERDANCE

a Celtic Christmas Celebration

winterdance 2016Molly’s Revenge
special guest vocalist Christa Burch
The Murray Irish Dancers

(out of Portland) will present an evening of music, song and dance associated with the festive season. The performance will include Christmas songs both old and new, all played with a Celtic twist, as well as selections from the band’s new album.

The California-based group has toured internationally since 2000 as an acoustic band, releasing ten CDs. In 2013, Molly’s Revenge as a trio released an all-instrumental collection titled Trio, recorded at a remote windswept retreat in the redwoods of the Mendocino coast. Trio is a compelling collection of fierce and beautiful tunes encompassing Scottish pipe sets, driving Irish reels, jigs, polkas, slides, and hornpipes, French Canadian fiddle tunes, and even a set of American oldtime melodies featuring Highland pipes.

Molly’s Revenge, whose lineup includes bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, guitar, mandola, and bodhran, have toured extensively in the USA as well as Australia, China and Scotland.  The band is known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.

Christa BurchGuest vocalist Christa Burch possesses a singular voice: warm, supple, expressive, intimate, and instantly recognizable. Part of a vibrant new generation of American folk singers, Christa deftly marries intuitive musicianship and storytelling through song. To balance the gentle beauty of Christa’s songs, The Murray Irish Dancers bring a percussive, joyful, and colorful exuberance to the stage. This 11th Annual Celtic Christmas Celebration will capture the traditional spirit of the season and warm the hearts of all.

Murray Irish DancersThe Murray School of Irish Dancing offers classes for students of all ages and levels wishing to become outstanding Irish dancers.  At the Murray school we believe in supporting students through enhancing their self esteem and confidence.  We also encourage our students to work hard and strive for excellence.  Through this they will develop skills that will last a lifetime.  We endeavor to create a safe learning environment for all students through mutual respect and responsibility towards all teachers, students and parents in The Murray School.  We welcome students from all levels of dance experience and of all cultural backgrounds to learn about  Irish Culture, Music and Dance and to be part of the Murray team.

Ticket information here: https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/winterdance-2017/

Jan
26
Fri
Mother Night and the Book of Dreams: a Concert @ Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Jan 26 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Book Of DreamsMother Night
and the
Book of Dreams

an evening of myth, story and music

Old tales, new tales, music and poetry- join us for a magically eclectic evening of exploring the misty world of dreams. Myth tellers, storytellers, musicians and poets will escort us to the realm of Mother Night and take us sightseeing in The Book of Dreams. The evening is designed for adults and children over 8 years of age.

A workshop, The Hidden Path of Dreams: Tools for Dream Tending, will also be offered Jan. 27th & 28th. For more information and workshop registration, contact The Mythic Road, mythicroad@gmail.com or contact Freya 541 829 8204

Best Cellar @ Methodist Church
Jan 26 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

7:30 Webster Chicago

Delta Blues. Down home, the way blues was meant to be. Featuring Chris Dunnfield, Bill Veley, Tom Spies, and Bryan Rhodes.

8:30 Crooked KateCrooked Kate

Crooked Kate features folk singer Rita Brown (2010 Gazette-Times favorite singer) and cellist Anne Ridlington, playing a blend of folk, pop and classical music. The inventive cello provides rich harmony with Rita’s voice and guitar. Anne, who plays cello with the Eugene Symphony, also does impressive solos.

They’re fun, and they’re GOOD.

 

 

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 Methodist Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com



									
Feb
8
Thu
Jim Malcolm Live from Scotland @ Friends Meeting House
Feb 8 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Jim MalcolmJim Malcolm Live from Scotland

He’s Scotland’s Songwriter of the Year in 2004 and three-times nominated for Scots Singer of the Year.

Jim Malcolm’s concerts are like a musical tour through Scotland’s landscape and history, with humor his constant companion. Jim Malcolm  performs award-winning original songs, traditional ballads and the works of Robert Burns, with guitar and harmonicas. His harmonica work is pretty hot and he has a great voice. The Friends Meeting House is a 70 seat venue and he has sold out here before, so I recommend getting tickets early.

Here is what others say:

“Jim Malcolm’s voice has the complex individuality of an aged single-malt whisky.”

-Boston Globe

“One of the finest talents to have emerged through the Scottish folk scene in years”

-The independent

“One of those pure warm Scottish folk voices one never tires of listening to.”

-Dirty Linen

“Undeniably stunning”

-Mojo

Jim released a 2015 CD: Live in Perth , which is a rewarding selection of old and modern Scottish folk song, recorded live with no studio jiggery pokery in front of a lively audience of fans, friends and family. For 2017, Jim and Susie Malcolm have a duet album; they are great together. The new CD, entitled Spring Will Follow On is a selection of traditional and more contemporary songs they love, set alongside two new compositions from Jim based on popular fiddle tunes. A cheerful collection!

Feb
23
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church
Feb 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Pete and Mark7:30 The Lucky In Love String Band

Pete Kozak, Jeff Hino, Ron Green, and Mark Weiss

Bluegrass with a twist. Well, maybe a few twists. Hot instrumental work and three part harmony.

 

Paper Wings8:30 Paper Wings

Many will remember Wilhelmina Frankzerda, who grew up in Summit and now lives in Nashville Tennessee. She and Emily Mann form the duo Paper Wings, and will be stopping by The Best Cellar as part of their west coast tour. These two fine, young musicians bring a traditional, Americana sound to their own original songs. Reviewed by Kristin Andreassen (of Uncle Earl) as “a gorgeous, big-hearted and masterfully played bunch of songs and tunes from two of the best musicians I know.”

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 Methodist Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Feb
25
Sun
Daimh @ Whiteside Theatre
Feb 25 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Daimh

DAIMH

Daimh, Gaelic Supergroup and unchallenged champion, play straight in the eye Highland music and are based around West Lochaber and the Isle of Skye.

Formed around the turn of the century and taking the name from the Gaelic word for kinship Daimh (pronounced Dive) have taken their contemporary take of Highland and Gaelic music to over 20 countries, setting audiences alight from Moscow to San Francisco.

With a reputation as giants of the Bagpipes and Fiddle, Angus Mackenzie and Gabe McVarish lead the melodic powerhouse with fellow founder member Ross Martin underpinning the groove on the Guitar. The Band is joined by new guy Murdo Yogi Cameron on Mandola and Accordion to complete the instrumental line up.

 

Mar
15
Thu
The Gothard Sisters @ Whiteside Theatre
Mar 15 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Gothard SistersThe Gothard Sisters

The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic group of three sisters, whose impressive array of talents have set them apart as one of the most refreshing and compelling acts in Celtic music today.

The sisters’ unpredictable and theatrical flair brings a youthful splash to the time-honored tradition of Celtic folk music, bridging the gap between modern Pop and Folk-Rock with a sunny, optimistic style that has been described as “beautifully-arranged, melodic-minded Celtic Folk-Pop.”

Hitting the streets of their hometown – Edmonds, Washington – in 2006, The Gothard Sisters first began playing together as a violin trio busking for tips at the local farmer’s market, working their way onto stages at local fairs and festivals. Audiences responded with enthusiasm, and over 1,000 performances later the band recently performed at the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., completed several national concert tours of the United States, regularly perform as guest entertainers on Disney Cruise Line in Europe and South America and are well-known musicians on the national Celtic festival circuit.

In December 2016 The Gothard Sisters charted on Billboard’s World Music Chart with their latest Christmas album, Falling Snow, alongside notable Irish music phenomena Celtic Woman and Celtic Thunder.

 

Mar
23
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church
Mar 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Dave & Sharon Thormahlen7:30 Sharon and Dave Thormahlen

Sharon and Dave have been making beautiful music together in Corvallis for decades.  They perform traditional and new music written by Sharon, mostly on instruments made by Dave.

Wild Hog in the Woods8:30 Wild Hog In The Woods

Stringband music from a bygone era played the way it always should have been.

 

 

 

 

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 Methodist Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

Mar
30
Fri
Singtime Frolics @ Menucha Conference and Retreat Center
Mar 30 @ 7:00 pm – Apr 1 @ 12:00 pm

Portland FolkMusic Society presents

Singtime FrolicsSingtime Frolics

a spring weekend of singing, jamming, learning, sharing and good food at Portland FolkMusic Society’s annual retreat.

Guest artist Avery Hill

click HERE for more information

Apr
27
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church Wesley Lounge
Apr 27 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Cassandra Roberts7:30 Cassandra Robertson

A muse with a message, Cassandra has the heart of a lion, and the mane to match.  Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, she floors the audience like a sonic boom with captivating messages of peace, prosperity, hope and above all, inspiration.  Her unique style of “acoustic conscious folk” kick starts the heart and levitates the soul; reminding us all that we CAN positively affect the world we all share, as long as we choose planet over profit and remember to be ourselves.

GuitarMasala8:30 GuitarMasala

“I’m very happy to let you know that after a long hiatus from playing, my hand issues have been resolved and I’m back to playing guitar, composing and performing with my band, GuitarMasala.  
We hope you will join us for our re-emergence concert. Otto Gygax will be coming down from Portland to play his world class rhythms on hand drums. We’ve managed to snag George Beekman from his busy performance schedule to lend his magic with symbols, bells and chimes.  Sherry Rosen will be adding texture, harmonies and melodies on the Indian harmonium.   We’re elated to be playing together again.” 
With strong eastern influences, and a strong supporting cast, Sid Rosen delights with his original compositions for guitar.

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 Methodist Church on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis. For more information, or to join the volunteer team, contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com

 

 

 

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc @ Majestic Theatre
Apr 27 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Nordic Fiddlers BlocThe Nordic Fiddlers Bloc

is a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands that have wowed audiences worldwide by their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music. Their show in Corvallis last year stunned the crowd, so much so, that they immediately agreed to return this year. NFB is comprised of Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands), each a master of their respective traditions. Their sound has been described as “unique, meaningful, intense and invigorating” with clever use of harmony, rhythm, riffs & bass lines. Their humor and personalities also make for a truly fun evening.

Pre-show social hour at 6:30 with live Scandi music in the lobby by Vänta Bara with special guest, Amy Håkansson

Vӓnta Bara, translated from Swedish as “Just Wait” is a trio with Lori Prime on fiddle and nyckelharpa, Kim Majors on fiddle and Maralyn Belgique on cello. Collectively, they have played various forms of traditional and folk-dance music for over two decades. Amy Håkansson grew up in a family blue grass band, but her love for the nyckelharpa led to a year-long study at the prestigious Eric Sahlstrom Institute in Sweden. She studied under Väsen’s Olov Johansson who invited her to perform with the group on both nyckelharpa and banjo! Their love of traditional folk music has brought them together to play dance tunes for Norske Runddansere at the cultural center, Nordia House, in Portland. They are excited to share their music in Corvallis for a social hour in the lobby of the Majestic Theatre where snacks, wine, sodas and 2 Towns Cider are available.

May
17
Thu
Gerry O’Connor, with Richard Mandel @ Methodist Church Martha Room (enter on 11th St.)
May 17 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Gerry O'ConnorGerry O’Connor
with Richard Mandel

(and afternoon workshops – see below)

From Dundalk, County Louth, Gerry O’Connor has played and recorded with such highly regarded groups as Lá Lúgh (Eithne Ní Uallacháin, Sony Music) and Skylark. Gerry has toured and recorded with members of all the legendary groups including Planxty, Bothy Band and others.  Lá Lugh’s album “Brighid’s Kiss” was voted Album of the Year 1996 by readers of the Irish Music Magazine. His solo album “Journeyman” was counted in the top five Albums of the year 2004 by the Irish Times.

Richard MandelRichard Mandel (guitar, tenor banjo, bouzouki) fell into the well of Irish music in the mid-‘90s and was soon driving every session he could get into.  As a first-call accompanist, Richard has performed and toured with legendary Irish musicians including Gerry O’Connor, Paddy Keenan, Jimmy Keane, Mick Maloney, Paddy O’Brien, Tony DeMarco and many others.  Richard plays in the trio Three Mile Stone with mandolinist Marla Fibish and fiddler Erin Shrader. Three Mile Stone released its debut CD, produced by John Doyle, in March 2010 and has received rave reviews.  In addition to Three Mile Stone, Richard can be heard on Christa Burch’s CD “Love of the Land”, Radim Zenkl’s, “Restless Joy”, and Tipsy House’s CD, “Sets in the City.”

[P]owerful guitar work, whether taking the form of a high-energy rhythmic input or a more intricate embellishment. —David Kidman, Living Tradition Magazine

Richard’s guitar playing is a perfect support and backdrop for Marla’s and Erin’s tune conversations. It never draws attention to itself except by its excellence and appropriateness. And he can play the snot out of the tenor banjo, too! —Roger Landes (Irish bouzouki master and Zoukfest founder)

[A] lightning right hand and spot on chord choices. He is also a precise and powerful tenor banjo player.—Kevin Carr, FolkWorks

Advance Tickets (at Grassroots Books, 227 SW 2nd St.) are recommended  as space is limited.

Afternoon Workshops on May 17 !  ($7/$5 CFS members)

2pm:  DADGAD Guitar Accompaniment w/ Richard Mandel
4pm:  Irish Tunes for all Instruments w/ Gerry O’Connor 

 

May
25
Fri
Best Cellar @ Methodist Church
May 25 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Dave Plaehn & Jeff Hino7:30 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

8:30 Audrey Perkins and Friends

Audrey, John, Page

John Bliss (guitar, mando), Page Hundemer (bass) and Audrey Perkins (vocals), come together again for an eclectic set of swing, a tune by Peter Mayer, one by Jason Isbell, an old gospel song, a much-needed protest song and other tunes we love.

We planned this as a special double-bill as we share the evening with Corvallis favorites Dave Plaehn and Jeff Hino, the area’s premier blues duo.  Cross pollination likely.

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

Jun
7
Thu
James Wilson, with Dave and Sharon Thormahlen – Celtic Music @ Troubadour Music Center
Jun 7 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Wilson ThormahlenA Celtic Evening
James Wilson
with
Dave and Sharon
Thormahlen

James Wilson was a English as a Second Language teacher at the Benton Center for awhile, now lives in Portland. He is getting together with Corvallis musicians Sharon and Dave Thormahlen to present an evening of Celtic tunes (“which we will deviate from a bit with some Latin and originals”).

Sharon and Dave have been performing all sort of music, from swing (in the Swing Beans) through children’s music to British (Celtic, Beatles, etc.) and more for many years.  They always put on a good show.