Calendar

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.

Harris Bridge Folk Festival Songwriting Camp

HARRIS BRIDGE SONGWRITING CAMP:   A retreat exploring songwriting, folk music, community, nature, and how they all intersect. The 3-day camp includes workshops, small-group song swaps, co-writing opportunities, 1-on-1 time with instructors, as well as plenty of opportunities for jamming, writing, and exploring the gorgeous Harris Bridge area’s hiking trails, vineyard, river, and swimming hole!  This is a welcoming and non-judgmental community where songwriters at any stage of experience can come and be inspired, connect with their creativity and to the land, and have the time and space to write, reflect, and play!

The Harris Bridge Folk Festival (Aug. 17th – 19th) features PNW songwriters Anna Tivel, Jeffrey Martin, Beth Wood, Dave McGraw & Mandy Fer, Tyler Stenson, and Wilhelmina FrankZerda, our very own songwriter from just up the road in Summit, Oregon. The weekend will be filled with concerts, camping, swimming, food, all family friendly (Children 8 and under are free!), so come spend the weekend with us!

TICKETS (Both Concert and Camping passes) available on the Harris Bridge Vineyard website (www.harrisbridgevineyard.com).

FRIDAY Aug 17th

• 4pm: Beth Wood with Paper Wings {Wilhelmina & Emily Mann} opening

SATURDAY Aug 18th

• 12pm: DTW concert on the river
• 3pm: Depart for the Summit Fest (10 mile drive into the woods) for an afternoon and evening of arts, crafts, music, all in support of the Summit Community.

SUNDAY Aug 19th

• 12pm: Tyler Stenson
• 2pm: Dave McGraw & Mandy Fer
• 4pm: Jeffrey Martin
• 6pm: Anna Tivel

FOOD: Brad Burnheimer will be cooking all weekend with lots of fresh, local veggie and meat options!

Note: food and drinks are not included in this ticket price.

When you arrive please check in at the winery and give your name for confirmation.

Campers may set up on Friday from 10am to 4:30pm or after the concert. Campers joining on Saturday or Sunday may set 9am to 11:30am or after 8pm on both days.

Arts Alive

Arts Alive is one of the most unique, family-friendly, action-oriented community art events in the Greater Willamette Valley. An outside art event, we build an outdoor studio space, bring professional artists and invite the entire community of art enthusiasts, of all ages, to share the experience and process of art.  Dedicated to raising the visibility of working artists, the opportunity also provides for community art lovers to engage, where the observer becomes the artist, the poet, the musician. Participants actually make art with the artists, write and read poems with poets from our community, make music and dance with area musicians.  Through our Call to Artists, creatives of all stripes painters, poets, sculptures, writers, performers, and musicians from all over the area to share their creative process and art with the larger community. In the past, we’ve had ceramicists, jazz musicians, printmakers, glass artists, jewelers, poets, and more participate in Arts Alive!

For our 2nd Annual Arts Alive, August 24, 2019 from 1-8PM. TAC has planned an even bigger and better event. Join in the discovery of more music, more poetry, and more art. Admission is free, $10 donation suggested. Food and beverages are available.

 The Arts Alive! event is funded by Corvallis Benton County Economic Development Office, Downtown Corvallis Association, Inc., PEAK Internet, City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation, Stover Evey & Jackson, and Burcham’s Metals. Food and drink will be available for purchase. More information can be found on The Art Center’s Website: https://theartscenter.net/arts-alive/

The mission of the Arts Center is to foster creativity and engagement with the arts to inspire personal growth and community well-being. The Arts Center’s Artist Accelerator Program focuses on career building for artists and brings the Arts Alive! event to Corvallis as an engaging opportunity to promote the development of early to mid-career artists. The program director, Claire Elam hopes that Arts Alive! raises the visibility of local and regional artists and aids in strengthening the artistic community.

Treehouse

Treehouse brings a mix of Irish, Quebecois, and New England style, and put it together with Pacific Northwest flair. Ben and Rachael come from the Irish traditional session background, having played with many groups across Canada and throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. Kevin Craven is recently arrived from Hawaii. He is a Corvallis violin teacher and also plays with the OSU Symphony. Shari teaches fiddle and has played with several Corvallis area bands including Three Finger Jack.

Michael Karcher

Michael Karcher is a popular Seattle caller who originally hails from New York. Michael has been having the time of his life calling around the U.S. and Canada since 2011. Michael calls regular and techno contras for weekly dances and full weekends. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across North America.

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.

The Nettles

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.

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.

NOTE NEW TIMES: 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.

Dam Beavers

The Dam Beavers is a contra dance band of two vibrant musicians who have charmed the contra dance community with their energy and talent, Ben Schreiber and Scotty Leach. Scotty has been immersed in music since he was born, playing piano and fiddle. He is one with his instrument, at ease with his skill, energizing the dancers. Ben Schreiber plays fiddle in a number of bands, Uncle Farmer, the Off Beats and more. He shows a virtuosity and range that is mesmerizing. They will be playing for contra dancing and doing a week long band and instrument workshop. Fun awaits!

Seth Tepfer

Mr. Tepfer develops database systems for Emory University, including interfaces and web front ends.  In his spare time, Mr. Tepfer travels across the country as a contra and square dance caller and dance organizer, from Ithaca, New York to Bonaire, (Netherlands Antillies) to Seattle, Washington. He enjoys many different styles of dance, from Contra to Cajun, Waltzing to Swing and beyond.

At various times in his life, Mr. Tepfer has been a Scottish Country Dancer, a Lincoln-Douglas debator, a trombone player, an Argentine Tango dancer, a dungeon master, a foil and epee fencer, a graphic designer, a polarity therapist, a movie critic, an EMT, a cajun dancer, a macrame artist, a pastry chef, a waltz instructor, a vaudeville-style comedian, and a gas station attendant. Still to come are massage therapy, sky diving, contra dance band member, and polar expeditions.

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.

Treehouse

• Rachael Young, piano
• Benjamin Young, whistle and guitar
• Kevin Craven, fiddle
• Shari Ame, fiddle
• Bo Leyden, mandolin, flute

TREEHOUSE is Kevin Craven and Shari Ame on twin fiddles, Ben Young on guitar, whistles and flute, Rachael Young on keyboards and Bo Leyden on mandolin and flute. As well-seasoned musicians, we will serve you up a full sound, infectious rhythms, and creative arranging. Expect delight from the first contra to the last waltz, and all this for the meager cost of two lattes!!!!! Come dance your heart out to some of your local favorites!!!! Treehouse will not disappoint!!!!!.

Shell Stowell started contra dancing in 2015, and has been dancing up and down the West coast ever since. Driven by her passion for the dance, music, and community, Shell now plays the fiddle and helps to organize the Corvallis Contra Weekend. As a dancer, Shell is known for her enthusiasm on and off the dance floor. As a caller, she incorporates her love of teaching, organizing, and music to strive for clear, energetic instruction and variety in her programming. Shell also emphasizes safe, inclusive dance etiquette that promotes positive communication between dancers.

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.

Registration opens for the
Corvallis Contra Weekend 2020
February 14-16, 2020

This event sells out quickly, so register now at the event website https://corvallisfolklore.org/ccw/

Joyride

Joyride is a Portland Oregon contra dance band known for fun, skilled play, tune sets carefully tailored to dances, and well-phrased melodies and harmonies set in a danceable groove. George Penk’s rich, compelling fiddle, Erik Weberg’s deft flute, harmonica and bombarde, Sue Songer’s heartbeat piano and Jeff Kerssen-Griep’s vital guitar and percussion provide modern and traditional tunes for dances, weekends and festivals throughout the year. This band loves creating a great experience for everyone, every time.  Come catch a lift with Joyride at home or on the road!

Deb Comly

Deb Comly was bitten by the contra bug in 1994 and took off dancing across the country. Her passion for the dance keeps her dancing, calling, teaching, organizing, and playing music in Flagstaff and across the Southwest. Known for her quick and efficient teaching, diverse programing and reassuring demeanor,  dancers are comforted to know she’ll be behind the mic!  From her beaming smile to her happy feet, Deb’s energy is contagious!

A beginner’s lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers welcome and 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 dance First and Third Saturdays of the month except for July & August. Occasional special dances. See the rest of the calendar for more info.

Special Monday Contra Dance

Faux Paws

Noah VanNorstrand, Chris Miller and
Owen Morrison have been making music together since 2010, all over North America. Ostensibly based in Brattleboro, VT – their music is a mix of fiddle tunes, bluegrass and country songs, explosive jams and tight harmonies.

George Marshall

George Marshall is one of the top contra callers in the world.  He usually calls with Wild Asparagus or Swallowtail, but occasionally graces another group’s dances.

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.

Uncle Farmer

Uncle Farmer is Ben Schreiber on fiddle and Michael Sokolovsky on guitar. With an Irish and New England sound at its core, the duo is known for its original dance tunes, modern twists on old favorites, and sets mixed with pop rhythms and improvisational flair. Their performances range from sweet and nostalgic to gritty and energetic, and their sound truly fills both the room and the hearts of dancers.

Susan Petrick

Susan Petrick has been calling all over the country for more than a decade. Her gracious manner along with her clarity and confidence on stage have made her one of the most sought after callers in the Pacific Northwest.
As a dancer herself, she knows what makes dancers happy and as a caller, she is always conscious of what is happening on the dance floor. Susan brings with her a diverse collection of dances featuring many flowing and flirty contras that will please your feet and satisfy your soul!

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.

Bandwidth

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

Rich Goss

Most weekends, and sometimes on weekdays, I can be found in a dance hall somewhere calling, playing, doing sound, or contra dancing. I also play percussion once or twice a year with The Portland Megaband, a 75-80 member contra orchestra!!

The Pacific NW is such a terrific place to live! It’s great for calling and playing opportunities. In addition to established contra dances, I also enjoy calling for parties, weddings and community dances.

I’ve called dances from coast to coast for events ranging from large to small, novice to experienced, in a driveway to very large dance halls. My goal is to call fun accessible dances with clear concise teaching, always with a good-natured, easy-going style.

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.

The Alchemists

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.
Heather Pinney, also a member of Jigsaw, joins on piano and fiddle.

Steven Skolnik has been steeped in percussion for most of his life, playing professionally from jazz to classical and folk, adding taste and power to our driving and lyrical melodies.

Maia Hoffman is studying viola at the Cleveland Institute of Music and allows us to tap into her talents when we snatch her for our contra dance gigs indulging us with twin or triple fiddling.

Erik Weberg

I danced my first contra dance in Moscow Idaho in the Fall of 1986.  Several excursions to the dance hall were necessary for me to find the courage to actually dance, but once I, tried it caught hold quickly and I became a regular dancer. Christian Petrich encouraged me to try calling for the first time in 1990 and soon after that I started regularly attending the first Wednesday open mic in Spokane Washington. I called dances around Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho for a few years before moving west of the Cascades in 1993. I was soon asked to call dances in Portland and up the Willamette Valley. Since then I’ve been calling dances, festivals and weekends around the country from Seattle to Boston, from Fairbanks to Tuscon and most places between. I am able to enjoy this craft because of the good folks who encouraged and taught me to call dances years ago, the booking agents and local dance committees who have given me wonderful opportunities to practice in their communities, and the thousands of dancers and musicians who forgive me my mistakes and make it all worthwhile. If you’re reading this you’re probably one of them; so, thank you!

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.