Calendar

Calendar

Submit calendar info to:

calendar@corvallisfolklore.org

Sep
21
Sat
Contra: Treehouse with Michael Karcher @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Sep 21 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

TreehouseTreehouse

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 KarcherMichael 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.

Oct
5
Sat
Contra: The Nettles with Laurel Thomas @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Oct 5 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

The NettlesNettles

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 ThomasLaurel 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.

Oct
17
Thu
Special Contra: Dam Beavers with Seth Tepfer @ OSU MU Ballroom
Oct 17 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Dam BeaversDam 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 TepferSeth 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.

Nov
2
Sat
Contra: Treehouse with Shell Stowell @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Nov 2 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

TreehouseTreehouse

  • 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.

Nov
16
Sat
Contra: Joyride with Deb Comly @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Nov 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

JoyrideJoyride

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 ComlyDeb 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.

Nov
25
Mon
Special Contra: Faux Paws with George Marshall @ OSU MU Ballroom
Nov 25 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Special Monday Contra Dance

Faux PawsFaux 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 MarshallGeorge 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.

Dec
7
Sat
Contra: Uncle Farmer with Susan Petrick @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Uncle FarmerUncle 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 PetrickSusan 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.

Dec
21
Sat
Contra: Bandwidth with Rich Goss @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

BandwidthBandwidth

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

 

 

Rich GossRich 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.

Jan
4
Sat
Contra: The Alchemists with Erik Weberg @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Jan 4 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

George Penk & Heather PinneyThe 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 SkolnikSteven 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

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 WebergErik 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.

Jan
18
Sat
Contra: The Nettles with Isaac Banner @ OSU MU Ballroom
Jan 18 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

The NettlesThe 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.

Isaac BannerIsaac Banner

A long-time contra dancer and Seattle transplant, I’ve worked for several years to become known in the Pacific Northwest for my particular blend of humor and dance instruction. With contagious excitement, a warm cadence, and a cheerful personality, I strive to bring moments of magic into the lives of newcomers and veteran dancers alike. Contra has always held a special place in my heart and I try to share that love with every dance I visit.

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.

Feb
1
Sat
Contra: Coriolis with Eric Curl @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Feb 1 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Coriolis

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

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

Eric CurlEric 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.

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.

Feb
14
Fri
Corvallis Contra Weekend 2020 @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Feb 14 @ 7:30 pm – Feb 16 @ 5:00 pm

 CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend

Registration opens Nov 15, 2019

Stomp RocketStomp Rocket

Beacoup de stomping pour le contra danse, avec Dave Langford on fiddle, Glen Loper on mandolin and banjo, and Bethany Waickman on guitar and sometimes piano. Look for us in the general New England area and elsewhere.

JoyrideJoyride

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!

 

Sarah VanNorstrandSarah VanNorstrand

I started dancing as a teenager and was instantly hooked. I was lucky to learn in an incredibly friendly and encouraging dance community, and I soon started bringing groups of my friends. Throughout high school, we became enthusiastic dancers and started our own Contra Prom in our junior year, which has since become an annual event of the Syracuse Country Dancers. I started calling in 2006, and again, our local community of dancers and callers provided a wonderful learning environment.

I regularly call at our Syracuse dance, as well as dances and dance weekends across the country.

Depending on the event, my repertoire includes a wide variety of contra dances as well as squares and party dances. I enjoy working with everyone from first-time dancers to decades-long contra veterans. Above all, my goal as a caller is to make sure the dancers are having a wonderful time connecting with the music and each other. I love dancing, community, and music and I always try to communicate that enthusiasm in my calling.

Lindsey DonoLindsey 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.

 

 

 

Feb
16
Sun
Special Sunday Contra Dance with 2 bands and callers @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Feb 16 @ 7:30 pm – 7:45 pm

Special Sunday Contra Dance

Stomp RocketStomp Rocket

Beacoup de stomping pour le contra danse, avec Dave Langford on fiddle, Glen Loper on mandolin and banjo, and Bethany Waickman on guitar and sometimes piano. Look for us in the general New England area and elsewhere.

JoyrideJoyride

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!

 

Sarah VanNorstrandSarah VanNorstrand

I started dancing as a teenager and was instantly hooked. I was lucky to learn in an incredibly friendly and encouraging dance community, and I soon started bringing groups of my friends. Throughout high school, we became enthusiastic dancers and started our own Contra Prom in our junior year, which has since become an annual event of the Syracuse Country Dancers. I started calling in 2006, and again, our local community of dancers and callers provided a wonderful learning environment.

I regularly call at our Syracuse dance, as well as dances and dance weekends across the country.

Depending on the event, my repertoire includes a wide variety of contra dances as well as squares and party dances. I enjoy working with everyone from first-time dancers to decades-long contra veterans. Above all, my goal as a caller is to make sure the dancers are having a wonderful time connecting with the music and each other. I love dancing, community, and music and I always try to communicate that enthusiasm in my calling.

Lindsey DonoLindsey 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.

 

 

 

Jun
20
Sat
CANCELED – Contra: Penk, Pinney & Lindsay with Erik Weberg @ Gatton Hall / First Congregational Church
Jun 20 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Penk Pinney LindsayPenk, Pinney & Lindsay

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 WebergErik 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.

Feb
18
Fri
Corvallis Contra Weekend 2022 (CANCELED) @ TBA
Feb 18 @ 7:30 pm – Feb 20 @ 5:00 pm

 CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend 2022 CANCELED

This event is yet another casualty of Covid

ElixerElixir

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.

Second band TBA

 

Nils FredlandNils 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 GrennanJacquie 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.