Calendar
Submit calendar info to:
calendar@corvallisfolklore.org
This annual folk festival will be conducted online over 2 consecutive Sundays, Sept. 13 and Sept 20. Takoma Park, Maryland, is adjacent to Washington DC and has been presenting its festival since 1978. It is now available to people all over the world, including Corvallis. Click here or on the logo for more information and to access the festival.
This annual folk festival will be conducted online over 2 consecutive Sundays, Sept. 13 and Sept 20. Takoma Park, Maryland, is adjacent to Washington DC and has been presenting its festival since 1978. It is now available to people all over the world, including Corvallis. Click here or on the logo for more information and to access the festival.
The Gothard Sisters
The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic musical group of three sisters who play contemporary Celtic music. Through 10 years performing, touring and writing music together, the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their fans, building a loyal international following.
Their latest all-original album release, Midnight Sun, reached #6 on the Billboard World Music charts as the highest ranking debut on the chart. The Gothard Sisters have performed in venues large and small all over the country, including a concert at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium stage in Washington DC, performances with Disney Cruise line in Europe, a 20-city concert tour of Japan in 2019 and appearances at music festivals and performing arts venues nationwide.
Blending Celtic, folk, classical, world and northwest musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, octave violin, whistle and vocal harmonies, creating music that is “vivid, inspirational and captivating.” (Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018)
Writing and recording near their home in the Pacific Northwest between touring nationally, the band has released 7 albums and has performed over 1,000 live shows over the course of their career.
Portland FolkMusic Society is delighted to announce this new event – not because of the pandemic, but because we want to create a space where old and new friends from across the US and around the world enjoy music together. No cars, no hotels, just music!
PFS is planning a full slate of events, starting with a wonderful group of guest artists: Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen, Rita Gallagher, William Seiji Marsh, Michelle Alany, LaRhonda Steele, and Arietta Ward, who will do concerts over the three days. We’ll have workshops, song circles and panels led by participants, and there will be big events every evening where participants who want to can sing for the whole group, and those who don’t can soak up the good vibes and good singing. In March this year, we held our first big on-line event, Singtime 2021, and the participants – from 26 states and nine countries – created a magical space, filled with warmth, music and community. We hope you will come to fAll Song and create more magic. To find out more, to register, and to volunteer to lead a song circle or a workshop or help with tech, just click here. Thanks, keep singing, and we hope to see you in September.
Alana McKenzie for the PFS fAll Song organizing committee
Robbie Fulks
Robbie Fulks is a singer, recording artist, instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter. His most recent release, 2017’s Upland Stories, earned year’s-best recognition from NPR and Rolling Stone among many others, as well as two Grammy® nominations, for folk album and American roots song (“Alabama At Night”).
Radio: multiple appearances on WSM’s “Grand Ole Opry”; PRI’s “Whadd’ya Know”; NPR’s “Fresh Air,” “Mountain Stage,” and “World Cafe”; and the syndicated “Acoustic Cafe” and “Laura Ingraham Show.” TV: PBS’s Austin City Limits; NBC’s Today, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Later with Carson Daly, and 30 Rock. From 2004 to 2008 he hosted an hourlong performance/interview program for XM satellite radio, “Robbie’s Secret Country.” Artists who have covered his songs include Sam Bush, Kelly Hogan, Andrew Bird, Mollie O’Brien, Rosie Flores, John Cowan, and Old 97s.
Robbie’s writing on music and life have appeared in GQ, Blender, the Chicago Reader, DaCapo Press’s Best Music Writing anthologies for 2001 and 2004, Amplified: Fiction from Leading Alt-Country, Indie Rock, Blues and Folk Musicians, and A Guitar and A Pen: Stories by Country Music’s Greatest Songwriters. As an instrumentalist, he has accompanied the Irish fiddle master Liz Carroll, the distinguished jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman, and the New Orleans pianist Dr. John. As a producer his credits include Touch My Heart: A Tribute to Johnny Paycheck (Sugar Hill, 2004) and Big Thinkin’ by Dallas Wayne (Hightone, 2000). Theatrical credits include “Woody Guthrie’s American Song” and Harry Chapin’s “Cottonpatch Gospel.” He served twice as judge for the Winfield National Flatpicking Guitar competition. He tours yearlong with various configurations.
Besides country and bluegrass music, Robbie is fiercely fond of Charles Mingus, P.G. Wodehouse, quantum mechanics, his wife Donna, comedy in almost all forms, cooking, swimming laps, the past, Arthur Schopenhauer, Universal horror movies, his grandson and even his sons, coastal towns in the off-season, and rye whiskey, though in nothing like that order.
Advance GA seats $20 online at WhitesideTheatre.org/live-events and at Corvallis Brewing Supply
All Tickets $25 day of the show
Golden Bough
Golden Bough’s first European performances were in the streets and small folk clubs of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Holland and Switzerland in the early `80’s. These simple beginnings soon led to major tours of European cities and a recording contract with a top European folk music label. Other activities that Golden Bough has been involved in over the past several years include peace marches in cities all over Europe protesting the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, musical presentations for tens of thousands of elementary school children and events for human rights, religious freedom and drug rehabilitation.
Since their inception, Golden Bough has become a popular and in demand group on both sides of the Atlantic, gaining critical acclaim and enthusiastic support from folk fans wherever they perform. Blending their voices in pristine harmony, they back themselves on an array of rare and more common acoustic instruments, including; Celtic harp, penny-whistle, violin, octave-mandolin, mandolin, accordion, guitar, harmonica, recorder and bodhran. In the recording studio, as well as on stage, Golden Bough captures the essence and joy of traditional folk music and captivates listeners with the uniqueness of their original compositions. With songs and instrumental pieces ranging from ballads to lively jigs, reels and sing-alongs, Golden Bough provides an atmosphere in which the listener can enjoy unique entertainment within and beyond the boundaries of traditional folk music. Their music is well received and enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
This December,The Fire presents their new show titled The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas. Prepare to be inspired as California’s favorite Scottish music trio joins forces with both Scottish and Irish dancers for an extraordinary performance. This unprecedented collaboration features Scotland’s visually dynamic highland dance in step with the powerful rhythms of Ireland. The Fire’s signature brand of dazzling virtuosity delivers an unforgettable experience as the band leads listeners through an evening of classic Christmas carols and lively dance tunes.
Enjoy David Brewer’s unparalleled mastery of the Great Highland Bagpipe, Corvallis’s own Rebecca Lomnicky’s internationally awarded Scottish fiddling, and Adam Hendey’s warm-emotive voice over a lush foundation of guitar and reed organ. The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas marks the band’s vocal debut, showcasing seasonal folk ballads dating back to the 1300s alongside beloved holiday favorites.
Audience members are invited into The Fire’s celebration of Christmas through the participatory tradition of seasonal song. Ring in the holiday season with yuletide cheer, and join us for The Fire’s Very Scottish Christmas.
Attendance is limited to 300 so get tickets early!
See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org
This concert has been postponed
New date to be announced
Metalachi
See COVID requirements: https://www.whitesidetheatre.org
CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend 2022 CANCELED
This event is yet another casualty of Covid
Elixir
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 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.
Jacquie 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.
Contra dance is returning to Corvallis on Saturday, March 19, 2022! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a reorientation to dancing in the era of COVID, helpful for all dancers. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12.
Online registration for the March 19 Corvallis Contra Dance is open NOW! Register at the link below: https://bit.ly/CFSContra2022Mar19
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-registration will be required, and there will be an attendance cap of 108 dancers. To keep our community as safe as possible, we will also be requiring all attendees to provide proof of full vaccination (including a booster if eligible) and to wear a well-fitted face mask (K/N95/KF94 is strongly preferred, or double masking with a medical & cloth mask). This mask requirement is independent of the Oregon mask mandate and will remain in place even though the Oregon mandate is ending. Please bring your own mask.
For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our COVID-19 policy here:
https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/corvallis-contra-dance-covid-19-policy
All attendees must sign a CFS contra dance waiver at the door. Please read the waiver here before registering:
https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/contra-dance-waiver-of-liability-draft-2022-03-03
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!
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!
Contra dance is back in Corvallis! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a reorientation to dancing in the era of COVID, helpful for all dancers. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.
Online registration for the April 30 Corvallis Contra Dance is open NOW! Register at the link below: https://bit.ly/CFSContra2022Apr30
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-registration will be required, and there will be an attendance cap of 108 dancers. To keep our community as safe as possible, we will also be requiring all attendees to provide proof of full vaccination (including a booster if eligible) and to wear a well-fitted face mask (K/N95/KF94 is strongly preferred, or double masking with a medical & cloth mask). This mask requirement is independent of the Oregon mask mandate and will remain in place even though the Oregon mandate is ending. Please bring your own mask.
For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our COVID-19 policy here:
https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/corvallis-contra-dance-covid-19-policy
All attendees must sign a CFS contra dance waiver at the door. Please read the waiver here before registering:
https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/contra-dance-waiver-of-liability-draft-2022-03-03
Penk, 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, includes Heather Pinney on piano and fiddle (also a member of Jigsaw) and Deborah Lindsay (from Corvallis) on percussion and will be joined by Jesse Schafer on cello..
Eric 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)
REMEMBER: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Contra dance is back in Corvallis! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a reorientation to dancing in the era of COVID, helpful for all dancers. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.
Online registration for the May 21 Corvallis Contra Dance will open soon.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-registration will be required, and there will be an attendance cap of 108 dancers. To keep our community as safe as possible, we will also be requiring all attendees to provide proof of full vaccination (including a booster if eligible) and to wear a well-fitted face mask (K/N95/KF94 is strongly preferred, or double masking with a medical & cloth mask). This mask requirement is independent of the Oregon mask mandate and will remain in place even though the Oregon mandate is ending. Please bring your own mask.
For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our COVID-19 policy here:
https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/corvallis-contra-dance-covid-19-policy
All attendees must sign a CFS contra dance waiver at the door. Please read the waiver here before registering:
https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/contra-dance-waiver-of-liability-draft-2022-03-03
The Overtones
Announcing a new Corvallis band: “The Overtones”, featuring Shari Ame on fiddle, Bo Leyden on mandolin and Irish flute, and Evelyn Idzerda on keyboard, backed up by a stealth rhythm section.
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)
REMEMBER: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
True Life Trio
On tour from the SF Bay Area, True Life Trio is excited to be back in Corvallis. TLT’s music takes listeners on a borderless journey through the villages of Ukraine, the mountains of Bulgaria and Louisiana’s Cajun country, showcasing the beauty, power and diversity of vocally driven folk music from Eastern Europe and North America. True Life Trio honors these traditions while adding their own unique spin via innovative arrangements and folk-inspired compositions, dazzling audiences with fiery and supple vocals. The trio’s collaboration was forged in the acclaimed Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble.
Fire & Grace – William Coulter and Edwin Huizinga
Fire & Grace is an eclectic collaboration between guitarist William Coulter and violinist Edwin Huizinga. This unique duo explores the connective musical elements of classical, folk, and contemporary traditions from around the world. Fire & Grace’s repertoire is vast, ranging from Bach to Vivaldi, tango to Celtic tunes, traditional Bulgarian to American fiddle tunes and waltzes, all played with a sense of discovery and commitment to the elements of passion and virtuosity — fire and grace — found in these diverse traditions. Recent and upcoming performances have included engagements at the Carmel Bach Festival, the Mozaic Festival, the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival, the Electric Earth Concerts, the Monterey Museum of Art, and with Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. In March and April 2017, Fire & Grace toured to New Zealand with appearances at the UPSURGE Festival, the Festival of Colour, and the New Zealand School of Music. The group’s self-titled debut album combines melodies from Argentina, Bulgaria, and Western Europe with dance elements from baroque and folk musical traditions.
This is a house concert at a private home located in the town of Monroe/Alpine, about halfway between Eugene and Corvallis. We ask each attendee to donate $20 or $25, which all goes to the outstanding world-class touring performers. To reserve a ticket, please email lisa@lisalynne.com. Address will be provided upon reservation RSVP. More information about Cedar House Concerts is available here:
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s/refresher lesson, helpful for all dancers. Following the lesson will be dancing from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. No partner necessary. Dance calling and role terms will be Larks & Robins. The cost is $12 – $20 sliding scale.
Because of the Covid-19 situation:
- Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door.
- We will still be requiring all attendees to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including at least one booster if eligible), and to wear a well-fitted face mask.
- All attendees must sign a one-time CFS contra dance waiver at the door before their first 2022 contra dance, and a waiver for the use of Gatton Hall before each dance. Please read the waivers here before you arrive in order to speed up the registration process.
Thank you for helping to keep our dance community safely dancing! For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our recently updated COVID-19 policy here.
The Overtones
A new Corvallis band: “The Overtones”, featuring Shari Ame on fiddle, Bo Leyden on mandolin and Irish flute, and Evelyn Idzerda on keyboard, with additional backing by guest musicians.
Laurel Thomas
Laurel Thomas started calling contra dances at Portland’s open mike night in 2008. Since then, she has called for the regular dances in Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, Bend, Vancouver, Olympia and Tacoma. She has also called at Salem’s Camp Westwind. Dancers appreciate her clear teaching, articulate calling and her ability to choose fun, lively dances that have good flow. “In a mixed crowd my goal for the evening is not only to call dances that are accessible to beginners yet still fun for more experienced dancers, but also to make sure that there is an element of challenge built into the program that allows newcomers to increase their skills.”
Newcomers 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)