Calendar
Submit calendar info to:
calendar@corvallisfolklore.org
The Best Cellar
Masks & proof of vaccination requested for everyone’s continued safety
7:30 Tom Rawson
Tom Rawson, folksinger and storyteller from Orcas Island, Washington is the Northwest’s very own version of Pete Seeger. Armed with longneck banjo and other weapons of mass delight, Tom is a master of warmth and wit who loves to share his musical treasures with an ‘I know something you don’t know and you’re gonna love it too’ kind of smile’. From gospel to contemporary, profound to downright silly, Tom will have you singing, clapping, and laughing along all night.
8:30 Choro na Cozinha
The name is Brazilian and means “choro in the kitchen.” And they, in fact, practice in the kitchen. CnC plays a Brazilian music style known as Choro, whose character ranges from fun to sweet. The quartet has clarinet (Bill Pfender), mandolin (John Bliss), 7-string guitar (Spencer Doidge), pandeiro (hand drum) and vocals (Kimberly Cullen). Choro has a long history as an urban popular music in Brazil, and has become better known around the world in the last few decades.
Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
Loose Flagstone
Loose Flagstone is a Corvallis Celtic band.
Shell Stowell
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.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
The Best Cellar
Masks & proof of vaccination requested for everyone’s continued safety
7:30 Compass Rose
Laura Zaerr, George Beekman,
Lynn Scott, Sabina Monn,
Bill Veley
Unusual and creative instrumentation makes even familiar songs sound fresh and new.
8:30 River Rocks
Laurie Childers, Joe Casprowiak,
Michael Everett, Tracy Daugherty,
Bill Veley
RiverRocks plays some of Laurie’s originals and a broad range of sweet covers. We like lyrics that matter, that uplift, that tell a good story, that make us laugh or cry, that prompt us to get up and dance. You might even sing along!
Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
Bandwidth
- Gordy Euler – fiddle, piano
- Kieth Mo – fiddle
- Carl Thor – piano, mandolin
Noah Grunzweig
Noah Grunzweig is a master of stories and dance! It’s been a while since he’s called in Corvallis but he’s called here many times. Noah brings enthusiasm and encouragement to new and experienced dancers alike. He promotes safe dancing and a culture of consent that welcomes children and adults to contra dancing. Noah is fluent in traditional and techno contra.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
This Contra Dance has been cancelled
because of a venue problem
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
Coriolis
Dave Hamlin – fiddle, mandolin,
Jon Neff – guitar, bass,
Victor Fiore -fiddle
Two thirds of the Steeltones and one third of Mad Robin.
Gordy Euler
Half of Shanghaied on the Willamette and co-director of the Portland Megaband has been calling dances all over the west coast for 15 years and he’s good.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
Countercurrent
From Seattle:
- Brian Lindsay – fiddle
- Alex Sturbaum – guitar
Countercurrent is a contra dance and folk music band in western Washington, featuring driving guitar, foot percussion, lyrical fiddle, and harmony vocals.
Lindsey 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.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
The Best Cellar
Masks & proof of vaccination requested for everyone’s continued safety
7:30 The Lucky In Love String Band
Pete Kozak, Ron Green, Jeff Hino, and Mark Weiss
Bluegrass and Newgrass
8:30 Dave Plaehn and Jeff Hino
The best Blues duo this side of the Mississippi delta.
Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
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.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
The Best Cellar
Masks & proof of vaccination requested for everyone’s continued safety
CFS BeatlesFest
Suz Doyle, Jeannie Holmes and their uke class
Compass Rose
River Rocks
Fred Towne
Evelyn Idzerda
Jim Lynch
Sharon and Dave Thormalen
And many more
Hosted by George Beekman and Barbara Gladstone
Proceeds to go to the sister city program for Uzhgorod, Ukraine
Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
Joyride
Joyride is a Portland Oregon contra dance band known for fun, skilled play, tunes fit to dance figures, and ringing, rocking, gorgeous melodies that make you want to move. George Penk’s rich and lively fiddle, Erik Weberg’s nimble flute, harmonica and bombarde, Sue Songer’s pulsing piano, and Jeff Kerssen-Griep’s percussive guitar energy breathe big life into modern and traditional tunes for dances, weekends, and festivals.
Susan Petrick
An avid dancer for many years, Susan started calling for contra dances in 2000 and teaching couple dances, including waltz, cross-step waltz, and hambo, shortly thereafter. Susan lives in Redwood City, CA and has become a regional treasure with national prominence, calling for dance weekends and festivals throughout the country. She is known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. By profession Susan is a cognitive psychologist who manages a team of User Experience researchers at Google in Mountain View, CA.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
The Best Cellar
Masks & proof of vaccination requested for everyone’s continued safety
7:30 Rita Brown and Bill Smyth
Wonderful singing and playing from one of Willamette Valley’s favorite musical duo.
8:30 Fionnghal
A Celtic Trio playing a variety of Celtic and Celtic inspired tunes. In addition to Erika
Nagamoto, Marjorie Sandor and Beth Brown on fiddle, guitar, flute and cello, Fionnghal will be joined by vocalist and fiddler Katie Maxey and percussionist Tracy Daugherty. Look forward to an evening of great
tunes and songs.
Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com
Contra dance is returning to a regular schedule in Corvallis this fall! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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:
- A well-fitted face mask,
- proof of up-to-date vaccination, and
- waivers for CFS and Gatton Hall
will still be required at this time. Online pre-registration is no longer required, but registration/check-in will be required at the door. For more information on attendance requirements and other precautions, please see our current COVID-19 policy here.
The Hat Band
The Hat Band is an all-purpose string band from Portland that includes Jon Neff on guitar and Syd Newell on fiddle. Jon Neff is an IT specialist, and Syd Newell is a retired technical writer and former chemistry professor. The band plays for contra dancing and other events throughout Oregon and Washington. Dancers love their diversity – traditional, rags, blues, swing, klezmer. Jon and Syd have also been members of The Portland Megaband and Five-Euro Tip.
Karen Olsen
Karen Olsen has an encyclopedic knowledge of contra dances and is a good teacher and caller, very patient and clear. She likes to keep the dancers moving, starting out with simpler dances in the beginners lesson, and progressing to more complex dances. She is also a musician and plays her concertina for dances in Coos Bay. She strives to infuse both her calling and the dancers with her own joyful enthusiasm for contra dance and music.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers 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 are currently seeking new volunteers to help with dances! If you are interested in volunteering, please see role descriptions and tell us how you would like to help by taking our volunteer survey at: https://bit.ly/CorvallisContraVolunteering2022
For questions regarding contra dance volunteering, please contact Shell Stowell at corvalliscontra@gmail.com.
CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend 2023
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.
Countercurrent
A powerhouse acoustic duo based in Seattle WA, featuring fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion.
Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay display a musical fluency that comes from a decade of playing together at contra dances, concert halls, jam sessions, festivals, bars, and living rooms all across the continent. When dancers and listeners experience the blend of lyrical melodies, groovy chords, thumping percussion, and vocal harmonies all simultaneously, the reaction is usually “How does so much music come from just two people?!”
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.
Jacqui 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.
NOTE: This is a fragrance-free event. Please do not use cologne, perfume; or scented deodorants, soaps or other grooming products. We will provide scent-free hand soap at the dance venues.
Register after Nov. 17, 2022 by completing the online application form or by printing, filling out and mailing the paper registration form.
Check the FAQ for Covid restrictions before registering.
Contra dance is back on its regular schedule in Corvallis! The dance will start at 7:00 PM with a newcomer’s lesson and community meetup, 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.
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. Elixir features Anna Patton on clarinet, Ethan Hazzard-Watkins on fiddle, Jesse Readlynn on trumpet and flugelhorn, Owen Morrison on guitar and foot percussion, and Nils Fredland on trombone.
Countercurrent
A powerhouse acoustic duo based in Seattle WA, featuring fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion.
Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay display a musical fluency that comes from a decade of playing together at contra dances, concert halls, jam sessions, festivals, bars, and living rooms all across the continent. When dancers and listeners experience the blend of lyrical melodies, groovy chords, thumping percussion, and vocal harmonies all simultaneously, the reaction is usually “How does so much music come from just two people?!”
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.
Jacqui Grennan
Jacqui Grennan started contra dancing in Los Angeles, CA, in 2009. Her diverse experience dancing, calling, and choreographing various styles of folk dance has enhanced her ability to consider different ways of teaching and learning. She is known for her clear and caring teaching, with a stage presence that is a blend of calmness and dynamism. She knows what dancers want, and knows how to make it happen, seeing herself as the host of a
party who wants to help everyone have a good time. When Jacqui isn’t calling or dancing at contra dances and English Country dances around the nation, she likes to host BBQs at her home, learn various musical instruments, hang out with her cat, and work on home projects.
NOTE: This is a fragrance-free event. Please do not use cologne, perfume; or scented deodorants, soaps or other grooming products. We will provide scent-free hand soap at the dance venues.
Newcomers lesson starts at 7:00pm (experienced dancers encouraged); dance starts at 7:30pm.
Each dance is taught. No partner necessary (it’s traditional to dance each dance with a different partner).
The Best Cellar
Masks & proof of vaccination requested for everyone’s continued safety
7:30 Jim Lynch
Jim Lynch is a singer/guitarist whose music reflects his passion for blues, country, old standards, and folk-inspired Americana. His set will include an eclectic variety of both well-known songs and hidden gems in these genres.
8:30 Loose Flagstone
Loose Flagstone is a Corvallis Celtic band featuring Leslie Glassmire (flute), Jennifer Parke (fiddle), Marjorie Sandor (guitar), and Tracy Daugherty (bodhran). Their repertoire explores a wide range of Celtic instrumental music, from great old Irish and Scottish tunes to some of the best contemporary Celtic music being played today.
Best Cellar is held on the last Friday of each month of the school year.
Admission is a sliding scale, 2-10 dollars, your choice. Kids are free and welcome.
Cookies, gluten free cookies, coffee and tea are available for fifty cents each.
In the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, on 11th and Monroe, in Corvallis
For more information contact Mark Weiss at mjweiss@cmug.com