CFS annual Corvallis Contra Weekend 2024

Riptide Trio

Riptide is one of the most energetic contra dance bands on the scene today. They love the tunes they play, and their repertoire contains  hundreds of tunes from New England, Quebec, Ireland, Appalachia, and a few other places. Featuring Glen Loper on mandolin, Alden Robinson on fiddle, Max Newman on guitar.French Canadian and New England tunes.

The Fiddle Hellions

Combine the driving rhythm of George Penk’s fiddle, the soaring harmonies of Betsy Branch’s fiddle, and the propulsive accompaniment of Sue Songer’s piano and you get…The Fiddle Hellions! This trio of long-time musical collaborators from Portland, Oregon came together to give concerts and lead jam sessions at Fiddle Hell online in 2021 and have been repeat performers in this setting ever since. They take special delight in chances to share their vibrant energy with live dancers.

Frannie Marr

Frannie Marr, from southern California, began contra dancing in 1998 when she went looking for a new form of dance to bring back to her elementary school.  She quickly fell in love with the music and dance scene and became an organizer as well as a caller.  Frannie is known for her excellent choices of wonderful dances, and her clear precise walkthroughs which make her easy to understand and follow.  Can you tell she was a kindergarten teacher?  Frannie’s joy of dance is so present in her exuberant calling you’ll think you’re at a dance party.  Which is exactly where you’ll be when you arrive in Corvallis.

Julian Blechner

Julian Blechner has a passion for contra dance and is excited to share it with you! He is a seasoned contra and set dance caller based in Western Massachusetts. Since 2011, he’s called dances of all sizes, from big festival and camp stages, to series from Maine to the Mid-Atlantic. Julian is excited to return to the West Coast to call! He loves calling for all skill levels. He brings a cheerful, friendly attitude with clear, concise teaching and prompting. Julian has written dozens of dances, and combines this expertise with his love of dancing to provide a joyful flair to dances!

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.

Registration is open!

Check the FAQ for Covid restrictions before registering.

 Corvallis Contra Weekend 2024 Public Dance

Masks Required

Riptide Trio

Riptide is one of the most energetic contra dance bands on the scene today. They love the tunes they play, and their repertoire contains  hundreds of tunes from New England, Quebec, Ireland, Appalachia, and a few other places. Featuring Glen Loper on mandolin, Alden Robinson on fiddle, Max Newman on guitar.French Canadian and New England tunes.

The Fiddle Hellions

Combine the driving rhythm of George Penk’s fiddle, the soaring harmonies of Betsy Branch’s fiddle, and the propulsive accompaniment of Sue Songer’s piano and you get…The Fiddle Hellions! This trio of long-time musical collaborators from Portland, Oregon came together to give concerts and lead jam sessions at Fiddle Hell online in 2021 and have been repeat performers in this setting ever since. They take special delight in chances to share their vibrant energy with live dancers.

Frannie Marr

Frannie Marr, from southern California, began contra dancing in 1998 when she went looking for a new form of dance to bring back to her elementary school.  She quickly fell in love with the music and dance scene and became an organizer as well as a caller.  Frannie is known for her excellent choices of wonderful dances, and her clear precise walkthroughs which make her easy to understand and follow.  Can you tell she was a kindergarten teacher?  Frannie’s joy of dance is so present in her exuberant calling you’ll think you’re at a dance party.  Which is exactly where you’ll be when you arrive in Corvallis.

Julian Blechner

Julian Blechner has a passion for contra dance and is excited to share it with you! He is a seasoned contra and set dance caller based in Western Massachusetts. Since 2011, he’s called dances of all sizes, from big festival and camp stages, to series from Maine to the Mid-Atlantic. Julian is excited to return to the West Coast to call! He loves calling for all skill levels. He brings a cheerful, friendly attitude with clear, concise teaching and prompting. Julian has written dozens of dances, and combines this expertise with his love of dancing to provide a joyful flair to dances!

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).

We are still seeking new volunteers to help with dances in the fall! If you are interested in volunteering this fall, 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