Special Contra Dance – Two bands and callers

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).