It’s the first ever annual Corvallis Celtic Festival, it’s offering four days of music and other fun, and we’re just gonna confess, we’re in the tank for this one. It just has way too many good things to miss, and if go, you forevermore have bragging rights that you’ve been to the first ever.
Note, if you lack greenbacks, plenty of what’s happening is totally free. So, here’s what’s on deck…
Thursday, July 20 Kick-off Concert at Common Fields
Fionnghal from 5:30-7 pm. Fiddle and cello make up the traditional Scottish dance band, and this duo, with Erika Nagamoto on fiddle and Beth Brown on cello, Irish flute and whistle will perform mostly neo-traditional Scottish music. With original and contemporary jigs, reels, strathspeys and airs, your perception of Celtic music may be transformed. Tracy Daugherty will join us Thursday night at Common Fields on bodhran.
The Nettles from 7:30-9pm. Progressive Celtic music. They ignite audiences by blending traditional music with modern spices, making audiences move and groove. Onstage, Laura Brophy’s powerful fiddling forms strong yet lyrical melodies punctuated by exciting improvisation. The band’s sound is propelled by the mighty rhythm engine of Kevin Johnsrude on guitar, Michael Proctor on bass, and Tracy Daugherty on drums. For over 25 years, The Nettles have played for festivals, dances, bars, and weddings throughout the Pacific Northwest, and up and down the West Coast and East Coast. Their music retains the driving energy of its roots, but The Nettles’ unique interpretations add new excitement to the tradition with every performance. Also expect raffles, and a roaring good time. No cover charge.
Friday, July 21 at First United Methodist Church
Gothard Sisters at 7 pm. A dynamic supergroup of three American sisters with an international following. They play contemporary Celtic music, and the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their loyal fans after 14 years of touring. This concert is a fundraiser. Advance tickets $20 online at https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8119 or at Grassroots Books and Music in Corvallis (cash or check only). At the door, it’s $25, $2 discount for Corvallis Folklore Society members. You can also purchase a festival button at Grassroots for a $10 donation to the festival.
Saturday, July 22 at Central Park and the Corvallis Arts Center
Full Day of Celtic Performances, starts at 9:30 am. The day starts with a bagpiper’s parade. Then they’ll have a bevy of local and regional Celtic performers and artists in Central Park, the Corvallis Library and The Corvallis Arts Center. Everything from harps and fiddles to bagpipes, flutes, whistles, and singing will be represented. Expect musical performances and workshops, dancing, arts, crafts, and food vendors, children’s activities, whiskey tasting and a relaxed pace Celtic session where new players are very welcome. There will be an outdoor main stage with bands from near and far.
The Arts Center, Noon to 5 pm. This art space becomes Celtic Harp Central with a hands on harp workshop. Performance by Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter are part of the program for this venue.
Squirrels, 9 pm to 12 am. A high energy Celtic session caps off Saturday’s festivities. This session is anchored by Portland band Biddy on the Bench. All those 21 and over are welcome to this session.
Sunday, July 23 – More Free Musical Performances
Old World Deli, 10 am to Noon and again 2 to 4 pm. Performances will include Joseph Linahon, a solo act, singing Irish folk songs, Scottish tunes and sea shanties while playing his Irish Bouzouki or a hand drum. Marilyn O’Mally will also perform, she’s been playing Celtic music for over 35 years. She was in Irish bands in Portland, Olympia and Sonoma County. She’s done stints writing reviews of Celtic music for Reed & Chanter Magazine, and is currently the host of the Celtic Music Hour on KOCF.
The Brass Monkey Takes Over from 4 to 6 pm. They invite you to C’mon down for a festive Whiskey Tasting, from Scotch to Irish to Japanese and American. A curated 4-taste flight for $25 with entertaining descriptions from our owner, Morgan Orr. A tasty way to wrap up your weekend, accompanied by a live Celtic band. Cheers!
Stepping Stone Supplies the music, playing Celtic and Americana with respect to the musical tradition. The trio of Linda Keen, Stephen Davis, and James Wilson mix fiddle, guitar, and mandolin with touches of tin whistle and bouzouki to play the folk music of Ireland, Scotland, Shetland, and the United States with emphasis on Irish music. Jigs, reels, hornpipes, slow airs, songs, and polkas step from the past into the present for a living tradition. If it’s a toe-tapping tune you’re looking for, Stepping Stone has what you need.
Common Fields hosts from 11 am to 2 pm, though their line-up wasn’t available at press time.
Click here to learn about even more of the performers appearing for the festival. And click here for more information about the festival, generally.
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