2012 Northwest Folklife Festival: Full Schedule

11:00am PDT

Les Voyagers w/ Dina Blade, Caller

Music From Waaaay Up North

Friday May 25, 2012 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Opening Contra

Biography Les Voyager plays music from the Metis Native American Tribe in Canada. For more information about the band, you can go to: katzwein@earthlink.net

12:00pm PDT

The Hoots and Hollers w/ Eric Curl, Caller

Vociferous Contras

Friday May 25, 2012 12:00pm - 12:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Opening Contra

Biography Three Olympia musicians join forces to bring energetic contra dances to Folklife.

1:00pm PDT

Sacred Fire w/ Mark Matthews, Caller

Hot contra tunes

Friday May 25, 2012 1:00pm - 1:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Opening Contra

Biography Sacred Fire is a high energy contra band located in Helena, Montana. Having played dances across the state, they are known for their ability to raise the dance! Sacred Fire has worked with many rural communities in Montana to establish and foster small contra dances.

2:00pm PDT

Riffraff w/ John Gallagher, Caller

Fiery Riffs From Raffish Gents

Friday May 25, 2012 2:00pm - 2:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Opening Contra

Biography Riffraff has been playing dances for 12 years. The fiddlers, Linden and Evo are father and son. The three gray haired guys have played in numerous bands, contra and otherwise, for decades. Evo has been surrounded by this music since birth.

3:00pm PDT

Billbillies w/ Tony Mates, Caller

Billicious Contras

Friday May 25, 2012 3:00pm - 3:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Opening Contra

Biography All of our musicians have been playing music for decades; Several members have appeared on major record labels. As a group, the Billbillies have been together for approx. 5 years.

4:00pm PDT

The Rhythm Rollers w/ Charlie Fenton, Caller

New England Contra Dance

Friday May 25, 2012 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Opening Contra

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Biography Anchored by the unique Bob McQuillen, the piano playing dean of traditional New England Contra Dance music, the Rhythm Rollers play the old-fashioned, hard driving, improvisational contra dance music.

5:00pm PDT

Stage Down

Friday May 25, 2012 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Panel, (if applicable)

6:00pm PDT

King, Rachmiel & Friends w/ Laura Mé Smith, Caller

Lively Elegant English Country

Friday May 25, 2012 6:00pm - 6:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, English Country Dance

Genre ZDB -- Contra-Square Dance Band
Biography We've all played or called English Country for many years.

7:00pm PDT

Pacific Pearls w/ Nan Evans, Caller

Zesty English Country Dances

Friday May 25, 2012 7:00pm - 7:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, English Country Dance

Genre ZDB -- Contra-Square Dance Band
Biography Members of the band are all sought-after dance musicians in the Northwest and elsewhere. Besides playing for English, we also play for contras and swing jazz among other genres.

8:00pm PDT

The Retrospectacles w/ Mariah Pepper, Caller

The Next Generation of Contra

Friday May 25, 2012 8:00pm - 8:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Evening Contra

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Biography We all have grown up playing in this kind of music (Contra) and in December 2007, we formed our band, the Retrospectacles. We now have a CD and several camps under our belts and will continue to play, perform and have fun.

9:00pm PDT

McKasson Ginsburg Bartley w/ Woody Lane, Caller

Rhythm and bows power trio

Friday May 25, 2012 9:00pm - 9:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Friday Evening Contra

Biography Ryan McKasson and Claude Ginsburg are two of the most powerful and rhythmic contra dance fiddlers in the Pacific Northwest. Teaming up with veteran guitarist Dave Bartley, with whom Ryan plays in Contra Sutra and Claude plays in KGB, this band is fiery, imaginative and propulsive.

11:00am PDT

Shilshole Bay Ceili Band

Old style Irish dance band

Saturday May 26, 2012 11:00am - 11:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Ceili Dance

Genre ZDB -- Contra-Square Dance Band
URL
Biography The Shilshole Bay Ceili band follows in the footsteps of the popular Irish dance bands of yore, providing driving and powerful musical accompaniment to the happy feet of the Ceili dancers.

12:00pm PDT

Randal Bays Alehouse Ceili Band

Irish, ceili, cultural, trad

Saturday May 26, 2012 12:00pm - 12:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Ceili Dance

Genre EMB -- British Isles-Ireland - MUSIC
Biography The ALEHOUSE CEILI BAND starring Randal Bays "Bays is the genuine article." - The Rough Guide to Irish Music Randal Bays is an American musician whose mastery of the intricate art of Irish fiddle playing has earned him an international reputation among fans of Irish music. He’s an exciting and dynamic performer whose music grows out of a deep respect for the ancient wellsprings of the Irish tradition, bringing the music alive in the here and now with every performance. Accompanying Randal will be Susan Waters on fiddle, Willie Bays on Flute, Barry Fox on banjo, Brendan Boyle on bodhrán, Tom Lawrence on concertina and Suzanne Taylor on piano. A mighty band for sure!

1:00pm PDT

The Grassy Knoll Boys w/ Charmaine Slaven, Caller

Conspiring on Old Time Tunes

Saturday May 26, 2012 1:00pm - 1:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Hot Squares

Biography This individuals in this here group walked out of the hills of Southern California, hollers of New Jersey and remote areas of Queens NY drawn to the frail of a different banjo. We all groove to the southern old time sound and we ask ourselves "was there a second fiddler?"

2:00pm PDT

The Little Dogs w/ Amy Carroll, Caller

Old time music for dancing

Saturday May 26, 2012 2:00pm - 2:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Hot Squares

Genre ZDB -- Contra-Square Dance Band
Biography Long time NW stalwarts of Old-time music

3:00pm PDT

Calico w/ Nan Evans, Caller

Purr-fectly fine contras

Saturday May 26, 2012 3:00pm - 3:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Saturday Afternoon Contra

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Biography Calico is a contra dance band of 15+ years duration. It hosts a monthly dance (alternating with another band) on the first Saturdays in Portland.

4:00pm PDT

Out of Nowwhere w/ Ray Polhemus, Caller

Presented by Spokane Folklore Society

Saturday May 26, 2012 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Saturday Afternoon Contra

Biography Out of Nowhere is made up of 6 experienced musicians and long time members fo the Spokane Folklore Society. Individually they have played for over 2000 contra dances.

6:00pm PDT

Hettel Street Blues

Jazzy Blues

Saturday May 26, 2012 6:00pm - 6:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Blues Dance

Genre BLS -- Blues
URL
Biography Based out of Snohomish County in Washington State, Hettel Street Blues features powerhouse vocalist Kathy Hettel; singing in the tradition of the great women of song such as Etta James, Ruth Brown and Dinah Washington.From cool jazz to rockin' the house blues and R&B, Hettel Street Blues is a favorite for private parties and events. Hettel Street Blues has also performed at regional event such as the Northwest Folklife Festival, Renton River Days, Edmonds Arts Festival, and the Bite of Seattle. Hettel Street Blues is also a regular performer at local venues.

7:00pm PDT

Red Hot Blues Sisters

Soul Flavored Burning Blues

Saturday May 26, 2012 7:00pm - 7:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Blues Dance

Genre BLS -- Blues
URL
Biography www.theredhotz.com

8:00pm PDT

The Euphemists w/ Susan Petrick, Caller

Big Brass from the River City

Saturday May 26, 2012 8:00pm - 8:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Saturday Night Contra Dance

Biography Over the past few years, various pairings of these Portland musicians have said, "We should form a band!" Finally, inspired by the recent immigration of fiddler Alan Snyder from warmer climes, The Euphemists congealed in 2011. The band features a brass front line of Paula Hamlin, Kaye Blesener, and Jerry Nelson, while Jerry's several guitars share backup rhythmic duties with the keyboard of Dave Goldman. For Folklife, The Euphemists are delighted to share the stage with caller Susan Petrick -- the treasure of Reno, Nevada and the California Bay Area, and no stranger to the Pacific Northwest.

9:00pm PDT

The Nettles w/ Marlin Powell, Caller

Celtic Jam Dance Fever

Saturday May 26, 2012 9:00pm - 9:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Saturday Night Contra Dance

URL
Biography The Nettles formed in 1996 from a living room jam session. Sincec then they've played for dances, festival, weddings and clubs throughout the Northwest, and toured North, South and East of Northwest.

11:00am PDT

FiddleRama w/ Elinor Preston, Caller

All Fiddles - All the Time

Sunday May 27, 2012 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Sunday Morning Contra

Biography The big sound of massed fiddles, plus the keyboard mastery of Nat'l Heritage Award winner McQuillen

12:00pm PDT

The Usual Suspects w/ Roy Curet, Caller

Montana Contra Dance Band

Sunday May 27, 2012 12:00pm - 12:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Sunday Morning Contra

Biography We started playing together a few years ago, just as a pick-up band for local dances. Our name was sort of a joke, but people liked how we played so it stuck, and here we are.

1:00pm PDT

Worn Out Shoes w/ Maldon Meehan calling and dancing

Old Time String Band & Clogger

Sunday May 27, 2012 1:00pm - 1:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Hot Squares

Genre OTM -- Old Time Music
URL
Biography We are a band that comes from the great traditional roots of Portland Or. We are influenced by Tommy Jarrell and Bill Monroe and American fiddle music. We travel around the NW playing dances and festivals.

2:00pm PDT

Minnie Pearl Jam w/ Warren Blier, Caller

Hot Tunes for Squares and Contras

Sunday May 27, 2012 2:00pm - 2:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Sunday Afternoon Contra

Biography Minnie Pearl Jam has been together for more than 10 years, performing in and around Seattle for Square and Contra dances. We may have a CD available by festival time.

3:00pm PDT

Hands4 w/ Marianne Tatom Letts, Caller

Not Your Usual Contra Tunes

Sunday May 27, 2012 3:00pm - 3:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Sunday Afternoon Contra

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Biography Hands4 has helped carry forward the rich tradition of contra dance by introducing their largely original tune repertoire to dance halls throughout the Pacific Northwest since 2004.

4:50pm PDT

Louisiana Dance Lesson

Sunday May 27, 2012 4:50pm - 5:00pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Louisiana Roadhouse

Genre CAJ -- Cajun-Zydeco
URL
Biography MaryLee Lykes have taught dance classes, workshop & special events for 20 years in Seattle. Cajun & Zydeco are her favorite forms to teach and dance to. Come share the Joy!

5:00pm PDT

Whozyamama Cajun and Zydeco Band

Music of Southwest Louisiana

Sunday May 27, 2012 5:00pm - 5:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Louisiana Roadhouse

Genre CAJ -- Cajun-Zydeco
URL
Biography Tami, Claudette and Claudia of WHOZYAMAMA's twin fiddle and accordion are reminiscent of Les Femmes d'Enfer 1994 to 2006. They have added the backline with electric guitar, bass Todd Fisher of Delta Rays, Doug Warren of Bayou Boogie and the New Riders of the Quimper Grange, and Rick Rice of Cayenne to get the full dance band sound. WHOZYAMAMA has been together 5 years playing in the northwest.

5:50pm PDT

Louisiana Dance Lesson

Sunday May 27, 2012 5:50pm - 6:00pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Louisiana Roadhouse

Genre CAJ -- Cajun-Zydeco
URL
Biography MaryLee Lykes have taught dance classes, workshop & special events for 20 years in Seattle. Cajun & Zydeco are her favorite forms to teach and dance to. Come share the Joy!

6:00pm PDT

Folichon Cajun Band

Folichon means fun!

Sunday May 27, 2012 6:00pm - 6:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Louisiana Roadhouse

Genre CAJ -- Cajun-Zydeco
URL
Biography Long time Cajun jammers, Tim Parker and TEd Granger, honored to be joined by Northwest Cajun music pioneer and fiddler extraordinaire, Karen England, and supported by as-yet unknown rhythm players.

6:50pm PDT

Louisiana Dance Lesson

Sunday May 27, 2012 6:50pm - 7:00pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Louisiana Roadhouse

Genre CAJ -- Cajun-Zydeco
URL
Biography MaryLee Lykes have taught dance classes, workshop & special events for 20 years in Seattle. Cajun & Zydeco are her favorite forms to teach and dance to. Come share the Joy!

7:00pm PDT

Cayenne Cajun Band

Extra Spicy Cajun Ear Treats

Sunday May 27, 2012 7:00pm - 7:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Louisiana Roadhouse

Genre CAJ -- Cajun-Zydeco
URL
Biography We've been playing dancehall music from French Louisiana for a decade and a half.

8:00pm PDT

Waltz Partners

Choreography-Free Dancing

Sunday May 27, 2012 8:00pm - 8:10pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Dance Performance, Waltz Dance

Genre EDQ -- Traditional American Dance
URL
Biography All of the dances in this troupe are "social" dancers. That is, none of what they'll do is choreographed; everything is spur of the moment, dictated by their partners and the music. This troupe has been performing social waltz for seven years.

8:10pm PDT

Sky Blue

Heavenly Dance Music

Sunday May 27, 2012 8:10pm - 9:00pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Waltz Dance

Genre JAZZ -- Jazz
URL
Biography Nadine and Julian first played together at Fiddle Tunes. The rest is history!

9:00pm PDT

Waltz Partners

Choreography-Free Dancing

Sunday May 27, 2012 9:00pm - 9:10pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Dance Performance, Waltz Dance

Genre EDQ -- Traditional American Dance
URL
Biography All of the dances in this troupe are "social" dancers. That is, none of what they'll do is choreographed; everything is spur of the moment, dictated by their partners and the music. This troupe has been performing social waltz for seven years.

9:10pm PDT

Valse Cafe Orchestra

Bliss in three quarter time

Sunday May 27, 2012 9:10pm - 10:00pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Waltz Dance

Genre EMH -- Western Europe - MUSIC
URL
Biography Since 1999, the Valse Cafe Orchestra has been playing together with the sole purpose of playing music for dancers. Since then, their scope has expanded to include musical theatre and performance art. This year they produced their first CD.

11:00am PDT

Les Fabulous Girls du Ouest Coast w/ David Kaynor, Caller

Donate Now!

Double -X Chromosome Contras

Monday May 28, 2012 11:00am - 11:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Morning Contra

Biography We are all contra dancers and musicians from Seattle who enjoy getting together to share our love of this music.

12:00pm PDT

The Lanny Martin Review w/ Rich Goss, Caller

Donate Now!

The Coolest Contra Cats

Monday May 28, 2012 12:00pm - 12:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Morning Contra

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Biography All members of The Lanny Martin are key players in several other bands. LMR has played together for three years.

1:00pm PDT

Tricky Brits w/ Mary Devlin, Caller

Donate Now!

English Country dance for all!

Monday May 28, 2012 1:00pm - 1:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, English Country Dance

Biography Tricky Brits play english country dance music with expression and wit. Never predictable, they help you find the dance in you...

2:00pm PDT

Short Circuit w/ Sherry Nevins, Caller

Donate Now!

Young Talent/Fun Sets - ZAP!

Monday May 28, 2012 2:00pm - 2:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Afternoon Contra

Biography The band consists of 2 young brothers, a brother & sister & their friend. All have been actively playing for dances & concerts with their family bands for several years, now they're ready to step out on their own!

3:00pm PDT

Little Big Cat w/ Amy Wimmer, Caller

Donate Now!

Fiddle, Piano & Banjo Play Contras

Monday May 28, 2012 3:00pm - 3:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Afternoon Contra

Biography Miche Baker-Harvey (fiddle), Dale Brubaker (piano) and Hugh Fraser (banjo) can't remember if they first started playing together at Fiddle Tunes, Centralia or Simcoe Mountain, bu they do agree that they mesh well and have extraordinary amounts of fun playing all kinds of contra dance tunes together.

4:00pm PDT

KGB w/ Adam Carlson, Caller

Donate Now!

Subversive Contras

Monday May 28, 2012 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Afternoon Contra

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Biography This KGB is not a spy organization, but a band from Seattle that plays for New England style contradance, English Country Dance (as MI-5), for concerts, and private functions. We write a lot of our own music, and the rest comes from all over the world: the British Isles, French Canada, the Northeastern USA, Western and Eastern Europe, South America, the rest of the USA, and places we haven't yet identified.

6:00pm PDT

Tapsalteerie w/ Gordy Euler, Caller

Donate Now!

Rhythym Driven Dance Bliss

Monday May 28, 2012 6:00pm - 6:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Closing Contra

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Biography This Seattle based band meets weekly for dinner, tunes and idle gossip. They play for Contradances primarily in Western Washington and Oregon where they have been dumbfounding locals for more than a decade.

7:00pm PDT

Northern Contraband w/ Maureen Collier, Caller

Donate Now!

Northern Contras - Old & New

Monday May 28, 2012 7:00pm - 7:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Closing Contra

Biography Primarily contra-dance tunes from the "Northern" traditions - New England, French Canadian, Metis, Celtic, and the like. We also play a few old-time square dance tunes and some contemporary compositions. Combined, we have logged over 120 years of playing experience.

8:00pm PDT

Contretemps w/ Mike Richardson, Caller

Donate Now!

A Musical Delight for Dancing

Monday May 28, 2012 8:00pm - 8:50pm PDT
Warren's Roadhouse in the Fisher Pavilion 47.62127, -122.35212

Participatory Dance, Monday Closing Contra

Biography The band formed three years ago and has changed since then, but has always had Cathie Whitesides and Frank Blade as members. Cynthia joined a year ago when the original pianist experienced difficulty with her hearing. An alternate meaning of 'Contretemps" is a musical syncopation.