Portland FolkMusic Society sponsors song
circles, concerts, workshops, retreats
The Portland FolkMusic Society (PFS, formerly the Portland Folklore Society) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting folk music and arts in the greater Portland area. It has served our folk community since 1976 when the organization was founded with the help of folk promoter, John Ullman and long time advocate, Meryle Korn. PFS members pursue interests in all sorts of folk music, from old time and sea shanties to contemporary singer/songwriter. The PFS sponsors song circles, concerts, workshops, and retreats. The mission of the organization is to preserve, present and promote folk music and arts. Membership details can be found at the PFS Web site ( www.portlandfolkmusic.org ), a fascinating site that will help amateur and professionals interested in Portland's diverse folk scene see what is going on every week of the year.
The PFS also publishes a monthly newsletter Local Lore, which has interesting articles about music, musicians and songs that are offered in sheet music form with lyrics that may date back several centuries!
In the spring, the PFS presents a retreat held for a full weekend that focuses on workshops and performances. Singtime Frolics have been held at Camp Adams for several years with more than 100 folks camping out and staying inside cabins in Molalla.
Portland FolkMusic members have also taken a real volunteer attitude to the radio, as well. Every morning at 5:30, listeners to KBOO 90.7 FM start the day with two hours of folk music. Last fall the PFS sponsored the Portland Folk Festival at PCC Cascade campus in coordination with the Folk Alliance West Coast convention in Vancouver, WA.
Once a month (excluding the summer months) the PFS brings a wide array of great musical acts to Portland.This year is the 15th season of these relaxed and enjoyable concerts now held in Southeast Portland at Carvlin Hall. Performers are generally from the Portland area and Pacific Northwest, although many nationally known artists have played over the years. They include Rosalie Sorrels, Claudia Schmidt, Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer, Misty River Band, Linda Waterfall, Tom May, David Rea, Three Leg Torso, Foghorn String Band, Little Sue, Jack Straw and the Flat Mountain Girls.
This next year's schedule includes concerts by Anne Feeney and the Rebel Voices in January and an instrumental show in February with guitarist Doug Smith, flautist and dulcimer player Carolyn Cruso, and banjo player Dick Weissman. In March two very fine songwriters, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen will perform followed a few weeks later by an ultimate sing-a-long show by Joe Hickerson and Tony Saletan. The spring concerts will showcase an assortment of national artists: Claudia Schmidt, Lou and Peter Berryman and Mollie O'Brien and Rick Moore.
Admission for the show is $10 for PFS members, $12 General Admission, $5 ages 12-18. Kids younger than 12 are admitted free. There are no advance sales, just tickets at the door. There is no smoking and no alcohol, but food and beverages are available. It is a relaxed and enjoyable spot to bring the family-or make new friends who love folk music!
Carvlin Hall is just north of SE 17th and Division, on the south side of the Ladd's Addition neighborhood. All concerts are air-conditioned, handicapped accessible (no stairs) and on the TriMet bus line. Doors open at 6:45 pm, shows begin at 7:30 pm with a 60-minute set, intermissions with refreshments and a chance to meet the performers and purchase their recordings. The evening ends with another one hour set. Audiences are attentive and enthusiastic, and sing along at any opportunity (even with the didgeridoo!). Go to: www.portlandflokmusic.org.