News and Events

By Sharon Allen PCDC’s 2nd Thursday Tunes Sessions will continue through the summer with two backyard jams (by ear; no written music necessary). All instruments, all levels welcome! What: Contra tunes jam sessions When: July 18*, 7–9 pm and August 8, 7–9 pm*Note that the July jam falls on the 3rd Thursday in July, rather …

New Music Jams for Contra, ECD, and Waltz Tunes By Kathy Story, PCDC Board President What: Jams for all acoustic instruments and all levels of musicians, whether you play by notes or by ear. Come make music with us! Where: McMenamins Kennedy School, 5763 NE 33rd Ave., Portland When:● Contra and waltz jam: 1st and …

By David Macemon Registration for the Portland English Country Ball opens in mid-July! What: Portland English Country Ball When: November 1, 2, and 3, 2024 Where: Oaks Park Dance Pavilion Performers: Gaye Fifer from Pittsburgh will be calling, with music by Betsy Branch, Bill Tomczak, and Lisa Scott. John Oorthuys will provide sound engineering. Additional …

By Cynthia Stenger What: Northwest Passage English Country Dance Weekend When: Labor Day weekend, August 30–September 2, 2024 Where: Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, near Sandy, OR Featuring: Separate dance and music tracks with workshops, concerts, and dances provided by two fabulous callers (Graham Christian and Jenna Simpson) and two fabulous bands (Trio Con Brio and …

What: This 90-minute community event is free and open to anyone who wants to dance, play, or listen tolovely waltzes in the shady lanes between the fragrant roses of Peninsula Park. When: Sunday, August 11 at 5 pm for dancers, or 4:15 for musicians (Rain date: 5 pm, Sunday, August 18) Where: Northwest corner of …

By Kathy Story, PCDC Board President Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s PCDC Board election. The voting turnout was 41% of the PCDC membership. All candidates received greater than 50% of the votes cast. The results: Bill Tomczak is joining the board as a new member. Ash Goren, Lindsey Grayzel, Victor Fiore, …

By Kathy Story, PCDC Board President This year is the 40th anniversary of the founding of PCDPC, the ortland Country Dance Community. Although folks in Portland were organizing contra and English dances prior to that, 1984 is when our articles of incorporation were filed and Oregon recognized us as a nonprofit organization. To mark this …

By Lindsey Grayzel Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of PCDC at the annual PCDC Summer Picnic! PCDC is providing falafel, hummus, pita, and drinks–and there will be birthday cakes! Bring a potluck side dish to share. You can also expect a jam session, an English dance sampler, a clothing exchange, and games. This is a …

When: Saturday, June 29, 3:00-6:00Where: Fulton ParkWhat: Picnic with some food provided by PCDC, as well as our usual awesome potluck, jam session, English dance sampler, games, and clothing exchange. This is a great event where you can get to know your fellow dancers and musicians off the dance floor. Please join us!

By Sharon Gavin  It’s been said that “Music is the strongest form of magic.” And while that may sound like Shakespeare, it was actually said by Brian Hugh Warner, the person known professionally as rock musician Marilyn Manson. While this heavy-metal heavy-hitter may be one of the most controversial figures in music, the power of …