Presenters & Exhibitors 2022
The All-Ireland Cultural Society (AICS) is an all-volunteer, non-political, non-sectarian organization that actively promotes social opportunities, Irish entertainment, and Irish cultural events in Oregon and SW Washington, and has done so for over 80 years. Come visit our booth to learn more about us!
We intend to exhibit various crafts and items from Ireland and offer a gift basket to be won through a raffle.
Aislinn Adams
Irish illustrator, designer and horticulturist Aislinn Adams has lived in Salem, Oregon since 2000. In Oregon, she has found the perfect environment to combine her love of the natural world with her art and design. Nowadays her work is mainly focused on botanical art, in particular the native plants of the Pacific Northwest.
When not working on her botanical art Aislinn loves to connect with her Irish cultural heritage; hosting traditional Irish music concerts at her home, studying Irish history, and supporting the Céilí of the Valley. She also loves to find ways to connect Ireland and Oregon. Her most recent project combines Oregon and Irish history through the exploration of native plants.
Aislinn will present “The Irish Civil War 1922-1923 — Looking back 100 years later” at 1 p.m. in the Card Room.
Amica L. Grimberg
As a face paint artist, I’m enthusiastically returning to this year’s Celtic New Year celebration. Using various inspirations, these designs are selected specifically to reflect Celtic art for the New Year’s Festival and a jovial atmosphere. I have provided face art for Salem Art Fair, Girl Scouts, and various church events.
My booth is for patrons to visit without a set schedule – if there’s a wait, they can look over the design collection or watch as others get their wrists or hands painted. Paints used are non-toxic, fragrance and paraben free; they are suitable for sensitive skin.
Amica is in the Celtic Crafts Area towards the back of the Hall.
Capital Calligraphers
Capital Calligraphers was formed on April 21, 1977, for the purpose of promoting calligraphy in the greater Salem area and to encourage calligraphers to come out of hiding and gain self-confidence in their craft. To that end we sponsor meetings, classes and workshops. We also demonstrate and organize shows to promote calligraphy to the public. Members are excited to be at the Festival to demonstrate Uncial lettering throughout the day. They will also have other information and activities at their table.
Biddy on the Bench
Biddy on the Bench’s origins go back to the winter of 2013, when the founding members met largely out of coincidence. Kevin, Casey, Noah, and Nick began carving out a niche in the Portland, Oregon folk scene with a combination of ballads, pub classics, rebel songs, harmonized shanties, and traditional tunes. 2017 saw the arrival of Tristan, followed by his brother, Trevor. An ever-increasing schedule of pub gigs, Highland games, Celtic festivals, and private events around the Northwest cultivated a supportive and widespread audience. Nick left the band in early 2019 for other pursuits but not before the six-piece recorded its first single with Billy Oskay at his Big Red Studio. As a five-piece, Biddy continued to evolve and hone its sound. Spring of 2020 arrived along with the band’s debut album, “Make the Rafter Roar.” As venues began to open again in 2021 following quarantine, Biddy was once again delivering traditional music to the masses as a four piece. The Biddy sound lives on!
Uilleann Pipes Workshop
Join us for an exploration and discussion of the Uilleann (Irish) Pipes. Casey Dyer from Biddy will talk through the history of the Irish bagpipes and demonstrate aspects of playing the instrument. This workshop is meant to be a platform for conversation on the instrument, so come with any questions you might have about a uniquely Irish instrument.
Shanty Workshop
This workshop will comprise a brief history of the unaccompanied group singing traditions of Great Britain and Ireland, including demonstrations of various types of shanties and work songs. A guided sing-along of a simple shanty will follow, with each vocal part led by a member of Biddy. Participants will learn the basics of harmony and leading, as well as gaining a contextual understanding of the history of shanty singing. Noah Cotter, who has been singing Irish and British ballads and shanties since he was thirteen, will lead this workshop. All skill levels welcome!
Fiddle Workshop
What are the fundamental differences between playing the classical violin and Irish fiddler? How does someone transition from the classical to folk world? Trevor Cormack of Biddy will talk through the journey he went through from classically trained viola player and music teacher to fiddler, diving into Irish, Scottish, and more. Audience questions are welcome in this discussion of what it means to play the violin and fiddle.
Celtic Knots with Rope
Try your hand at tying a Celtic knot on a loom with Carl.
Carl has been with Ceili of the Valley since 2006 and also served as Board President for a number of years. “Seeing the Sea Cadet’s knot display at the VFW Hall and doing Ceili dancing where formations are often inter-weaved like Celtic knots intrigued me. Being a DIY person, I decided to try my hand at creating knot loom boards for making Celtic knots using rope and have also choreographed a few dances with knots in mind.”
Micheal O’Domhnaill Branch of Oregon (CCÉ Oregon)
The Mícheál Ó Domhnaill Branch of Oregon was founded with the aim to support Irish traditional music and dance in the greater Portland area. Of its past and present board members, many were previous movers and shakers of the Portland Céilí Society and the All-Ireland Cultural Society. Since 2017, the branch has engaged the community with programming such as the Night of Songs event at T. C. O’Leary’s and Celtic Community Night at Artichoke Music, as well as an annual summer campout, ongoing workshops such as the Tune Bench, and various set dancing classes. At this year’s Samhain Festival, the MÓD Branch will not only be manning a table to showcase its work, but is delighted to offer a dance workshop called by members of the branch with music offered by members of the Two Rivers Céilí Band. The Two Rivers Céilí Band is an all-woman band under the direction of Teresa Baker. It is the region’s first dedicated céilí band and their performance at the festival will be their second since forming over the summer of 2022.
Presentation Description: At 2 p.m., there will be a workshop on the main stage, featuring a presentation of set dancing with music provided by the Two Rivers Céili Band. Workshop will begin with a demo of the dance form, hands-on audience participation, and a Ceili Beag to finish off.
They will also have a table to showcase the work of MÓD, which will include the selling of albums of local Portland-based musicians as a way to showcase their work.
Emily Bonneau
Emily is excited to demonstrate two traditional Highland dances, the Fling and the Seann Triubhas at the Festival this year. She was a competitive Highland dancer and after taking a break for school, work, marriage, and motherhood, she is ready to kick up her heels again! She will be joined by a piper from the Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums for one of her dances.
Eric Chandler
Eric will be presenting how to fold the Great Kilt, which is a very unique article of clothing. It has many uses, which he will highlight as he does his demonstration. He became interested in learning more about his Scottish Heritage when he was a competitive Highland dancer and a performer at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. When not in the Spinning Room doing his demonstration, you will find him outside helping with the Mini-Highland Games.
Gordon Munro
I have been telling stories for more than 27 years in Silverton, Oregon. I weave together the spoken work with the rhythm of the drum. This takes the audience to another time and place where wondrous things happen and words are like magic.
To find out more of his work, call (971) 343-2073 or email: firelightstories@gmail.com | Website
Presentation Description: Gordon will tell folk and fairy tales of the Samhain season, while playing a hand-held drum (Ashika or Dumbek) – Good for all ages – from 12 to 12:50 p.m. on the main stage.
Murray School of Irish Dancing
The Murray Irish Dance School offers an authentic Irish cultural experience for dancers of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Our goal is to bring Irish traditions to a new generation, keeping this vibrant culture alive and thriving in the Pacific Northwest. Irish dance is a unique way for students to strengthen physical and mental development, increase coordination and musical understanding while having fun and making friendships that last a lifetime.
Presentation Description: Geraldine Murray will be bringing dancers from her Murray School of Irish Dancing to the Festival Stage. The dancers will perform reels, jigs, and perhaps a hornpipe, to great whistle tunes being played by Geraldine!
Nate Wahlgren – Highland Bagpiper
Nate describes his piping as a nasty habit he picked up in college, and it has been a great ride. He has studied with some of the best-known names in the piping world, played in solo and band competitions on both sides of the United States, and performed in Scotland at the Edinburgh Tattoo and the World Pipe Band Championships. He’s currently pipe major of the Willamette Valley Pipes & Drums.
Presentation Description: When not piping with the Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums during the festival, Nate will be piping for our Highland Dancer. Check the schedule to see when these two will be performing near the main stage.
Oregon Manx Society
The Oregon Manx Society is a new organization that was founded in 2022 to celebrate and encourage interest in Manx culture and heritage. We are a regional group belonging to the North American Manx Association (NAMA). NAMA was founded in 1928, and has members across the United States and Canada.
The Oregon Manx Society will be sharing the Isle of Man’s oldest existing tradition, Hop tu Naa, this tradition is celebrated during Samhain. With Turnip lanterns, Jenny the Witch, and recipes for the adventurous we will be excited to share a piece of Manx culture for the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival.
Rob Gandara – Carbony Celtic Winds
Rob Gandara, of Carbony Celtic Winds, will be presenting a beginner whistle workshop. He will have plenty of pennywhistles for folks to borrow so they can fully participate in the workshop.
Welsh Society of Oregon
The Welsh Society of Oregon (WSOR) develops and perpetuates Welsh heritage, culture, and music in Oregon. We strive to sustain: pride in being Welsh, support for learning about Wales and the Welsh language, and exploration of Welsh-American matters by our members and for others in the community. The Society was founded in 1907 as the Portland Cambrian Society. The Society and its performing ensemble, The Welsh Dragons have been meeting creatively on zoom and at outdoor locations during the pandemic, creating composite recordings and online folklore re-enactments that have been shared around the world via social media. We anticipate a return to regular WSOR meetings in the coming months: on the first Saturday of each month at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 4028 SE 34th Avenue at Gladstone Street in Portland.
Willamette Valley Nomads
The Willamette Valley Nomads are a hurling club based in Eugene. They have players from all over the south Willamette Valley area and are hoping to build a club in the Salem area.
Presentation Description: Willamette Valley Nomads will be doing demonstrations of hurling skills outside all day. At noon you can catch them at the Celtic Pop-Up area where they will be speaking on the history of the sport. They will also have a table in the Spinning Room where they will be streaming hurling matches, so you can see games in action.
Willamette Valley Pipes & Drums
The Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums is a non-profit organization with a three-fold mission:
- to serve our community by providing entertainment through Scottish music,
- to develop the musical abilities of our members, and
- to enjoy the friendship that we share because of our love of pipe and drum music.
Anyone interested in joining us in our mission is welcome to attend practice. To find out more please check our Contact Us page for times and places we meet. Free group lessons are provided and begin at 9 a.m. All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Participation will be at a level that is consistent with the member’s playing ability and interest.
Presentation Description: The Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums is excited to be participating at the Festival this year. They will be piping through the hall to open the Festival, ear plugs will be available, and then they will head outside for more piping throughout the day.
Ceili Dancing:
An opportunity to try your hand and feet at Ceili (Kay-lee) social dancing in a fun and relaxed setting to live music by Biddy on the Bench.
Celebrating Celtic Nations Display:
Explore the seven Celtic Nations: Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Mann, Ireland, Galicia, Scotland, and Wales. This presentation originated from the World Beat Gallery, a joint venture between Salem Multicultural Institute and Ceili of the Valley Society.
Celtic Pop-Up:
Check the schedule for demonstrations on making a Celtic knot (hands-on), how to fold and wear a Great Kilt. and a history lesson on the sport of Hurling. In this area you will also find the Capital Calligraphers, who will write out your name in Uncial Font and share other information with you.
CVS Store:
Festival t-shirts, Granny Fi’s shortbread cookies, and other items for sale. Raffle tickets for our custom-designed quilt will be available for purchase at the store.
Family Crafts:
From rock painting and creative crafts to decorating mini-pumpkins, making bookmarks, and coloring and drawing using colored pencils, the kid’s area has an activity for every age and skill. Adults, too, will be drawn to the activities and are invited to enjoy them alongside their children.
Food:
Sample soups from Ireland, Welsh, and Scotland, served with salad and soda bread. Scones are also available.
Mini-Highland Games:
Safe, fun, and kid-friendly Highland Games outside. You and your kids can try their hand at Welly Throw, Sheaf Toss, and Caber Toss.
Photo Bryan Conway
Outside Area:
You will find the Mini-Highland Games, Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums, and the Willamette Valley Hurling Team outside. Please come out and join the fun!!
Quilt Raffle:
Colorful, custom-designed quilt with beautiful, intricate hand-quilted details. Leslie Ficker has once again created a one-of-a-kind quilt to be raffled at the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival. Tickets will be $5.00 each, 5 for $20.00. The quilt is 86 x 64.5 and has a beautiful Celtic knotwork border.
