Presenters & Exhibitors
Meet the exhibitors & presenters of the 2023 Samhain Celtic New Year Festival
All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon (AICS)
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. Learn more at www.oregonirishsociety.org and www.facebook.com/AICSOregon/
Aislinn Adams
Irish illustrator and designer Aislinn Adams has lived in Salem, Oregon for 23 years. 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 work Aislinn loves to connect with her Irish cultural heritage; hosting traditional Irish music concerts at her home and supporting the Céilí of the Valley. For the past few years, she has been researching her family history, in particular her maternal grandmother, Annie Malone. Annie Malone was involved in the 1916 Rising and the Irish War of Independence. In this workshop Aislinn will share some of the lessons learned doing such research and what can happen when family taboos are broken.
To find out more about her work visit her website or Facebook page.
Presentation Description:
What happens when a family narrative meets reality? Learn what surprises Aislinn Adams found when she recently dug deeper into Irish archives in search of her grandmother’s story and in the process broke some family taboos.
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.
Description:
Hand and arm painting provided for festival attendees. 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.
Brenda Scearcy | Two Rivers Ceili Band
Brenda has been teaching for 25 years. She has studied with Joanie Madden of Cherish the Ladies and Mary Bergin. Her teaching style is on view at her Youtube channel, Brenda Scearcy Pennywhistle. She performs with Two Rivers Ceili Band and with Jim Lowewenherz in Innisfree.
Workshop Description:
The pennywhistle offers a fantastic, fun way for anyone to enter the world of Irish music! The first few notes are actually easy to play, and we can help you make some beautiful sounds. We’ll draw from a “secret stash” of techniques, a time-honored trick to give your playing a lovely sound. These techniques have been handed down from legions of Irish musicians, and they are small but powerful examples of the “pure drop,” the essence of a rich ancient tradition.
From there we can guide you to further resources if you so desire. Won’t you join us? You’re welcome to watch or actually tootle along! Whistles are available to borrow or buy….come to the CVS General Store if you want to buy a whistle, or there will be some available to borrow during the workshop. You can bring your own to use, as long as it’s in the Key of D!
Brian Ó hAirt
Brian Ó hAirt was first exposed to sean-nós dancing as a teen nearly twenty years ago at workshops taught by Róisín Ní Mhainín and Seosamh Ó Neachtain. In 2003 he was a prize winner at the Cruinniú na mBád Festival’s sean-nós dancing competition held annually in Kinvara, Co. Galway where he was introduced to dancer Pádraic Ó hOibicín. He has since worked with and been inspired by Pádraic’s unique dancing, while Brian’s own dance style remains very much informed by his music-making on box and concertina. He tours and dances with the award-winning ensemble Bua and with singing legend Len Graham and has lead sean-nós dancing workshops at many prestigious festivals across North America including the Old Songs Festival, DC’s M.A.D. Week, the Swannanoa Gathering, the Philadelphia Céilí Group Festival, Goderich Celtic Roots Festival & College, Jackson Celtic Fest, Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Week, the Winnipeg Irish Festival, the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend, and the St. Louis Tionól. Brian is a resident of Portland, Oregon where he works as a linguist specializing in
Gaelic languages and is a coordinator for the Sean-nós Northwest Festival held annually in Olympia, Washington. Learn more here.
Workshop Description:
Here’s your chance to try Sean-nós! No experience needed!
Sean-nós dancing is a percussive dance form from the southern Conamara region of western County Galway. It is improvisational and focuses on both accompanying and guiding the musician by way of repetitive timing steps punctuated by tricks, which emulate the melodic structure of the tune. A dancer wears hard leather-soled shoes (or something with a good thwack!) and positions themselves near the musician so as to accommodate this musical conversation. The body is relaxed, the steps are often asymmetrical, yet the form is reminiscent of (but creates an experience quite different from) modern Irish step dancing. Workshop to be held in front of the main stage after Brian does an introduction.
Capital Calligraphers
Capital Calligraphers is a Salem-based organization dedicated to the teaching and appreciation of the lettering arts. Our guild welcomes people of all levels of experience to our meetings and workshops. Learn more here.
Description:
Have your name written in Uncial calligraphy. This lettering originated in Medieval manuscripts and is often found on beautifully illuminated pages in works such as the Book of Kells. The calligraphers will be by the Celtic Crafts area.
Celtic Knots Class
Carl enjoys the history of rope and knots. I have studied and used many types. I have been teaching this knot class at the Samhain Fest for a number of years. I am a member of Ceílí of the Valley Society.
Workshop Description:
Celtic knots are an important part of the culture. Sailors and fishermen used ropes and knots every day. Knowing the correct knots was life or death to keep your ship afloat and sailing smoothly. Whalers spent their long idle hours at sea fashioning belts, bracelets, etc. for their wives and port sweethearts. Many had secret knots only shown to trusted friends. My workshop instructs people in tying decorative knots, the history of rope and knots and their importance even today. All materials will be supplied for the class.
Emily Bonneau
Emily is a “retired” award-winning Highland Dancer. After taking a break for school, work,and family, she is enjoying dusting off her shoes and getting back into the “fling” of things! She will be demonstrating the Highland Fling, along with fellow Highland Dancer, Hannah Zelmer. Emily will also dance the Seann Triubhas. Both of these dances have great stories behind them…come to the Festival to find out more! Our Highland Dancers will be accompanied by Nate Wahlgren, a piper with the Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums.
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 will also demonstrate one of our favorite Highland Dances, the Sword Dance. 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. The Great Kilt demonstration will take place in the Celtic Pop-Up area.
Hannah Zelmer
Hannah is a multi-talented member of the Ceili of the Valley demonstration team. She has a background as a Highland Dancer and is excited to share two of her favorite dances at the Festival. She will demonstrate the Flora and the Highland Fling. Fellow dancer Emily Chandler will join her for the Fling and Nate Wahlgren will be providing the tunes for the dancers.
Mary Carey | Two Rivers Ceili Band
Fiddle player and amateur historian Mary Carey is a founding member of The Mícheál Ó Domhnaill Branch of Oregon, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the international organization dedicated to the promotion of the music, song, dance and the language of Ireland. She has studied with eminent Irish fiddlers Kevin Burke, John Carty, and James Kelly and was the producer of the Comhaltas Fleadh Fest historical videos for the Western US Region.
Workshop Description:
Songs & Music of the Napoleonic Wars — Irish traditional music is filled with references to Napoleon and to fighting in Spain and France. What were the Napoleonic Wars and what is the connection with Ireland? Mary Carey will present a brief historical context. Then, with the help of members of the Two Rivers Ceílí Band, we’ll enjoy many of these great old songs and tunes.
Micheál Ó Domhnaill Branch of Oregon, COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ ÉIREANN (CCÉ Oregon)
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. It is a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world and has been working for the cause of Irish music since the middle of the last century (1951 to be precise!). Their efforts continue with increasing zeal as the movement launches itself into the 21st century. Learn more at www.cceoregon.org and www.facebook.com/cceoregon/
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 Dancers. Check the schedule to see when the dancers and Nate will be performing near the main stage.
Oregon Manx Society
The Oregon Manx Society the Celtic Nation of Isle of Man. Our group is small, but we enjoy sharing and learning about all things Manx. We especially enjoy holidays.
The Oregon Manx Society will be sharing the Isle of Mans oldest existing tradition, Hop tu Naa, this tradition is celebrated during Samhain. Some highlights we are planning to share are turnip lanterns and Jenny the Witch. We are very excited to share a piece of Manx culture for the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival. Learn more here.
Teresa Baker | Two Rivers Ceili Band
Teresa Baker plays whistle and piano, and is an accompanist for the Two Rivers Ceílí Band. She has played for Irish dance in the Northwest for many years. Recordings include piano for Paddy O’Brien, Co. Offally (accordion), Dan Possumato (accordion and melodeon) and Preston Howard Wilde (uilleann pipes).
Workshop Description:
“Telling the Jigs From the Reels” — Whether spirited or soulful, most Irish instrumental music is dance music. It’s why we nod our heads or tap our feet when we hear it. How do the tunes and the steps go together? What are the oldest dances? What dances from other countries did the Irish make their own? Join Two Rivers Ceílí Band members as we explore the different rhythms that make playing AND dancing to Irish music so much fun.
Two Rivers Ceili Band – Headliner Band
For over 50 years, our region has been rich with Irish music and Irish dance. Dancers have enjoyed céilí (Irish social) and set dancing to great live music, and learned step dancing and Sean-Nós (old-style) dancing from great teachers. What the region hasn’t had was a dedicated céilí band–that is, musicians committed to providing music for céilí and set dancing. The Two Rivers Céilí Band assembled in July 2022 to remedy this.
In Ireland and worldwide, céilí bands represent the talents of their locality. Two Rivers Céilí Band well represents our region with fiddles, flutes, whistles, uilleann pipes, guitar, piano and song.
Our members:
- Niamh Branigan, fiddle
- Teresa Baker, piano
- Mary Carey, fiddle
- Angie Cathey, Irish flute
- Nancy Conescu, guitar
- Emily Muldoon Dineen, whistle
- Nancy Jarrell, fiddle
- Maria Los, fiddle
- Tamara Mautner, Irish flute
- Elizabeth O’Connor, fiddle
- Brenda Scearcy, whistle
- Tania Correia Skinner, uilleann pipes/whistle
- Therese Vogel, fiddle
ViVoce Women’s Chorus
The women of ViVoce (a co-mingling of Italian words for “voice” and “lively”) perform authentic choral music from around the world and in several languages, giving voice to diverse cultural experiences through song and story. ViVoce’s passion is connecting through song to the Portland community and to the communities of long ago and far away. Learn more at vivocepdx.org/ and www.facebook.com/ViVocePortland/
Presentation Description:
ViVoce women’s chorus presents a performance of traditional songs–both lively and lovely—from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Celtic diaspora in America. Many of these songs offer glimpses into the lives of women and girls in traditional times; their strengths, passions, love, and senses of spirit.
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 issues by our members and for others in the community. Learn more here.
Will Hornyak
William Kennedy Hornyak is a national touring storyteller who performs at festivals, theaters and community centers throughout the United States. Will draws from a deep well of oral traditions from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and beyond to create engaging, entertaining and well-crafted performances. Will toured Ireland for five weeks recently sharing tales and gathering fresh tales and songs for his repertoire. Learn more here.
“Storyteller par excellence…boundless wit…endless imagination…draws audiences of all ages into an amazing world of imagination.” — The Oregonian newspaper.
“Will is a world-class storyteller and master of audience inclusion.” — Joseph Lapidus, Professor Clark County Community College
Presentation Description:
“Spellbound!” — Storyteller William Kennedy Hornyak weaves together a wide web of myths, tales, songs, poems and lore from a variety of Celtic oral traditions in celebration of Samhain, the Celtic New Year. Not to be missed!
Willamette Valley Nomads
Willamette Valley Nomads is an Irish cultural club focused primarily on promoting and playing the sports of Hurling, Camogie, Gaelic Football and Ladies Gaelic Football competing in the Northwest Division of the US Gaelic Athletic Association in association with Gaelic Athletic Association based in Dublin, Ireland. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Learn more here.
Workshop Description:
We plan to showcase the Irish National Sport of Hurling with an interactive opportunity to lift and poc (strike). We also plan to have an indoor exhibit to allow people to ask more questions and see examples of the sport.
Willamette Valley Pipes & Drums
Since 1971, the Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums has been dedicated to a mission of serving our community by providing entertainment through Scottish music, developing the musical abilities of our members, and enjoying the friendship of all those who love our music. Each summer we perform at festivals, parades, graduations, and other events throughout the Willamette Valley, and welcome anyone who is interested in learning to play the pipes or drums to contact us for free lessons. No musical experience is required! Learn more at sites.google.com/view/wvpnd/home/ and www.facebook.com/wvpnd
The band will open the Festival with a march through the hall at 10:15 a.m. Look for them outside and then again inside at about 3:50 p.m. There will be piping for Highland dancers throughout the day.
Meaghan Feeback | Yeates Academy of Irish Dance
Meaghan Feeback began Irish dance classes in 1998 after watching the Riverdance and Lord of the Dance VHS tapes on endless repeat and trying desperately to follow along. Competing for 15 years, she place top 5 in the Western Region, top 25 in North America and traveled to Ireland and Scotland to compete in both teams and sols at the World Championships. After receiving her TCRG teaching accreditation in 2014, she has spent the last several years instructing classes in Salem, Lake Oswego, and Portland.
Founded in 1985 by Dublin native Breda Yeates, The Yeates Academy of Irish Dance is the longest-running Irish dance school in Oregon. With classes in Portland, Lake Oswego, Salem, and Vancouver, WA, the Yeates Academy teaches classes for all ages for recreation, performance, and competition opportunities. Learn more at www.yeatesacademy.com and www.facebook.com/yeatesacademysalem/
Presentation Description:
Join the Yeates Academy for a high-energy tour through all things Irish dance! Intricate soft-shoe and thundering hard shoes will have the whole family clapping along.
Workshop Description:
Learn an Irish Jig! — Curious what a jig is? Always wanted to give it a try? Get ready very early for St. Patrick’s Day? Come kick up your heels and learn a jig! All ages and abilities are welcome.