Summer sound off Comments
OSU Summer Term noon has been presenting a FREE Wednesday noon-hour concert series since 1989. In the early days the series was local folk music groups, but this year it will have a somewhat broader range of music. The 2009 concerts will run from June 24 to August 12 and take place on the brick courtyard near the OSU Bookstore or if it rains, in the OSU Memorial Union Lounge.
JUNE 24 -The Severin Sisters
The Severin Sisters have been entertaining audiences throughout the Northwest since 2001. They play American Roots music with a bit of bluegrass to highlight their instrumental abilities. Heidi was awarded second place in the National Mandolin Championship in 2002 and Amy has received awards playing her treasured 1934 banjo. Both sisters sing lead or vocal harmony.
Amy and Heidi Severin are twins that both graduated from OSU in 2007 with music degrees and are currently teaching music in the Salem public schools. They both write songs and tunes and have collaborated in creating new songs for their three CDs. They are actively performing and recording music in the roots/bluegrass tradition.
Amy started on guitar but couldn’t resist the banjo. She is accomplished at both the old-time frailing style and three-finger style picking. Amy has been influenced by players like Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs, Alison Brown, and Scott Vestal, but she has developed her own distinct style. In addition to her proficiency on the guitar and banjo, Amy also plays the cello. She has been a member of school and community orchestras for about ten years.
Heidi began playing the mandolin at age ten and was soon competing and winning contests. In 1999 Heidi won the Oregon State Mandolin Contest. Her smooth style and hard-driving chops brought her to Winfield, Kansas, in 2002 where she placed second in the prestigious National Mandolin Championship.
Heidi has also studied classical violin techniques for many years and participated in numerous music festivals playing baroque, classical, and jazz pieces. She has been a member of school and community orchestras for over ten years. During these years she also refined old-time, Scottish, and Celtic fiddle playing. She is now focusing her fiddle skills on learning swing style playing.
Upcoming concerts:
July 1 – True North
Northwest indie-grass quartet True North combines traditional bluegrass instrumentation with soulful vocals, fat harmonies and folk-edged songwriting for a decidedly modern acoustic sound. True North’s tight and careful arrangements can be alternately big and wild, tender and deliberate. Their high energy and abundant skill deliver unforgettable performances, with heart-pounding instrumentals and plenty of three-part harmonies that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
July 8 – Maharimbas
The Maharimbas play African and Caribbean traditional music, plus originals and arrangements of contemporary music, on marimbas and percussion. Their African and Caribbean Dance Rhythms will make you want to put your whole body in motion. Recently back following a music cultural exchange with Corvallis Sister City Uzhgorod, Ukraine, the Maharimbas are beginning their 23rd year as a band!
July 15 – The Flow
The Flow is an original rock band based in Corvallis, Oregon. Their songs blend the lyricism and complexity of acoustic folk with the power and passion of rock. Rita Brown (vocals, keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars) and Bill Smyth (lead guitar) performed as a folk duo for several years and recorded two successful indie CDs. Don Thorp (vocals and drums) and Mike Grattan (bass) were half of the acclaimed hard rock band Knockout John. Members of The Flow have also played with popular local acts Fate 55, Crooked Kate, Mad Dogs and No Englishmen, 49 Fingers, and the Neal Gladstone Band.
July 22 – Three Fingered Jack
With an unbridled love for their music, Corvallis-based Three Fingered Jack taps into the deep roots of the Celtic world. They are known for driving dance sets punctuated by proud and clear traditional ballads, tightly harmonized waltzes, and the occasional drinking song. Three Fingered Jack weaves together the accents of Ireland, Scotland, New England, and Appalachia, making them all ring true in the rich green dialect of The Oregon rain.
July 29 – Painted Grey
Painted Grey is an acoustic rock band based out of Portland, Oregon. Since the spring of 2008 when the band initially began, Painted Grey has established a strong, full, progressive rock sound. The collaboration of each individual’s unique and original parts seamlessly blend together, creating a passionate and approachable sound that anyone can relate too.
Band Members: Caleb – Vocals and Guitar, Deanna – Vocals and Keys, Andrew – Guitar, Anthony – Bass, Paul – Drums
Aug. 5 – The Pan Gypsies
This Steel Drum Band was born out of the desire of four local musicians to bring the lively steel drum rhythms of Trinidad’s soca and calypso music to the Portland, Oregon area. The band performs the traditional upbeat Carnival music of Trinidad and Tobago, and rounds out this theme with better-known tropical and Latin favorites.
August 12 – Deadwood Revival
Jason Mogi frails out an amazing claw-hammer style banjo, Kim Trenerry provides country-style rhythm guitar and they combine for an impeccable vocal blend. They have added bassist Ches Ferguson and fierce fiddler, Julie Campbell to fill out their mix of foot-stomping hoe-down…. imaginative, cleverly arranged covers… and original tunes. It works well. They won the 2009 Peoples Choice Award at the Florence Folk Festival on the Oregon coast.
For additional information on the series contact Dick Thies at 753-8307 or click here.
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