Spiral Rhythms has lots of music every year! Final schedule at the gate each year. 2007 Performers Line Up Dana Lyons Bringing together a mix of comedy, ballads and love songs, Dana's sharp wit and beautiful voice have him performing at concert halls, festivals, conventions, fundraiser's and universities across the US and around the world. Dana's music style includes a bit of everything; his biggest radio hit, “Cows With Guns,” receives crossover radio play on country, rock, alternative, community, college and oldies radio stations worldwide. He has eight releases to date, including his latest, “Circle the World: Songs & Stories” with Dr. Jane Goodall (fall, 2004).  photo by Nikk Danny Dolinger Our own self-proclaimed new-age redneck and hillbilly hippy picks a mean guitar, wandering wildly away from the tune, yet always leading right back. Writing most of his own tunes, Danny also covers some great rockin' favorites. His lonesome voice and energetic picking is replete with behind the back solos. Dolinger's work is highly charged politically, but his homespun bluegrass folkism is humane, combining wit and good humor with deep convictions. Jim Page Jim is a lyrical genius with a guitar. This man personifies the word ‘free-flow.’ Page takes to the mic and the song invents itself on the spot; his talent is a natural wonder. Jim has been on the scene for more than twenty years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, and others. His songs have been performed by John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul. Often cited for his biting political pieces he is in constant demand by the social movements of the day. Jim is truly one of the best song writers of our day....the range of his creations is extremely broad and runs the gamut from biting satire to beautiful, sensitive love songs. “Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bringing his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer.” - Bonnie Raitt David Rea David's performances run the gamut from Celtic fingerstyle instrumentals and old-time bluegrass, through cowboy ballads to deep Delta and syncopated Piedmont blues. David's live performances show how his style has ripened and been distilled to the essence of his training in classical music, country, folk and blues. A master storyteller, David captivates audiences with tales of the French River in Canada, legends of western heroes and villains, and commentaries on current events, all laced with humor, poignancy, creating an appeal that cuts across ages and musical boundaries. Treat yourself to some good tunes, sage words, and hot fret-jockey pickin'. Traditional Folk Singer   photo by Nikki "Olympia Blueswoman" Betsy Holt Betsy Holt has sung and strummed blues, jazz and folk music up and down the west coast for over 25 years. Currently living in Olympia, Washington, she has been teaching guitar and other stringed instruments since 1995 and is completing her second CD of original blues songs. In December of 2005, she had the great pleasure and honor of performing Dan Hicks’ song “Reelin’ Down”--with Dan and the Hot Licks singing backup--at the Triple Door in Seattle. This year Betsy is offering a blues workshop for guitar, mandolin and harmonica, loosely based on guitar workshops she developed for the Women and Guitars Conferences in Olympia during the ‘90s. She looks forward to this year, her third time performing at the festival, with her bassist, Lorree Gardener. For more info: www.myspace.com/betsyholt Peg Millett                    Peg Millett is considered a heroine for her unwavering commitment to act against the destruction of the earth's dwindling diversity of plants and animals. In May 1989, she was arrested by the FBI with Dave Foreman, Mark Davis, Ilse Asplund, and Marc Baker in a widely publicized Earth First! sting operation. The 'Arizona 5' were accused of conspiracy to sabotage nuclear power plans, an allegation that was never substantiated. In 1991, the well publicized two month trial was interrupted mid-stream with the announcement of a plea bargain. The charge of sabotage was dropped by Federal prosecutors, as well as charges of vandalism against Canyon Uranium Mine, near the Grand Canyon, and the Central Arizona Project. However, Millett was convicted of "aiding and abetting in the malicious destruction" of ski lift pylons on the San Francisco Peaks, in Northern Arizona, a deed she undertook to protest the desecration of native American sacred lands. She was sentenced to three years in prison. She served without parole and was released in August 1993. photo by Leis Tom May Bigger than Life and with a Hat to match, there is no doubt when Tom takes the stage that this is where I want to be.Toms on stage presentation and musical talent always makes me feel he is singing to me personally from somewhere in the halls of American folk legends past. His wealth of material and musical experience combined with this over friendly outgoing personality make Toms shows among the best you can find anywhere from national festivals to your favorite Irish Pub. photo by Leis   Curtis "King" Chamberlain Curtis "King" Chamberlain plays an amazing array of offbeat musical instruments from washtub base and ukulele to the jug and the saw. Playing with popular acts such as Baby Gramps and Blind Rootin' Hogs, Curtis is one of the most versatile musicians in the Northwest. photo by Nikki   Eugene Johnson Eugene Johnson is a loud mouth crazy Indian who comes to KBOO's airwaves with David Liberty every other Thursday on "Mitakuye Oyasin." He and David also host "Native Nations" on MCTV once a month. Eugene is a Revolutionary without a gun. His mother asked him, "do you have to cuss so much, son?" at the first reading for his first book of poetry, "Tremble In Fear Before the Soft Pudgy Indian." So you know that chubby f*cker has got to be f*cking good! Eugene considers it his life work not only to make people aware of the horrific and beautiful sh*t happening in the world, but also tries to remind one and all that with their own beauty and power, they can change the world. REVOLUTION NOW! Jon Self Jon was born in the small timber community of Curlew Washington.  At the age of 16 Jon's older brother Bruce gave Jon his first guitar and his first guitar lessons. For several years Jon mimicked every guitar song, riff and solo that he could find while composing his first songs and working as a welder. But then tragedy struck. An industrial accident nearly severed Jon's left arm. After several months of intensive physical therapy, Jon discovered that his limited left hand could tap out single notes on the fretboard, while hammering bass notes with his right hand. Determined to play music again, Jon created an entirely new style of playing. Vowing to never again squander his gift, Jon headed to Portland, Oregon and wound up busking on street corners. Soon after arriving in Portland he wandered into an open mic at a popular venue. His music was so stunning that every single person in the room was immediately silenced and riveted by his performance. In response to surrounding compliments, he replied 'Really? I've only been playing out for a few weeks and didn't know if anyone would dig it.'" Soon Jon was running the open mic, doing the sound, and opening for acts like Scott Huckabay. Within less than a year, Jon had released his debut album, "Physical Therapy," and was sharing stages with the likes of Leftover Salmon and The Asylum Street Spankers. Rev. Jordon Feathers Have YOU seen this Man?? Known to Incite Masses into Political Action! Performing Blasphemous Music known to be Offensive to the REGIME! Has been known to keep in the company of: Witches, Heathens, Activists, and other known "RIFF RAFF©"!! Last Seen by Officers in Downtown Portland, Oregon, in a case of Mistaken Identity, for one (1) Michael Scarpitti- AKA: TRE ARROW!!! Political and Socially Sensitive Individuals should approach this Suspect with EXTREME CAUTION!!! Suspect is known to barrage authorities and others with "Logical," "Aware," and "Empowered" Information which could cause Confusion/Disorientation and "REALITY CHECKS"!!! Guitar Playing Singer/Songwriter, Original Songs and Covers of Political, Radical, and Socially Aware Folks Music!!! photos by Leis more to be announced..

2005 Performers

Peg Millet This is a rare northwest appearance for Peg. She shares her beautifully powerful vocals sprinkled with exciting and personal stories from her life as a magickal activist through the west. Dana Lyons Bringing together a mix of comedy, ballads and love songs, Dana's sharp wit and beautiful voice have him performing at concert halls, festivals, conventions, fundraiser's and universities across the US and around the world. Dana's music style includes a bit of everything; his biggest radio hit, “Cows With Guns,” receives crossover radio play on country, rock, alternative, community, college and oldies radio stations worldwide. He has eight releases to date, including his latest, “Circle the World: Songs & Stories” with Dr. Jane Goodall (fall, 2004).  photo by Nikki John Twist The Oregon-based guitar guru has a strong reputation for a keen display of virtuoso fretwork and sophisticated songwriting… A strangely enticing combination of driving Celtic music, sweaty blues, sorrowful mountain music, and joyful pop…"   Spiral Rhythms String Trio photo by Nikki David Rea Traditional Folk Singer photo by Nikki   Claire Bard Claire's voice and music has a unique clarity and beauty. This local singer songwriter is one of Portland's best kept secrets. She has performed and recorded with many well known musicians such as Tracy Grammer and Anne Weiss. And she has backed up several musicians at Spiral Rhythms past such as Peg Millett , Anne Weiss and Danny Dolinger. Claire is a regular attendee at the festival and is very easy to find and hang out with. It is a great pleasure to move her from the late night campfire to the main stage. What a treat. photo by Leis

Tom May Bigger than Life and with a Hat to match, there is no doubt when Tom takes the stage that this is where I want to be.Toms on stage presentation and musical talent always makes me feel he is singing to me personally from somewhere in the halls of American folk legends past. His wealth of material and musical experience combined with this over friendly outgoing personality make Toms shows among the best you can find anywhere from national festivals to your favorite Irish Pub. photo by Leis Good Gaias Sid Brown performs on 6 and 12-string guitars, bouzoukee, oud and banjo. Steve Amdahl provides percussion accompaniment on tabla and doumbek. Their most recent recording is “String Being ReDieu”. The duo offers audiences multi-cultural flavors spiced with American, Greek and Middle-Eastern folk motifs, raga, ragtime, blues, bluegrass and jazz improvisations. Sid Brown has been composing, performing and recording his music for more than 45 years. He gave Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell guitar instruction. He’s made music with Mississippi John Hurt, Del Shannon, Tiny Tim and Mike Bloomfield among others. He studied sarode with Maestro Ali Akbar Khan. Steve Amdahl studied tabla with Zakir Hussain. photo by Nikki   Mike "Yo Ma Ma" Ingalls on the Cello. photo by Nikki Curtis "King" Chamberlain plays an amazing array of offbeat musical instruments from washtub base and ukulele to the jug and the saw. Playing with popular acts such as Baby Gramps and Blind Rootin' Hogs, Curtis is one of the most versatile musicians in the Northwest.  photo by Nikki     Anne Weiss A Portland powerhouse with vocals suggesting a cross between Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, and bluesy guitar chops hinting at Bonnie Raitt. Anne is like 3 singer-songwriters in one.   photo by Nikki

Spyder and Fire Lux - Fire Dancers Extraordinaire! photos by Nikki

!! Downloads for the
Spiral Rhythms Festival !!

2007 Pamphlet (zipped PDF file)
2007 Site Map

Cosponsored by and M.A.G.I.C.