Friday, April 12
Red Cross Blood Drive. Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr. Corvallis. 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To check your eligibility or to make an appointment, contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767, go to redcrossblood.org, or download the Blood Donor App. Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/parksrec/page/red-cross-blood-drive for more info.
Family Storytime. Main Meeting Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Free. Family Storytime is for children of all ages. Storytime is offered year-round as a drop-in program: first come, first served. Space is limited due to the room capacity and to provide a positive, safe environment for all. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Many lasting friendships start at Storytime! Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/family-storytime-15832 for more info.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party. Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, 470 SW 15th Street, Corvallis. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $5, or $15 – $32. Step into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s grocery, where garlands decorate the ceiling, music flows and Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other. Food simmers on the stove, laughter abounds and strangers become friends in this joyous celebration of life. Watch the actors juggle cooking, music and guests in an unfolding drama where no two nights are the same. Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers have reviewers singing their praises and audiences leaping to their feet in appreciation. *2 p.m. showtime is only available on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Visit https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/mrs-krishnan%E2%80%99s-party for more info.
Improv Comedy Night. The Majestic Theatre, 115 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. $16. Join for a wild evening of spontaneous hilarity in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” where your suggestions help create the show. Featuring some of Oregon’s finest improvisers from Portland and the Willamette Valley. Rated: R Visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=231160 for more info.
Singing for Environmental Change: A Conversation with Alexander Lloyd Blake. Detrick Hall, 470 SW 15th Street, Corvallis. 6 p.m. Free. Alexander Lloyd Blake is a conductor, composer/arranger, vocal contractor, singer, and music activist. He is the founding artistic director of Tonality, an award-winning choral ensemble focused on spreading a message of unity, peace and social justice. Tonality’s body of work has addressed many social issues rarely represented in a choral setting, including climate change. Their concert “HomeCare” focused on the climate crisis and included words from young environmental leaders who have spoken about the urgency of action. During this event, Blake will join historian and ethnomusicologist Kelly Bosworth on stage for a conversation about using music as a conduit for environmental awareness and change and social change more broadly. Bosworth is the Horning Assistant Professor of Public History & Popular Music at Oregon State University. The evening following this event, Blake will be back on stage with the Tonality choir for a musical performance focusing on mental health. Visit https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/conversation-alexander-lloyd-blake for more info.
Live Music: Early Fire. Old World Deli, 341 SW 2nd St, Corvallis. 7 p.m. Free. Early Fire will be bringing the Classic Rock hits! Visit https://www.oldworldcenter.com/#Events for more info.
Chamber Music Corvallis: Haerim Liz Lee & David Fung. First Presbyterian Church, 114 SW 8th Street, Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. $35 – $150. Chamber Music Corvallis’ 64th season will take you on a tour around the world and across many centuries, from Scandinavia in the 20th century, to Haydn’s Esterhazy Palace, to Spain, to the underground railroad in the American South, and finally ending in Gershwin’s America. Join Chamber Music Corvallis before each concert for a short presentation beginning at 6:45 p.m. These pre-concert talks are free and open to all with the purchase of a concert ticket. The talks will provide historical and cultural context for the music you’ll hear in the concert with the hope that it will enrich your listening and open up a dialogue about these works. Gershwin: My Time is Today. Anchored in Heifitz’s Gershwin arrangements, and interspersed with William Bolcom, violinist Haerim Liz Lee and her pianist collaborator David Fung juxtapose classical repertoire with contemporary works by living composers and collaborators. Inspired by George Gershwin’s quote, “My people are American, my time is today. Music must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times,” this impassioned performance conveys the timelessness of music throughout the ages. Elizabeth’s playing style indicates her personality: passionate, deliberate, and often witty. She captivates audiences by “leaving them breathless with impeccable phrasing and relevant musicality.” Visit https://chambermusiccorvallis.org/ for more info.
Saturday, April 13
Corvallis Indoor Winter Market. Benton County Fairgrounds, Guerber Hall, 110 SW 53rd Street, Corvallis. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. $40+.The market offers a broad variety of fine quality crafted items from artist drawings to handcrafted jewelry. Locally grown, raised and baked foods and unique art! The food selections are also outstanding! From organically grown vegetables and fruits to artisan baked breads, this weekly market offers a broad selection. Saturdays, through April 13. Visit https://corvalliswintermarket.wordpress.com/about-us/ for more info.
Electric Vehicle Show and Tell. At First Congregational Church Parking Lot, 4215 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Own an EV or E-bike? Thinking of buying one? Community members who are interested in the real-life experiences and benefits of going by electric car, bike, or scooter will be able to see a variety of models and ask questions of local EV owners. This event is sponsored by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Transportation Action Team. Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C5mUxrqPkoO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== & https://sustainablecorvallis.org/ for more info.
Two-Part Mask Making Workshops. Ashbrook Independent School, 4045 SW Research Way, Corvallis. 10 a.m. Free. Enjoy these mask making workshops and create a mask for the Planet Palooza Procession Parade on April 20th! The workshop is co-sponsored by Ashbrook Independent School. The first workshop will consist of constructing a mask and the second will consist of painting and decorating. No experience or materials needed. Children ages 7 and under welcome with parent/guardian supervision. FREE event. Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/parksrec/page/two-part-mask-making-workshops for more info.
Digital Life: Intermediate Google Docs. 2nd Floor Classroom, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Free. Learn intermediate formatting, editing, and sharing skills using Google Docs. Attendees must have basic experience with Google Drive and Google Docs to be successful in this class. Laptops will be provided or attendees may bring their own device. Please bring your Google account login information. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/digital-life-intermediate-google-docs-18238 for more info.
Family Music Fun. Main Meeting Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free. Come sing, clap, move your body to music with Marisa in this interactive music program designed for families with children between the ages of 2 to 10. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/family-music-fun-16800 for more info.
Writing Goals: Starting Your Story– Part 1. 2nd Floor Classroom, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free. Registration for this event will close on April 6, 2024 @ 1:00pm. Allowed Ages: Over 18 and up. Many people say they want to write a book, but very few take the first step. Why? Often it’s because they don’t know what the first step is! In Writing Goals: Starting Your Story Author Accelerator certified book coach Erin Radniecki will walk participants through a tool to begin converting their ideas into words on the page and finally begin writing their story. This first week of this workshop will provide instruction and a worksheet to help you understand: where to direct your energy as you flesh out your idea, how to be market savvy from the start, and what the number one overlooked step is for new writers. In week two on April 13 from 1-2:30 you’ll bring your completed worksheet and have a chance to ask questions, receive coaching from Erin, and learn the next steps for taking your idea forward. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/writing-goals-starting-your-story-part-2-18137 for more info.
Día del los Niños Celebration (Children’s Day). Youth Activity & Main Meeting Rooms, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free. Join us for a Día del los Niños Celebration at the Library! Día del los Niños, Children’s Day, is an annual tradition in Mexico. Libraries have added to the tradition with Día del Libro, Book Day, to celebrate and encourage children’s literacy through diverse books and languages. Our festivities this year include: Lotería (Spanish Bingo), free Spanish book giveaway (K-8th), piñata or bookmark craft, bocadillos (snacks), music, a photobooth, and resource tables! (CLU & CLMC) Celebra con nosotros el Día de los Niños en la Biblioteca! El Día de los Niños es una tradición anual de México que se celebra el 30 de abril de cada año. El Día de los Niños es una fecha conmemorativa que se celebra anualmente en honor a los niños y cuya fecha de celebración varía según el país. Las bibliotecas de los EE.UU. han tomado el día del niño de México y lo han convertido en un evento mixto (Día del Libro) que celebra a los niños y la literatura con el propósito de fomentar la alfabetización a través de diversos libros e idiomas. Nuestras festividades incluirán cómo hacer una piñata, obsequio de libros, feria de recursos y música para toda la familia. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/dia-del-ninodia-del-libro-childrens-daybook-day-18145 for more info.
2nd Saturday: Collaborative Collage Poetry Wall. The Art Center – Main Gallery, 700 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Free. All ages welcome. Drop by TAC during this month’s 2nd Saturday to contribute to our community made poetry wall installation in The Art Center’s Corrine Woodman Gallery! Acrylic markers, chalk pastels, decorative paper, newspaper/magazine cut outs, and more will be used to construct a living wall of poetry! Visit https://theartscenter.net/event/2nd-saturday-21/ for more info.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party. Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, 470 SW 15th Street, Corvallis. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $5, or $15 – $32. Step into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s grocery, where garlands decorate the ceiling, music flows and Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other. Food simmers on the stove, laughter abounds and strangers become friends in this joyous celebration of life. Watch the actors juggle cooking, music and guests in an unfolding drama where no two nights are the same. Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers have reviewers singing their praises and audiences leaping to their feet in appreciation. *2 p.m. showtime is only available on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Visit https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/mrs-krishnan%E2%80%99s-party for more info.
Watercolor & Design-Family. Tunison Community Center, 365 SW Tunison Ave., Corvallis. 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free. This class is an introduction to the basic tools and techniques of the lovely and luminous medium of watercolor. Participants will learn about the importance of drawing, planning, and composition (design). Participants will practice techniques of brushwork, edge control, and blending. Color mixing, value contrast and basic color theory will be discussed and demonstrated. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Visit https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/corvparksandrecreation/activity/search/detail/45415?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true for more info.
24th Annual Youth Poetry Celebration: Poetry Reading. The Art Center, 700 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis. 4 p.m. Free. The 24th annual Youth Poetry Celebration returns to being on exhibit in the Corrine Woodman Gallery at The Arts Center. All young poets living in Linn and Benton Counties, grades K-12, were invited to participate. Youth poets from each age group will be invited to a live poetry reading on April 15, 2023. Every participant receives a participation certificate and cash prize. Visit https://theartscenter.net/annual-youth-poetry-celebration/ for more info.
Havana Nights at Common Fields- Second Saturday Salsa Soiree. Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 5:30 – 10 p.m. Free. It’s salsa night at Common Fields! Come warm up with some tropical tunes at Havana Nights. A mix of Salsa, bachata, merengue, and other favorites will be playing from 6 – 10 p.m. There will be dancing, rain or shine. We will be offering a free salsa class from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., followed by salsa dancing the rest of the evening. DJ Rumbanana will be spinning the hottest salsa fro m7 p.m. – 10 p.m.! Food and drink specials will be available as well as festive décor! Visit https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html for more info.
Live Music: Jazz WRX Trio. Old World Deli, 341 SW 2nd St, Corvallis. 7 p.m. Free. Jazz cats, Jazz WRX Trio back at the Old World Deli! Visit https://www.oldworldcenter.com/#Events for more info.
Tonality Chior, You are Not Alone. Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, 470 SW 15th Street, Corvallis. 7 p.m. $25 – $33. Directed by Alexander Lloyd Blake, the Los Angeles-based vocal ensemble Tonality creates gorgeous concerts focusing on issues rarely present in choral music. At PRAx, Tonality takes on the topic of mental health awareness. A pre-concert program puts the spotlight on community and OSU mental health providers. This evening is dedicated to them. Visit https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/tonality for more info.
Corvallis Comedy Night with Tom Thakkar. The Majestic Theatre, 115 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. $16. WARNING: This show will contain adult language. No one under 18 will be admitted. Tom Thakkar is both an expert stand-up and a stand-up expert. So much so, that when Comedy Central needed someone to host and curate a podcast featuring clips from their multi-decade archive, he is the man they called. Originally from Bloomington, Indiana, Thakkar cut his teeth in the New York club scene with a style inspired by such observational comedy legends as Jerry Seinfeld and Tom Papa. Since then, he has gone on to perform his meticulously-crafted bits everywhere from The Tonight Show to Conan to Comedy Central, and we could not be more excited to welcome him to Corvallis! Visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=7&p=5 for more info.
Sunday, April 14
Live Music: Sunday Brunch with Karl Smiley. Old World Deli, 341 SW 2nd St, Corvallis. 10 a.m. Free Karl Smiley is back at the Deli for your Sunday brunch from 10am-noon. Visit https://www.oldworldcenter.com/#Events for more info.
Queervallis Drag Brunch: Haus of Dharma – Birthday Brunch. The Bière Library, 151 NW Monroe Ave, Suite 102, Corvallis. 11 a.m. $10 cover. Join for Haus of Dharma’s Queervallis Drag Brunch: Birthday Brunch (18+) at The Bière Library. Doors at 10 a.m., show at 11 a.m. $10 cover; $2 off w/student ID. Hosted by: Frisky Macpherson & Retunia Rufflbottom with Special Guests: Honey Jinx Galore & Olivia Obscene. Visit https://thebierelibrary.com/event/2024-04-14/haus-of-dharma-birthday-brunch for more info.
Table Top Game Day. Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free. Common Fields is open Sundays! If you are playing games on Sundays at Common Fields, you get a $1.00 off your beverage. Swing by and meet up to play D&D, Magic the Gathering, or a good old board game. Visit https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html for more info.
Taller de Representación Legal (Legal Representation Workshop). Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, 2638 NW Jackson Ave., Corvallis. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO) workshop; come learn with us about ECO and how to qualify. ECO ofrece representación gratuita legal a inmigrantes elegibles en oregon en la lucha contra la deportacion o la exclusión cívica debido a su estatus migratorio. ECO offers FREE legal representation to eligible immigrants in Oregon in the fight against deportation or civic exclusion due to their immigration status. Visit https://cmlcenter.networkforgood.com/events/69452-taller-de-representaci-n-legal-legal-representation-workshop for more info.
Mid-Valley Bellydance Collective. Old World Deli, 341 SW 2nd St, Corvallis. 6 p.m. Free. Mid-Valley Bellydance Collective at the Old World Deli! 6pm! Visit https://www.oldworldcenter.com/#Events for more info.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party. Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, 470 SW 15th Street, Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. $5, or $15 – $32. Step into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s grocery, where garlands decorate the ceiling, music flows and Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other. Food simmers on the stove, laughter abounds and strangers become friends in this joyous celebration of life. Watch the actors juggle cooking, music and guests in an unfolding drama where no two nights are the same. Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers have reviewers singing their praises and audiences leaping to their feet in appreciation. *2 p.m. showtime is only available on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Visit https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/mrs-krishnan%E2%80%99s-party for more info.
Monday, April 15
City of Corvallis City Council Executive Session. 5 p.m. Downtown Fire Station: Council Chambers, 400 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. The Council will meet in Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(h) (status of pending litigation or litigation likely to be filed). Executive SessionsThe City Council meets in executive session to discuss sensitive matters or receive information. These executive sessions usually deal with real property transactions, litigation, or labor negotiations; other allowed subjects would include employment of a public officer, dismissal or disciplining of a public officer, preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade, employment performance of the chief executive officer, or negotiations regarding public investments. Although the public may not attend executive sessions, representatives of the news media may attend and, while information obtained during the session may not be printed, it may be used as background. Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/city-council-executive-session-77 for more info.
City of Corvallis Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Downtown Fire Station: Council Chambers, 400 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend City Council meetings. This meeting will be held in-person and virtually. The public may register to watch the meeting live on the internet via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__beeGHMzQV6r3MNNLpHTEA. Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/city-council-meeting-91 for more info.
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com