Take 5's - Portland Folkmusic Society

HomeTake 5's

Take 5's

Over the past year, PFS member Kevin Nordlie has conducted a series of five-question interviews with musicians, ranging from up-and-coming to well-known. The musicians span many genres and are facing different challenges (although all of them mention Covid!) What they have in common is a love of performing, and a willingness to share about it.

The interviews are all available in Local Lore, of course, but these are so good that we thought you might like to have direct access to them in one spot.

Big thanks to Kevin, and to the participating musicians. What local or regional musician would you like to see profiled in Local Lore? Send your suggestions to LocalLore@PortlandFolkMusic.org.

Jenner Fox

Jenner Fox is a young talented Californian who has migrated to Sisters Oregon. He speaks fondly of traveling to gigs around the Bay Area on his bike, and still thinks that's the best way to get around. In this conversation, he also talks about his work with Cassiopedia Academy for Music Performance and Songwriting (C.A.M.P.S.), where a group of high school students worked intensively to write, arrange and perform original songs. To read more about Jenner, click here.

John McCutcheon

If there is such a thing as a folk superstar, then John McCutcheon belongs in that category. He has recorded 40 albums, plays a half dozen instruments well, and has influenced countless singers and musicians not only through his music, but through the many camps and workshops he has taught at. He is frank and generous in sharing about his life and his work in this interview. Click here.

Gothard Sisters

Here's an interview with fascinating women who started out as a classical violin trio and evolved into a Celtic Folk band! Among other things, they talk about their 20-city tour of Japan, right before the pandemic. Click here.

David Jacobs-Strain

Jacobs-Strain is both a performer and a producer, and he shares about evolving from street singer to full time performer. He loves recording and producing, and you'll get a little taste of that process from this interview. Click here.

Mary Flower

So many of us know Mary Flower and her music, and her wonderful guitar playing. In this short interview, she shares about teaching courses during the pandemic, and about recording in Portland. Click here.

Shanna In A Dress

For the very first interview, Kevin spoke with 2020 Kerrville New Folk winner Shanna in a Dress, who talks about her upcoming cross-country bike tour, being a musician in times of COVID, and what she likes about Portland. Click here.