Don Anderson – Genealogist

As an adoptee, Don wondered about his birth parents. In 1995, He began searching for his birth mother, and reunited with her in January, 2001.  She passed away in 2007 without revealing the name of his birth father and began the next leg of his journey in 2013.  The mystery was solved in October, 2015, as DNA testing revealed who Don’s father was.

Since confirming his father’s identity, Don has assisted forty-three other individuals in successfully finding their birth fathers/families.  Don currently is a Project Administrator for Family Tree DNA. His story has been featured in numerous publications and on Radio and is in demand as a speaker with genealogical societies and cultural festivals in Oregon and Washington.

Currently, his presentation, ‘Who’s hiding in your genes?’ explores ways to solve genealogical mysteries using DNA testing. 

Don is a native Oregonian. He is married to Diana, and they are the parents of four children, and fifteen grandchildren.  He is a vocal coach, sung professionally, Artistic Director of the Conchords Chorale, and Founder of the Rose City Sing Off competition for High School Acapella groups.

Don’s book, “Paper and Spit: Family Found: How DNA and Genealogy Revealed the Identity of My First parents” was released in 2017 and is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Biddy on the Bench

Consisting of fiddle, guitar, Irish pipes, flute, and voices both powerful and poignant, Portland folk quartet Biddy on the Bench has been helping share the music and history of people from the Celtic nations, England, and The United States for nearly a decade.  Maeve Cotter and Kevin Grgurich bring harmony and humor to traditional and contemporary folk songs. The two share their vocal talents and their historical knowledge of songs in the Irish, Gaelic, Breton, and Welsh languages as well as flaunt their ability to deftly corrupt the English language.  Casey Dyer and Trevor Cormack supply the rich timbre of Irish pipe and fiddle to accompany a ballad or incite some toe tapping with a quick tune. All these elements come together in a dynamic repertoire ranging from ballads and pipe airs to pub classics and jigs.

Casey, Kevin and Maeve met in the winter of 2013. Each promptly recognized their shared passion in the others and began performing at pubs and small venues around Portland.  In 2017, Trevor moved to Portland and quickly added his fiddle to the developing sound of the band.  Although he has never been asked to join, Trevor contends that he has never been asked to leave either.  Past members have included Nick Fry (guitar and vocal, 2013-2019), and Tristan Cormack (bouzouki and accordion, 2016-2021).  Biddy on the Bench has performed for audiences at festivals across the northwest and enjoys performing a diverse and ever-expanding set of tunes and songs for anyone who can sing, hum, clap, or stomp along.

The Katie Jane Band

High-speed Celtic fiddling meets rich vocal harmonies as the energetic Katie Jane Band takes the stage. Featuring Katie Jane Lubiens, known as “Portland’s hottest fiddler,” and her dynamic acoustic band. Described as “the most fun you’ll ever have with traditional Celtic fiddle music,” the band blends Irish, Scottish, and French Canadian folk music with Katie Jane’s original compositions to create a one-of-a-kind sound that is an explosion of energy and joy. The band’s obvious love for the music shines through each toe-tapping performance, uplifting their listeners and leaving them wanting more.

The Katie Jane Band tours the US performing at Scottish Highland Games, Celtic festivals, theaters, and intimate concert venues, and they love spreading the joy of Celtic music with listeners of all ages. Their brand new album “I Fly” (2024) is receiving rave reviews from listeners worldwide, and can be purchased or streamed on all music services and at their next live performance. Come see for yourself why audiences can’t get enough of the Katie Jane Band, “Portland’s hottest Celtic fiddle band!”

Men of Worth

The folk-music duo, Men of Worth, was formed by James Keigher (Ireland) and Donnie Macdonald (Scotland) in 1986.  Both exiles, it was through the Celtic music scene in Southern California that James and Donnie first met, and within a couple of years a partnership developed that was simultaneously serious and fun.    

Geographical changes now find James and Donnie living in Southern Oregon and Northern California respectively. Whilst remaining true to their Gaelic roots, Men of Worth have successfully evolved as entertainers.   Success breeds success, and a natural progression toward education and travel has sealed an exciting and pioneering era for the versatile duo.    

Together Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with their varied selection of instruments. They have a very simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and story. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads.  

Men of Worth are an international act, and have earned much respect and success in over thirty years of touring together. Cultural presentations in Schools have received rave reviews by students and teachers alike. Performing concerts and festivals, with twelve albums to their credit, Men of Worth continue the very tradition from which they’ve evolved.  

Donnie Macdonald comes from the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebridean Islands off the west coast of Scotland.  Writing tunes and original songs in both his first language, Gaelic and in English, Donnie presents the music from his native Scotland with passion and humour.  Donnie performs on vocals, octave mandolin, tenor banjo, concertina, and bodhran. 

James Keigher comes from Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland.  He is a singer, writer and collector of traditional and contemporary folk music.  James was raised in Charlestown, a small rural community setting, steeped in traditional music and stories.  He performs on vocals, guitar, mando-cello, and bodhran.

Possibly Irish

Possibly Irish is a dynamic west coast Irish band from the Willamette Valley known for high energy, entertaining shows with their own touch of humor and rich vocal harmonies. Expect to hear traditional foot stomping Irish/Celtic pub songs, modern Irish songs, and originals. The band blends the rich traditions of Celtic music with beautiful vocal harmonies, creating a fusion of energy and emotion that captivates audiences. With a six-member lineup, the richness of their performances is enhanced not only by the diverse age and background of their performers, but also by a diverse array of instruments, including but not limited to the Irish whistle, Irish flute, fiddle, Bodhran drum, djembe,small pipes, mandolin, accordion, hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo, harmonica and more. 
Possibly Irish was formed 9 years ago by the band’s oldest member, Susan, after returning from Ireland. The band now has a steady daily gig at Enchanted Forest during the summer season along with performing at numerous festivals, concerts, pubs, and private events. Possibly Irish has been the headliner for several Highland Games and Celtic festivals and left a lasting impression at the Tolowa Events Center in California when they played on the DNACCA concert series. The band considers itself very lucky to have been one of the few bands able to continue recording and performing during Covid. Possibly Irish enjoys posting a variety of music videos on YouTube and has recorded 4 CDs.

Fiddle in the Forrest

A Fiddle in the Forest is a lively Celtic Bluegrass Folk Band from the Pacific Northwest. Champion Scottish Fiddlers, Tessa and Mae bring Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes, beautiful vocal harmonies, pub songs, sea shanties, 60’s folk tunes and fun, upbeat Bluegrass music to your ears. Irish Dance Championship dancers, Colton and Greysen bring a combination of step dancing and traditional Irish drumming. Get your feet tapping and hands clapping with this family band!

The AML Trio

The trio Adams, Martin & Linahon are a hard strumming, foot stomping Celtic folk band from the Oregon Coast. With a show from the AML trio, you’ll be treated to vocal harmonies telling tales of old accompanied by a number of lively traditional instruments. Irish bouzouki, tin whistle, bodhran drum, banjo and more set the stage for stories of the Celtic nations. Hear crowd favorites, songs of the Scottish Highlands, sea shanties alongside folk tunes new and old. Come out and join us for a unique and wildly entertaining performance!

Oregon Old Time Fiddler’s Band

The Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association is a nonprofit organization with representation across the nation. As our motto states, the organization is dedicated to the perpetuation and promotion of Oldtime music. Oldtime music is loosely defined as that played on traditional instruments dating from the first half of the 20th century and earlier. Many of the tunes we play date from the 18th century and even earlier.

The Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association is over fifty years old. We publish a monthly newsletter, The Hoedowner that is distributed to our members via email or postal mail. The organization is subdivided into ten districts, and the performers today are from District 7.

Each district elects a governing board of officers and schedules business meetings for the members, monthly jam sessions, and performances at various locations around the district.