Harp Circles
Welcome to our harp circle section! A harp circle is a gathering of harp players who meet regularly to share music with each other. The program varies from circle to circle, but in general, a harp circle is a good place to learn new music and skills, meet other players, see different types of harps, and become more comfortable with public performing.
Below is a list of Pacific Northwest harp circles, starting from way up north and heading south. If your group would like to be listed, please send your information to info@reigningharps.com.
Dear Readers: Due to Coronavirus, many harp circles stopped meeting for a time, some may have disbanded. Former information has been retained if we have not heard current specifics. Contact organizer named for further information.
Juneau AK. Juneau’s Seatone Harpers meet every Thursday at 5 pm and Saturdays (ad lib) at 12:30 p.m. Music is shared; all levels are welcome (visiting harpers from southern climes are also welcome). Contact Patty at xoots@yahoo.com or Judy at dregan@alaska.net for details.
Skagit Valley WA. The Skagit Valley Harp Circle meets monthly, usually on the last Sunday of the month, in homes in Oak Harbor, Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon. For more information, contact Pat at edwa.lapa@gmail.com .
Snohomish County WA. Snohomish County harpers typically meet monthly at members home in the greater Everett area. Organizer Cheryl Grohn says “We play together usually on weekends. We are active with volunteer gigs with a group we’ve named Cara Harp Ensemble, which you are welcome to join but never pressured. We welcome players at every level.” For more information, e-mail Cheryl at Cherylg@aol.com or call 425-327-5649.
Bothell WA. Meeting in person again! The Pacific Northwest Wire Harp Circle meets bi-monthly; wire-strung harp players of all levels are invited to join in. For more information or details on the next meeting, contact Nan at nan@twelfthmonth.org.
Mountlake Terrace WA. Meeting in person again! The Third Sunday Harp Circle meets at the Mountlake Terrace Library (just north of Seattle, just off the freeway) on the Third Sunday of the month, 2-4:30 pm. All levels of harp playing and all styles of harp are welcome. Tunes are shared, beginners are encouraged, solo playing is much appreciated but never required. Contact Diane at mdianem@seanet.com for details and directions.
East of Lake WA. Meeting in person again! The Eastside Harp Circle offers an alternative to weekend gatherings by meeting monthly on a weekday. Currently traveling between various eastside locations. Please check in advance for location, time, and details with Anna Jenkins at peaceharp@hotmail.com.
Spokane WA. There is a harp circle in Spokane which generally meets monthly; for further information please contact Lyndee at crslms@comcast.net.
Olympia WA. Meeting in person again! The Olympia Harp Circle is now meeting on the 4th Saturday of the month, from 1 to 3:30 pm, at the Tumwater Timberland Library, 7023 New Market Street in Tumwater WA 98501. If you are interested in attending a friendly harp get-together, please contact organizer Jean Stewart at jeanmstewart@comcast.net or 360-943-0164 for details.
Vancouver WA/Portland OR. There are periodic harp gatherings in the Vancouver/Portland area; for details, contact Jennifer at Lyrica@comcast.net or 360-693-4715.
Vancouver WA/Portland OR. Back on Location!!! + On-line. Vancouver WA/Portland OR Harp Circle meets the fourth Friday of every month at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver WA. Group tunes, individual tunes and/or songs, creative expression, and a great time! Welcome to all ability levels, from 10 am-12 pm Pacific Time. Contact Donita at donita_andrews@yahoo.com.
Portland OR. Meeting Third Saturdays: Harps at Artichoke, 2007 SE Powell Blvd., Portland OR. 12-1:30 pm. Play-along tune book on site, solos most welcome. Come enjoy harp company in Artichoke’s cozy cafe, a fabulous community music making space, led by established harpist Tracey Rose Brown. $5-10 facility fees. For more info contact Tracey at Tbharpsong@gmail.com.
Montana. Our friends to the east have an active harp society and have divided their large state into three sections for the purposes of harp circles; West (meeting in Missoula), Central (meeting in Montana City), and East (meeting in Billings). For more information, see their Events page at www.bigskyharpsociety.org.
Mt. Angel OR. The Mt. Angel Harp Circle is on hiatus until further notice.
Eugene OR. Eugene Harp Circle — “Would you like to join in on the fun? There’s a place in the Harp Circle for everyone. If you’re a beginner, you are welcome. You can play simple chords until you are ready for more. If you are comfortable reading music, you can play the music with one or both hands. Anyone wanting practice “performing” can offer to play solo for the group but no one is ever required to do so. Allegra Bel Embley, local harper/harpist/teacher, is generously offering her time and talent to run the Harp Circle. Christine Sauer is helping with admin. We meet once a month. If you’re interested or just curious, please email both of us. We’ll get back to you with the details. Christine Sauer christinecsauer@gmail.com; Allegra Bel Embley allegrabel@labellaharp.com.”
Willamette Valley OR. Willamette Valley Folk Harp Circle — We play and lightly feast the 3rd Sunday of every month. You and your harp are invited. Remember, there’s never pressure to play solo. For info, email Mary at marydemocker@gmail.com or call 541-683-8837.
Ashland OR. Rogue Valley Harpers hosts a monthly harp circle in the Ashland area. For times and locations, contact Kathleen at rosiesam@opendoor.com or Linnae at gems@coldreams.com.
Chico CA. The Northern California Harp Ring has a monthly circle the first Sunday of each month and also sponsors harp workshops and retreats. For more information contact Janice at celticharper@sbcglobal.net or 530-893-8026.
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