Raise Your Voice

With just two weeks to before the Left Coast Eisteddfod launches in Portland , Oregon we are inviting all our members, friends , readers and supporters to come and raise your voice with Chris Needs and Bruce Anderson at the Crystal Ballroom on the 22nd August. The Left Coast eisteddfod will be the first of an annual series of American Welsh events in Portland and will also be the biggest event of its kind on the West coast in 2009.

We are also appealing for last minute funds to boost our poster and flier campaigns for the event. Thousands of fliers and posters have already been distributed in the Portland area but we dont want to slacken the pace in the last few weeks before the event. We are looking for donations small and large. Five bucks, ten bucks...any amount is welcome, and remember if you are a U.S. citizen , The Meriwether Lewis Memorial Eisteddfod Foundation is now a 501c3 so your donation can be claimed against your taxes. To donate just click on the 'Donate' button in the right hand column on any page on the site.

Some Random Facts About the Left Coast Eisteddfod

The 'Portland lovespoon' a beautiful and historic artefact will be on display at the Eisteddfod and and will be presented to the winner of our prize draw at the event. What better way to commemeorate this event than to take home this unique work of art generously donated by master lovespoon carver David Western.

There will be presentations by Welsh authors Chris Keil and Niall Griffiths including readings, Q&A sessions and book signings. You can find interviews with both authors here and here.

Musical entertainment at our evening shows will be provided by a host of local and international bands and entertainers:- Jesus Presley, Chris Needs, Western Aerial, Bruce Anderson , The Slimjims, Runaway Norm, Oceans Apart, Tyler Stenson.

Several movies will be shown including a premiere of Ifan Huw Dafydd's "Wales: Two Heroes And Treasures" and the US premiere of Chris Needs "The Jenkins's's's's's"

ALL WELCOME! COME AND CELEBRATE THE AMERICAN WELSH HERITAGE AT THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM ON THE 21st-22nd AUGUST.