“Five-Euro Tip” is a Portland area band that was formed in 2003.  Over the years, the size and composition of the group has varied. In 2023 we consist of eight members and currently feature the following instruments: Fiddle, Guitar, Hammered Dulcimer, Marimbula, Button Accordion, Electric Bass, Electric Keyboard, Autoharp, Percussion and occasionally a few other instruments.   We often encourage audience participation at our performances and on many occasions we are joined by local folk dance teacher Janet Trygstad.

Our musical palette includes a variety of styles:

American & International folk dance tunes

Popular songs from various eras

Sing-along and dance-along tunes 

“Five-Euro Tip” has performed at many different venues. These include:

Local Retirement Communities

Family Dances (sponsored by The Portland Country Dance Community) 

Farmers Markets

Community Centers

Public Parks

The Folklife Festival in Seattle

How the band got its name

Many years ago a group of at least fifteen musicians would gather for a bi-monthly jam session at a local Portland pizza parlor. The audience was usually very small and any tips were meager. However, one evening a generous customer left a five Euro bill in the tip jar on the piano.  All of the musicians rejoiced since this currency was worth about ten U.S. dollars at the time.  A few years later some of those musicians formed a performing group and chose the name “Five-Euro Tip”.