Scandinavian groups perform in the Midwest

Seven concerts and four different Scandinavian groups are performing in Rush City, North Branch, and Chisago City in June and July.  

  • The trio Bjärv performs June 20 in Rush City on nyckelharpa, guitar, and fiddle.
  • Most of the performances are made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Sponsors are We R Able, the North Chisago Historical Society, the Rush City Community Center, Vitalize! Studios of Art and the We R Able support group.
    The Scandinavian Saxophone Quartet makes a return tour and will do two performances at 2 p.m. on June 19 at the Chisago County Senior Center in North Branch, and 11 a.m. on June 21 at the Vitalize! Studios of Art at Point Pleasant Heights in Chisago City. The musicians have advanced music degrees and perform in the Swedish military bands.
    Bjärv, a word that is the combination of "wolverine" and "bear" in Swedish, is a trio with nyckelharpa, guitar and fiddle with vocals. It is a high-energy group that performs traditional folk music and tunes created for the ancient Swedish instrument, the keyed fiddle. Bjärv performs at 10:30 a.m. on June 20 at the Rush City Community Center. Audience members may choose to register for lunch following the music.
    Art Bjorngjeld performs a mixture of old-time and Scandinavian tunes on the button box accordion and fiddle at the North County Coffee shop at the North Branch Outlet Mall on Thursday, June 27. A meal begins at 5 with music at 6 p.m. Pre-registration is needed.
    Troubadour Joel Karlsson gives three concerts in the region. He hails from northern Sweden, teaches guitar, and sings visor (folk songs). Audiences can find him at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the Vitalize! Studios of Art, Point Pleasant Heights, in Chisago City, Tuesday, July 2, at the Rusheba Town Hall in Rush City. A potluck supper begins at 7 with music following. On Wednesday afternoon he performs at 2 p.m. at the Chisago County Senior Center in North Branch. Coffee and refreshments follow.
    All are welcome to attend. For more information call (320) 358-1220.