Enjoy access to the whole stämma on Friday and Saturday, including all performances and dances. Workshops not included.

Accompaniment in Scandinavian folk music w/ Sebastian Bloch

Friday, June 12th

Session #1 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Location: TBD

Tension and release will be the primary themes of these workshops. Across all musical levels – melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic – the concepts of tension and release are highly useful tools for shaping and approaching accompaniment. When accompanying traditional melodies, one can choose either to follow the melody closely or to introduce elements that pull it slightly in another direction. For instance, this can be done harmonically through reharmonization, rhythmically through the use of polyrhythms, and melodically by adding second voices and countermelodies.

In the first workshop, we will focus on creating accompaniment that is closely tied to the melody. 

In the second workshop, we will explore ways of expanding the music by introducing ideas that are informed by the melody but lead it in new directions.

Melody Playing in Scandinavian Folk Music w/ Emma Kragh-Elmøe

Friday, June 12th

Session #2 from 2:30 - 4:00 PM

Location: TBD

Phrasing and “twin fiddling” will be the central themes of this workshop. As a classical/folk crossover violinist, I have spent a lot of time exploring how to blend the best of
both worlds into contemporary Scandinavian folk music. In the first workshop, we will learn a Scandinavian tune. As we become familiar with the melody, we will focus on tone quality, groove, bowing, and leading a melody with intention. In the second workshop, we will expand on this by focusing on how to accompany the melody in various ways as a melody player – from a simple, groovy accompaniment to a contrasting second harmony that supports the top line and fills in the gaps.

This workshop is especially suitable for string players, and melody players on all instruments are warmly welcome.

FREE WORKSHOP: Music of the Midwest Non-Scandinavian Dance Floor w/ Walter Sigtermans

Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Friday, June 12th

Location: TBD

Iva Andrus Dingwall was born in Elk River, Minnesota, and later became a longtime resident of Superior, Wisconsin, where she was a respected violin teacher. In 1953, she wrote a detailed article describing how her father, DeWitt Andrus, played fiddle for dances in Elk River during the 1880s. Recordings also exist of Iva playing the music she learned directly from her father.

While Scandinavian communities in the region were dancing schottisches, polkas, and hambos, this music represents what non-Scandinavian dancers, often referred to as “Yorkers,” were dancing to at the time. This workshop will explore the lives of Iva and her father DeWitt, include readings from her vivid descriptions of early dances, and feature hands-on playing of the tunes themselves. We will also discuss how this musical tradition made its way to Minnesota.

Workshop: Dance like a pro in 2-4 time w/ Elise Peters (Dance)

Time: 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Friday, June 12th

Location: TBD

During this workshop led by Elise Peters, students will focus on the steps and variations to get out on the dance floor when bands play schottis, polkett, and snoa. If you can walk, you can find success with these dances. 

Workshop: 3 beats and 2 feet - right in the line of direction w/ Elise Peters (Dance)

Time: 2:30 - 4:00 PM

Friday, June 12th

Location: TBD

Elise Peters will teach the basic turning step principles and apply to Polska, Hambo, Pols, Sonderhoning and more so that you can get on the dance floor and have fun. Smooth soled shoes recommended. 

Workshop: Nordic Piano Accordion w/ Dan Newton

Time: 2:30 - 4:00 PM

Location: TBD

Get some licks and tricks for playing Scandinavian tunes on piano accordion from Dan "Daddy Squeezebox" Newton.

Dan "Daddy Squeeze" Newton has been playing offbeat accordion music since 1987, when he won the Nebraska State Accordion Contest at the Czech Festival in Wilber, Nebraska. He has used the squeeze box for playing all kinds of music not normally associated with free-reed instruments, as well as standard accordion material.

Dan enjoys mixing up styles and genres that don't generally seem compatible. "Music out of context" is the result of his genre-bending experiments with Celtic, French, Tex-Mex, Creole, Blues, Jazz, Scandinavian, Polka and pop music. His fresh approach to the much-maligned squeeze-box and his mind-boggling repertoire of both original and traditional material will change the mind of the most hardened accordion skeptic, and delight the fan of the instrument.

Workshop: Playing Together w/ Emma Kragh-Elmøe & Sebastian Bloch

Time: 8:45 - 10:15 AM

Saturday, June 13th

Location: TBD

Playing together will be the central theme of these workshops.

We will teach a simple tune along with a basic accompaniment as a foundation for exploring different approaches to improving the interplay between the instruments in an ensemble – focusing on themes such as listening, time, dynamics, and musical awareness.

The class will expand on these topics by adding an arrangement to the melody. We will touch upon ways of shaping music collectively, responding each other, and creating a stronger sense of groove and direction within the ensemble. There will also be space for questions.

Workshop: Nordic Guitar w/ Paul Sauey

Time: 8:45 - 10:15 AM

Saturday, June 13th

Location:TBD

Try, Learn, and Play a Nordic Guitar! Level Intermediate - Advanced

Looking for what makes that distinct guitar sound in Nordic music? Come learn about "Nordic Tuning" and play or hear some songs you may already know; maybe learn a few more! We'll also discuss some tips and tricks to get you going on your journey.

There will be some guitars available to try out in this special tuning, but anyone who is curious is welcome to come hear what makes Nordic guitar so unique.

Workshop: Pocket Ethnography - Documenting Traditions in the Field

Time: 8:45 - 10:15 AM

Saturday, June 13th

Location: TBD

In this workshop, folklorist Chrissy Widmayer will teach a crash-course in doing ethnographic documentation of traditions during live events and performances. She will discuss the basics of using tools you have on hand (like your phone) to record audio or video or take photos of live performances, and how to contextualize the larger tradition through short-form interviewing or discussion. We will consider together the ethics of documenting live events and how to properly attribute materials when sharing them publicly after the event. (90 minutes)

Workshop: Swedish Folk Singing w/ Rose & Cait

Time: 8:45 - 10:15 AM

Saturday, June 13th

Location: TBD

Participants will learn traditional Swedish folk songs, harmonies, and ornamentation techniques. We'll learn by ear, with music recordings and translations provided for later reference. Teens-adults, no prior experience is required.

Workshop: Hardingfele (All Levels) w/ Loretta Kelley

Time: 8:45 - 10:15 AM

Saturday, June 13th

Location: TBD

Loretta will be teaching an “all-levels” class in traditional Hardanger fiddle. If you have had any prior experience playing folk music on the violin you are very welcome to join. Loretta will be exploring the intricacies of bowing, rhythm and tone production, using simpler tunes as examples. If you do not have a Hardanger fiddle but have a violin you are welcome to sit in; Loretta will have a couple of “violin capos” to enable violinists to play along without needing to tune their violins up.

Location: TBD / Friday, from 4:15 - 5:45 / Details TBA

See website for details!

Purchase last year's 2025 T-shirt designed by Janet Hill and Scott Beard