Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book presales: 1 more month to go

Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book presales: 1 more month to go

The Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book entitled, “Nordic Fest: 50 Years Strong,” will be available for sale for one more month at its best price of $50 per book. Book sales are slated to increase to $65 during Nordic Fest, making presales a 23% savings. Presale orders may be placed two ways:

  1.       In person at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours via cash or check. Last day to place a presale order at the Chamber will be Friday, July 1.
  2.       Online via credit card at www.nordicfest.com. There is an additional cost if you need Nordic Fest to ship your book to you. Online presales will be available through Monday, July 4.
Each book purchase includes:
  • A space at the back to record your personal favorite Nordic Fest memories
  •  A DVD featuring archival footage from the first Nordic Fest in 1967 given by the LaVerne and Barbara Hanssen family, as well as a digitized version a 1991 Nordic Fest promotional video.
Book proceeds after printing costs are covered benefit the permanent placement and proper organization of the Nordic Fest archives at the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum.

“Mange takk to everyone who has already placed a pre-order for your Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book. If you haven’t ordered yours, you have until our next summer 2016 holiday weekend to order your book at its best available rate,” said Dawn Svenson-Holland, project co-chair.

Details of book sales during Nordic Fest will be announced at a later time. Those who place a pre-order will have pickup details confirmed for them when production is finished.

For more information, contact nordic fest 50 at gmail dot com. 

Monday, May 30, 2016

The Norwegian Cultural History of the Hardanger Fiddle: Guest Post from Eden Ehm

Decorah native Eden Ehm shares her Hardanger fiddle talent at a recent Nordic Fest
Editor's Note: Eden Ehm, a Nordic Dancers Orchestra alum and graduate of the Hardanger fiddle program at St. Olaf College, was kind enough to share her expertise on the history of this beautiful piece of Nordic Fest music in today's guest post. More on Eden below. Thank you, Eden, for enhancing the Nordic Fest 50 blog! 

Norway has a rich and strong tradition of unique music, dance, and art that are all embodied in the Hardanger fiddle.  The instrument's significance and transition through time are why the Hardanger Fiddle is considered representative of Norway's folk culture and is considered to be the folk instrument of Norway.  The artistry and craftsmanship of the fiddle maker, fiddler, dancers, and events where the hardingfele is played create the tradition that is the hardanger fiddle tradition. 

Norway's musical tradition originated with folk tunes.  Since the first fiddle was created in the 1600's, these tunes have been passed from teacher to student and between fiddlers, always learning the tunes directly from others and by ear.  This tradition of learning and created an aural chain that remains unbroken today with fiddlers in Norway and America learning the same favorite, old tunes and sharing new music.  This rich tradition links generations and continents together, creating a musical lineage among fiddlers and a rich culture surrounding the instrument.  Today, hardingfele repertoire has expanded to include new folk tunes, tone poems, and even concertos like the Tveitt Concertos.    

Hardanger fiddle is also important in Norwegian culture because of the events that the instrument is played for.  Fiddlers, fiddles, and the tunes they play were an important part of weddings, dance parties, and other important events.  While the fiddle was usually played solo, it gathered communities together at these events.  These traditions are kept alive today in both Norway and in America, while also allowing new traditions emerge, such as playing the hardingfele with others as part of a "lag" group or with other folk instruments.  Through time, the hardingfele has continued to create a tight-knit community around its playing, dancing, or simply enjoying the music and skills it takes to play the instrument.  

The fiddles themselves are examples of Norwegian folk art.  The rosemaling-esque inking, shell and bone inlay, carved scroll head and pegs, and overall fiddle design are unique to each maker.  Each fiddle has its own design, giving it its own personality and sound.  Whether it is an older fiddle or one made by a modern maker, they are treasured instruments to the fiddler and overall Norwegian culture.  Hardanger fiddles are pieces of art, but that artistry is elevated when they become a working piece of art when played.  


In America, especially a Norwegian-American community like Decorah, it is important to remember that hardanger fiddles came with immigrants to become a part of the Norwegian culture in the US in the 1800s and 1900s.  Learning, playing, and dancing to tunes continued in the new world, and competitions, famous fiddlers like Ole Bull or Fykerud, and fiddle groups and spellemannslags became popular during that time.  The making of new fiddles also continued by some makers in the US, namely the Helland Brothers of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  As is common with immigrant groups, with future generations the old traditions and interests died out.  However, in recent decades there has been a resurgence in interest in folk music and dancing and the hardingfele has undergone a revival in the United States.  

More on Eden: A native of Decorah, Iowa, Eden Ehm grew up seeing beautiful Hardanger fiddles in Vesterheim Museum displays but never dreamed she would play one.  Her interest in folk music and fiddling began during her seven years as principal violinist of the Decorah Nordic Dancer's Orchestra.  Eden began studying the Hardanger fiddle in the prestigious Hardanger fiddle program at St. Olaf College - the only school in the United States to offer instruction and credit in this unique instrument.  During her time at St. Olaf, Eden had the opportunity to travel regionally and perform; fiddling for King Harold and Queen Sonja of Norway in during their visit to the Untied States in 2011 was a highlight.  

A member of the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America (HFAA), Eden enjoys attending workshops, camps, and learning new tunes from other fiddlers.  She is most often seen performing at Scandinavian festivals such as Decorah's Nordic Fest, where she performed in 2012, 2013, and 2014.  She hopes to one day travel to Norway to study Hardanger fiddle. 

In addition to Hardanger fiddle, Eden has played violin since the age of five.  She is the concertmaster of the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra and a member of the LaCrose Symphony Orchestra.  

Monday, May 23, 2016

Grieg Concert Example from Previous Nordic Fest

Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Creative Commons photo courtesy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/antoinettejanssen/
Much like the music that has filled this past holiday season, one popular component once a part of Nordic Fest was the Grieg Concert held for many years in honor of the Norwegian composer. As one example of such a concert, the following copyright article appeared in the Decorah Newspapers just before the 1984 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

The Grieg Concert is the musical highlight of Nordic Fest Sunday. The concert is free and is held at the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther College campus at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 1984. 

Local artists will be Bill Kuhlman who will play a medley of Scandinavian songs on the Rost Memorial organ and a violin quartet which consists of Beth Getman, Orene Docken, Julia Wharton and Philip Wharton.

Kuhlman is an Associate Professor of Music and college organist at Luther, where he had taught since 1969. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College and Syracuse University and has also attended Eastman School, University of Iowa and Westminster Choir College.

He has given recitals throughout the United States and has made three major concert tours of Europe and Scandinavia. He will be performing the "Allegro Marcato" movement from J.P.E Hartmann's Sonota in g minor, three chorale prelude by Norwegian composers Kjell Mark Karlsen and Egil Hovland, Fantasi for Orgel "Dronning Dagmar" by H. Mathison-Hansen, "Af Hoiheden oprunden er" by Niels W. Gade and "Nu la Oss Takke Gud" by Egil Hovland.

Special guests from Sandnes, Norway are a singing quartet from the Ganddal Pikekor (Girls Choir) and their accompanist Mr. Geir Botnen. The entire choir is on a tour of the United States. The young ladies range in age from 19-25.

The choir began in 1960 and has received many awards during their history. They have also visited countries in Europe, the Far East and New Zealand. They wear their native costumes called "Roglandsbunad" made of pure wool, with hand embroidery and silver brooches. Their repertoire includes classical works, Scandinavian folk songs, hymns,  and Christian songs. Geir Botnen is from Hardanger and got his degree from Bergen Music Conservatory. He has performed as a soloist and with the symphony orchestra and will perform some solo number a the Grieg concert.

Bjog Nygard will be singing several solo selections, all from the music of Edvard Grieg, "Ved Rondane," "Vesleymoy," and "Blabaerli" from "Haugtussa" and solveigs from "Per Gynt." 

Bjorg is a soprano and has been a member of the Ganddal Girls Choir for many years. She has a music degree from Rogaland Music Conservatory. She is often a featured soloist and is teaching voice in the choir and is conducting a children's choir as well.

Among the many classic selections to be performed during the program, the Ganddal Girls Choir will be singing "Varen" by Edvard Grieg and several other folk songs.  


The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online pre-sales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.  It includes 22 chapters, great photos, a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html 


Monday, May 16, 2016

The Beautiful Tradition of the Nordic Fest Bunad Show

Nordic Fest Bunad Show Founder, the late Grace Rikansrud
As Norway prepares to celebrate its Constitution Day tomorrow, beautiful costumes known as bunads will be present throughout the country. The annual Bunad Show first became a staple of each summer's Nordic Fest during the mid-1970's.  

In addition to Grace Rikansrud's Bunad Show leadership, she led efforts to showcase needlework via Vesterheim and Nordic Fest, and was one of many in Decorah whose contributions were so significant to the community and Nordic Fest, they are difficult to fully track. 

Grace, a true artisan with the embroidery needle, continues to bring beauty to the annual Nordic Fest bunad show via the authentic Norwegian celebration costumes of her daughters, Betty Nelson and Alphea Iverson, who still serve as models.

For Betty's bunad, Grace had the fabric shipped from Norway, sewed the bunad and did all the embroidery. The intricate nature of the embroidery is not currently matched via retail store clothing. 

Alphea's bunad came from Hallingdal, Norway, where her father was originally from. Betty's bunad is also created in authentic Hallingdal style.

Each year, models showcase authentic slices of different regions of Norway via the Nordic Fest Bunad show. Thousands of dollars of value in authentic costumes and stunning jewelry may be appreciated during the show. Models dress up regardless of the heat and humidity.  Bunads may also be seen throughout Decorah during Nordic Fest. 

While many Bunad Show models hail from Decorah, others travel to participate every year and share their common appreciation of authentic Norwegian heritage celebration. 

Thank you, Grace for the beautiful, authentic tradition you started! 

The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online pre-sales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.  It includes 22 chapters, great photos, a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Visual Memories at Nordic Fest

A Nordic Fest board member with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and longtime Decorah resident Dave Hatting.
Photo courtesy of Linda Svenson.
So many memories of Nordic Fest are visual - the Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland flag strings across Water Street, the Grand Parade, the Nordic Dancers and their Weaving Dance. The long lines for lefse, with the end found by looking for the "I am Last in Line" sign. 

One visual memory captured at a Nordic Fest in the 1980's is the physical similarities between longtime Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and longtime Decorah resident Dave Hatting, pictured above during one of the Governor's many visits to Nordic Fest. 

What are your favorite visual memories of Nordic Fest? Share your experiences in the comments below. 

The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online pre-sales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.  It includes 22 chapters, great photos (visual memories), a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html 

Monday, May 9, 2016

Seeds planted at the first Nordic Fest: guest post from Rebecca Hanna

Rebecca Hanna and her sister Ruth at the first Nordic Fest in 1967

One of Vesterheim's many talented Gold Medalists from nearly 50 years of Folk Art Exhibitions is wood carver Rebecca Hanna. Here Rebecca recounts how a visit to the first Nordic Fest in 1967 helped plant the seeds of her own celebration of her Scandinavian heritage:


My parents, sister and I had taken a vacation to the east coast from our farm west of Forest City, Iowa in 1967. On our way back home, we drove through Decorah (when the highway went right through town - no bypass at that time). We noticed there was a Norwegian festival going on and since my mom was 100% Norwegian and my dad half, we decided to stay for a couple days. . On our way back home, we drove through Decorah (when the highway went right through town - no bypass at that time). We noticed there was a Norwegian festival going on and since my mom was 100% Norwegian and dad half, we decided to stay for a couple days. 

We had our pickup camper so camped down at the police station/city hall at that time. We ended up in the Decorah paper in a picture showing us entering a store.  We also had our photo taken with Norwegian rosemaler Sigmund Aarseth, who would one day be famous to all rosemalers in the US! I saw Sigmund every time he was here over the last years and when I first showed him the photo of he and I and my sister, he chuckled and said, “We’ve all changed a little since that time!” Who knew back in 1967 that I would end up living my life over here in Decorah and that I’d be so involved with Vesterheim! 

Thank you, Rebecca and all the incredibly talented artists from around the world who have joined with Vesterheim to make Nordic Fest one of the premier locations in the world for celebrating Norwegian folk art! 

The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online presales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.  It includes 22 chapters, great photos, a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html 

Monday, May 2, 2016

Another Nordic Fest Favorite: Christenson Family Singers



At Opening Ceremonies throughout the history of Nordic Fest, both the United States of America and Norwegian National Anthem, "Ja Vi Elsker Dette Landet" have been presented, with some guests knowing the latter by heart and others following along in their Nordic Fest program. 

For 17 Nordic Fest years, the Christenson Family Singers added to the Nordic Fest entertainment, often in the natural amphitheater of the Winneshiek County Courthouse Square. They often led the presentation of both anthems. Click on the play button above to hear a recording of them at Nordic Fest. 

From their CD, Plaid, available on Amazon
The Christenson Family began their singing activity in 1965 when a pastor's wife from Milwaukee called Lois to ask her if she could present a "puppet show" for a Mother-Daughter banquet at their church. Lois responded with "Well, I don't do puppet shows, but if you are still in need of a program, call back and we will see what we can do." With three of the six children old enough to step out onto a stage, the Family Singers was born, and as soon as the three youngest were able to handle the words, they were suited up as well.

Tracks 18-25 on their Plaid CD reflect the busy days of the Decorah Nordic Fest in Iowa when thousands of people converged upon that little town to celebrate their heritage. These songs were among those which our family sang at the Fest, intermittently with the Nordic Dancer presentations at the Courthouse Square. 

Thank you, Pastor Paul, Lois and the Christenson family for bringing joy to the hearts of many Nordic Fest guests through your music! 

The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online pre-sales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.. It includes 22 chapters, great photos, a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html