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Tales of Nyckelharpa and Näcken
Date: August 8, 2026 Location: Chanhassen Public Library Step into the enchanting world of Nordic folk music and folklore! Enchanting Tales of Nyckelharpa & Näcken, where stories and tunes come alive. Discover the legend of the Näcken, a shapeshifting water spirit whose music could make chairs dance, stop waterfalls, and even cast spells on other musicians. Musicians protected themselves with a trollpåse, a magical pouch hidden in their instrument. This lively performance blends storytelling, history, and music, and is perfect for young listeners and families alike. |
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Lyngblomsten's 120 Anniversary Celebration
Date: August 6, 2026 Location: St. Paul From its beginnings in 1903, when a group of Norwegian women transformed a literary club into a mission of care and community, Lyngblomsten has grown into a respected leader in serving older adults while remaining rooted in its founding values of compassion, dignity, and connection. Featuring Les LaCroix (guitar) and Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa). |
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American Scandinavian Foundation Folk Art Fellowship
Date: Mid July to Early August. Location: Uppland and Södermanland Renee Vaughan is a recipient of her second American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowship and will study in Sweden with master tradition bearers Cajsa Ekstav (nyckelharpa), Christina Frohm (violin and dance), and Bert Persson (folk dance), focusing on 16th-note polska from Uppland and Södermanland and exploring traditional dance variations in ways that are inclusive and accessible for all learners. |
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Sons of Norway, Snorre Lodge
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2026 Location: Thief River Falls The Sons of Norway, Snorre Lodge is having their annual membership dinner. I'll be sharing folk tunes and tales from Norway and other Nordic countries. |
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Scandia Farmer's Market
Date: July 1, 2026 Location: Scandia, MN Check out the small-town market offerings of local goods and fresh produce. Be sure to swing by the Bone Lake Meadows Apiary for the best honey and the biggest friendly smiles. |
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Midsommar at Gammelgården of Scandia
Date: June 27, 2026 Location: Gammelgården of Scandia This outdoor Swedish festival is one of most popular at Gammelgården Museum. Dating back to ancient times, Midsommardagen marks the longest day of the year and welcomes back warm weather. Traditional song games, hands-on activities, vendor fair and live music Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar) present a finely tuned, deeply rooted Nordic sound that bridges traditional Swedish folk music with a modern, expressive edge. They have recently performed at the National Music Museum, the Minnesota Orchestra Nordic Festival, and were featured on WCCO-TV. Both are recipients of American-Scandinavian Fellowship awards and have studied with masters in Sweden, grounding their performance in living tradition. Berätta features Swedish folk songs, stories and poetry to celebrate the arrival of midsummer and the sparks of new romance that'll burn bright all summer. With Rose Arrowsmith, (vocals) Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar) |
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The 156th Dalesburg Midsummer Festival
Date: June 19, 2026 Location: Dalesburg Lutheran Church, SD Each year the Dalesburg community celebrates the traditional Midsummer (or Midsommar) Festival. The event includes afternoon programs, a Swedish meatball dinner, and a free evening concert. Renee Vaughan and Paul Sauey, will share traditional midsummer songs in the afternoon and present an evening concert of instrumental music. |
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National Music Museum
Date: June 19, 2026 Location: Vermillion, SD Renee Vaughan presents "What We Carry" at the National Music Museum, an afternoon of music and storytelling centered on the journeys of the nyckelharpa and the people who carried it across centuries and continents. The program traces the story of Knute Stone, who emigrated from Sweden to South Dakota with his beloved nyckelharpa packed in a wooden case, and reaches back to 1702 when a nyckelharpa player from Åland carried their nyckelharpa to Sweden to make a living in music. This concert will feature Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa and Paul Sauey on guitar. |
Burnsville Scandi Summer
Date: July 9, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Location: Burnsville Senior Center
Burnsville Senior Center is celebrating a Scandi Summer! Enjoy traditional tunes from the Nordic countries alongside rosemaling and lefse-making activities. Featuring Les Lacroix (guitar) and Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa).
Date: July 9, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Location: Burnsville Senior Center
Burnsville Senior Center is celebrating a Scandi Summer! Enjoy traditional tunes from the Nordic countries alongside rosemaling and lefse-making activities. Featuring Les Lacroix (guitar) and Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa).
October 16 – Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth
Paul Sauey has assembled a unique musical group to open for acclaimed Swedish folk band JÄRV and The OK Factor at Sacred Heart Music Center.
Paul Sauey has assembled a unique musical group to open for acclaimed Swedish folk band JÄRV and The OK Factor at Sacred Heart Music Center.
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Red Pine Winery Midsommar
Date: June 28, 2026 1:00 - 3:00pm Location: Cambridge, Minneapolis Celebrate Midsommar with Nördstar Ensemble at Red Pine Winery, a family-owned vineyard with Swedish roots over 100 years strong. Enjoy music by Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar), along with some of the best wine in a charming setting in Minnesota. Music, tradition, and the raising of the midsommarstång. Welcome summer. Skål! |
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Duluth-stämman: Folk Music & Dance Festival.
Date: June 12 & 13 Location: Duluth, MN Renee Vaughan will be performing at the Duluth-stämman with three distinct collaborations rooted in Swedish folk tradition. The festival includes dances, workshops, jam circles, performances, and youth activities, welcoming participants of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Berätta is a trio featuring Rose Arrowsmith, Renee Vaughan and Paul Sauey, spotlighting Sweden's song traditions accompanied by nyckelharpa and cittern. Vårvindar features Oliver hunter and Renee Vaughan exploring Swedish folk music through a subtle jazz-influenced lens. The Keyed Duo with Elise Peters and Renee Vaughan play traditional Swedish folk tunes for dance. |
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Rochester Music Guild's Listen & Learn
Date: May 15, 2026 Location: Christ United Methodist Church The Rochester Music Guild is dedicated to music appreciation, education, and performance. One of the Guild’s signature programs is Listen & Learn, which combines engaging performances with accessible music education This season, Renee Vaughan will share the resonant sounds of the nyckelharpa, highlighting its rich musical heritage and strong connection to dance. Paul Sauey will explore Nordic guitar tunings, techniques, and unique rhythms of this musical tradition. |
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The CI (Cochlear Implant) Music Hour
Date: May 7, 2026 Location: Online The CI (Cochlear Implant) Music Hour is presented by the USC Bionic Ear Lab in collaboration with the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music’s Community Engagement Program and other partners. The hour provides a dedicated space for cochlear implant users to engage with music, fostering listening skills and appreciation. Each week, participants interact with a distinguished musical guest and share their own listening experiences. On May 7, Renee Vaughan will perform Swedish folk music on the nyckelharpa. |
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Minneapolis Mayday Parade.
Date: May 3, 2026 Location: Bloomington Ave We’ll be performing in the streets and park, bringing bright Swedish folk tunes and springtime energy to the celebration. Vårvinder features Oliver Hunter (saxophone), Mattie Snyder (cello), Mary Cait Bayliss (violin) and Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) Look for the musical frogs playing nyckelharpa, saxophone, cello and fiddle! |
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Walloon's Impact on Swedish Folk Traditions
Date: May 2, 2026 Location: The Belgian Heritage Center, Brussels, WI In the 17th century, thousands of Walloon ironworkers left Belgium for Sweden, transforming its iron industry and cultural life. Among their descendants was the celebrated nyckelharpa player Byss-Kalle Bössa (born Boussard) and Hasse Gille, whose Walloon roots highlight a legacy of cross-cultural influence. Renee Vaughan is a nyckelharpa player whose great-great-grandparents were Walloon immigrants, and settled in Wisconsin’s Belgian Colony in 1856. |
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Greg Watson Book Launch and Poetry Reading
Date: April 30, 2026 Location: American School of Storytelling An award-winning poet and author of twelve collections, his recent books include Stars Unseen (Holy Cow! Press) and The Days Between (Kelsay Books). His upcoming work is a series of grief and remembrance poems. Live music with Renee Vaughan will support Greg's poetry reading. |
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Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Eve) Spring Dance
Date: April 28, 2026 Location: American Swedish Institute Celebrate Valborgsmässoafton at the American Swedish Institute with Renee Vaughan's Nordstär Ensemble! This evening's dance will weave haunting sounds and springtime celebration into a spellbinding dance experience. Enjoy lots of called mixers and accessible dances for all levels. This night's Nordstär Ensemble will feature Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Paul Sauey (guitar & cittern), Laura MacKenzie (säckpipa and flutes), Dan Newton (accordion), and Mattie Snyder (cello) |
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Your Class Notes Sessions: Minnesota Public Radio
April 20, 2026 Avon Elementary & Albany Elementary Nordstär Duo consists of Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa and Laura MacKenzie playing both the säckpipa (a Swedish bagpipe) and wooden flutes. They share a passion for traditional Swedish folk music and its unique instruments. In their Class Notes Concert, students will explore how traditional folk music connects with their own heritage, community, and sense of belonging. Students will learn about and identify by sight and sound several traditional Swedish instruments, and how music, dance and storytelling are linked to cultural identity, history, and community, fostering a greater appreciation for traditional music’s role in shaping and reflecting community. |
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International Festival of MN
Date: April 10-11, 2026 Location: St. Paul River Center Very happy to be part of the International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN, formerly the Festival of Nations) Renee Vaughan will be performing on Friday, April 10 at the Bazaar stage at 12:00 PM and at the Atrium stage at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Saturday, April 11 at the Bazaar stage at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM |
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Irish Arts Minnesota: St. Patrick's Day
Date: March 17, 2026 Location: Landmark Center, Weyerhauser Auditorium and Location: Waldmann Brewery Irish Arts Minnesota celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a special concert by The McNordiques on March 17, 2026 at the Landmark Center’s Weyerhaeuser Auditorium. Featuring Tom Klein (uilleann pipes), Dan Newton (accordion) and Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) their musical offering brings Irish, French and Nordic traditions together. Later that day stop in to Waldmann's to hear a Irish, French and Nordic band play in a German brewery. |
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Private Event
Date: March 9, 2026 Wedding Luncheon. Music will be inspired by 1700's traditional Swedish folk polonesse. |
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International Women’s Day: Nordic Newcomers
Location: American Swedish Institute & Tapestry Folkdance Center Date: March 8, 2026 Celebrate International Women’s Day at ASI with a program highlighting women who immigrated to the Upper Midwest from Nordic regions, bringing their tunes, instruments, and dances from the old country.We’ll honor the legacy of fiddler Tång Anna, säckpipa (Swedish bagpipes) players Anna Larson and Hol Brita Skifstrom, hardingfele player and telespringar dancer Dagny Quisling, kantele player Suoma Simi, plus more. This special event is hosted by nyckelharpist Renee Vaughan and features live performances with Diane Jarvi, Laura MacKenzie, Sarah Pradt, Mattie Snyder, Synneva Bratland, Carol Sersland, Kari Tauring, Elise Peters, and more! |
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We Midwinter Folk Festival
Date: February 22, 2026 Location: American Swedish Institute Strings and voice, poetry and story blend together to create Berätta, a new musical project with multi-disciplinary artist, Rose Arrowsmith and Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa. Berätta, which means to tell, invites Midwinter Folk Fest listeners to journey through the dark of winter with the help of candlelight and legends, dancing and dreams of summer days to come. We will be joined by very special guest, Paul Sauey on cittern. |
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Midwinter Folk Festival
Date: February 21, 2026 Location: American Swedish Institute Ever wonder what tunes were played by a transgender nyckelharpist in a Stockholm tavern in 1702? Or what music filled the barn dances hosted by botanist and polska dancer, Carl Linnaeus? How did the stately polonaise evolve as it traveled from refined royal courts into the lively village dances of everyday people? And how do these tunes sound today, shaped by modern aesthetics and Nordic guitar? Renee Vaughan’s Nordstär Ensemble presents a set of lively 16th-note polska (commonly referred to as slängpolskor) and will feature Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) Paul Sauey (guitar and cittern), Laura MacKenzie (säckpipa and wood flutes), and Sarah Pradt (fiddle). Very special guests Rose Arrowsmith (poetry and song) and Elise Peters (dance!) and more! Together they bring to life some of Sweden’s hottest hits from the 18th century. |
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The Nordic Newcomers
Location: Sherburne County Historical Date: POSTPONED Explore how Swedish musicians who immigrated to the Upper Midwest (late 1800s–early 1900s) shaped regional traditions with fiddles, button boxes, nyckelharpas, and bagpipes—leaving a legacy in both Minnesota and Sweden. Discover Tång Anna, a Swedish immigrant from the late 1800s who settled in Blue Hill, Sherburne County. Coming from a musical family, she left behind a tune still played in Sweden today. |
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Nordic Soundscapes Festival
Date: January 17, 2026. 6:15-6:45 Location: Minnesota Orchestra Hall, Roberta Mann Grand Foyer Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Paul Sauey (guitar) bring traditional Swedish folk tunes to the Minnesota Orchestra’s "Nordic Soundscapes Festival." Their performance celebrates the distinctive rhythms and textures of Nordic folk music, setting the tone for an evening of orchestral works by Sibelius and more, conducted by Søndergård. PS The MN-O promises "the story of Hamlet’s Ophelia from her perspective". We might do that too, but tell the story of Ophelia from Taylor's perspective. |
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Nyckelharpa!
Date: January 24, 2026 Location: Heritage Library With an unbroken tradition spanning over 700 years, a typical nyckelharpa today boasts 16 strings—three dedicated to melody, one drone string, and the remaining 12 as resonant strings, contributing to its distinctive rustic and ethereal sound. This presentation shares the nyckelharpa's cultural significance, its journey to America, plus the musicians and makers who continue its legacy. |
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Our Stories Night
Date: January 16, 2026. 5:30-7:30 Location: Wayzata Our Stories night ight is a new event designed for the students, families, and staff of Greenwood Elementary to celebrate cultures and traditions, and to share what they value and how their cultural stories shape their lives. The evening features music, dance, and storytelling including Swedish nyckelharpa, African drumming, Irish dance, Classical East Indian dance, and Indigenous rap. |
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Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day
Date: January 11, 2026, 10:30am - 12:30 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Nordstär Duo is thrilled to perform for the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Family Day, a free monthly event filled with hands-on art activities, storytelling, artist demos, and more. Enjoy live music and an up-close look at traditional Swedish instruments, featuring Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa and Laura MacKenzie on säckpipa (Swedish bagpipe) and wooden flute. |
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12th Day of Christmas Jul Ball
Date: January 5, 2026 Location: American Swedish Institute Send off the holiday season with a hop, leap, and twirl at ASI’s first annual 12th Day of Christmas Jul Ball! Bring a partner or find one here to dance the night away under the twinkling lights (of Larson Hall). All dance skill levels are welcome, and light instruction will be provided. Make new friends and traditions at this magical night. Renee and Paul Sauey will play a few tweeners through the evening. |
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WCCO Morning News
Date: January 3, 2026 The Minnesota Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscapes festival will be featured on WCCO’s Saturday Morning segment. Representatives and members of the MN Orchestra will be there, along with folkies, Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar) to keep the Nordic tunes flowing freely, we're taking it from Sibelius to Sahlström! |
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The Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions
Date: December 28, 2025 - January 1, 2026 Location: Dodgeville, WI The Festival of Christmas & Midwinter is Folklore Village’s longest running festival. Now in its 78th year, the festival includes workshops in dance, song, music, and craft; kids programming; cultural meals; evening parties; and so much more. Artist and musician Renee Vaughan will lead this year’s Community Art Project, a painting of Folklore Village in the Swedish Dalmålning style. “If These Walls Could Talk” featuring Farwell Hall, Aslak Lie House, Plum Grove Chapel, Wakefield Schoolhouse, Folklore Village "Star," Jane Farwell playing accordion, Prairie grass and design elements from vintage Folklore Village brochures |
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Christmas Eve Family Service
Date: December 24, 2025, 11:00am. Location: First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater A warm and interactive retelling of the Christmas story, the Christmas Family Service invites children and adults to participate as carols are woven throughout. The service will also include featured music by Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa. |
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Gammelgården Annie's Jul Kaffe Party
Date: December 20, 2025 Location: Scandia, MN Celebrate the holiday season at Gammelgården’s annual gathering in Välkommen Hus, festively decorated for the Jul season. Savor three courses of Swedish seasonal favorites—cardamom bread, scones, meats, cheeses, fruits, breads, crackers, and sweet endings of rice pudding and cookies. Enjoy the sounds of live Swedish Jul music with Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa. To RSVP, please call the Butik at (651) 433-5053 on Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm |
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The Acreage Private Holiday Party
Date: December 19, 2025 Location: The Acerage at Osceloa Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar) share a private performance at The Acreage, a stunning creative retreat focused on community, wellness, and responsible earth stewardship. |
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Jazz Inspired Nordic Jul Tunes
Date: December 17, 2025 Location: Finnish Bistro Vårvindar brings a fresh blend of jazz inspiration to traditional Nordic melodies. Come to our inaugural perfomance at the The Finnish Bistro and enjoy authentic European cuisine and bakery. Vårvinder features Oliver Hunter (saxophone), Mattie Snyder (cello), Mary Cait Bayliss (violin) and Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) |
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Jul Concert & Dinner Braham Brewing
Date: December 12, 2025 Location: Braham, Minnesota This festive evening brings together the tastes and sounds of a Scandinavian Christmas, with a traditional Nordic holiday meal and live music to fill the room with warmth and cheer. Music will feature Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa,) Mattie Snyder (cello) Sarah Pradt (hardingfele,) and Judy Peterson (pump organ) Celebrate Jul in true Nordic style. |
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Julmarknad at American Swedish Institute
Nordstar Ensemble Sets: December 6, 2:00 - 4:00 will be Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) with Paul Sauey (guitar) Laura MacKenzie (wood flutes and säckpipa) and Sarah Pradt (hardingfele) December 7, 10:00-12:00 will be Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) with Paul Sauey (guitar) Mattie Snyder, (cello) and Sarah Pradt (hardingfele) The sights and sounds of the holiday market, or Julmarknad, come to ASI during the first weekend in December at one of the largest handcraft markets and holiday festivals. |
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Julmarknad at American Swedish Institute
Solo Sets Saturday: December 6 – 12:30-1:30pm Sunday: December 7 – 12:30-1:30pm Location: American Swedish Institute Ballroom The sights and sounds of the holiday market, or Julmarknad, come to ASI during the first weekend in December at one of the largest handcraft markets and holiday festivals. |
Renee Vaughan and the Skandibears Orkester play lively Nordic dance tunes including polska, hambo, schottis, sønderhoning, polka, waltz and more. Their unique pack of instruments has included nyckelharpa, hardingfele, fiddle, accordion, guitar, cittern, pipes, and washboard—a pawsitively delightful treat to listen and dance to!
