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. 
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! 
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
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. 
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
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.   
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)
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.
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.  
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.  
European Christmas Market
Date:  November 29, 2025.  6:00-7:30 
Location: St. Paul Union Depot
Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of an authentic European Christmas Market while supporting our local crafters and artisans selling unique, handmade holiday gifts and delicious European and festive foods!  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar) will be sharing Swedish Jul favorites 
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!  
FYRA performs traditional Nordic music with fresh arrangements, showcasing works connected to women musicians like Finland’s Maria Helena Spoof, Sweden’s Christina Bruun and Ida Gustafsson, and Norway’s Ingunn Bjørgo. Members include award-winning musicians recognized for their contributions to Nordic and traditional music:  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa,) Sarah Pradt (hardingfele,) Laura MacKenzie (flute and säckpipa) ​and Erin Walsh (cello) 
Swedish Folk Music Traditions in History and Practice.    
​Date: November 24, 2025 
​Location: Gustavus Adolphus College 
Excited to be a guest speaker at Gustavus Adolphus College for two music courses.  
For "Music, Gender, and Sexuality," I’ll share my presentation on Maria Johansdotter / Magnus Johansson, a FTM, nyckelharpa-playing, gender-nonconforming figure from early 1700s Sweden. 
​I’ll also join "America’s Music and The Emerging Musicians," where we’ll explore Swedish folk music traditions and how they expand musical life beyond the Western classical world.
Harmonizing Identities: The True Story of a Transgender Nyckelharpist in 1700s Sweden
​Date: June 26, 2025. 6:00PM (Pre & Post Program Music)
Location: American Swedish Institute, Mpls  
Meet Magnus Johansson—a nyckelharpa player born in 1683 on Åland and assigned female at birth as Maria Johansdotter. In 1702, they moved to Stockholm, boldly defying gender norms in both dress and profession. They performed in local taverns, playing nyckelharpa and singing. Their songs included sharp satire, including one aimed at a powerful, vengeful political figure with an overinflated ego and an inability to handle criticism.

After receiving a male passport from a patron, they began living openly as Magnus Johansson—working as a shoe cobbler's apprentice, leading a church choir, and earning a reputation as earning a reputation as both a musician and a "Knutbyting"—a Swedish folk term for a charismatic heartthrob with rural swagger. 

Join Renee Vaughan, gender studies researcher, nyckelharpist, and ally, to learn more about this Magnus-ificent musician, and enjoy live music Magnus played, along with other well-known tunes from the time and region before and after the presentation—featuring Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Paul Sauey (guitar), Mikey Marget (cello), Dan Newton (accordion). Free event.
​
Before and after the presentation, listen to live music Magnus may have played, along with other well-known tunes from the time and region.  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Paul Sauey (guitar), and Mikey Marget (cello) and Dan Newton (accordion)  Free event
Harmony for Mayo Concert Series  
Date:  November 17, 2025.  12:00 noon 
Location: Rochester Minnesota 
​Traditional Swedish folk music featuring Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa and Paul Sauey on guitar will be showcased in the Harmony for Mayo Concert Series, a music program made possible through the generosity of Rosemary and Meredith Willson (the "Music Man."). 

​Performance will be live streamed throughout Mayo internal network. 
Lutefisk Dinner
Date:  November 16, 2025
Location: American Swedish Institute
​You’ve heard about it. You’ve laughed about it. Now it’s time to try it. Don’t miss this seasonal event featuring lutfisk, traditional Scandinavian side dishes.   Live Music with Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar)
Dalmålning av Kers Erik Jönsson, Lima, Leksand.  1836-7.  "Tre Kvinnor ut Til Christi Graf." (Three Women at Christ's Grave) Dalarnas Museum, Sweden. 
Introduction to Swedish Folk Painting Dalmålning: 
1:00 pm – R. H. Stafford Library, Woodbury, MN 
Saturday, November 15, 2025 
Dalmålning, also known as kurbits painting, is a distinctive form of Swedish folk art from the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s that shares similar design elements to those found in French Quimper and German Fraktur paintings. Dalmålnings are highly decorative and feature imaginative fantasy plants with borders and typically tell a story of daily peasant life, royalty, and religious motifs within local settings.
In this class at R.H. Stafford Library, you’ll have the chance to design and embellish your own kurbits-inspired painting using a provided framework—no drawing experience needed. These sessions are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and anyone who identifies as kurbits-curious. Registration is required
Nordic Social Dance 
Date:  November 9, 2025, 6:30-8:30 
Location: Tapestry Folkdance Center, Minneapolis 
Join us for this month’s Nordic Social Dance.  Two Nordic traditions, one awesome night of music and dance.

* 6:30–7:30 PM  Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa and Paul Sauey on guitar Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Paul Sauey (guitar) bring lively Swedish tunes for Nordic social dancing—gammeldans, slängpolskor, and Finnskogspols!
* 7:30–8:30 PM – Special Guest hardingfele player and dancer Vilde Aaslid!  Vilde brings the vibrant traditions of western Norway to the floor, offering tunes and dances that will delight dancers of all levels
Nyckelharpa and Näcken! 
Date: October 28 2025
Location: Children's Hospitals Minneapolis 
​Live! at Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota, from Star Studios
Step into the enchanting world of Nordic folk music and folklore! Join us for 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.
Explore a fascinating magic chart created by a Swedish musician in the mid-1800s, linking musical keys with colors, seasons, and emotions. His fiddle and music book traveled to Minnesota with his son in the late 1800s, carrying these extraordinary ideas across the ocean.
Experience beloved Swedish folk tunes such as Hårgalåten, Pinntorpafrun, Balzar Jungfrun, and more, brought to life on the nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish keyed fiddle. This lively performance blends storytelling, history, and music—perfect for young listeners and families alike.
​
Nordic Newcomers : Fall Mini Tour 
 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.
​
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
6:00 pm - Milaca Community Library 
Thursday, October 16
6:00 pm - Sandstone Public Library 
Sunday October 19 
2:00 Grass Lake Mission Church (See below)  
Saturday, October 25
10:30 am - McGregor Public Library 
Tuesday, October 28
6:00 pm - Rush City Public Library 
Dalmålning av Kers Erik Jönsson, Lima, Leksand.  1836-7.  "Tre Kvinnor ut Til Christi Graf." (Three Women at Christ's Grave) Dalarnas Museum, Sweden. 
Introduction to Swedish Folk Painting Dalmålning
Fall Workshop Series  
Learn about the history and cultural significance of this art form, Dalmålning, also known as kurbits painting, is a distinctive form of Swedish folk art from mid 1700's to the mid 1800's  Dalmålnings  are highly decorative and features imaginative fantasy plants with borders and typically tell a story of daily peasant life, royalty and religious motifs within local settings.
Tuesday, October 7
6:00 pm – Hinckley Public Library
Monday, October 13
6:00 pm – North Branch Public Library
Thursday, October 23
6:00 pm - Mille Lacs Lake Community Library
Thursday, October 30
6:00 pm - Wyoming Area Library ​
Photo from the Historic Grass Lake Mission Church
"Building Restoration Fundraiser & Hymn Sing" Program, May 18, 2025.  
Nordic Newcomers of Isanti County! 
Location: Historic Grass Lake Mission Church
Address:  2650 133rd Ave.  Braham MN
​Date:  Sunday, October 19, 2025 
Join us at the Historic Grass Lake Mission Church—the last surviving building of the Swedish immigrant town.  Built in 1898, this historic site features their newly restored late-19th-century chapel pump organ played by Judy Peterson 

Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa)will share tunes and stories of the Swedish musicians who settled in the area.  (50 mile radius) of the church.  Tång Anna, Per Selander, Gumas Lars Larsson, and Korp Eric Linde.   Special guest Sarah Pradt (hardingfele)   
Gammelgården Life Member   
Date: November 9  
Location: Scandia, MN  .
Gammelgården’s annual Life Member Event celebrates generous supporters whose gifts help sustain the museum’s mission and traditions. This year Renee Vaughan will share music and stories about Sweden’s national folk instrument, the nyckelharpa! Guests will have an opportunity to have a try at playing too. 

This event is by invitation for Life Members of Gammelgården Museum.  Interested in becoming a Life Member?   Contact  Gammelgården 651-433-5053 
Norsk Høstfest
Date: September 24-27, 2025
Location: State Fairgrounds, Minot, ND 
Nordstär Duo will feature Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Laura MacKenzie (wooden flute, säckpipa) bring the heart of traditional Nordic music to Norsk Høstfest, performing tunes and playing instruments with roots that go back centuries. Their sound features the rich, resonant nyckelharpa—the national folk instrument of Sweden—alongside the säckpipa, a small Swedish bagpipe, and the wooden flute, known for its warm, earthy tone.  

Their performance highlights the signature rhythms and dance tunes of the Nordic countries, especially the many polska variations with distinctive regional styles found throughout Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Many villages developed their own unique folk tunes and folk dances, creating a rich tapestry of local tradition.  

​Renee and Laura will also share stories and background that connect the music to its people and places. It’s a chance to experience Nordic folk music as it’s been passed down through generations—rooted in the old country and carried into the present with respect, energy, and heart.
Nørsk Høstfest in the School
Date: September 24-27, 2025
Location: Elementary Schools in Minot, ND
Excited to bring Nordic music and folktales to the classroom again with Høstfest’s In the Schools program! This unique learning experience gives students the chance to explore Sweden’s national folk instrument, the nyckelharpa, and immerse themselves in rich Scandinavian traditions. Throughout the week, I’ll blend Swedish folk music and storytelling, making history and culture come alive as part of the festival’s ongoing celebration of Nordic heritage
ASI Male Chorus PaddleBoat on the St. Croix 
Date:  September 9, 2025  
Location: Stillwater, MN 
The American Swedish Institute's Male Choir returns from their wildly successful tour of Sweden in time for their annual paddle boat ride down the St. Croix River.  Autumn colors will be peeking out and music will be in rollin' down the river.   Joining me will be guitarist and singer-songwriter Kyle Gray Young.  Tickets available at asimalechorus.org 
Scandia / Mellerud Sister City Event
Date:  September 8, 2025  
Location: Scandia, MN 
A farewell celebration for the city of Scandia's guest's from their sister city in Mellerud Sweden.   

​More details soon. 
Nordic Music Fest 
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: Victoria, MN
The Nordic Music Fest is the only festival dedicated to traditional folk music and dance from the countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.   

The Keyed Duo are Elise Peters and Renee Vaughan, two nyckelharpa players that will share a set of polska deep-cuts and maybe a cleansing schottis or two.  It’s a full day of Nordic music, dance, food, and culture in Victoria, MN 
​
The Hejmakers, a musical duo hailing from St. Paul, MN,  perform both new and traditional Scandinavian music on nyckelharpa, cittern and pipes. Renee Vaughan and Tom Klein share an affinity for unique instruments and punchy rhythms that carry you away to folkloric lands. Hejmakers sound is authentic and upbeat with just a hint of stoic Nordic angst. 
Kräftskiva Party
Date: August 22, 2025
Location: American Swedish Institute 
Celebrate Sweden’s beloved end-of-summer tradition at the American Swedish Institute’s kräftskiva, or crayfish party! Enjoy a festive evening outdoors with lanterns, music under the stars, and a traditional Swedish crayfish feast featuring breads, cheeses, salads, and paj. Don your party hat, raise a glass, and sing along to classic snapsvisor drinking songs. Ticket includes the full meal, party gear, a songbook, and a shot of aquavit.  Music by Renee Vaughan & Friends:   Paul Sauey (guitar), Harbi Mohamed Kahiye (percussion), and Sarah Pradt (hardingfele).  
Scandia Farmer's Market
Date: August 13, 2025  
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.   

I'll be playing tunes and have a second nyckelharpa available for you to try! 
City of Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District "Street Show" Performance 
Date: August 12, 2025.  12:00 - 2:00  
Location: Nicollet Ave 
I'll be playing traditional Swedish folk tunes in downtown Minneapolis as part of ​the "Street Show" performances organized by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District.   
FinnFest 
Date: August 3, 2025
Location: Duluth, MN
​FinnFest is an international event that features lectures, films, live music, dances, tours, seminars, demonstrations, exhibits and Tori Nordic Fair with shopping and food.  

11:00:  Music with Tre Björn a new folk trio featuring Kyle Gray Young on guitar and banjo, Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa and Sarah Pradt on hardingfele. We will showcases a a pawsitively delightful variety of waltzes from Finland, Sweden, and Norway.  

11:00 Harmonizing Identities: The True Story of a Transgender Nyckelharpist in 1700s Åland to Sweden​ 
Summer Camp in Bemidji 
Date: Starts July 26 - August 1 
Location: Bemidji, MN 
​Immerse yourself in Nordic folk arts with Renee Vaughan and Sarah Pradt (with Demi and Janita) during this engaging week-long camp.
  • Music and Dance: Explore traditional rhythms like the schottis, polska, and waltz in dance sessions led by master teacher Demi Miller—everyone is welcome and the focus is on fun and connection. Renee and Sarah will offer music sessions and share  Scandinavian tunes throughout the week.
  • Visual Folk Arts: Discover Swedish dalmålning  and create your own kurbits-inspired artwork.  
  • Literature and Film: Sarah and Demi lead discussions on Nordic fiction and non fiction, including, plus a curated movie night. 
Tales of Nyckelharpa and Näcken 
Date: July 25, 2025
Location: Lake Elmo Public Library
Explore the rich folklore woven into Scandinavian Folk Music, including legends of the Näcken, a shapeshifting spirit with the power to enchant musicians and their instruments. Once enchanted, their music held the extraordinary ability to make chairs dance and stop waterfalls. Musicians themselves could cast spells at one another, necessitating protective measures like a trollpåse hidden in their instrument.  Free event 
Red Pine Winery Midsommar 
Date: June 28, 2025. 2:00 - 4:00pm 
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's Nordstär Orkester, the constellation will feature featuring  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Paul Sauey (guitar), Laura MacKenzie (wooden flute and säckpipa) and Sarah Pradt (hardingfele),  along with some of the best wine in a charming setting in Minnesota. Music, tradition, and the raising of the midsommarstång--welcome summer. Skål!   
American Craft Council Fest 
Date: June 28, 2025. 9:00 - 11:00am 
Location: St. Paul Union Depot 
The American Craft Council Fest 2025—a perfect setting to celebrate Nordic folk music and the expert craftsmanship behind each of our traditional instruments. Music by Renee Vaughan's Nordstär Orkester, the constellation will feature Renee Vaughan on nyckelharpa, Sarah Pradt on hardingfele, Laura MacKenzie on säckpipa and wooden flute, and Paul Sauey on guitar. We’ll be sharing music and instrument insights—connecting Swedish and Norwegian folk traditions to the rich world of American craft.  Ticketed event.
Midsommar at American Swedish Institute 
​Date: June 21, 2025. 3:00pm 
Location: American Swedish Institute, Mpls  
​Midsommar is a joyous tradition that welcomes summer with flowers, music, and dancing around the midsommarstång (maypole). Music by Renee Vaughan's Nordstär Orkester, will perform a set and play for maypole dancing.  The constellation will feature Renee Vaughan  nyckelharpa, Laura MacKenzie wooden flute and säckpipa, Paul Sauey guitar, Sarah Pradt hardingfele, Dan Newton accordion, plus we will be joined by very special esteemed guest, Somali percussionist Harbi Kahiye .  Ticketed Event
Duluth-stämman: Folk Music & Dance Festival.
Date: June 13 & 14
Location: Duluth, MN
​The Nordic Center is proud to present the 2nd annual Duluth-stämman: Folk Music & Dance Festival. Dances, workshops, jam circles, performances, youth activities, inclusive to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. 

FYRA will be performing traditional Nordic music with fresh arrangements:  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Sarah Pradt (hardingfele),  Laura MacKenzie (wooden flute and säckpipa) and Erin Walsh (cello).   ​
MSP International Film Festival-44  
Date: April 12, 2025
Location: Minneapolis MN
Nördstar Ensemble offers a special performance at Midnight Sun, the closing event of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival – 44.    The lineup features Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa) and Sarah Pradt (hardingfele) plus the band Ponyfolk, Paul Sauey (guitar), Clif Nesseth (fiddle), Mikey Marget (cello), and Alex Jakob Nelson (pump organ).

 
The Nordic Newcomers
​March: April 6, 2025, 2:00pm
Location: Norseland, MN. Norwegian Church 
Explore how Swedish musicians who immigrated to the Upper Midwest in the late 1800s - early 1990s adapted their music, influencing regional traditions with fiddles, accordions, nyckelharpas, and bagpipes. Learn about their enduring legacy in both Minnesota and Sweden
​
Nordic Social Dance 
Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Tapestry Folkdance Center, Minneapolis 
​Nordic Social Dance is held the second Sunday of each month.  The Skandibear All-Stars will play this month  with Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Sarah Pradt (hardingfele) Dan Newton, (accordion) and Elizabeth Rowan (accordion & washboard) will play energetic and danceable tunes from the Nordic Countries.  
FRIGG! with FYRA Opening  
​Date:  February 28, 2025, 7:30pm 
Location: Sacred Heart Music Center  
Finnish folk band Frigg combines nordic folk traditions with Americana influences creating a fresh world music sound often called "nordgrass." They have released 10 full-length albums and has been touring behind its 2023 release Perintö-Heritage. 
Opening for FRIGG is FYRA:  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Sarah Pradt (hardingfele), Erin Walsh (cello), and Laura MacKenzie (wind-powered instruments 
Tickets Here.  
Minnesota State Fiddlers Association
​Date:  February 22, 2025, 10:00-11:00   
Location:  Zoom Online 
Explore how Swedish musicians who immigrated to the Upper Midwest in the late 1800s - early 1990s adapted their music, influencing regional traditions with fiddles, accordions, nyckelharpas, and bagpipes. Learn about their enduring legacy in both Minnesota and Sweden.
Opening for Skye Consort
​Date:  January 31, 2025 
Location: American Swedish Institute 
​On January 31, 2025, we’re excited to open for Skye Consort at the American Swedish Institute! Our new  ensemble "FYRA" will be featured--Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Sarah Pradt (hardingfele), Erin Walsh (cello), Laura MacKenzie (wind-powered instruments).  Additional support from Paul Sauey (guitar), Dan Newton (accordion) and Tom Klein (cittern, pipes)  We will perform tunes from the Nordic countries that you won't want to miss. 
America Nyckelharpa Association
Date: November 16, 2024. 12:00 - 1:30 CST
Location: Zoom Jam 
​Whether you play nyckelharpa or another instrument, all are welcome to join in the fun. Tune leaders will be Cajsa Ekstav, Renee Vaughan, John Hall and Elise Peters  This session is a great opportunity to connect with nyckelharpa enthusiasts and share Nordic tunes.
For more information, visit www.nyckelharpa.org
McNordiquemas at Julmarknad
Date:  December 7, 2024.  2:00 - 4:00 
Location: American Swedish Institute: Tapestry 
​McNordiques return to Julmarknad for their annual McNordiquemas, a holiday tradition since 2018.    Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Dan Newton (accordion), and Tom Klein (cittern and Irish pipes) bring a lively mix of Nordic, French and and Celtic tunes, and some holiday favorites. 
Winter Soltice Celebration
​Date: December 20, 2024
Location: American Swedish Institute 
​Mark the shortest day and longest night of the year with ASI’s signature Winter Solstice Celebration. This fan favorite features arts & crafts, music, and reindeer! FIKA Café will serve a special festival menu with small plates and warm glögg (Swedish mulled wine).  Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Sarah Pradt (hardingfele) and Kyle Gray Young (guitar) 
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