Hård Lars Larsson in MN Born 1822, Älvdalen Sweden. Died 1916 Beltrami County, MN, USA Photo from "Spelmän, låtar och musik i Älvdalen" by Ragnar Forslund (1926-2025) Elfdalens hembygdsförening. 2006. Used with permission. |
Folk Music & the Nordic Newcomers: 1st Generation Swedish Immigrants in the Upper MidwestImmigration, music, and cultural identity in the Upper Midwest
During the mid to late 1800s, the Upper Midwest became the chosen homeland for thousands of Swedish immigrants, including some of the most skilled musicians from their villages before they departed for this new land. Renee's presentation highlights the lives and musical heritage of many distinguished musicians, how their music adapted upon arrival in the Upper Midwest. Back in the old country, these Swedish musicians' legacies live on and their favorite tunes continue to be played. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
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Enchanting Tales of Nyckelharpa & Näcken Swedish folklore, magic, and traditional music.
Explore the rich folklore woven into Nordic 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. Discover the intriguing magic chart crafted by a Swedish musician in the mid 1800's, which connected musical keys with colors, seasons, and emotions. His fiddle and music book immigrated to Minnesota with his son in the late 1800's. Hear the tales and tunes for many Swedish folk classics. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
Dalmålning av Kers Erik Jönsson, Lima, Leksand. 1836-7. "Tre Kvinnor ut Til Christi Graf." (Three Women at Christ's Grave) Dalarnas Museum, Sweden. |
Swedish Folk Painting: Iconic Kurbits & DalmålningThe history and symbolism of kurbits and dalmålning.
Dalmålning, also known as kurbits painting, is a distinctive form of Swedish folk art from mid 1700's to the mid 1800's that shares similar design elements to those found in French Quimper and German Fraktur paintings. 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. Renee offers dalmålning presentations that explore the history and cultural significance of this art form. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
Dalmålning av Stikå Erik Hansson, Risa, Sweden. "Släng Dansen" (Slängpolska Dancing ) Nordiska Museeets, Sweden. |
Minnesota Minuet: A Music and Movement Migration from Swedish Castles and CottagesHow court dances became Swedish folk traditions.
Discover how the elegant minuet and polonaise traveled from the royal courts of Europe into the homes and community gatherings of Sweden. Featuring live music on the nyckelharpa, this engaging program combines storytelling, history, music, and optional movement inspired by Swedish folk dance traditions. Participants are invited to engage in a way that feels comfortable, whether it is moving independently, joining with others, or taking in the music from your seat. Renee guides participants through accessible movements that can be adapted to a wide range of abilities and comfort levels. Powdered wigs and time travel optional Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
Winter Carl Hansson, "Ålderstrappan" (The Steps of Life) Bingsjö, Sweden 1799. |
Cradle to Crossing: Senior ProgramMusic and memory weave life’s journey from birth to passing—suited for senior centers, memory care, and intergenerational programs.
Using cultural artifacts, paintings, music, and dance, Renee sparks guided discussions that encourage participants to reflect on their own heritage and cultural traditions. With decades of experience working with older adults, including in memory care and hospice settings, and a decade of teaching Oral History, she creates a welcoming space where cultural music becomes a bridge to personal stories, shared experiences, and meaningful connection. From lullabies and children’s play songs to wedding marches, spinning songs, and melodies that comfort us as we say goodbye, this program traces a life’s arc and milestones through the lens of traditional Nordic music. Designed specifically for older adults, it fosters reflection, creativity, and connection through the power of lived experience. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
(Photo "Caricature of a Man-Midwife" adapted from the Wellcome Library Collection. |
Harmonizing Identities: The True Story of FTM Trans Nyckelharpist Magnus JohanssonThe remarkable life of a gender-nonconforming nyckelharpa player in early 1700's Sweden
Meet Magnus Johansson, a pioneering musician born in 1683 on Åland Island. Assigned female at birth and known early in life as Maria Johansdotter, they moved to Stockholm in 1702. While still presenting as Maria, they earned a living performing nyckelharpa in taverns—boldly defying gender norms by wearing trousers and playing music publicly. Their choice of songs? Biting political commentary targeting a politician with an overinflated ego, surrounded by yes-men and quick to lash out at dissenters. After a bar patron provided them with a male passport, they embraced life as a man and began living openly as Magnus Johansson. Despite facing legal and social persecution, Magnus continued to lead a church choir, perform music, and love many beautiful women—perhaps a few too many, as he gained a reputation as a lothario. This presentation explores Magnus’s remarkable life within the cultural and historical backdrop of early 18th-century Sweden, highlighting music as a means of social protest and personal expression. The program features live music—including tunes Magnus played, alongside other well-known melodies from the time and region. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
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Resonating Roots: The Nyckelharpa's Journey to the Upper Midwest: Instruments, Musicians and MakersThe Nyckelharpa has found a passionate following in the upper Midwest, particularly in Minnesota. But how did this cherished national folk instrument of Sweden make its way here?
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 sheds light on the instrument's rich cultural significance, its journey to America, and the musicians and makers who continue to grow its legacy. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
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Nordic Lullabies and Nightmares: Nordic Songs and StoriesTraditional Nordic songs and stories for Halloween and Valborg season.
Step into a world where music carries both light and shadow, from comforting lullabies to darker folk tales from Sweden, Iceland, and other Nordic traditions. Featuring live music on the nyckelharpa, this program explores seasonal songs and stories connected to long winter nights, spring thresholds, and the folkloric belief that Walpurgis night (Valborg) is a time when the veil between worlds is thin and old stories of witches and spirits come alive. These melodies move between beauty and unease—offering comfort, reflection, and a touch of Nordic mystery for the darker seasons of the year. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
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Velkommen MidsummerTraditional Swedish midsummer music, songs, and celebrations of light and summer.
Explore joyful seasonal music from Sweden, including favorites like Små grodorna and other lively midsummer tunes that celebrate the brightness and energy of summer gatherings. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |
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Jul and Midwinter MusicTraditional Swedish Christmas music and songs for the long winter season.
Experience the music and atmosphere of Swedish winter traditions, from festive Christmas melodies to reflective midwinter songs that honor the quiet beauty of the darkest time of year. Copyright © 2026 Renee Vaughan |