‘Gangspil’ to host performance on October 9

“Gangspil” a Danish music duo will perform Monday, Oct. 9, at the Vining Community Center.  This duo is “on the road” in the Midwest making their concert number about 150 in North America since 2015.  They are sponsored by Leif Erikson, Sons of Norway, of Vining. The concert is free to all with traitional Danish refreshments served following the music program.  This concert is appropriate for all ages and the performers speak well in English.

“Gangspil” has received the Danish Grammy for tradition award. Besides touring this continent the duo performs throughout Europe. Sonnich Lydom and Kristian Bugge travel in Scandinavia primarily. The program will include them playing the fiddle, accordion and harmonica along with songs and stories.  

Lydom, who excels with the accordion and harmonica also sings and is a master of Irih, French-Canadian and Danish tunes. During the last 25 years he has been leading a revival for the diatonic accordion and harmonica in folk music. He holds a special place in his heart for the musik from his Danish homeland.

Bugge, playing the fiddle and singing, specializes in the strong Danish folk musik traditions. He is an active Danish and Scandinavian folk musik performer in Durope and North america as a musician and teacher. In 2016 he received “Danish Folk Artist of the Year.”

Both Lydom and Lydom are among the first twelve Danish musicians to receive the honorary title DANMARKS RIGSSPELLEMAEND — in English would be National Musician.  When performing together they share traditions in Denmark, how they learned and how the musik lives on today and is part of the famous Danish hygge known in English as the well-known “Danish coziness.”

Leif Erikson Lodge of Vining presents programs monthly for the community with a focus on the cultures of the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Leif Erikson is part of the International Sons of Norway with 300 lodges in Canada, Norway and the United States.  Leif Erikson of Vining has about 140 members in the town with a population of 63.  This organization was founded in 1905 and has met continuously in Vining since that time.  When founded it was for only men and Norwegian immigrants.  Today membership is open to all nationalities — anyone interested in the culture of any one or all of the Nordic countries.  Men, women and kids are invited to become supporters of our monthly programs.

The November event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with  demonstrations of making Nordic foods and crafts along with  a pea soup and pancakes dinner will be served (free will donation for dinner). Following the dinner Norwegian sweater artist who creatively engineers original Norwegian sweater patterns to turn out her beautiful Nordic sweaters. She will have sweaters on display and modeled.

December a traditional Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner will be offered on Tuesday, Dec 5. at 5:30 p.m. in the Vining Community Center. The evening will include a family style dinner and program.  Reservations must be made by November 29 by calling (218) 282-0332 or (218) 282-0406.

For any questions about the programs, dinners or membership,  please call (218) 282-0332.