SAHS Midsummer Celebration 2009 in Vasa Park
Photo by Berit Hessen.
In cooperation with the Third District Sons of Norway and Vasa Order of America, NJ District 6, The Scandinavian American Heritage Society (SAHS) will hold its 21st annual Scandinavian Midsummer Celebration on Saturday, June 20th.
An excellent program has been planned for the day’s entertainment. Among the featured performers are the Örebro Woodwind Ensemble from Sweden, Wil Kilpela & Friends Band from the upper peninsula of Michigan, Rolf Stang, Vasastjarnen Junior Folkdancers, Skansen Childrens Club and the SAHS Band. The Swedish Women’s Educational Association, SWEA-NJ will set up a Maypole and there will be Ring Dancing.
The Örebro Woodwind Ensemble is made up of fifteen very talented musicians which include students and professors from the School of Music at the University of Örebro and professional musicians from their surrounding area. Clas Stromblad, who was previously the lead trumpet player in the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, is the conductor for the ensemble. Their repertoire is very broad with a mixture of music styles. They will perform a program based on Swedish music, music by Bach, Mozart, Puccini, Beatles and also Abba. The Ensemble has become very popular in Sweden with its unique sound and music arrangements. Helena Liljeblad, a vocalist from New York City, will join in their performances. You can hear their beautiful music on their website www.woodwind.orbs.se
The Wil Kilpela and Friends Band is a popular Finnish and American dance band from the Midwest. Wil’s dance music has been influenced by Finnish accordionist Viola Turpeinen and Frankie Yankovic. Accompanying Wil, will be Randy Seppala on drums, spoons and bones. Randy is one of the top bones and spoon players. He also will be giving demonstrations and a workshop on these unique instruments and both children and adults will get a chance to play them. The band will be performing throughout the afternoon in the pavilion and at the evening dance. They will also have a bass/guitarist accompanying them.
The SAHS band, comprised of accordionists Bert Stromholm, Eric Johansson and violinist Jeanette Baker will be playing for the evening dance and will be jamming with the Kilpela Band throughout the day and evening. Swedish Children’s Day, Barnens Dag, will also be celebrated through performances by the Vasastjarnen Junior Folkdancers and Skansen Children’s Club accompanied by Eric Johansson.
Rolf Stang is an actor, singer, writer and lecturer. He regularly brings to life historical figures such as Edvard Grieg, H.C. Anderson, Leif Eriksson and Henrik Ibsen. He was knighted by the Norwegian Crown in 1997 and in 1998 inducted into the Scandinavian American Hall of Fame. He will be entertaining children and adults throughout the day.
Many vendors will be on hand displaying Scandinavian wares, arts and crafts, and foods to take home. The Food Court will offer a selection of delicious food and beverages throughout the day as well as all American food at the Lilla Stugen. A dinner (additional charge) and dancing will cap the day
The event will take place on the grounds of beautiful VASA PARK, off Wolfe Road in Budd Lake, NJ. The Park opens at 11:00 AM – rain or shine. The opening flag ceremony and entertainment are scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM. Admission $10 at door. Advance tickets $8 – call 973 627-5072 prior to 6/10. Children under 12 free. Additional information, directions and other details can be found by visiting: www.sahsnj.org.
