Scandinavian Midsummer Festival 2024
on Saturday June 22 & Sunday June 23
2023 Program
THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
There are a number of activities going on that you can enjoy during the Midsummer Festival. Among them are two almost full days of live music with the a number of individual artists, groups and choirs. There will be performances by the Scandinavian Dancers and the Vikings in the Viking Village, including songs, games and a real Viking raid – beware of the Norse! At the Midsummer Marketplace, you find over 50 vendors with shopping kiosks with lots of exciting products and crafts. There will be cultural displays, kids’ activities, a troll forest, carnival games and a vintage Volvo car show by the Volvo Club of B.C.
For the Midsummer beginner – there are two very popular events during the festival that you may not want to miss! The raising of the Midsummer Pole with dance around takes place on Saturday afternoon. The popular and crazy Finnish wife carrying contest takes place on Sunday.
Program 2023 DOWNLOAD HERE!
FOOD
Salmon BBQ, Smørrebrød (Danish open-face sandwiches), Swedish Meatballs, Finnish Meatballs, Hot Dogs, Waffles, Coffee, Pastries and Beer Garden.
Pets are not allowed; only Certified Service Dogs welcomed.
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PROGRAM – SATURDAY JUNE 24th Main Stage and Field
| Time | Event |
| 10 am | Gates open |
| 11 am -12 noon | Dorfmusik – Start the Festival with a European-style village band |
| 12:30 pm – 1 pm | Flag and anthem ceremony |
| 1 pm – 2 pm | ON THE FIELD – Midsummer Traditions – Enjoy a festive parade, help us raise the Midsummer Pole, and dance on the grass with trolls and kids from 2 to 92! Midsummer Spelmanslag with Scandinavian Dancers and Knotty Trolls |
| 2 pm – 2:30 pm | Swedish Footprints – Live concert by Vocalist Hans Lofgren and Pianist Nicklas Strandberg. Outstanding performers from the Ostersund Symphony in Sweden. |
| 2:30 pm – 3 pm | ON THE FIELD – Hobby Horse Steeplechase |
| 3 pm – 4 pm | West My Friend – It’s rare to hear something as put-together as three-piece Cascadian folk outfit – something so layered, deeply symphonic, baroque, and mysterious in its own winking way while still courting an edge of disaster |
| 4 pm – 5 pm |
“Fun with Nordic Songs – Singalong!” – Midsummer Spelmanslag & Scandinavian Dancers with audience sing-along |
| 5 pm | Greetings from Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby |
| 6 pm | Country tents close |
| Evening in the Beer Garden | |
| 5 pm – 6 pm | West Coast Charisma – (Heather Soles & friends) – Soulful jazz, blues, bebop, swing and vintage rock |
| 6 pm – 7 pm | The Rheinlanders – Traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest music, and many pop, Latin, and swing standards |
| 7 pm – 7:30 pm | Traditional sing-along in the Beer Garden |
| 8pm – 11 pm | The Beagles – Great music for dancing and relaxing in the Beer Garden |
PROGRAM – SUNDAY JUNE 25th Main Stage and Field
| Time | Event |
| 10 am | Gates open |
| 10 am | Midsummer Pancake Breakfast in Beer Garden – Scandinavian breakfast and music by Bo Fred Olsson, a true “Scandihoovian!” |
| 11 am – 12 noon | Deep Cove Big Band – The beloved music of the big band era with audiences |
| 12 noon – 1 pm | Fluterrific – Eclectic music by a group of talented flute players |
| 1 pm – 2 pm | Metis Dancers / V’n Dansi – toe tapping traditional Metis music and dance |
| 2 pm – 3 pm | West Vancouver Concert Band – a rousing finish to the Main stage entertainment |
| 3 pm – 3:30 pm | ON THE FIELD Wife-carrying Contest |
| 3:30 pm – 4 pm | ON THE FIELD – Midsummer Traditions – gather round the Midsummer Pole for games and dances with the Midsummer Spelmanslag, & the Knotty Trolls |
| 4 pm | Festival Closing |
ENTERTAINERS’ BIOS
The Beagles (Beer Garden, Saturday 8:00 pm) The Beagles are a musical duo that has been performing music together for the past 20 years. The Beagles are made up of two music teachers, Ken Mason and Ed Sadler. Together they have travelled all over British Columbia covering all types of music from the 50’s to the 2000’s. Great music that you can dance to and guaranteed fun for all!!
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Bo Fred Olson (Beer Garden, Sunday 10:00 am)
Bo Fred Olsson was born in Sweden and raised in Vancouver. He has been involved with music and entertaining ever since high school along with acting in film and television following a teaching career. He has won awards for his stage acting and for original music that he composed for award-winning short plays.
He plays saxophone, guitar, and a high-tech keyboard to accompany his singing. He continues to perform at various functions around the Lower Mainland and several here at the Scandinavian Community Centre. Bo’s repertoire includes rock and roll, pop, and country songs from the 50’s, 60’s and later, with a mixture of songs he loves to perform in Swedish.
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Swedish Footprints (Saturday 2 pm – 3 pm)
Vocalist Hans Lofgren and Pianist Nicklas Strandberg will be in Canada this summer to look for their “relatives footprints”, share their music, meet fellow Swedes and the people of Canada.
An excursion in to the Swedish Musical Heritage with everything from classical pieces, psalms and folk music.
All framed within the anticipation, joy and even melancholy and seriousness for the long trip ahead that takes us to The Pas and Flin Flon where our relatives history can hopefully be woven together and a beginning of an end can once again begin.
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The Rheinlander Band (Saturday 6 pm – 7 pm)
The Rheinlander Band is a trio featuring Peter Paulus on vocals and guitar, Rick Wingate on accordion, and Steve Toren on tuba and bass.
The band has played in the lower mainland for many years at places like the Vancouver Austria Club, the Jagerhof Restaurant, Oktoberfest’s far and near like the Parallel 49 Brewery in Vancouver, the Whistler Oktoberfest, private residences, and many private retirement residences.
The repertoire includes traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest music, and many pop, Latin, and swing standards.
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Knotty Trolls (Midsummer Traditions Saturday 1:00, Sunday 3:30, and Bandstand – by appointment!)
The Knotty Trolls have been making mischief at Midsummer for many years! With their stripey socks, pointy ears, and knotty tails, they’re hard to miss…. And they love food, so watch out for your waffles & sandwiches! You can catch up on their past antics on Instagram.
The Midsummer Festival is back, and so are the Knotty Trolls! Whether frolicking around the Midsummer Pole, causing trouble at the Wife Carrying contest, or hiding among their friends in the Troll Garden, you can find them by their stripy socks and knotted tails. They’ll be making mischief for the whole weekend, so come say hello – just make sure they don’t steal your waffles! https://www.instagram.com/knottytrolls/
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Midsummer Spelmanslag (Saturday 1:00 & 4:00; Sunday 3:30)
The Midsummer Spelmanslag is a group of local musicians who gather each year to share Scandinavian folk music with everyone at the Midsummer Festival. Our greatest joy is to get our audience tapping their toes, or better yet, up and dancing! http://www.vcn.bc.ca/scandi/
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The Scandinavian Dancers of Vancouver (Saturday 1:00 & 4:00)
The Scandinavian Dancers of Vancouver is a group of energetic dancers and musicians, going strong since 1971. Though many of us are not Scandinavian, we’re dedicated to the preservation, enjoyment and performance of ethnic dances and music of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. From September to May, we dance on Wednesday evenings at the Scandinavian Centre and welcome both experienced and beginning dancers. http://www.vcn.bc.ca/scandi/
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Vancouver Dorfmusik (Saturday 11 am)
The Vancouver Dorfmusik was founded in 1983 by musicians from the Swiss community who wanted to play music from their homeland. Dorfmusik means Village Band. The band has performed at such venues as the Kitsilano Showboat, Ladner Bandfest, the European Festival and the Swiss National Day. We are happy to be returning to the Scandinavian Festival 2022. Vancouver Dorfmusik is conducted by Gordon Koch. http://www.swiss-society.org/vancouver-dorfmusik
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West Coast Charisma (Saturday 5:00 pm)
Heather Soles is a Vancouver-based singer and songwriter. Inspired by the constant wonder of jazz music — how fresh and new and beautiful the songs are each time they’re played — Canadian jazz singer Heather Soles and her band will take you on a musical journey full of depth, heart and swing. Supported by Vancouver’s top musicians, Heather interprets her expansive repertoire of jazz standards, blues, bebop and jazzified arrangements of vintage rock with a natural sophistication and hint of smokiness. A recent project with Vancouver pianist Miles Black, has been to reinterpret and reharmonize rock songs from the psychedelic 60’s through David Bowie and give each song her own personal flavor. Heather knows it’s all about connecting with the human experience and communicating emotions to the audience in her soulful, bluesy style. She says “When I sing it’s synergy with the other players. Music is my life. Ray Charles said it best… ‘For me, music is like breathing. I never get tired of breathing, just like I never get tired of music. ‘ “
Mike Creber (piano) CREBER is a Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning artist who was dubbed “a cross between Floyd Cramer and Thelonius Monk” by one LA reviewer. As one of the West Coast’s most sought-after musicians, Michael pursues a wide-ranging career as a pianist, film composer, arranger and producer; embracing many genres of music such as jazz, Latin, R&B, rock, pop, musical theatre, country, folk and classical. He has performed as a featured guest with many symphony orchestras across North America and has recorded and toured internationally with k.d. lang, the Irish Rovers, and world-renowned family entertainer, Raffi, as well as Jim Byrnes, Dee Daniels, Valdy, Lee Aaron and David Foster. Michael has released four albums of original music: Brand New Smile, Dancers of the Spheres, Smooth Sailing and Songs For My Baby. www.MichaelCreber.com
Dave Say (sax) Vancouver Island-native, jazz saxophonist Dave Say loves jazz and all its variations. He is renowned for his soulful interpretations, powerhouse sound, tasteful inventiveness, and adventurous improvisations. Dave has headlined at every major venue in western Canada, and is a favourite at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival where he presents his contemporary jazz original compositions to a riveted audience each year. Dave’s versatility makes him a first-call musician on the west coast for all styles of jazz, funk, R&B and as part of big bands and larger ensembles. He has performed with Western Canadian Music, Juno and Grammy Award winning musicians as Dan Brubeck, Brad Turner, Michael Bublé, Dee Daniels, The Supremes, and Oliver Gannon. He swings hard and improvises melodically, conjuring the jazz greats of yesteryear and infusing each note with his own brand of heartfelt emotion. Whether playing straight-ahead swinging standards, or original music, Dave’s dedicated following of fans and musician colleagues certainly have something to say about Say!
Kerry Galloway (bass) is an ‘in demand’ West Coast bass player and bandleader whose work encompasses roles from bassist to producer to composer/arranger. And stylistically, the breadth of his experience is vast, ranging from jazz (Altered Laws) to rap (Sweatshop Union), pop/opera (The Tenors), jazz fusion (The New Noakes Quartet, Crash), country (k.d. lang), variety (Bob Hope, Leon Bibb, Pat Boone, “pops” with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), klezmer (Olam), “Buddha Bar” style lounge/chillout (Astrid), latin (World Music Award winner Gabriel Palatchi Trio, the Fito Garcia Bass Ensemble), Balkan/Flamenco (Tambura Rasa, featuring the Black Dog String Quartet) funk, R&B, reggae, Brazilian, musical theatre and more. As well as teaching courses at Capilano University, Kerry has been involved in online music education, music editing for TV, and has played on hundreds of studio recordings. Kerry is also co-founder and Musical Director of the popular band, Steelin’ in The Years, a loving tribute to the music of Steely Dan.
Ray Ayotte (drums) Ray Ayotte is a drummer, percussionist, drum teacher, and drum maker. He is known world-wide for his drum making and design and has a long history in Vancouver’s drum retail and manufacturing. Ray Ayotte was born in Maillardville Canada where as a youngster he began playing drums for rock bands he formed with schoolmates. Throughout his early playing days Ray made little adjustments to his kit and learned that other players enjoyed the changes and sounds he could make. He dreamed of one day making his own drum set. After working in the music retail business Ray finally had his chance when he created the Ayotte Drum Company. After selling the company he began creating new models for Taye Drums to great success. He now handcrafts RAYA Drums and does restorations and repairs of rare and vintage drums. He enjoys playing many genres of music including Jazz, Rock, Blues and R&B.
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Metis Dancers / V’n Dansi (Sunday 1 pm – 2 pm)
V’ni Dansi is a Vancouver-based traditional Métis and contemporary dance company dedicated to sharing the dances, stories and culture of the Métis. Led by Artistic Director Yvonne Chartrand, the company is dedicated to preservation and innovation.
Dancers perform Métis dance under the name- the Louis Riel Métis Dancers, and contemporary works as V’ni Dansi.
V’ni Dansi holds the distinction of being the only company in Canada to teach and perform both Métis and contemporary dance. Meaning “Come and Dance” in Michif, V’ni Dansi is thrilled to share the Métis people’s joyful culture with audiences of all nations. https://www.vnidansi.ca/
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Fluterrific (Sunday 12 noon – 1 pm)
North Delta-based flute ensemble Fluterrific was created by Michelle Carlisle. Under her direction, the musical repertoire of Fluterrific ranges from Classical and Baroque to Celtic, spicy Latin tunes, Scandinavian melodies, Broadway show tunes and more featuring the flute family; piccolos, flutes, alto flutes and bass flutes! The sound of flutes together is joyous and sweet, powerful and uplifting. Entertaining and fun, Fluterrific is Flute + Terrific! www.Fluterrific.ca Facebook.com/Fluterrific #flutesrock
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The Deep Cove Big Band (Sunday 11 am -12 pm)
For over 25 years, The Deep Cove Big Band has been sharing the beloved music of the big band era with audiences on the North Shore. They are thrilled to be getting back to “The Swing of Things’ after the pandemic!
This group of passionate musicians gathers every week to rehearse, and regularly performs at community events, festivals, and other local venues. They are thrilled to be getting to share their love of this great music with you today!
Director Casey Thomas-Burns is an accomplished trombonist and vocalist, who started working with the band last year. When not with the Deep Cove Big Band, she leads her own 10-piece ensemble “The Leading Ladies”, and performs with jazz ensembles throughout the Lower Mainland. We are excited to play for the Midsummer Festival!
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West Vancouver Concert Band (Sunday 2 pm – 3 pm)
In 1969, the Beatles release Abbey Road, 500,000 attend Woodstock,…and on Monday, May 6, the West. Vancouver Concert Band hold their first rehearsal. Today, Woodstock and the Beatles are distant memories, but the West Vancouver Concert Band is still here and still making music on a Monday night in West Vancouver. And we are thrilled to be back playing at the Scandinavian Centre for Midsummer. Tak always picks music that will get your feet tapping or your hands clapping. So hang on and come for a musical ride with us! Tusen takk!
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West My Friend (Saturday 3 pm – 4 pm)
In the modern musical landscape, it’s rare to hear something as put-together as three-piece Cascadian folk outfit West My Friend – something so layered, deeply symphonic, baroque, and mysterious in its own winking way while still courting an edge of disaster. Simple is safe, but complex is fiery, intricate, and ultimately more rewarding.
Steeped in the visual styles of western Canada, West My Friend are veterans of the Victoria music scene and recently released their Independent Music Awards-nominated fourth album “In Constellation.” On this latest work, the bad continues to refine the art of creating achingly poignant folk music, only this time, they’re backed by a full symphony orchestra, heavily layered while remaining lighthearted. Intricate yet accessible. Melancholic yet optimistic.
Mingling grassroots guitar, mandolin, accordion, orchestral instruments, and interweaving harmonies, In Constellation (produced by Joby Baker, co-produces and arranged by Adrian Dolan) features longtime members Eden Pynter, Alex Rempel, and Jeff Poynter conveying a new box, then thinking outside of it. Punctuated by musings on anxiety and belonging, song structures vary and dynamics change from moment to moment, painting powerful lyrical portraits over backgrounds of violins and trumpets that swell, collapse, and tumbrel between bold harmonies. With over 700 performances and countless tours under their belt, West My Friend is bring forth a new sound you’ve never known you’ve wanted and new meaning to the things you’ve never known you needed. Guitar, Vocals / Eden Pynter Mandolin, Vocals / Alex Rempel Accordion, Vocals / Jeff Pynter
