Listen to the beautiful and soaring harmonies of Høst. Click the Play button below
HØST
The four women in the vocal quartet Høst got together with a shared vision of creating a vocal playground. Using nothing but their voices, they interpret and challenge the traditions of Nordic folk music as well as modern polyphonic singing. With inspiration from Nordic instrumental folk, Bulgarian women’s choir and the harmonic universe of jazz, they are creating their very own sound of beautiful melodies, forceful and raw dissonances and playful grooves.
“Vi, der valgte regnen”
“Fågelsång”
“Min Man”
OPTUR
OPTUR meets the audience with an outgoing playfulness and a deeply rooted danceable, Nordic vibe. With more than 40 years of experience from the Danish and International folk scene, Søren Korshøj composed a string of new dance tunes based on the Nordic folk music tradition. His main idea was to form an ensemble capable of playing dance music with an edge, surprising improvisational passages and an occasional touch of humor.
By gathering experienced musicians across different musical genres – in order to contribute to the creation of a new and unique Nordic sound – their own form of musical expression arose:
They’re calling it Nordic Free Folk.
“Norre Smidstrup Hambo”
“4 Drops”
“Sne Schottish”
AZUR AZUR
Based on the Nordic folk music tradition, AZUR AZUR develops a modern sound. They challenge the genre by breaking with conventions without losing touch with tradition. Since 2019, the triohas created its sound universe around double bassist and composer Frederik Mensink’s acute and atmospheric compositions.
The band’s pianist Jonathan Fjord Bredholt graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus and has developed a Nordic tone in his playing that arises from the meeting of jazz and folk music.
Rasmus Brinck studied nyckelharpa at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. He also plays in the folk band Tailcoat, which was nominated for ‘Talent of the Year’ at DMA Folk 2019.
“Terasseschottis”
“Fjord”
ERLEND VIKEN TRIO
“One of the challenges that inspire me the most is making expressions from contemporary music to a natural part of the living traditional music scene.” – Erlend Viken
With Hardanger fiddle, el-guitar and double bass, Erlend Viken Trio presents a rare sound based on traditional music, inspired by improvisational music, desert blues and rock. Known for their energetic live shows, the trio has played concerts all over Europe.
“Suldal”
“Tonder”
ALLISON LUPTON
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, flutist and multiple CFMA Traditional Singer of the Year nominee, Allison Lupton enchants listeners with story songs and tunes that take you away to another time.
From playing for community dances to soloing with orchestras, Allison has found her voice after more than a quarter century performing in Canada and abroad. This will be here first U.S. tour with her trio.
We also had the pleasure of meeting up with Allison Lupton while attending the NERFA Conference a few weeks ago and will be booking her trio’s first U.S. tour focusing on the same time period. Allison has had a 22 year career in Canada and this will be her first significant tour in the U.S. We are also looking for booking interest for the 2024-25 season.
“Mel’s 100th/Blind River Breakdown/Sarah Dancing” – NERFA – 11/9/23 (hang in for the step dancing by Kyle, the guitarist, towards the end).
“When I First Went to Caledonia”
I’m attempting to get a “show of hands” for those artists that might be of interest to venues in the northeast. Please let me know which of them might be considered for your series for next season and beyond.
We will be following up with each of the performers by the end of March to potentially discuss logistics of a tour and subsequently work with each of you regarding routing and fees, etc.
Please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for your consideration.
Don
Don Sheldon
Valley Stage Productions
246 Blackbird Swale
Huntington, VT 05462
802-434-4563
802-557-7589 – mobile
don@valleystage.net