Folk sounds from the Faroe Islands come to Central Vermont

April 6, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Spaelimenninir performing. Courtesy photo

The folk band Spaelimenninir from the Faroe Islands pays Vermont a visit next weekend with a concert and dance at the Capital City Grange Friday, April 14, in Berlin and a workshop for musicians on Saturday, April 15. 

The group brings its unique blend of ancient and contemporary Nordic tunes from the contemplative to the toe-tapping played with fiddles, mandolin, guitar, recorder, piano and bass. 

Traveling and performing together for more than 45 years, Kristian, Sharon Ívar, Erling Lars and Charlie, inspire and entertain multi-generational audiences. 

Some review comments: 

• “Gosh, they’re wonderful.” - Garrison Kelior, on “A Prairie Home Companion,” Minnesota Public Radio

• “The enthusiastic energy of their performance held the audience completely in thrall.” - The Orcadian, Orkney, Scotland

• “The music is an abundant, rich mixture and it is often overwhelmingly happy” - Åke Grandell, Finnish Broadcasting Company

While great for listening, their music is almost impossible to sit still to. That’s why the program begins with an hour-long concert and afterward, organizers will roll back the rug and the band will play polkas, waltzes and a variety of other dances from Denmark and the Faroe Islands for the audience to join in. 

The band Spælimenninir from the Faroe Islands viists Central Vermont April 14-15. Courtesy photo

No previous experience is necessary. Just bring clean soft-soled shoes. Instruction will be provided, or you can sit and just listen to enjoy. 

The Friday concert and dance start at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 per person. Masking is strongly recommended for dancers. Capital City Grange is located at 6612, Vermont Route 12 in Berlin. 

For musicians interested in dipping into the music of Denmark and the Faroe Islands, members of Spaelimenninir will conduct a workshop on Saturday, April 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. Please contact Susan Reid to sign up and for details: 802-229-1403 or hendrixfiddle@gmail.com.