Bugge and Reid Bring Scandinavian Sound to Vesterheim

You'll want to remember this moment. Help us record what's happening in Decorah. DECORAH — Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum welcomed music lovers Tuesday evening for a free concert featuring the transatlantic fiddle and guitar duo Kristian Bugge and WB Reid. The intimate performance showcased a lively mix of Danish fiddle repertoire, including polkas, jigs, waltzes, reels, hopsas and traditional "Sønderhoning" dance tunes. A Sønderhoning is a traditional couple dance and style of folk music native to the village of Sønderho on the Danish island of Fanø, Bugge explained. "The village is only around 300 people, but they're pretty good at coming up with any excuse to have a party," Bugge joked while introducing the music. The evening was filled with witty humor, whimsical storytelling and upbeat energy that had audience members laughing and tapping their toes throughout the performance. After one piece, Bugge laughed, "Had anyone heard that tune before? One? Well, now you've all heard it!" Bugge specializes in Danish folk music traditions and performs throughout Scandinavia, Europe and North America as both a musician and teacher. He received the Danish Folk Artist of the Year award at the Danish Music Awards Folk Festival in 2012 and 2016 and was named one of Denmark's honorary national folk musicians in 2014. Reid, a Seattle-based community musician, performs acoustic roots music at dances, concerts and festivals across the United States and Europe. Known for his accompaniment across a variety of fiddle styles, Reid performs on guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin and has taught for decades at music camps and festivals around the country. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.