Swedish Fiddling--Lena Jonsson with Bruce Sagan (Special Event)

A concert of Swedish fiddle styles featuring two gifted musicians from both sides of the Atlantic! They are delighted to share their love of traditional Swedish fiddle tunes and harmonies.Lena Jonsson is a young and exceptionally talented Swedish fiddler who is coming to visit friends of long-standing but is delighted to share her folk traditions with us. Lena comes from H?lsingland, a beautiful province north of Stockholm with unusually rich folk music traditions. In recognition of her extraordinary talent, she was just awarded the rare title of riksspelman, or "National Folk Musician" of Sweden, a generally acknowledged badge of mastery for Swedish folk musicians. She plays in the legendary Bolln?sbygdens Spelmanslag (music group) with other members of her family. This group not only makes music in traditional styles but also provides traditional tunes a modern edge, mixing back-country fiddle with electric guitar. Lena started playing the fiddle at the age of six and in her younger years formed her own folk music group Lortb?ckerz (muddy waters). Today, the music of this band is characterized by energy and rhythm with strong roots in Swedish traditional styles. Lena is currently pursuing an advanced degree at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and is looking to explore American fiddle styles during her visit. For more information about Lena, please see myspace.com/lenajonsson or myspace.com/jonssoncoudroy.Bruce Sagan is a respected player and teacher of traditional Scandinavian fiddle music. He has visited Scandinavia numerous times to work with well-known fiddlers, including Lena?s father, and collect material. He was awarded the Zorn Diploma in Bronze on the basis of his playing before a jury of some of Sweden's best fiddlers. This honor has been accorded to very few non-Swedes. Bruce's albums have won critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. In a review of his second CD, With Friends, a preeminent Swedish folk music magazine Spelm?nnen said that he played "like a native." This is high praise in a country where fiddlers are best known for playing traditional tunes from their own village. Bruce has taught and served as musical director at traditional music workshops and camps throughout the United States, including Nordic Fiddles and Feet in West Virginia and California's Stockton Folk Dance. In addition to fiddle, Bruce plays the haunting, highly ornamented Norwegian hardingfele, the Swedish nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle), and the tussefl?yte, or recorder.The concert will be in the Great Room of the house at: 6807 Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. For information and directions, please contact Sonja Bensen (703-931-5586 or email DalkullaSB (at) aol.com).Suggested donation is $15, If you feel generous and wish to give more, all proceeds go to the performers.