The National Music Museum is proud to welcome internationally renowned fiddlers Kristian Bugge and Ruthie Dornfeld for a spirited performance of traditional Danish and Nordic folk music on Friday, June 20 at Noon CT in the Janet L. Wanzek Performance Hall. The concert is presented as part of the NMM Live! series and in collaboration with the Dalesburg Midsummer Festival. Admission is free with museum entry, and the concert will be livestreamed at NMMusd.org.
This special performance is made possible with funding from the Maud and Mary Adams Fund at the National Music Museum.
The repertoire will span Danish fiddle traditions, Nordic dance tunes, old-time American melodies, original compositions, and possibly a few Venezuelan waltzes—offering an eclectic and joyful musical journey. Many of their tunes were learned directly from folk legends such as Danish-American Dwight Lamb (1934–2024), Danish accordionist Karl Skaarup (1924–2013), and fiddler Peter Uhrbrand of Fanø.
Audiences can expect everything from lively polkas and fiery reels to lyrical waltzes and joyful hopsas, all infused with humor and engaging storytelling from the artists’ decades of performing experience.
About the Artists
Kristian Bugge is a celebrated figure in the Danish and Scandinavian folk music scene. An expert in regional Danish fiddle styles, Kristian holds a master’s degree from the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music. He has toured internationally with groups such as Jensen & Bugge, Baltic Crossing, and Gangspil, earning more than 10 Danish Music Awards, including “Danish Folk Artist of the Year” (2011, 2016) and the 2024 “Tradition Award.” He is also known for his dynamic crossover work in groups like Wenzell & Bugge and the Danish folk big band Habadekuk.
www.kristianbugge.com
Ruthie Dornfeld, based in Seattle, is a versatile and masterful fiddler who has performed across the globe—from the Amazon to Helsinki. A Berklee College of Music alumna, Ruthie’s career spans classical, Celtic, Scandinavian, Eastern European, and American roots music. She has performed with The American Cafe Orchestra, the tango ensemble Tangoheart, and the country duo Margo Murphy and John Roberts. Ruthie also composes for the five-string medieval vielle, featured in her acclaimed recording Lay of the Waves.
www.ruthiedornfeld.com
NMM Live! will return this fall with a full lineup of concerts.
NMM Live! is presented in part by the USD Student Government Association and the South Dakota Arts Council, with support from the State of South Dakota, the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The National Music Museum’s permanent exhibits are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.nmmusd.org for more information.
Also check out other Entertainment events in Vermillion, Music events in Vermillion, Concerts in Vermillion.
