Vidar Skrede | Norwegian Folk Musician Recap

Report by Ingrid White

We were incredibly fortunate to have the talented Vidar Skrede stop in Columbus on his tour! In addition to playing the Hardanger fiddle, Vidar showcased his versatility by playing the fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, all while keeping rhythm with a footboard, making it feel like he had a full drum set with him.

A Masterful Performer
Vidar has been composing and performing music for decades, and he treated us to several of his original compositions. His music has been recorded and performed worldwide, and many attendees purchased his CDs. Vidar shared the stories and inspiration behind his songs, making it easier to connect with the emotions and history in each piece. He even combined slow and fast tunes in his sets, creating a unique and dynamic performance.

Folk Dances and Audience Involvement
The evening was made even more special with Scandinavian folk dances by Tom and Lea Anne Kangas. They delighted the audience, noting that Vidar’s tunes lent themselves beautifully to a variety of dances.

A Full House
We had a fantastic turnout with about 20 Scandinavian Club members, several local musicians and dancers, and around 40 Westminster-Thurber residents. The room was filled with energy and appreciation for the evening’s entertainment.

Special Thanks
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible:

• Sharon Knudsen for securing the venue

• Bette Madsen, our Organizer Extraordinaire

• Randy Clepper for setting up the sound system and ensuring everything ran smoothly.