MODAL MUSIC
World Music Bands
Warm music from cool lands to melt your heart — Scandinavian music from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland
From Hambo to Hopsa, this sweet, melodic music is satisfying to listen to, fun to dance to, and is a refreshing change of pace. The rolling bounce of the Scandic rhythms, like Hambo and Hopsa, insists you move your feet.
Versatile yet rooted in tradition
Nordland Band’s warm sound starts with violin, mandolin, guitar, wooden flute, and two singing voices. (And that is just the duet!) Percussion, acoustic bass, second violin, and saxophone can be added.
Repertoire is carefully chosen from folk pieces, popular music, and the band’s own compositions which live within the folk tradition. Jutta Distler, the leader, researches most of the music during visits to her musician family in Sweden and Denmark.
Engaging
To make sure folks connect with the powerful roots music, this engaging, skilled band teaches and leads dances when circumstances allow it. The audience is encouraged to drum along on percussion as well as sing along. The entire family, from toddlers to seniors, gets to join in the very accessible fun!
Unique sound
Most of the Nordland Band musicians are multi-instrumentalists, a fact which allows the band to create an ever changing color, but whatever the sound, every number grabs your attention, gets your feet tapping, urging you to dance.
The core duet plays eight instruments: Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, Bulgarian Flute, Percussion and Drums, Ocarina, with two singing voices.
Additional instrumentation / players can include: Acoustic Bass, Saxophone, Rhythm Guitar, and Percussion.
Ranging far and wide
As Chicago’s only professional pan-Scandinavian band, the Nordland Band has, since its inception in 1990, been invited to perform for the Royal Danish Consulate, at the Winnipeg and the Earth Song Folk Festivals in Canada, Michigan’s Spirits of the Woods Folk Fest, the University of Michigan’s Folk Life Fest, Chicago’s Field Museum, and Chicago’s Andersonville Midsommar Fest for over a decade.
Viking beat will thrill your feet
If you’re looking for a group that can fill everyone with good spirits, the Nordland Band is ready to play. Dance instruction can also be provided.
Folks say…
Thank you so much for performing at our Bishop Hill Folk Festival! We have heard nothing but compliments about your music.” Todd DeDecker, Bishop Hill Heritage Association Administrator
Your performance was truly amazing and we are very glad that you could be part of this special event.” Juan Carlos Acevedo, Outreach Coordinator, Wheeling Park District
Flexible and affordable
We fit the band’s size to your budget, needs, and interests.
