SOLWAY — When Kristian Bugge picked up the violin at 11 years old, he had no way of knowing that one day his playing would take him over the Atlantic to perform across the United States.
“It's certainly a dream coming true for me to be here and be able to do this as a living and tour around and meet people and play for concerts and dances," he said on KAXE's Area Voices.
Bugge will travel to the Bemidji area on Saturday, May 16, to perform with Seattle musician WB Reid at the next Bemidji Contra Dance event at Lammers Town Hall in Solway as part of a tour.
Bugge was attracted to folk music at a young age when he was brought to folk dances at 7 years old. The music stuck with him until he picked up the fiddle four years later. Now, he performs at folk and country dances around the world.
He got involved in Northern Minnesota thanks to the O’Neil Family Band in East Grand Forks. They have performed at the Bemidji Contra Dances and helped Bugge and Reid make the connection.
The Saturday dance will also feature a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. in honor of Bugge and Reid. The dance begins at 6:30 p.m., with special caller David Kirchner.
All ages, including beginner dancers, are welcome at the event. Everything is taught on the spot by the caller. Attendees don’t need to bring a partner. If people show up alone, they will be paired up with someone.
In addition to the music, there is also a silent auction to raise funds for the Bemidji Contra Dance group. Organizers reported it can cost anywhere between $800-$1,000 to put on a dance. Some items in the auction include a handmade charcuterie board, yoga sessions, mushroom hikes and more.
This weekend's event is Bemidji Contra Dance’s final one planned this year, so the club will be exploring new ways to make these dances more sustainable and spread the word.
In addition to listening to unique music, the dance is a great exercise as well, they noted.
Follow the Bemidji Contra Dance Facebook page to keep up to date with the club.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
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