About the Entertainment
ASMFA 2025 ENTERTAINERS and PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Please Note: The following Events schedules have already passed. The next Festival will be held on June 21, 22, and 23, 2024. We will update next year's schedule later in the year. We hope to see you next year!

The 2024 Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival will be the 57th festival celebrating the summer solstice and all things Scandinavian on Oregon’s North Coast. The Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is a three-day festival held the third weekend in June at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds east of Astoria. The festival opens Friday afternoon with vendors, food and live entertainment.

Friday’s major evening events include Queen's Coronation, a Bonfire with Hex burning, and a public dance.

Saturday  starts with the Troll Run and Midnight Sun Breakfast there are continuous opportunities all day long for attendees to visit vendors, buy authentic Nordic food specialties from the lodges, and dance and listen to live entertainment from the Nordic lands and the Pacific Northwest. Other major events on Saturday include a costumed walking parade through the fairgrounds, flag raising, raising and dancing around the Midsummer Pole, and a Beer Garden. The Viking Encampment is open to the public with almost hourly demonstrations. All ages are invited to participate in a Kubb (a Nordic lawn game) tournament, and children’s games take place in the Barnefest Area. At 2:45 PM, there is a narrated parade of Nordic folk dress and Scandinavian sweaters. Saturday evening’s concert opens with GASLIGHTER – Songs of the Chicks, and continues with a return of ARRIVAL, Canada’s Tribute to ABBA. Special tickets are required for this always popular event.

Sunday’s activities include a Pannukakku (Finnish pancake) Breakfast, a non-denominational church service, more shopping, food and live entertainment. The event concludes in the afternoon with the raffle drawing and closing ceremonies with flags.

All Scandinavian Midsummer Festival events are open to the public. Admission is family friendly. Multi-generational families attend with youngsters being especially keen to return for the fun, food and family time, and seniors being glad to share their family traditions and history with the upcoming generations. Survey results show that half of attendees are returnees and the other half are newcomers eager to learn about a new culture.

Eeppi Ursin_ Featured Entertainer from New York


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Friday, June 20
5:45 – 6:30pm Arena Stage
Saturday, June 21
11:00 – 11:45am Arena Stage
3:00 – 3:45pm Arena Stage
6:00 – 6:45pm Arena Stage
Sunday, June 22
10:00 – 10:45am Arena Stage

Eeppi Ursin is a New York -based platinum-selling, award-winning singer-songwriter, jazz vocalist, composer, arranger and pianist originally from Finland. Ursin is known for her angelic-strong voice and exceptional skill set ranging from top-class performance to writing music for various groups. Her stage presence combines warmth, style, humor and virtuosity. Her recordings and performances as a singer vary from pop, jazz, dance, a cappella and children’s music.Throughout her career Eeppi has captivated audiences all around the world performing as a vocal soloist at prestigious venues with acclaimed artists such as trumpeter Leroy Jones and Spirit of New Orleans, Vocal Ensemble Club For Five, and UMO Jazz Orchestra, to name a few.

In 2022 Eeppi was chosen as Performer of the year by Finlandia Foundation National – a nomination that sent her on a 17-concert tour performing at venues all around the United States. In 2014 she was chosen to perform as the soloist at the President’s Independence Day Reception in Finland. In 2001 she won the 1st prize in the Lady Summertime international jazz vocal competition. Eeppi Ursin is also the American Scandinavian Society Cultural Grant -recipient along with many other recognitions and grants.

Don’t miss seeing this epic singer/musician at this year’s Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.


eeppi
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Friday, June 20
5:45 –6:30PM, Arena Stage

Saturday, June 21
11:00 – 11:45AM, Arena Stage
3:00 – 3:45PM, Arena Stage
6:00 – 6:45PM, Arena Stage

Sunday, June 22
10:00 – 10:45AM, Arena Stage


Eeppi Ursin

Featured Entertainer from New York

Eeppi Ursin is a New York -based platinum-selling, award-winning singer-songwriter, jazz vocalist, composer, arranger and pianist originally from Finland. Ursin is known for her angelic-strong voice and exceptional skill set ranging from top-class performance to writing music for various groups. Her stage presence combines warmth, style, humor and virtuosity. Her recordings and performances as a singer vary from pop, jazz, dance, a cappella and children’s music.Throughout her career Eeppi has captivated audiences all around the world performing as a vocal soloist at prestigious venues with acclaimed artists such as trumpeter Leroy Jones and Spirit of New Orleans, Vocal Ensemble Club For Five, and UMO Jazz Orchestra, to name a few.

In 2022 Eeppi was chosen as Performer of the year by Finlandia Foundation National – a nomination that sent her on a 17-concert tour performing at venues all around the United States. In 2014 she was chosen to perform as the soloist at the President’s Independence Day Reception in Finland. In 2001 she won the 1st prize in the Lady Summertime international jazz vocal competition. Eeppi Ursin is also the American Scandinavian Society Cultural Grant -recipient along with many other recognitions and grants.

Don’t miss seeing this epic singer/musician at this year’s Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.


Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers



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Friday, June 20
2:45 – 3:30pm Arena
Saturday, June 21
9:00 – 9:45am Arena
4:00 – 4:45pm Arena
Sunday, June 22
12:00 – 12:45pm Arena
1:45 – 2:30pm Exhibit Hall
(with the Viking Nordic Scandia Dancers)

The Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers (LSFD) is a group of high school dancers and musicians living in the small rural Kansas community of Lindsborg (founded by Swedish settlers) who are dedicated to promoting the study and appreciation of traditional Swedish folk dance and music. Founded in 1963, the group performs at local celebrations such as the Midsummer's Festival, Svensk Hyllningsfest, St. Lucia Festival, and other local events throughout the year.

Members of LSFD procure their own costumes, choosing from authentic Swedish provincial designs. Accompanied by the group's own musicians, the dancers learn and master authentic Swedish and Scandinavian dances. Known as ambassadors for their hometown, the group is recognized as one of the premier Swedish folk dance groups in the United States. Every four years, LSFD travels internationally with a performance tour across Scandinavia.

Financial support for LSFD, a nonprofit organization 503(c), is generated through performance donations and numerous fundraising projects.


The Viking Nordic Scandia Dancers


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Friday, June 20
7:00pm Arena
Queen’s Coronation
Saturday, June 21
10:00 – 10:45am Arena
3:45 – 4:30pm Exhibit Hall
Sunday, June 22
1:00 – 1:45pm Arena
1:45 – 2:30pm Exhibit Hall

The Viking NordicScandia Dancers will perform on all three days of the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival at the fairgrounds. This dance group includes dancers from second grade to adults. The NORDIC DANCERS are the youngest group and several members are performing at their first midsummer festival. Experienced teen-age dancers make up the VIKING DANCERS who are frequently joined by the adults from the SCANDIA DANCERS. The VIKING NORDIC SCANDIA DANCERS are led by Kevin and Bernadeth Ladd.

This group, from Clatsop County, began in 1971 and has provided our youth with the opportunity to continue the tradition of the Nordic dance culture.

Coreen Bergholm and the Scandinavian Country Band

Accompanied by Ryan Phillips


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Friday, June 20
8:30 – 10:00pm Exhibit Hall
Queen’s Ball
Saturday, June 21
6:45 – 9:00pm Exhibit Hall
“Nordic Stomp” Dance

Playing for the Queen’s Ball on Friday evening after the Coronation,and again on Saturday evening, for the Nordic Stomp.

The Nordic Stomp is a new event this year that encourages everyone, whether amateur or skilled, to come and show off your dance moves. There will be many opportunities to join in some interactive dances as well.  The musicwill be provided again by our local Nordic band, Coreen Bergholm and Scandinavian Country, accompanied by Ryan Phillips.

Coreen immigrated to Astoria from North Dakota in the 1960’s and learned the Scandinavian repertoire from her mentors Sven Sundstrom and Joergen Madsen. As a “snow bird,” Coreen spent seventeen winters leading an accordion band at the Yuma (Arizona) Sons of Norway. Scandinavian Country plays the local favorite dances like the Varsouvienne and the Butterfly as well as polkas, schottisches, waltzes, and hambos. The band even plays the Chicken Dance and the Hokey Pokey! Other musicians include; Bobbie Fererro on accordion, John Orr on guitar, David Graves on percussion, Susan Hinton on euphonium/baby tuba, and Todd Carlson on base.

Accordionist Ryan Phillips will be joining Scandinavian Country this year, for both Friday and Saturday evening performances. Ryan learned how to play the accordion from Eileen Hagen. One of his first appearances at the festival was when he appeared on stage as a youngster with accordionist Myron Floren of the Lawrence Welk Band. We are pleased to have Ryan playing at our festival again.


Skamokawa Swamp Opera


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Band members in photo, from left to right:
Erik Friend, Andrew Emlen, Wren Hendriks, and Kyleen Austin


ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
Friday, June 20
4:00pm – 5:15pm Arena
Skamokawa Swamp Opera is an eclectic folk band from Wahkiakum County, Washington. All four members are vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, using varied combinations of cello, guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandocello, percussion, mandolin, and melodica. They draw from a wide variety of musical genres from pop to opera. In 2013 they put together a show of songs by and about the people of the lower Columbia River which included songs from each of the major immigrant groups; they have since been regular favorites at the Finnish-American Festival, as well as performing for the Finnish Brotherhood at the Suomi Hall in Astoria, the Fisher Poets Gathering, the Vancouver Music & Arts Festival, and Pickathon. They will perform music from each of the Scandinavian countries as well as original music centered on life along the Columbia.

Taylor Icelandic Horses

     Jackie and Larry Taylor from Yelm, WA.

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Friday, June 20
2:00 – 6:00pm Outdoor
Horse Arena
Saturday, June 21
9:00 – 4:00pm Outdoor
Horse Arena
Sunday, June 22
9:00 – 3:00pm Outdoor
Horse Arena

Jackie and Larry Taylor of Yelm, Washington, join us again for the 2025 Midsummer Festival to show their Icelandic horses. They will belocated in the horse arena next to the Midsummer Pole.

Icelandic horses are a pure breed that developed in Iceland, with the first arriving aboard the Viking ships of Norse Settlers between 860 and 935 AD. The horses are mostly pony-sized but are still called horses. They are short backed and can carry a two-hundred-and-twenty-five-pound man. They are long-lived and hardy and have unusual gaits. Jackie and Larry will provide demonstrations of these attractive animals and the Taylor family will answer your questions. There will be bleachers by the horse arena so you can sit a spell and admire the beautiful Icelandic horses in the arena.


The Brownsmead Flats


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Saturday, June 21
1:00 – 1:45pm Arena
5:00 – 5:45pm Arena
The Brownsmead Flats play acoustic music that may be best described as “Crabgrass”, which they liken to a folk/bluegrass style with a maritime flavor. The group has been making music together since 1984. The band has a strong focus on vocal harmonies and many of their songs are composed by members of the group. Dan Sutherland is featured on the hammered dulcimer, fiddle, and mandolin. Ray Raihala plays piano, banjo, guitar and mandolin. Ned Heavenrich plays harmonica and guitar.  Larry Moore is featured on the mandolin and Randy Weese will share his fine flatpicking guitar style and mandolin playing. John Fenton, on bass,keeps the group together with his solid rhythmic tempos.

EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY & STEEL “Viking Encampment”


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The EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND STEEL specializes in the recreation of the culture of the Middle Ages, including the art forms, events (feasts, tournaments, ceremonies and wars), and combat arts from that period. The purpose of this nonprofit educational corporation is to study (and teach the general public) ideals and history from 800 AD to 1650 AD within the geographical boundaries of Europe and to provide an organized effort in the collection, interpretations and distribution of historical data through publication and demonstration.

Empire of Chivalry and Steel participants will open their Viking Encampment to the public on Saturday and Sunday and provide demonstrations of Viking Fiber Arts & Textiles, Viking combat, and Viking chainmail.

NEW this year on Saturday only at 5:00pm – Fireside Storytelling from the Norse Sagas.


Saturday, June 21
10am – 7pm Outdoor Encampment
1:00pm Viking Demonstration – Fiber Arts & Textiles
2:00pm Viking Demonstration – Combat
3:00pm Viking Demonstration – Chainmail
5:00pm Viking Demonstration – Fireside Storytelling from the Norse Sagas
Sunday, June 22
10am – 3pm Outdoor Encampment
12:00pm Viking Demonstration – Fiber Arts & Textiles
1:00pm Viking Demonstration – Combat
2:00pm Viking Demonstration – Chainmail

EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY & STEEL “Viking Encampment”


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Saturday, June 21
10am – 7pm Outdoor Encampment
1:00pm Viking Demonstration – Fiber Arts & Textiles
2:00pm Viking Demonstration – Combat
3:00pm Viking Demonstration – Chainmail
5:00pm Viking Demonstration – Fireside Storytelling from the Norse Sagas
Sunday, June 22
10am – 3pm Outdoor Encampment
12:00pm Viking Demonstration – Fiber Arts & Textiles
1:00pm Viking Demonstration – Combat
2:00pm Viking Demonstration – Chainmail

The EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND STEEL specializes in the recreation of the culture of the Middle Ages, including the art forms, events (feasts, tournaments, ceremonies and wars), and combat arts from that period. The purpose of this nonprofit educational corporation is to study (and teach the general public) ideals and history from 800 AD to 1650 AD within the geographical boundaries of Europe and to provide an organized effort in the collection, interpretations and distribution of historical data through publication and demonstration.

Empire of Chivalry and Steel participants will open their Viking Encampment to the public on Saturday and Sunday and provide demonstrations of Viking Fiber Arts & Textiles, Viking combat, and Viking chainmail.

NEW this year on Saturday only at 5:00pm – Fireside Storytelling from the Norse Sagas.


Polka Dots


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Friday, June 20
4:00 – 5:30pm Exhibit Hall
Saturday, June 21
9:30 – 10:15am Exhibit Hall
12:30 – 1:15pm Outside
(Dancing around Midsummer Pole)
Sunday, June 22
9:00 – 9:45am Arena
This music group formed in the fall of 2018 at the suggestion of Astoria’s veteran accordionist Coreen Bergholm to provide live traditional music for the Fort George Benefit Night for the Nordic Heritage Park.

This North Coast combo whose members are all of Scandinavian heritage has special enthusiasm for Northern European dance music. Members include Nancy Word and Ruby McCord on accordion and Noel Rydbom on string bass. The Polka Dots will perform all three days of the Midsummer Festival in a variety of locations.

Leikarringen Of Portland Dancers


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ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
Saturday, June 21
12:00 – 12:45pm Arena

As of 2023, Christie Stilson, Leikarringen of Portland Director, has a performance group of dancers ages 12 and up.

Many of the dancers were involved with the group when they were young and they have now returned in their 20s and 30s. Some are dancers new to the Scandinavian community.

We learn and perform dances from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and even a few from Estonia and Germany. The dances are generally fast-paced, as well as some set figure dances.

Audrey Cereghino 2024 Miss Scandinavia Violinist


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Audrey is our reigning 2024 Miss Scandinavia. She will be handing her crown to the
newly crowned 2025 MISS SCANDINAVIA, during Friday evenings coronation, June 20th.

Audrey will play her violin while leading the 2025 Miss Scandinavia and
her court to the Hex Burning Bonfire outside following the coronation.

VASA Youth Group Swedish Dancers


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Saturday, June 21
12:30 – 1:15pm Outside
(Dancing around Midsummer Pole)
2:00 – 2:45pm Arena

The VASA Youth Group Swedish Dancers are coming to us from Portland, OR., currently under the direction of Christine Smith.

Vasa Rosebuds have routinely performed and led majstång dancing at Midsummer celebrations in Portland and Astoria.Within the past 5 years, they’ve traveled internationally to dance and participate in Midsummer celebrations in Sweden and Canada. The group has also performed many times over the years at the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival and we appreciate them being a part of our festival again this year.

Christine and the VASA Dancers will lead the dancing around the Midsummer Pole on Saturday, June 21 at approx. 12:30pm.  Come and join in the celebration!

Nordic Accordion Band


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ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
Saturday, June 21
1:00 – 2:30pm Exhibit Hall

The Nordic Accordion Band will return to the Midsummer Festival to perform accordion favorites from 1:00 – 2:30pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the Exhibit Hall. This group of seasoned accordion players and a novice or two will be accompanied by violin, drums, and bass. They will play the favorite accordion tunes that Sven and Jorgen used to play as well as some new ones.

Come and enjoy the music of these very talented musicians.


Beer Babes

from Astoria, Oregon

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Friday, June 20
4:00 – 6:00pm Beer Garden
Saturday, June 21
4:00 – 5:00pm Beer Garden

The BEER BABES are all members of the Rose City Accordion Club and started as an informal group in the beer garden at the 2023 Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. They came to the festival in 2023 to participate in Coreen Bergholm’s Astoria Nordic Accordion Band and had so much fun they volunteered to perform again in 2024. We’ve invited them back for the 2025 festival to play again and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Members are: Susan Schwab, Bobbie Fererro, and Lisa Roeder.

ASOC (Astor Street Opry Company)

Shanghaied in Astoria Olio Acts


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Saturday, June 21
1:00 – 1:45pm Beer Garden
2:45 – 3:15pm Exhibit Hall
3:15 – 3:45pm Exhibit Hall
5:30 – 6:15pm Exhibit Hall

Now in their 41stseason, SHANGHAIED IN ASTORIA, is part-vaudeville, part-soap opera, and part 1950’s style Hollywood musical, all combined into a fun and entertaining look at traditional local cultural folklore, including immigrant cannery workers from Scandinavia.  What originated as a celebration of Astoria tradition has become a tradition itself and you don’t want to miss it! Catch Shanghaied cast members performing their Olio acts Saturday only.

Dick And Todd Carlson

Father & Son Duo

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Saturday, June 21
8:30 – 9:15am Exhibit Hall
1:00 – 2:30pm Exhibit Hall
(with Nordic Accordion Band)
Sunday, June 22
8:30 – 9:15am Exhibit Hall

My name is Dick Carlson. I was born and raised in Eugene Oregon. Graduated from U of O majoring in Business and Accounting.

My wife, Patty, and I have lived in Tillamook for over 55 years.
I have played accordion for about 35 years as an amateur. In the late 1990's, I played at the Astoria Scandinavian Festival in the booth area, and have participated in Coreen Bergholm’s Nordic Accordion Band for the past two years.
I enjoy playing with my son, Todd, who is an excellent tuba and bass musician.

Come to the festival and enjoy listening to the music performed byDick and Tyler Carlson on Saturday and Sunday morning.