Celebrate Scandinavian Culture at MIM December 3 and 4
Join us at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) and celebrate the culture and music of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4. Enjoy musical performances, traditional dances, a regionally inspired menu in Café Allegro, hands-on crafts, and much more.
Kicking off the events is Gladamusik, a unique ensemble that performs Swedish folk dances and music, featuring the nyckelharpa. Following the performance, the group will stay around so that guests can have a closer look at their instruments and ask any questions.
At midday, the Scandinavian Folkdancers of Phoenix will perform traditional folk dances from Scandinavia in beautiful, colorful costumes. The dancers will demonstrate the joyful movements and intricately woven patterns that are typical of Norse dance. Make sure to have your dancing shoes ready as guests will have the chance to learn the couples’ dances or join in with the whole group. 
Kim Majors, a fiddler and dancer of the Gladamusik ensemble, will invite guests to join her for an interactive discussion of Scandinavian folk costumes in the Culture Talk entitled “Nordic Folk Costumes in Music.” Her three decades of experience in creating and restoring costumes provide a unique perspective as both a performer and costume maker. Guests are invited to wear their Scandinavian folk costumes for an opportunity to share their individual connections to the region.
Café Allegro will offer guests a smorgasbord of menu items for purchase. Try the Norwegian cod and root-vegetable chowder or the potetsuppe (potato soup). How about some Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes or a Finnish-inspired salmon gravlax blini with a hard-boiled egg—all in keeping with the Scandinavian theme.
To end the day, the Mill Ave Chamber Players will perform the sounds of Scandinavia. Guests can delight in Nordic classical music as this talented woodwind quintet plays the music of the region’s composers.
MIMkids Junior Museum Guides will provide mini tours of the Europe Gallery with an extra focus on our Scandinavia displays. They will also be leading music-making activities in one of the Event Rooms. 
Throughout the day, MIM will offer other fun activities for guests to enjoy, such as face painting and a Sami drum craft. There is also a themed photo booth and the chance to shop the Museum Store for unique Scandinavian gifts.
“MIM is excited to celebrate Nordic music and culture at our second annual Experience Scandinavia program,” said Randi Ringnes, MIM’s public programs coordinator. “This year, we are pleased to bring back some favorite performers as well as to introduce new artists and activities. From traditional dancing and classical music performances to youth-led mini tours and interactive talks, guests of all ages will enjoy a weekend full of opportunities to explore Scandinavian culture!”
The Musical Instrument Museum is located at 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard in Phoenix (corner of Tatum and Mayo Boulevards, just south of Loop 101). For general museum information and a full schedule of events, visit MIM.org or call 480.478.6000.
