A popular Norwegian accordion group will storm a Las Vegas stage in October with nearly two dozen accordionists, three guitarists, vocalists, a washboard player and a repertoire of mostly Scandinavian music.
The high-energy group, Lindesnes Trekkspillklubb, will perform Monday, October 4 at 7 p.m. at Community Lutheran Church, 4720 East Tropicana Ave., as part of its five-stop tour across the United States. Tickets are just $10 each and $5 for children under 12.
“We present the music in an entertaining and often humorous way,” said Lance Torressen, a member of the group, which has been playing for more than 20 years. “We involve the audience, there are sing-alongs and people often dance in the aisles, encouraged by members of our group clad in folk costumes. People really seem to enjoy themselves and leave with a smile on their faces.”
Local Scandinavians are looking forward to the performance. “I don’t think Las Vegas has ever seen anything like this,” said Erik Pappa, president of the Vegas Viking lodge of the Sons of Norway, which is hosting the group on this stop of its American tour. “The buzz is that this will be a lot of fun and very entertaining. Musically, the group is top-notch.” The group will perform for two hours with a short intermission. Complimentary refreshments will be available and CDs and DVDs of the group will be available for purchase.
The group from Lindesnes, the southernmost township in Norway, has brought its upbeat style of performing to 28 states, two Canadian provinces and across Europe since its creation in February 1990. This will be its 10th American tour, which will also include stops in Los Angeles (San Pedro), Colorado Springs, and Minnesota (Battle Lake and Lakeville). In July, the group put on two sold-out performances at the renowned Oslo Opera House.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance from Vice President Bob Sturgeon by sending a check or money order, payable to Vegas Viking Lodge, to Bob Sturgeon, 3386 El Camino Real, Las Vegas, NV 89121-3422. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope to have your tickets mailed back to you or add your email address for email confirmation with your ticket numbers. Sturgeon may be reached at (702) 454-9100 or at leifstor@aol.com.
The Vegas Viking lodge ( www.vegasviking.com ) was organized in May 1992 and has been involved in a wide variety of special events featuring traditional and contemporary programs having a Norwegian-American flavor ever since. As part of the Sons of Norway, it is a fraternal benefit and cultural society dedicated to preserving Norwegian heritage in North America and strengthening the ties between North America and modern Norway. Vegas Viking also helps local charities through donations.
