Decorah Nordic Jam

04/26/2026

We're pretty excited about today's music events in Decorah! 🎶😀🎵

The 4th Sunday Jam will gather 1-3 p.m. at Vesterheim's Commons building. It's a social and musical gathering. Living tradition. All are welcome!

Later in the afternoon the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra presents their final concert of the season at the local high school auditorium at 3 p.m.
Oneota Valley Community Orchestra (OVCO) https://share.google/TYyn0TcAMaS9pI31d

02/24/2026

The Decorah Nordic Jam meets monthly, typically on the 4th Sunday of each month, 1-3 p.m. The Jam has been going for over a decade!

We meet at Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum at 502 W. Water St. in Decorah, Iowa. Most recently, we've been meeting in the new Vesterheim Commons building, but when the weather is nice, we sometimes play outdoors in the museum's Heritage Park by the Mill.

Upcoming jams are scheduled for March 22, April 26, May 24 and June 28, 2026!

Fiddle is the most common instrument played at the jam, but a range of instruments have been represented over the years including hardingfele, nyckelharpa, viola, mandolin, guitar, bass, cello and several types of flute. All are welcome!

Send a message to learn more

07/09/2024

If you are heading to Nordic Fest later this month, join us for a Scandinavian-American Jam on Saturday, July 27th, noon - 1:30 at the Vesterheim Museum Amphitheater. We've even got some suggested tunes - or bring your own! Email [email protected] if you have questions.

Festival Details - https://nordicfest.com/

Tune Book - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C6VGzBE6ANUzo8r2WvFlxD2PRk0m7HoT/view?usp=sharing

10/06/2023

Hey everyone! Great music coming up at Vesterheim. Make plans to attend this free concert next Wednesday.

Don’t miss the FREE Gangspil Concert happening October 11 at 7 PM CT at Vesterheim Commons and live-streamed online! If coming to the concert, just show up! If viewing online, register for a link here: https://bit.ly/VesterheimLiveConcert

Award-winning Danish duo Gangspil will perform beloved traditional music on accordion/harmonica, fiddle, and vocals. During the concert, musicians Danish fiddler Kristian Bugge and accordionist Sonnich Lydom will take us on a journey through traditions of Scandinavian folk music.

If you are in Decorah, check out Lillördag Food Truck, which will be parked behind Vesterheim Commons and serving starting at 5 PM!

This concert is supported in part by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Martha Griesheimer.

08/14/2023

Wonderful pop-up jam at Nordic Fest at the end of July! 🌞 🌳🎶🎻😎🎵🌿

07/24/2023

07/20/2023

A fantastic opportunity for "making the leap" from written music to playing by ear. Recommended for fiddle players of all ages with solid skills (not raw beginners) who want to explore the world of traditional Nordic music. Sign up soon!!!
(This class piggy-backs on the August Jam! 8/27/23)

Schedule: Sunday, August 27, 2023 (9:00 am-Noon, 1:00-5:00 pm) Instructor: Tyler Hendrickson Location: This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School. Gain valuable insight into Norwegian fiddling with instructor Tyler Hendrickson. We'll focus on well-known tunes that you can use in a...

07/20/2023

Upcoming class at Vesterheim on kulokk = cow calling. How exciting and unusual! Check it out:

Schedule: Monday, July 31, 2023 (9:00 am-Noon, 1:00-5:00 pm) Instructor: Peggy Larson Location: This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School. The tradition of kulokk is a fascinating, unique, and beautiful musical tradition from Norway. Beginning in the middle ages, it continued unt...

07/17/2023

Janette and Martha had the opportunity to give a program in June for the Nordlandslaget at their annual stevne in Decorah. Played over a dozen tunes for them - all ones we play regularly at the jam. We shared anecdotes to help them understand it as a living tradition!

07/17/2023

The Decorah Nordic Jam meets monthly, typically on the 4th Sunday of each month, 1-3 p.m. The Jam has been going for over a decade!

We meet at Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum at 502 W. Water St. in Decorah, Iowa. Most recently, we've been meeting in the new Vesterheim Commons building, but when the weather is nice, we sometimes play outdoors in the museum's Heritage Park by the Mill.

Upcoming jams are scheduled for October 27, November 24 and December 15/22 and January 26, 2025!

Fiddle is the most common instrument played at the jam, but a range of instruments have been represented over the years including hardingfele, nyckelharpa, viola, mandolin, guitar, bass, cello and several types of flute. All are welcome!

Send a message to learn more