Largest Scandinavian Festival in North America prepares for 2015

Norsk Høstfest in Minot, North Dakota Announces Headliner Entertainment – 

Norsk Høstfest is pleased to announce its main stage entertainment lineup for the 2015 edition of North America’s largest Scandinavian festival which runs September 29 – October 3.

The 38th annual Norsk Høstfest kicks off Tuesday evening, Sept. 29, with a 7 p.m. opening ceremony followed by the Høstfest Eve Concert, this year featuring The Ultimate ABBA Tribute group, Abbacadabra, performing with the Minot Symphony Orchestra.

Scheduled to appear in The Great Hall of the Vikings over five nights and four days are Abbacadabra performing with the Minot Symphony Orchestra, Jeff Foxworthy, Marty Stuart with special guest Connie Smith, Celtic Thunder, Ronnie Milsap, Martina McBride, The Beach Boys and country-rock group, The Band Perry.

“Abbacadabra has been a group that our fans have been asking us to bring back to Høstfest for a few years now,” said David Reiten, Norsk Høstfest President. “Their high energy performance should be a fantastic kick-off to the festival, especially when paired with the involvement of Minot’s own symphony.”

“We like to think we’re offering something for everyone,” said Reiten. “From returning favorites like comedian Jeff Foxworthy, to new names such as the dynamic Irish-group, Celtic Thunder and country-rock sibling trio, The Band Perry.”

Høstfest fans buying The Band Perry concert tickets will now have another option to choose from this year as the festival will add a standing room “pit” area in front of the stage for this concert only.

“Country fans want to stand and sing during the concerts,” Reiten said. “So, we figured we would try to accommodate them and try something new.”

Tickets go on sale 8 a.m., CDT, Monday, May 18, with VIP seating at $82 and reserved seats at $62. Abbacadabra Opening Night tickets are $36 VIP / $25 reserved. Tickets can be ordered online at hostfest.com, by calling (701) 852-2368, or in person at 1020 S. Broadway, Minot ND 58701.

FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to the Great Hall entertainment, Norsk Høstfest offers free stage acts several times during the festival. Høstfestivarians will see a return of many of their favorite acts such as Bjøro Haaland and Williams & Ree and enjoy new talent come from across the Atlantic such as Telemark’s very own Didrik Solli-Tangen, Norway Idol star Steffen Jakobsen, Denmark’s Harald Haugaard Trio and Finland’s Baltic Crossing.

“We are very excited to welcome Didrik Solli-Tangen to the stage,” said Pam Davy, executive director of Norsk Høstfest. “It’s always great to see tremendous talent at the festival, but it is even better when the star hails from our sister-city region of Telemark.”

“This year also marks a big anniversary for Bjøro Haaland,” said Davy. “For 30 years, Bjøro has performed at the festival and we intend to celebrate this milestone in true Nordic style.”

Performing on the free stages are: Auntie Kreamsaugen, Baltic Crossing, Bjøro Haaland, Country Gentlemen, Crazy Fingers, Glenn & Millie, Glenn Henriksen, Harald Haugaard Trio, Ivares Pojkarna, Jenta O’Ja, JMB Band, Mollie B, Nordic Bees, Ricky Nelson Remembered with the Vees, Ringling 5, Queen Elsa & Olaf, Shelby Huston, Skålmusik, Skandi Ski Fantasy, Solli-Tangen, Steffen Jakobsen, Stoney Brook Strings, Stoney Brook Mandolins, Dance of the Norwegian Sweaters, Swedes in the Weeds, Vestafor, Western Senators, Williams & Ree, Willie, Waylon and Johnny Cash as … the Highwaymen…and many more!

Besides great entertainment, Norsk Høstfest will spotlight Scandinavian culture, artisan crafts, Nordic shopping, nightly dances, and of course, great authentic Scandinavian cuisine. Visit www.hostfest.com

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: Norsk Høstfest is a nonprofit Scandinavian festival held annually in the fall in the North Dakota State Fair Center on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, N.D., USA. Entering its 38th year, the festival has become North America’s largest Scandinavian festival with tens of thousands of people attending from all over the world. The festival features world-class entertainment, Scandinavian culture on display, handcrafted Norsk merchandise, authentic Scandinavian cuisine plus a fine dining establishment, En To Tre, lead by Norwegian chefs. Norsk Høstfest celebrates Scandinavian culture from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit hostfest.com or call Norsk Høstfest at (701) 852-2368.

2015 GREAT HALL ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Abbacadabra with The Minot Symphony Orchestra: 7:00 p.m. • Tuesday, Sept. 29

TBA: 1 p.m. • Wednesday, September 30

Jeff Foxworthy: 7:30 p.m. • Wednesday, September 30

Marty Stewart with special guest Connie Smith: 1 p.m. • Thursday, October 1

Celtic Thunder: 7:30 p.m. • Thursday, October 1

Ronnie Milsap – The Farewell Tour: 1 p.m. • Friday, October 2

Martina McBride: 7:30 p.m. • Friday, October 2

The Beach Boys – Led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, along with Christian Love, Randell Kirsch, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill and Scott Totten: 1 p.m. • Saturday, October 3

The Band Perry: 7:30 p.m. • Saturday, October 3

=================================================================

ABOUT THE DANISH PIONEER NEWSPAPER – SINCE 1872 – ENGLISH & DANISH ARTICLES

Follow The Danish Pioneer Newspaper on FACEBOOK – Click HERE to Join the Conversation!

THE DANISH PIONEER NEWSPAPER IN ACTION: Did you know that The Danish Pioneer’s staff, editors, photographers columnists and writers help readers discover unique travel destinations, interesting films, concerts, books, theatrical works, festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, delicious restaurants, special birthdays and scholarship opportunities in the USA, Canada, Denmark & Scandinavia. Come discover more in 2015. Visit www.thedanishpioneer.com

THE DANISH PIONEER NEWSPAPER WAS FOUNDED IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA IN 1872 AND TODAY IS STILL PUBLISHED JUST OUTSIDE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Did you know by supporting The Danish Pioneer Newspaper’s print edition, we are able to offer the bonus of our colorful, exciting website. Please support The Danish Pioneer Newspaper. Subscriptions to our print edition are economical, and you receive 26 issues per year including the extra-large, extra-special holiday issue. Subscriptions and advertisements – like annual donations to ethnic institutions or memberships to clubs, lodges and organizations – help The Danish Pioneer Newspaper staff to preserve and to support the Danish-American ethnic press in addition to allowing us to promote the Danish and Scandinavian culture, communities, heritage and traditions in the USA and North America. Please subscribe today or give The Danish Pioneer Newspaper as a gift subscription to a friend or relative. Visit http://www.thedanishpioneer.com/subscribe