Scandinavian music coming to Chicago in May 2014

Swedish American Museum to present musical programs in May

Among the variety of periodic activities scheduled each month at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, Chicago, are two special programs during May that will highlight Scandinavian music.

At 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2014, “A Musical Evening with Guests from Gothenburg” will feature teachers and students from the educational institution Svartedalsskolan. In addition to several Swedish spring songs, the performers will present selections from “The Dream of a Better Life,” a new musical.

The scenario by Roger Bodin, director of Emigranternas Hus, is about a couple who leave Gothenburg in 1927 on a boat to New York. After a difficult farewell, they create a new life in Chicago while dealing with mixed feelings for their home country.

A blend of Swedish folk music with American jazz and blues, the complete show will be performed in 2021 when Gothenburg celebrates its 400th anniversary. The Gothenburg Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International is a cosponsor of this presentation.

The cost of $10 per person includes a dinner of pizza and salad. Reservations may be made online at www.SwedishAmericanMuseum.org or by calling 773-728-8111.

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Chicago-based Merula Singers to perform on May 17, 2014

At 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, the Chicago-based Merula Singers will perform in the Museum program, “May, We Sing to You Again!” The celebration of spring and summer includes 18th century Swedish songs and contemporary pieces from the United States and Europe.

The costs to attend are $15 in advance or $20 at the door for adults, $10 for children from ages 2 to 10. Dinner is included.

Other events on the schedule for May 2014

Thursday, May 1, at 1 and 7 p.m.: Free viewing of Swedish film, “Miffo,” starring Jonas Karlsson as a priest who falls in love.

Thursday, May 1, 4 to 5 p.m.:  Hejsan after-school cultural program on Swedish literature for children of ages 5 to 10; the topic is “The Fox Hunt” by Sven Nordquist.

Sundays, May 4 and 18, 10 to 11 a.m.: Bullerbyn, a time for children of ages 6 months to 5 years to speak and sing in Swedish with adults.

Sunday, May 11, 1 to 3:30 p.m.: Scandinavian Jam with instruction by Mary Allsopp and Paul Tyler; guests are invited to bring instruments and participate.

Thursday, May 15, 4 to 5 p.m.:  Hejsan after-school cultural program on Swedish literature for children of ages 5 to 10; the topic is “Reaching for the Moon” by Buzz Aldrin.

MUSEUM HOURS

Regular hours of the Swedish American Museum, the Brunk Children’s Museum and the Museum Store follow.

The Museum building and exhibits: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Children’s Museum: Monday through Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Museum Store: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Nordic Family Genealogy Center at the Museum is open by appointment to individuals who wish to conduct research from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each Wednesday. Experienced assistance is available. Free to Museum members; $10 per visit for non-members.

About the Swedish American Museum

Founded in 1976, the Swedish American Museum is a not-for-profit educational center that interprets the immigrant experience for children and adults, and promotes an appreciation of contemporary Swedish-American culture.  The Museum is located at 5211 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood and is open seven days a week.  For information on events and admission fees, visit our website at www.SwedishAmericanMuseum.org.

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