About

     Washington’s Spelmanslag is a group of musicians who love to play traditional Scandinavian music. We get together twice a month (every 2nd and 4th Saturday afternoon) at members’ homes in the metro DC area. We rehearse, jam, and perhaps even enjoy some fika (the Swedish custom of taking a break with kaffe, drinks, and snacks). Membership in the Spelmanslag includes all rehearsals and jams, performances, and special workshops with renowned guest artists. All levels of musicians and all instruments are welcome to join.

     The Spelmanslag has performed at the Washington Folk Festival, the Takoma Park Folk Festival, the Bowie International Festival, the House of Sweden, IKEA, the American Scandinavian Association, Drott Lodge, the Swedish ambassador’s residence, and other private occasions. ​

Several members of Washington's Spelmanslag have studied and attended workshops in Sweden, including five graduates of the Eric Sahlström Institute year-long course. Many others have experience with other musical styles and arrangements, and there are several very experienced dancers in the group.  These members work together to diversify repertoire and to find just the right tempo and swing for each dance tune.

     For information on how to join our Spelmanslag or to attend a workshop, please visit our contact page or email dcspelmanslag@gmail.com.