Offerdals Spelmanslag

From local festivals to international stages.

The folk music group Offerdals Spelmanslag was formed for a local heritage festival in Ede, Offerdal, in western Jämtland during the summer of 1985. Olle Simonsson, a prominent and enthusiastic fiddler, put up notices in local shops asking for musicians from the area who wanted to perform at the festival. The playing continued, and the group grew. So far, we have recorded eight albums and played in the USA, Russia, and South Africa. We are happy to play for dances, at care homes, as entertainment at various events, and at fiddlers’ gatherings.

Promoting tradition for the future

For us, long-term focus is mainly about sparking interest in and sharing knowledge about the music we play. By working to inspire dedication in the folk music tradition among young people, we help to carry it forward. We therefore appreciate opportunities to perform for new audiences, such as at competitions organised by Offerdals SK or events in collaboration with Projekt Kaxås. Members of our group who work as music teachers also organise opportunities for young people in music schools to play with us. This provides a rewarding experience for all involved and helps to ensure the future of Offerdals Spelmanslag.

The year in brief

This year, we had the opportunity to do something different when we participated in the local heritage association’s event “On the trail of Swift,” (“På drift med Swift”) a day themed around the possibility that Taylor Swift has roots in Offerdal. We were given the task of interpreting a few Taylor Swift songs in our own style, which turned out to be an educational challenge. We were also honoured to participate in the inauguration of Projekt Kaxås in June.

Additionally, it was our turn to invite our three Norwegian partner folk music groups for an intensive music weekend in Offerdal, in true “Lapp-Nils tradition”. Lapp-Nils was a legendary master fiddler from Jämtland and Offerdal in the 19th century. We meet roughly every two years to learn tunes and traditions from one another, usually concluding the gatherings with a joint public performance – a way to spread our music tradition.

Website

offerdalsspelmanslag.se

Offerdals Spelmanslag

The folk music group Offerdals Spelmanslag was formed for a local heritage festival in Ede, Offerdal, in western Jämtland during the summer of 1985. Olle Simonsson, a prominent and enthusiastic fiddler, put up notices in local shops asking for musicians from the area who wanted to perform at the festival. The playing continued, and the group grew. So far, we have recorded eight albums and played in the USA, Russia, and South Africa. We are happy to play for dances, at care homes, as entertainment at various events, and at fiddlers’ gatherings.

Yearbook 2024 /Involvement /Offerdals Spelmanslag

Yearbook 2024 /Involvement /Offerdals Spelmanslag