The American Swedish Institute celebrates Midsommar June 14
THE AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE CELEBRATES MIDSOMMAR SATURDAY, JUNE 14
A holiday devoted to eating, drinking, dancing and assorted pagan rituals.
Midsommar for Dummies
2014 American Swedish Institute Midsommar Celebration
2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
Learn to celebrate summers favorite tradition by watching Midsommar for Dummies: http://youtu.be/u8ZLpGOOA1Q or join the American Swedish Institute for the 2014 Midsommar Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ASIs Midsommar Celebration is one of the largest summer festivals in Minnesota dedicated to honoring the rich Scandinavian heritage of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
Join in traditional Swedish Midsommarstång (Midsummer-pole) raising, singing and dancing at 11:30 a.m., or for singing and dancing at 1:30p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Live music goes all day with performances by the ASI Spelmanslag (fiddle group), Kisarit Finnish American Folk Dancers, Minnesota Scandinavian Ensemble, Twin Cities Hardingfelelag, Finn Hall Trio, visiting Finnish performer Diane Jarvi, Kaze Quartet, and Swedish duo Ellinor & Leonor (pictured left).
Day highlights include craft demonstrations, flower head-wreath making, face painting, storytelling, outside games and activities.
Come hungry as ASIs award-winning café FIKA will be serving traditional Midsommar fare including herring plates, Swedish-style hot dogs, and ice cream!
THE IMAGE OF STRINDBERG EXHIBIT OPENS AT MIDSOMMAR: Perhaps no Swede loved Midsommar more than the country's most notorious author and playwright August Strindberg. Appropriately, the day also marks the exhibit opening of The Image of Strindberg. Presented in conjunction with Fotografiska, Sweden's museum of photography, the show explores the many sides of Sweden's literary father.
ASI's summer exhibits, Love Norway X: Installations by Ian Ward Garlant, and The Living Tradition of Ryijy: Finnish Rugs and their Makers will also be on view.
EXTENDED MUSEUM HOURS FOR MIDSOMMARS EVE: ASI, Fika and the ASI Museum Shop will be open until 9 p.m. on Friday, June 13. Enjoy a bonfire, cocktail or dinner at FIKA.
TAKE THE NEW GREEN LINE TO MIDSOMMAR! Hop off the Green Line at the Downtown East Stop and take the 5 Bus to American Swedish Institute
TICKETS: Free for ASI members and kids 5 and under; nonmembers: $10 adults, $5 ages 618. Tickets are available in advance at the American Swedish Institute or at the event.
FULL PROGRAM AVAILABLE: Download 2014 Midsommar Celebration Program
ABOUT THE AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE
The American Swedish Institute (ASI) is a vibrant arts and culture organization and historic home located at 2600 Park Avenue near downtown Minneapolis. ASI attracts more than 65,000 people each year for tours of the landmark 1908 Turnblad Mansion, exhibits, classes and events that connect the community to contemporary Nordic culture and cultural heritage. Founded in 1929 by Swedish immigrant newspaper publisher Swan J. Turnblad, ASI now serves as a gathering place for people to share stories and experiences around universal themes of tradition, migration, craft and the arts, all informed by enduring ties to Sweden. Museum hours: Tue., Thu., Fri., Sun. 125 p.m., Wed. 129 p.m., and Sat. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Museum admission: $9, $7 ages 62+, $5 ages 6-18 and students with ID. For more information, visit ASImn.org.
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Contact:
Laura Cederberg
American Swedish Institute
(612)870-3373
