Projects
Nordic Now!
In 2024, we brought our festival, Fränder & Vänner Folkmusikfestival, to New York City for the first time. To give it a more appealing English name, we chose Nordic Now!
Our goal is to showcase both emerging and established Nordic bands, inviting them to perform for a full house, and to introduce Nordic folk music to North America. By highlighting these incredible talents, we aim to increase engagement in the U.S. and share the beauty of Nordic folk music with a broader audience.
January 10-11, 2025 will be the second editions where we once again invite New Yorkers to Scandinavia House. For more details, visit Scandinavia House.
Across the Baltic Sea
Across the Baltic Sea – FRÄNDER & Sutari
Across the Baltic Sea is the result of the meeting of two bands: Polish SUTARI and Swedish FRÄNDER.
This project is about searching for your roots, reaching across the Baltic Sea that lies between Sweden, Poland and Estonia. It’s about discovering common threads in seemingly distant cultures and traditions. Searching how sounds, dances and melodies have traveled across the water to take root in a completely new tradition. Above all, it is about friendship, growing together in the joy of making music and discovering the riches of the Baltic weaves.
In 2021 Across the Baltic Sea released their first EP and since then the project has given concerts both in Sweden and Poland. A full length studio album is in the making!
Fränder & Vänner International Folk Music Festival
Fränder & Vänner is more than just a music festival — it’s a celebration of modern folk music and a gathering of friends and fans who appreciate authentic, heartfelt, and vibrant music. Join us in Uppsala for a unique musical experience that celebrates genuine talent and the spirit of folk music.
“Not many bands have their own festival, but FRÄNDER belongs to this exclusive group. They want to build bridges in different ways. One way to do this is by inviting young, new bands that are not yet established to play alongside veterans.” lira.se 2023
The Fränder & Vänner International Folk Music Festival is an annual event in Uppsala that offers exciting and captivating folk music from near and far. The festival always features two stages where bands and artists take the audience on a musical journey filled with lively reels, soulful harmonies, and breathtaking medieval ballads.
“We believe music is a unifying force, and through it, we aim to convey warmth and community. The festival provides an opportunity for people from all backgrounds and cultures to come together and enjoy music. Our goal is to create a welcoming festival experience where everyone feels part of the community.”
The Fränder & Vänner International Folk Music Festival is a colorful event that offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors — a chance to discover new musical universes, dance your heart out, and meet like-minded music enthusiasts.
“It was a powerful conclusion to not only another brilliant concert but also a truly interesting and unique festival.” lira.se 2023
“While touring, we met many amazing musicians we wanted to bring back to Sweden. Since there aren’t many folk festivals here, we decided to create our own, where we could have full control over which bands to feature. In 2019, we launched the Fränder & Vänner Internationella Folkmusikfestival, bringing our favorite bands to Uppsala!
Another driving factor was the abundance of talented musicians who rarely get the opportunity to play festivals because they’re not considered “hip” enough. While temporary projects like duos and trios have become trendy, we believe in the strength of full bands and aim to spotlight those who work hard to keep the folk music tradition alive.”
Read a review of the festival in 2023: lineup of veterans and rising stars!