Folk Music

This presentation will tell how Finnish American dance music was created and evolved, the connections with dance music in Finland, and also how it was preserved. It is the story of several generations of musicians who defined Finnish American identity with their music.

Minnesota folksinger/songwriter Eric Peltoniemi, a fixture in the folk community for over half a century, sings in Finnish, “Finnglish,” and English, while accompanying himself on the guitar..

Through songs and poetry from the voices and experiences of Finnish and Finnish-American women, Diane Jarvi shares their resistance, independence, sorrow, strength and legacy.

Elizabeth “Lyz” Jaakola performs and discusses original compositions in a range of musical genres encompassing her dual Anishinaabe and Finnish American experiences.

Ralph and Jaana Tuttila, discuss Finnish-American music and dance in the Upper Midwest and perform songs from the Songs of the Finnish Migration: A Bilingual Anthology. Tom DuBois and Marcus Cederström, the book’s editors, offer insights into the significant contribution of songs to our understanding of the Finnish immigrant experience.