Swedish Music at the Vasa National Archives in Bishop Hill

On June 7th at 7pm, musicians and actors Hans Wilhelm and Birgitta Löwgren will be performing in Bishop Hill at the Vasa National Archives located at 109 S. Bishop Hill Street. These Swedish performers use music to explore Swedish history from the 18th century to the 20th century, including their own compositions. They will be explaining the songs in English and performing songs in Swedish and English. The public is welcome to this free event.

Hans has been engaged in traditional Swedish folk music, the music of Swedish court composer Carl Michael Bellman, and the more lyrical, balladic side of Swedish popular music of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. This music is more lyrical than American pop music in the 60s and 70s. He is an accomplished singer, guitarist, lutenist (lute player), folk fiddler, and singer-songwriter.

Birgitta is an actress and accompanies Hans on Vietnamese mouth harp, percussion and she also sings along with him sometimes. She animates the performances with anecdotes and histories.

They will be performing songs by Bellman, Taube, Dan Anderson, Thory Bernhards and others. More information and videos on Hans and Birgitta are available online at barokoko.se and wilhelmochbirgitta.n.nu

They will also be preforming at the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago on June 3, Scandinavian Park in South Elgin on June 5, Red Cup Café in Chesterton, IN on June 10, and at the Westchester Township History Museum on June 12.

For more information, contact the Vasa National Archives at 309-927-3898 or VasaArchives@gmail.com.