Harald Haugaard

..has since the mid-90s, established himself as one of Denmark's finest musicians. In his virtuoso fiddle playing, he combines the playful ease with a characteristic deep and melancholy sound. His compositions are present and original, and in his overall artistic work he draws on the deep roots in the rich Danish musical tradition, which he treats in an innovative, contemporary and extremely present way like no other. Haugaard has toured intensively worldwide with different contempoary and traditional bands such as the duo Haugaard & Høirup (who performed at Nisswa in 2007) but in April 2009 he released his first album in his own name ”Burning Field” for which he acclaimed great reviews from the Danish and international press. Go to Harald's website HERE

Antti Järvelä

... Antti Järvelä is a musician hailing from the famous Järvelä family from Kaustinen, Finland. Järvelä fiddlers have been fiddling in the front line of Ostrobothnian weddings for generations and nothing seems to get in the way of their musical virus. First known fiddler in line was Juho Järvelä (1794-1837). The first fiddler we know of was Juho Wirkkala. Juho got a 5 mark fine for playing fiddle in a dance one Sunday eve in 1726.

Growing up in a musical family means growing up in a respect for traditions and history. Antti's musical focus is naturally in Ostrobothnia (the eastern shore of the Bothnia gulf). Dance and ceremonial tunes are still a major part of his music. International travelling and jamming have influenced his music but one can still hear the connection to his roots.

Antti is known for his musical work with Frigg, JPP, Baltic Crossing, Troka and Kings of Polka. Watch an uncommon video of Antti and his cousin Arto HERE


Harald and Antti will be teaching fiddling at the West Denmark Fiddle Camp in Luck, Wisconsin immediately after Nisswa-stämman....check out the website here