Tonight was the last rehearsal before the Portland Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, next Saturday at Oaks Park. Nordlys will be dancing at 2:00. Prior to our performance, there will be a raising of the majstång, or midsummer pole, at 1:00, followed by traditional dancing around the pole. I'm not sure that the translation of "maypole" is really correct, because it is never raised in May in the Scandinavian countries. I think I've seen a different translation.

Fossegrimen, the band led by David Elliker-Vaagsberg, from Eugene, will be playing for a dance in the evening, starting at 6:00 PM. Fossegrimen has performed with Nordlys in the past.

Nordlys will not be performing at the Junction City Scandinavian Festival in August.

I regret to have to report that John Campbell, the director of Nordlys, has had to resign.  As mentioned in an earlier post, he has been fighting serious illness (cancer) and needs to put his energies into recovery.  He will return as a dancer when his health permits.

Ann Saugen has been acting as interim director, and will continue for the time being.  Please contact her or Liz Higuera for information about performances.

The group's current circumstances have also led to the cancellation of Nordlys' traditional performance at the Junction City Scandinavian Festival this year.  Be sure to come see the group perform at the Portland Midsommer at Oaks Park.  Our thanks to all who have enjoyed and supported Nordlys over the years; we look forward to seeing you at Portland Midsommer!