Events

Combine a whole lot of energy with a distinctive take on modern and traditional Western-style tunes, and you’ve got The Radio Stars! The band consists of: “Magic” Merrill Piepkorn (harmonica and guitars), Gregg “Smokey” Temple (electric, acoustic, and pedal steel guitars), Loy Larson (champion fiddler and mandolin), and Jim Allen (bass guitar). And all of the band members sing! In addition to performing “sit-down” concerts, The Radio Stars can keep a dance floor packed with a variety of two-steps, waltzes, a polka or two, along with an occasional truck drivin’ song.

The band’s roots reach back to 1972, when Gregg and Merrill began playing coffee houses and local bars while attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Following graduation they formed the regionally popular band, Skunk Hollow. When Merrill quit the band and moved back to Fargo, ND, he began playing with Loy. In the meantime, Gregg got together with Jim. The fellas reunited in 2005, performing western, folk, popular, and gospel music.

Recent performances include appearances on: A Prairie Home Companion national radio show, the mainstage at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, several county fairs, steam thresher reunions, and a series of barn dances across the state. One music reviewer cleverly described The Radio Stars music as “Country Music With a Twist.”

Ragnarøkkr can also be referred to as the “Vikings With Guitars.” They provide live music and fun for all of your entertainment needs. Just two Vikings who play a variety of music for your enjoyment!

They will be on hand to help make your attendance at this year’s festival an enjoyable experience, and to provide moments you’ll always remember!

You will see your favorite Vikings not only on the Trolls Stage but be on the lookout for them, as they traverse throughout the festival, bringing smiles and good times everywhere they go. They look forward to seeing you at this year’s festival!

The Ringling 5 have been riding herd on their music for 40 years. Their deep involvement in western ranching has given them many topics for their original songs. They understand the trials of sorting cows with your wife, and the strong relationship of ranching and rain. Hailing from south central Montana they have performed all over western United States and Canada, as well as Florida, New Jersey, and New York. Their lively, humorous shows make them popular entertainment for audiences of all ages!

The Ringling 5 threw together about 1983 (none of them can remember exactly when). Most of them went to school in the small town of Wilsall in the Shields River Valley in south central Montana. Their ancestors immigrated from Scandinavia to homestead in Montana. They have recorded six CD’s and one live concert DVD.

Norsk Høstfest is excited to be bringing back the ever so talented Mollie B! She will be performing daily in Oslo Hall as part of our side stage entertainment.

Mollie B, the multi-instrumentalist, award-winning vocalist, and host of the Mollie B Polka Party TV show, has been performing music all her life. Mollie started her career performing with the Jim Busta Band when she was only a child. Through hard work and dedication, Mollie now performs nation-wide to live audiences, as well as TV productions and the movie screen.

Mollie not only has performed on over 40 recordings, she has shared her many God-given talents with fans in over 30 states and eleven countries and continues to inspire young musicians with her love for music!

Access to Mollie B and all side stage entertainment is included with your ticket to the Great Hall Concert.

Gordy “Crazy Fingers” Lindquist is a professional pianist and one of a kind entertainer!

He grew up on a farm southwest of Max in McLean County, economy Township. His music career began when he was five years old, when he began playing piano and became fascinated with the keyboard. His parents and nine older siblings encouraged him very much from a young age. The piano became his best friend and would open up opportunities of a lifetime!

After graduating Max High School, Lindquist attended and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, with a Bachelor of Arts in music. He then obtained his Master of Arts in music from Colorado State College at Greeley. He retired in 2006 after spending 47 years teaching music education. He now resides in Bottineau, ND.

Lindquist joined the Joe Alme Band in 1984. The band backed up performers such as George Burns, Bob Hope, Red Skeleton, Myron Floren, and many Lawrence Welk stars. In 2008, Lindquist joined Country Blend, a five piece Canadian band that performs classic country and gospel music. Country Blend has recorded 12 CDs.

Lindquist has been associated with the Musicians Union for 45 years, Music Educators National Conference for eight years, North Dakota Higher Education for 13 years, Bottineau County Concert Association for 40 years, and Bottineau Area Men’s Choir for 23 years.

He has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. Lindquist believes music is the great healer and truly is the international language! He was inducted into the Dakota Musicians Association Hall of Fame in 2019 in Aberdeen, SD.

A native of Belcourt, ND, Ryan Keplin has established his reputation as a distinctive left-handed fiddle player and entertainer, astonishing crowds wherever he plays. His spectacular shows feature a mixture of fiddle music and singing, leaving his audiences wanting to hear more each time!

Ryan’s musical interests began as a young child. He found inspiration in the music of fiddle greats like Andy Desjarlais, Reg Bouvette, and Graham Townsend. Today, the multi-talented entertainer can play not only the fiddle, but also the acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, mandolin, and piano.

Ryan has performed at various events and festivals in the United States and Canada, including: Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C., The Homestead Festival near Nashville, TN, MetisFest at the International Peace Garden, Norsk Høstfest in Minot, ND, Asham Stomperfest in Manitoba, and Back to Batoche in Saskatchewan.

In 2011, Ryan was inducted into the International Fiddlers Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor is a result of his musical accomplishments and commitment, dedicating the award to his Canadian and American fans and friends. He also received the 2011 Adult of the Year award in his hometown of Belcourt, ND.

The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, Kyle and Dave, have been entertaining audiences for over two decades with their eclectic blend of Scandinavian music, storytelling, and humor. Past credits include: Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA, Norwegian National League in Park Ridge, IL, Scandinavian Days in South Elgin, IL, Norsk Høstfest in Minot, ND, and many other Scandinavian festivals throughout the Midwest.

Kyle Elsbernd is originally from Decorah, IA. Kyle studied the Norwegian language for two years in high school and through a college study abroad program in Oslo, Norway. Upon returning to the US, Kyle began translating the music of Norwegian folk musician Lillebjorn Nilsen, whose music now forms the basis of their show.

David Kirkeby is also a native of Decorah, IA. Dave returned to the Midwest after two decades in Arizona. A master guitarist, Dave is thrilled to join his old band mate in a celebration of Scandinavian music and culture.

Ragnarøkkr can also be referred to as the “Vikings With Guitars.” They provide live music and fun for all of your entertainment needs. Just two Vikings who play a variety of music for your enjoyment!

They will be on hand to help make your attendance at this year’s festival an enjoyable experience, and to provide moments you’ll always remember!

You will see your favorite Vikings not only on the Trolls Stage but be on the lookout for them, as they traverse throughout the festival, bringing smiles and good times everywhere they go. They look forward to seeing you at this year’s festival!

The Ringling 5 have been riding herd on their music for 40 years. Their deep involvement in western ranching has given them many topics for their original songs. They understand the trials of sorting cows with your wife, and the strong relationship of ranching and rain. Hailing from south central Montana they have performed all over western United States and Canada, as well as Florida, New Jersey, and New York. Their lively, humorous shows make them popular entertainment for audiences of all ages!

The Ringling 5 threw together about 1983 (none of them can remember exactly when). Most of them went to school in the small town of Wilsall in the Shields River Valley in south central Montana. Their ancestors immigrated from Scandinavia to homestead in Montana. They have recorded six CD’s and one live concert DVD.

Combine a whole lot of energy with a distinctive take on modern and traditional Western-style tunes, and you’ve got The Radio Stars! The band consists of: “Magic” Merrill Piepkorn (harmonica and guitars), Gregg “Smokey” Temple (electric, acoustic, and pedal steel guitars), Loy Larson (champion fiddler and mandolin), and Jim Allen (bass guitar). And all of the band members sing! In addition to performing “sit-down” concerts, The Radio Stars can keep a dance floor packed with a variety of two-steps, waltzes, a polka or two, along with an occasional truck drivin’ song.

The band’s roots reach back to 1972, when Gregg and Merrill began playing coffee houses and local bars while attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Following graduation they formed the regionally popular band, Skunk Hollow. When Merrill quit the band and moved back to Fargo, ND, he began playing with Loy. In the meantime, Gregg got together with Jim. The fellas reunited in 2005, performing western, folk, popular, and gospel music.

Recent performances include appearances on: A Prairie Home Companion national radio show, the mainstage at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, several county fairs, steam thresher reunions, and a series of barn dances across the state. One music reviewer cleverly described The Radio Stars music as “Country Music With a Twist.”

Gordy “Crazy Fingers” Lindquist is a professional pianist and one of a kind entertainer!

He grew up on a farm southwest of Max in McLean County, economy Township. His music career began when he was five years old, when he began playing piano and became fascinated with the keyboard. His parents and nine older siblings encouraged him very much from a young age. The piano became his best friend and would open up opportunities of a lifetime!

After graduating Max High School, Lindquist attended and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, with a Bachelor of Arts in music. He then obtained his Master of Arts in music from Colorado State College at Greeley. He retired in 2006 after spending 47 years teaching music education. He now resides in Bottineau, ND.

Lindquist joined the Joe Alme Band in 1984. The band backed up performers such as George Burns, Bob Hope, Red Skeleton, Myron Floren, and many Lawrence Welk stars. In 2008, Lindquist joined Country Blend, a five piece Canadian band that performs classic country and gospel music. Country Blend has recorded 12 CDs.

Lindquist has been associated with the Musicians Union for 45 years, Music Educators National Conference for eight years, North Dakota Higher Education for 13 years, Bottineau County Concert Association for 40 years, and Bottineau Area Men’s Choir for 23 years.

He has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. Lindquist believes music is the great healer and truly is the international language! He was inducted into the Dakota Musicians Association Hall of Fame in 2019 in Aberdeen, SD.

Norsk Høstfest is excited to be bringing back the ever so talented Mollie B! She will be performing daily in Oslo Hall as part of our side stage entertainment.

Mollie B, the multi-instrumentalist, award-winning vocalist, and host of the Mollie B Polka Party TV show, has been performing music all her life. Mollie started her career performing with the Jim Busta Band when she was only a child. Through hard work and dedication, Mollie now performs nation-wide to live audiences, as well as TV productions and the movie screen.

Mollie not only has performed on over 40 recordings, she has shared her many God-given talents with fans in over 30 states and eleven countries and continues to inspire young musicians with her love for music!

Access to Mollie B and all side stage entertainment is included with your ticket to the Great Hall Concert.

Born and raised in North Dakota, Max is something he likes to call “a real-life North Dakota artist, writer, and musician.” For over a decade Max Patzner has traveled the country playing original, homegrown NoDak tunes with his musical venture – folk/rock band – Wild Hands.

With catchy sing-a-long vocals, down to earth guitar playing, jangly foot tambourines, and a foot stomping bass drum suitcase, Max plays his original, homegrown songs loud and proud.

You may have seen Max playing his tunes at his artist in residency gig before the Medora Musical in Medora, ND, heard him singing on Prairie Public Radio’s The Great American Folk Show, or singing a few tunes on Prairie Public Television right before Sesame Street. He’s been featured on various music podcasts, radio shows, and television programs all over the country. Max has written and recorded 5 studio albums, written and illustrated two kid’s books, and in 2014 started an educational program to teach kids how to write and publish their very own books.

If you catch a set from Max you will probably end up dancing a bit. It’s true and it’s fun and it will make you feel something. Experience a real-life North Dakota guy playing real-life North Dakota music and see him loving every minute of it.

The Western Plains Children’s Choir began over 30 years ago in cooperation with the Western Plains Opera Company. They serve a community of young people in Minot and the surrounding areas. The choir consists of three different age groups, ranging from grades three through twelve.

The Children’s Choir have maintained their rehearsal space and concert schedule at Minot State University. In addition to appearing at Norsk Høstfest, this group has performed with Minot Chamber Chorale, Minot Symphony Orchestra, Western Plains Opera Company, and their own musical theater productions. The three choirs perform two concerts a year and tour area schools and assisted living centers. The Western Plains Children’s Choir is proud to have been previously designated as the Governor’s Choir!

They are eager to once again bring their joy of singing and appreciation of heritage to this year’s festival attendees!

Williams and Ree are a music and comedy phenomenon. This award winning duo eschews political correctness and conformity and spins comedy gold from the union of a Plains Indian (Terry Ree) and a Western Angloid (Bruce Williams).

Their comedy journey took them to the World Famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles where they worked with and befriended now legendary humorists Robin Williams, David Letterman, Jay Leno and Charlie Hill.

The framework surrounding the comedic pair is music, which has earned them a Native American Music Award Entertainer of the Year win and a CMA vocal duo nomination. Their television credits include Country Kitchen, HeeHaw, Laff TV and Comedy Central. They currently host Country Thunder Music Festivals around North America and are featured on the Grand Ole Opry and Sirius Radio. Williams and Ree headline shows at fairs, festivals, theaters, casinos, and small, out-of-the-way dives.

Williams and Ree have proven themselves as entertainment stalwarts for over four decades, making them one of the longest running show business success stories in modern history.

Williams and Ree will be playing at the Free stage in Oslo Hall.

The Dakota Drifters is a quartet made up of Dick and Brenda Johnson from the Turtle Mountains in north central ND, Carl Kannianen from Stanley, ND, and Toby Nelson from Minot, ND. All four are home grown, self-taught musicians who really enjoy country music!

Dick farms near the International Peace Garden. He has been involved with music from the time he was young. He plays guitar and handles most of the vocals. He is known to favor Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash songs and always includes a few Norwegian jokes to keep things lively.

Brenda retired from the North Dakota Forest Service in Bottineau. She started playing the standup bass a few years ago. She keeps the group organized and is always looking for new “old” material. She and Dick have played and entertained together for several years.

Carl lives in the Stanley area and has played the guitar for many years. He found out early in life that he enjoyed music. He sings harmony on several songs and also does vocals. Carl has a unique style of picking and his instrumentals are fabulous.

Toby is the owner of Prairie Winds Band Instrument Repair LLC in Minot. He and his staff keep busy repairing and maintaining all types of musical instruments for the upper northwest region of ND. As a sophomore in high school, he taught himself how to play drums. Toby is excited to help keep traditional country western music alive.

This group plays a variety of country, gospel, and even some rock and roll. So if you like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Chet Atkins, and other similar old time music you’ll enjoy hearing this group perform!

Alma Cook is a pop singer-songwriter who found her creative roots living in Chicago and Los Angeles. After spending years coming back and forth to Williston for odd jobs in the oilfield, she fell in love with North Dakota and is now here to stay – just in time to make state and national headlines for her recent music video “5000 Candles,” which showcased the faces and stories of her friends in the Bakken.

Alma Cook marries soulful, mature melodies with thoughtful and often playful lyrics. A dabbler in many genres, she is known primarily for R&B stylings that register somewhere between TLC and Norah Jones – but Alma has a little something for everyone, at time dipping into jazz, folk, alternative rock, spoken word, and electronic dance music.

Born and raised in North Dakota, Max is something he likes to call “a real-life North Dakota artist, writer, and musician.” For over a decade Max Patzner has traveled the country playing original, homegrown NoDak tunes with his musical venture – folk/rock band – Wild Hands.

With catchy sing-a-long vocals, down to earth guitar playing, jangly foot tambourines, and a foot stomping bass drum suitcase, Max plays his original, homegrown songs loud and proud.

You may have seen Max playing his tunes at his artist in residency gig before the Medora Musical in Medora, ND, heard him singing on Prairie Public Radio’s The Great American Folk Show, or singing a few tunes on Prairie Public Television right before Sesame Street. He’s been featured on various music podcasts, radio shows, and television programs all over the country. Max has written and recorded 5 studio albums, written and illustrated two kid’s books, and in 2014 started an educational program to teach kids how to write and publish their very own books.

If you catch a set from Max you will probably end up dancing a bit. It’s true and it’s fun and it will make you feel something. Experience a real-life North Dakota guy playing real-life North Dakota music and see him loving every minute of it.

The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, Kyle and Dave, have been entertaining audiences for over two decades with their eclectic blend of Scandinavian music, storytelling, and humor. Past credits include: Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA, Norwegian National League in Park Ridge, IL, Scandinavian Days in South Elgin, IL, Norsk Høstfest in Minot, ND, and many other Scandinavian festivals throughout the Midwest.

Kyle Elsbernd is originally from Decorah, IA. Kyle studied the Norwegian language for two years in high school and through a college study abroad program in Oslo, Norway. Upon returning to the US, Kyle began translating the music of Norwegian folk musician Lillebjorn Nilsen, whose music now forms the basis of their show.

David Kirkeby is also a native of Decorah, IA. Dave returned to the Midwest after two decades in Arizona. A master guitarist, Dave is thrilled to join his old band mate in a celebration of Scandinavian music and culture.

These North Dakota hearts create honest, folky, rock n’ roll music for and from the plains. For a decade, Wild Hands has been honored to travel all over the country playing real-life North Dakota music, inspired by a blend of the past and modern music. It’s fun… just plain fun.

They have released 5 studio albums, an album written for a children’s book AND you may have heard or seen them performing on Paste Magazine’s: Daytrotter Sessions, South Dakota’s musical television program: The White Wall Sessions OR you may have seen them jamming on Prairie Public Television.

With their North Dakota hearts worn proudly on their sleeves – Wild Hands plays off their big harmonies, footstomping bass drums and upright bass and maybe even some banjo in there too… their fun and beautifully quirky songs will be sure to get your feet tapping.

Find and Stream “Wild Hands” music on all streaming services including: iTunes, Apple Music & Spotify.

The Dakota Drifters is a quartet made up of Dick and Brenda Johnson from the Turtle Mountains in north central ND, Carl Kannianen from Stanley, ND, and Toby Nelson from Minot, ND. All four are home grown, self-taught musicians who really enjoy country music!

Dick farms near the International Peace Garden. He has been involved with music from the time he was young. He plays guitar and handles most of the vocals. He is known to favor Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash songs and always includes a few Norwegian jokes to keep things lively.

Brenda retired from the North Dakota Forest Service in Bottineau. She started playing the standup bass a few years ago. She keeps the group organized and is always looking for new “old” material. She and Dick have played and entertained together for several years.

Carl lives in the Stanley area and has played the guitar for many years. He found out early in life that he enjoyed music. He sings harmony on several songs and also does vocals. Carl has a unique style of picking and his instrumentals are fabulous.

Toby is the owner of Prairie Winds Band Instrument Repair LLC in Minot. He and his staff keep busy repairing and maintaining all types of musical instruments for the upper northwest region of ND. As a sophomore in high school, he taught himself how to play drums. Toby is excited to help keep traditional country western music alive.

This group plays a variety of country, gospel, and even some rock and roll. So if you like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Chet Atkins, and other similar old time music you’ll enjoy hearing this group perform!

A native of Belcourt, ND, Ryan Keplin has established his reputation as a distinctive left-handed fiddle player and entertainer, astonishing crowds wherever he plays. His spectacular shows feature a mixture of fiddle music and singing, leaving his audiences wanting to hear more each time!

Ryan’s musical interests began as a young child. He found inspiration in the music of fiddle greats like Andy Desjarlais, Reg Bouvette, and Graham Townsend. Today, the multi-talented entertainer can play not only the fiddle, but also the acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, mandolin, and piano.

Ryan has performed at various events and festivals in the United States and Canada, including: Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C., The Homestead Festival near Nashville, TN, MetisFest at the International Peace Garden, Norsk Høstfest in Minot, ND, Asham Stomperfest in Manitoba, and Back to Batoche in Saskatchewan.

In 2011, Ryan was inducted into the International Fiddlers Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor is a result of his musical accomplishments and commitment, dedicating the award to his Canadian and American fans and friends. He also received the 2011 Adult of the Year award in his hometown of Belcourt, ND.