Ross Sutter 183 East Island Avenue Minneapolis MN 55401 (612) 331-1968 rosssutter@qwest.net www.rosssutter.net Work Samples Audio: Hello Wisconsin Green Green Green Rida Rida Ranka/Song from Venjan To hear the work samples, Windows Media Player is required. If you do not have it installed, you can download it for free here: Download Windows Media Player

Ross Sutter Northern European music I sing songs of Northern Europe: Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Germany. I accompany myself on guitar, button accordion, concertina, dulcimer, and Irish goat-skinned drum. I am especially interested in ballads—songs that tell a story—and songs about emigration to America. As part of my program, I can teach song games and folk dances. I also can present instrument-building workshops on making limberjacks and simple dulcimers. Available: Anytime; no mileage restrictions Space: I need a minimum of 6 by 12 ft. If I give dance instructions there should be room for everyone to hold hands in a circle, generally about 20 by 20 ft. Fee: $200 to $1,000, negotiable

Additional Information:
Ross Sutter performs Irish, Scottish, Swedish, German and English songs, song games, and traditional dances.

Ross grew up in a Swedish American family, singing old Swedish church music from an early age, but fell in love with Irish music while he was a student at Luther College. In the mid-1970s, he moved to the Twin Cities and became involved in the Celtic music and dance revival. As a regular at local ceili dances and sessions, he learned a great deal about Irish traditional music. After a visit to a Robert Burns dinner, he broadened his interests further and began to learn Scottish music and dance traditions. In 1979, he traveled to Scotland to study with Jean Redpath, during which time he was able to visit villages throughout the country, attending sessions and festivals and meeting many traditional musicians. On returning to Minnesota, he started a folk club and began to stage concerts and festivals. This gave him the chance to hear and spend time with many exceptional folk musicians. In 1987, with the help of a fellowship from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Ross visited Sweden. His trip took place during the Midsummer season, which gave him the opportunity to visit many local festivals. Ross was also able to collect a substantial number of traditional song games during this visit. Before returning to the U.S., Ross spent a month in Ireland, visiting Dublin and Donegal, and learning from many musicians along the way. Since that time, Ross has performed in numerous festivals, clubs, public events, and schools. He has done fieldwork in Sweden, Scotland, and Ireland, and has toured in Germany, Scandinavia, and the U.K.

In his performances, Ross shares songs, song games, and dances from Northern Europe. He has a special interest in traditional ballads and in songs about emigration to America. His presentations can focus on a single culture, or they can incorporate material from several regions. Ross plays guitar, concertina, button accordion, dulcimer, bodhran and bones. For programs with an educational focus, he discusses the history and traditional context for each song, and he talks about how he came to learn them. When appropriate, his performances can include audience participation in games and dancing. Ross can also present instrument-building workshops on making limberjacks and simple dulcimers. In any form, his presentations are always entertaining and informative.