Decorah audiences can spend an October evening with stabbings, trolls, witches, justice and eerie fiddle music when Vesterheim presents Makaber Antologi – Storytelling and Music Event on October 16, 2026.
The free program begins at 7 p.m. in Hanson Vesterheim Commons and runs for 75 minutes, ending at 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors close at 6:50 p.m., so attendees should arrive before the presentation begins.
A Norwegian journey through folklore and history
Norwegian storyteller and comic Chad Filley will join master Hardanger fiddler Eden Ehm for a presentation built around dark moments in Norwegian history, including both documented events and folklore. The stories will be accompanied by eerie fiddle tunes and will combine horror, humor and traditional tales.
The evening’s themes include stabbings, justice, the devil, trolls, tricksters, witches and mythical creatures. Vesterheim describes the stories as a mixture in which some are real, some are tall tales and others fall somewhere between the two.
The program is intended for older teens and adults who enjoy folk music, history or a scary campfire story. Its October timing also places the event in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Performers bring Scandinavian traditions to the stage
Filley, who is from Cambridge, Minnesota, is known as The Norsk Storyteller. His work brings Scandinavian heritage to life through humor, history and personal storytelling. He has performed at libraries, festivals and community events, where his stories celebrate the spirit and resilience of Nordic people.
Ehm is a Decorah-based master Hardanger fiddler. She began playing violin at age five and served as principal violinist of the Decorah Nordic Dancer’s Orchestra for seven years. While studying at St. Olaf College, she learned Hardanger fiddle from renowned fiddler Andrea Een.
The Hardanger fiddle has an additional set of strings that gives the instrument its distinctive sound. Ehm is a member of the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America and has frequently taught and mentored students around the country. She has also continued her music studies in Norway.
Through her performances and teaching, Ehm focuses on preserving and sharing the instrument and its music. Her participation gives the Vesterheim event a direct connection to Decorah’s Scandinavian music community.
Event details
- What: Makaber Antologi – Storytelling and Music Event
- When: October 16, 2026, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Hanson Vesterheim Commons
- Cost: Free
- Seating: Limited and first-come, first-served
- Doors: Close at 6:50 p.m.
Vesterheim’s presentation offers local residents an evening of Norwegian history, folklore and music, with a program designed to surprise, startle and entertain as Halloween approaches.