Kristian Bugge and Ruthie Dornfeld – Danish Folk and more!

These musicians are well known to the Seattle folk-loving crowd!

Kristian and Ruthie first met each other in the Danish folk music circles in the mid-1990’s, where Ruthie had been touring regularly and growing a reputation as a well-renowned artist and fiddler since the early 1980’s. Later when Kristian was a music student, Ruthie was guest-teaching at the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music in Odense, Denmark and Kristian made sure to take the opportunity to study with her while she was there. About ten years later they met again in and around Seattle when Kristian had started touring and performing in the states. They formed the trio 3 Fiddlers 3 Traditions with métis fiddler Jamie Fox and have continued to meet and play together ever since. This summer marked a new chapter in their collaboration and friendship as they started touring and recording as a duo for the first time.

The repertoire spans from Danish traditional fiddle tunes and music from the other Nordic countries to old-time American and self-composed original tunes, spiced up with a few Venezuelan waltzes. Music learned directly from folk music legends like Danish-American Dwight Lamb (1934-2024), Danish accordion player Karl Skaarup (1924-2013), fiddler Peter Uhrbrand from the Danish island of Fanø and many more. Expect everything from wild polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes, fiery reels and happy hopsas, all served with humor and stories from their many years on the road.

About the Artists:

Ruthie Dornfeld (fiddle) – Seattle-based fiddler Ruthie Dornfeld has performed and taught for over thirty years at festivals, schools, music and dance camps throughout the U.S. and abroad, from the Manaus Operahouse in the Brazilian Amazon to the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Originally from Oregon, Ruthie started out with classical violin, then discovered fiddle music at age 18 and began her lifelong exploration of traditional fiddle music. She spent 15 years in New England, where she attended Berklee College of Music, was a member of the twin fiddle stringband The Poodles, played at innumerable contradances, and commuted to Europe to play with The American Cafe Orchestra. Since 1996 she’s been back in the Pacific Northwest, where she performs with the tango band Tangoheart, accompanying country singing duo Margo Murphy and John Roberts, and playing for local dancesShe is fluent in a wide range of styles, from Celtic and old-time to Scandinavian and Eastern European, and also enjoys chamber music and free improvisation.  www.ruthiedornfeld.com

Kristian Bugge (fiddle) – is very active on the Danish and Scandinavian folk music scene, both as a musician and teacher. Kristian has specialized in the strong Danish folk music traditions, playing with groups like Jensen & Bugge, Morten Alfred & Vingården, Baltic Crossing and Gangspil. Through his master’s degree from the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music, he specialized in the unique regional styles from many corners of Denmark, at a level that very few of his generation can match or master today. He has continued this work also after his official studies ended and is today one of the most award-winning folk artists in Denmark. And recent years have also led to various crossover projects such as the cooperation with classical percussionist Ronni Kot Wenzel in the very active duo Wenzell & Bugge and the exciting Danish folk big band Habadekuk. In 2004 Kristian Bugge became the first musician ever to receive the Radium Award, awarded by the Danish Radio ?s P2. Since then, he has received no less than 10 Danish Music Awards (Danish Grammys) both as a soloist and with his groups, not to mention a few ”Danish Folk Artist of the Year” in both 2011 and 2016 and lately the “Tradition Award” with Gangspil at the Danish Music Awards 2024!

Photo credit:  Bruce Barnard 2025

Kristian Bugge – violin – folk music

Come enjoy a wonderful evening of Danish inspired folk music.  Dancing is encouraged!