Finnish American Folk Festival holds musical events

NASELLE, Wash. — The Finnish American Folk Festival will host "A Taste of Festival" on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., there is a community dance at Naselle School. Music will be provided by the Smilin’ Scandinavians, with band leader Toby Hanson. The band, which has been performing around the Northwest for nearly 25 years, draws from a collection of lively polkas (Scandinavian, German, Czech, Slovenian), old-time country and big band swing. The suggested donation is $15 per person or $40 per family.

On Saturday, a musical program takes place at the Naselle Community Center. The Naselle Finnish American Folk Festival Choir opens the event at 4:30 p.m. At 5:15 p.m., Carl Wirkkala and his new country band, The Whistle Punks, perform, followed at 6:30 p.m. by Jerry Wirkkala playing the guitar calypso-style. The final act is at 7:30 p.m., with the Skamokawa Swamp Opera folk band.

For information, go to nasellefinnfest.com.