Jaerv and The OK Factor bring Swedish and American music traditions to Decorah Oct. 28

The Swedish quintet Jaerv and the Minneapolis-based string duo The OK Factor will present their program “Traditions” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. This concert is part of Luther College’s 2025–26 Center Stage Series.

“Their music is playful, intricate and joyous. The OK Factor and Jaerv will have you tapping your feet and smiling in your seats,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach.

Jaerv and The OK Factor first connected in 2017 when The OK Factor opened for Jaerv at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. There was an immediate bond between them, grounded in a mutual love and respect for one another’s talent and musical traditions. After shared performances and the study of traditional Swedish and American music throughout their tour of Sweden, a natural and organic partnership emerged.

The musicians in Jaerv include Joel Hagen, flute, whistles, soprano saxophone and vocals; Markus Gustavson, fiddle and lead vocals; Tobias Hedlund, percussion, vocals and pump organ; Harald Nilsson, guitars and vocals; and Anders Bergsten, double bass, nyckelharpa and vocals.

Joining them on the “Traditions” tour are OK Factor’s Olivia Diercks on cello and Karla Peters on violin. The duo received the honor of Artist Fellowship for Scandinavian Folk Arts through the American Scandinavian Foundation for their collaborative work with Jaerv. Diercks and Peters are both Luther alumni.

Jaerv and The OK Factor were featured in the 2022-23 Center Stage Series.

“If you missed their last concert in Decorah, you probably heard from your friends about how entertaining and magnetic the experience was. We’re grateful to have Jaerv and The OK Factor returning to the CFL, a space that’s familiar to them,” Potvin said. “Their performance on Oct. 28 is another opportunity to celebrate Scandinavian culture and heritage.”

Before the performance, treat yourself to a gourmet three-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The cost is $33 per person. The menu, which was created to complement the performance, features a roasted squash and apple soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and rosemary crema, followed by apple cider brined chicken breast served with sweet potato, bacon and Brussels sprout hash, radicchio, and frisée salad with a hazelnut vinaigrette. A cinnamon, oat and apple crisp topped with vanilla whipped cream will be served for dessert.

Vegan entrees are available upon request. Please inform the Ticket Office beforehand of any special dietary needs.

Buy tickets for the Oct. 28 performance and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.