Dråm is a Swedish folk band that has been performing for almost 30 years under the musical direction of Erik Ask-Upmark. With bagpipes, flutes, hurdy-gurdy, guitar, mandola and nyckelharpas, the band creates a distinctive and powerful sound in which Nordic traditions meet dance music from across Europe. The line-up has evolved over time, and today the core musicians are: Erik Ask-Upmark (bagpipes, whistles, accordion), Anders Ådin (guitar, hurdy-gurdy), Christer Ådin (mandola, guitar) and Björn Balksten Regnér (nyckelharpas).

The repertoire combines traditional tunes, original compositions and imaginative arrangements. Ancient drone sounds, sparkling melodies and irresistible rhythms make Dråm equally at home on the concert stage and on the dance floor. Dråm is available in a flexible line-up of two to five musicians, adapted to the venue, occasion and budget.

Nope. Common mistake - the drone is a musical concept a couple of thousand years older than the flying thingie. Basically it is a single unchanging, accompanying low note that was all the rage in the Middle Ages and some of us think it's too soon to write it off. On some instruments, like the bagpipes and hurdy-gurdy, it's a feature - not a bug. And on some other instruments, like the fiddle, you can choose!

Led by Swedish Riksspelman Erik Ask-Upmark, winner of Le Maîtres Sonneurs 2019, Dråm brings together musicians with decades of professional experience from international touring, festivals, concerts, dance events and teaching. Equally at home on the concert stage, the festival field, in the classroom or on the dance floor, the ensemble and its programmes can be adapted to suit almost any occasion. Organisers can rely on a well-prepared and engaging performance, delivered with passion, personality and plenty of experience. Please contact us for a full press kit including references and reviews of past performances.

• Concerts
• Workshops
• Bal folk
• Festival sets 
• Masterclasses
• Historical events

in concert

A colourful and engaging concert in which the unusual instruments, rich harmonies and stories behind the music take centre stage. Ideal for festivals, folk clubs, churches, cultural venues and intimate concert settings. And who said you can't dance during a concert? Sometimes it's just impossible to resist...

bal folk

Nordic dance traditions meet the wider European bal folk scene in an evening filled with energy, interplay and the joy of dancing. Dråm can perform a complete dance evening or combine with a shorter concert. The music welcomes experienced dancers and curious newcomers alike.

workshops and courses

All the members of Dråm are experienced teachers. The band offers courses and workshops in harp, bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, guitar, mandola and nyckelharpa, as well as ensemble playing and Nordic folk music. A workshop day is perfect to combine with an evening concert or bal folk.

• Line-up: 2–5 musicians 
• Standard concert length: 60 minutes or  2 × 45 minutes
• Bal folk: 60 minutes (or more), a dance instructor can be included for Nordic dances
• Workshops: Individual festival workshops, half-day or full-day courses, with or without an evening concert or bal folk
• Languages: English, Swedish, German,  French
• Venues: Acoustic or amplified performances for folk festivals, churches, cultural venues, dance events and folk clubs
• Touring: Based in Sweden and France and available for international engagements
• For promoters: Technical rider, biography and press photos available on request

booking

Book Dråm for concerts, festivals, bal folk, courses and workshops – or for a complete event combining teaching, live music and dancing.

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Get in touch

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us about anything you want to know more about! We communicate best in English, Swedish, German or French.

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