Play On - Herlof on the Guitar

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There are many things to celebrate on May 25th, 2020. Today Herlof turns SEVEN years old! He is also thankful to honor Memorial Day. A virtual celebration concert was the perfect idea. And as a birthday gift to himself he plugged in his dad's electric guitar to share the music!  A very exciting day for a brand new 7 year old. Video Link. 5/2020.

Herlof has been having fun with his virtual concert series, "Washing Hands and Singing Jams." But this week he had the opportunity for a special set. He performed LIVE and the whole show was dedicated to his friend, Hunter Pinke. Following social distancing guidelines, Herlof set up on Hunter's deck for a small outdoor performance. A perfect evening to share some joy with a musical gift to HP. Video Link. 5/2020.

Herlof asked if he could do another cover concert from the couch. He's always exploring with new music to play. With the songs in this set he had to first work on a few chords that are kind of sticky for him. He was proud to play them "for people" and he even invited his dad in to help out on a couple of numbers! Coronavirus is hard - Keep up the positive vibes! Video Link. 4/2020.

It was time for another cover concert from the couch. COVID-19 can get a person down, but keep doing the things you love. That might mean learning a new tune! Video Link. 4/2020.

With a goal of slowing the spread of COVID-19, people are practicing social distancing. A few of Herlof's upcoming music events were postponed too. Many famous musicians are providing intimate concerts for people to watch from their homes during this time. Herlof thought he could spread a few smiles too so he came up with his very own concert to share from his living room. We hope it brightens your day! Video Link. 3/2020.

We have all been asked to keep close to home during the Covid-19 situation. Spending some extra time at home can give the perfect opportunity to learn some "new" music. Thankfully, Herlof has a dad who shares his talent and knowledge...and his guitars! Video Link. 3/2020

A local Sons of Norway lodge was celebrating Pi Day by serving homemade pies and hosting a concert. Herlof was delighted to provide the music! He played tunes from Gene Autry and Garth Brooks to Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. Celebrating mathematics, the Norwegian heritage, and music - what a day! Video Link. 3.14.20

The Center for Innovation, located at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, hosted a winter social for their tenants. The event was a pizza party with a surprise musical guest. And Herlof got to be the surprise! Herlof is lucky to have some great friends who help expand his experiences and support his growth.  2/2020.

There are many reasons for a person to smile. And Herlof loves to add to that list by providing music for people passing through the halls at Mayo Clinic. He is happy to pack along his guitar any time he has the chance to tag along on appointments for his dad. 

Video Link -guitar.  Video Link - voice. 2/2020. 

According to the internet,  47.5 million people were estimated to be traveling on US airlines over an 18 day holiday travel period. Herlof was lucky to be included in this group as he was able to visit the Denver, CO area. He experienced all types of music including a brass band on the street downtown, old time carolers outside of Union Station, and a fantastic jazz trio performing music from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Of course Herlof had to join the musical fun by providing a few carols of his own a the Denver International Airport. ;) Video Link. 12/2019.

Herlof had a fun time performing at a nursing home in Valley City this summer and he was proud to be invited back for the Christmas season. From start to finish Herlof takes pride in running his own show. He introduces himself, talks through his set, and ends with shaking hands with each of the residents. Now...if only he didn't need his parents to drive him everywhere and carry his equipment!    Video Link 1. Video Link 2. Video Link 3. 12/2019.

The Christmas season brings gifts - and music is a great choice! Herlof had a busy day with TWO events scheduled. After school he was happy to share some Christmas cheer with residents at the nursing home. Hearing the room chime in with Silent Night almost brought his mom to tears! Then he made a few set list changes and traveled down the road. He was invited by his friend to provide entertainment during the social hour at a local Christmas party. It was a fun day from start to finish! Nursing Home Video Link 1. Nursing Home Video Link 2. Party Video Link. 12/2019.

Herlof was invited to share music at a memory care facility. Two things that residents enjoy are kids and music, so this was a perfect place for Herlof to share some joy! He is always polishing his performance and this time he had fun showcasing his ukulele along with his guitar. He sang familiar songs and encouraged sing-alongs. He also thought it was appropriate to match his hat with all of his music.  Video Link 1. Video Link 2. 11/2019.

Every few months Herlof's family gets to visit Mayo Clinic where his dad receives excellent care. Herlof had so much fun playing his little guitar at their visit last summer that he was ready to play again! A musical gift for patients and visitors walking through the atrium. His mom picks the music to try and keep it sweet, but Herlof also likes to slip in a few of those rock and roll ones!  Video Link. 10/2019.

While visiting Rochester, MN Herlof was introduced to "Open Mic Night" at the Cafe Steam coffee shop. His parents told him how it worked and Herlof was ready to sign up right away. It was a fun opportunity for him to see that musicians are all over the world. All kinds of people sharing all kinds of joy from music and other forms of art. Even his dad had to jump in and he let Herlof be his side kick! Video Link 1. Video Link 2. 10/2019.

Two weekends in a row Herlof had the pleasure of giving musical gifts to family members at their birthday parties. First Herlof's great-uncle hosted a fun party in his awesome work shop for family and friends to celebrate turning 69.  Herlof was excited to share a few of his favorite rock-n-roll numbers. A week later Herlof's great-grandma celebrated her 95th birthday at a beautiful party with the community. Herlof hand-picked songs specially for  the guest of honor.  And of course a round of "Happy Birthday" was played at each! 10/2019.

The Bismarck Cancer Center hosted their annual Applefest fundraiser event. The weekend was filled with activities and entertainment at Buckstop Junction. Herlof was honored to be asked to participate and he created 2 unique performances. He shared a total of 20 songs that covered many different artists from a wide range of time periods and genres. He had the crowds swaying along or tapping their toes! It was a great experience and for a special cause. Video Link 1 . Video Link 2. Video Link 3. Video Link 4. Video Link 5. Video Link 6. 9/2019.

The Myra Museum with the Grand Forks County Historical Society hosts a "History Rocks" car show each year. People are invited to check out classic cars and also enjoy live outdoor music. The Kenny and the Classics band gave Herlof an awesome opportunity to share the stage. He got to perform a full set using great gear. He even had fun helping with the setup! Video Link. 8/2019.

Herlof was invited to provide entertainment at another nursing home this week. He organized a brand new set and had a lot of fun with the performance. Music is the perfect connection for bringing people of all ages together. Video Link. 8/2019.

A local business was hosting a grand opening event for the public. It was a night of summer fun and live music. Herlof was thankful to join in with the early set of entertainment. It was a great opportunity to perform a mini-show of his fun songs for a crowd. 8/2019.  

 Herlof was able to bring his guitar on the road. He was a musical guest at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Playing in the lake, sharing music, and making new friends in faith is a great way to spend the weekend! Thanks for the invitation! 7/2019. 

Herlof was invited to perform a half hour of gospel music at a hometown summer festival. A hot day at the lake but the songs were sweet. Plus he made the local newspaper which proudly hangs  on the fridge! 6/2019

Herlof is a big fan of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He gets to travel along with his family where Mayo takes great care of his dad. On a recent trip Herlof was able to spread the love and share some joy with patients from all over. A strong voice, a trusty guitar, and tiny doctor outfit! Video Link. 6/2019

It was an honor to share some patriotic numbers at a local Memorial Day service. 5/2019

 This spring Herlof was busy visiting area nursing homes. Pulling from a group of hymns and other classic favorites, which we call his "nursing home set," Herlof arranged some fun performances. The events included sing-alongs and even breaks for jokes and hat changes! Here he is performing in Hatton, ND. 3/2019. 

This spring Herlof was busy visiting area nursing homes. Pulling from a group of hymns and other classic favorites, which we call his "nursing home set," Herlof arranged some fun performances. The events included sing-alongs and even breaks for jokes and hat changes! Here he is performing in McCusky, ND. Video Link. 5/2019.

 This spring Herlof was busy visiting area nursing homes. Pulling from a group of hymns and other classic favorites, which we call his "nursing home set," Herlof arranged some fun performances. The events included sing-alongs and even breaks for jokes and hat changes! Here he is performing in Mayville, ND. Video Link. 5/2019. 

Herlof was excited to be a guest on Valley News Live for the North Dakota Today Show. He has been back to visit his friends a few times and each visit is a little different. His first appearance he sang his heart out with Elvis. 11/2018.

At Christmas time Herlof was invited back to Valley News Live to share some holiday cheer. Leather coats and Christmas tunes! 12/2018

To help kick off the summer season Herlof visited his friends on the North Dakota Today Show to share his version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." He invited everyone to sing along from their living rooms! 5/2019.

Music is for people of all ages. Herlof was happy to entertain some Sunday school friends while visiting his grandparent's church. Sharing music is a great way to make friends! 5/5019.

Herlof is always happy to share music at his church! 2/2019.

It is very fun for Herlof's parents to watch him grow with his music performances. But they have to admit that the BEST concerts are the "Living Room Concerts." But be careful - Herlof has been known to charge admission! Video Link. 12/2018.