By Zach Jensen,
Decorah natives David Kirkeby (left) and Kyle Elsbernd make up “Norwegian Bachelor Farmers”, which has performed at every Nordic Fest in the last 25 years. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers have been entertaining Nordic Festers for the last 25 years, and both members of the duet, Kyle Elsbernd and David Kirkeby, agree they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Playing at Nordic Fest was always a dream for me growing up,” said Kirkeby, a 1990 graduate of Decorah High School. “As an adult, when I would visit from Arizona, I longed to play at the fest. Now, 15 years later, I still get excited and look forward to performing each year. I am honored to be asked to do this, and we always pick up new fans every year.”
Elsbernd, a 1987 Decorah graduate, concurred with his fellow musician, adding that their style of music links festgoers to old Norway.
“Nordic Fest is always a highlight of our year,” he said. “We’ve performed it over 25 years and believe that we have a unique product in terms of entertainment and preserving a connection with Norwegian culture.”
Elsbernd and Kirkeby grew up with musical backgrounds and, in spite of their difference in age, both of them started playing guitar at about the same time in their lives.
“I was 10 years old when I started playing guitar,” Kirkeby said. “I received an electric guitar for Christmas that year and started learning chords right away. I was drawn to the guitar, because both my dad and brother played. It really did not become a passion for me until I started watching music videos. After that, I was hooked. I just love the sound and look of playing guitar — especially electric guitar. Over the years I have also played bass guitar, drums, keys and played sax and trombone in high school concert band.”
Elsbernd also received his first guitar as a gift from his mother and grandmother in 1980, but the music videos he watched were from a different time in music history.
“The first time I heard the acoustic guitar, I
knew it was for me,” Elsbernd said. “We all grew up listening to Buddy Holly, and I still play like Buddy in that aggressive rhythmic style with simple chords and clear, melodic singing. I used to play for neighbors and passersby on my parents’ porch on River Street. All I hear is possibilities when I play.”
The duo first began playing music together in a high school garage band known as “Rebels without Applause” in 1989, and Elsbernd recalled that Kirkeby was a legendary guitarist even at such a young age.
“Dave Kirkeby was in my brother’s grade and the best guitarist I’d ever heard,” he said.
Kirkeby added that he and Elsbernd enjoy a synergy which goes beyond a good friendship or a typical musical duet.
“Kyle and I have a special friendship and bond,” Kirkeby said. “I have known him and his mom since high school and went to school with his younger brother, Ryan. Musically, we both communicate with one another, and we don’t have to look at or direct each other when we’re playing live. We just know when to change tempo, feel, style. Outside of music, we both share a similar sense of humor and ideology. We do get on each other’s nerves from time to time, but that is part of any relationship. We always work through any issues and always perform well. I consider Kyle a brother and family.”
That synergy allows the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers to take the stage during Nordic Fest without the need for much rehearsal. The distance between them — Kirkeby in Marion and Elsbernd in Union Grove, Wisconsin — is bridged when they meet under the tent at the annual celebration. The musicians indicated they’re so tuned-in to each other that the music flows out of them for all to enjoy.
“We don’t practice and pretty much play by ear and wing it on any new songs that Kyle wants to do,” Kirkeby said. “We prefer it this way. It keeps the show more spontaneous and fresh — always evolving things, changing gear set ups, adding different costumes, etc. I play by ear and feel, so there’s not much need for rehearsing and same with Kyle.”
Elsbernd called the duo’s musical connection uncanny.
“We never practice, never need to,” he said. “We’ll frequently change dynamics dramatically at the exact same time without any communication. Every show is different depending on the crowd and mood.”
The music Elsberned and Kirkeby perform is largely inspired by Norwegian singer and songwriter Lillebjorn Falk Nilsen, who passed earlier this year. Elsbernd was immediately inspired by Nilsen’s music upon hearing it.
“I first discovered Lillebjorn Nilsen in the bargain music bin at Vesterheim in 1990,” said Elsbernd, who became fluent in Norwegian as a high school student. “I immediately connected with his music and recognized him as the John Denver of Norway. He wrote classic folk songs that sounded like they were hundreds of years old. I translated all of them into English, which was a bit of a task. Fun fact — Lillebjorn himself commented positively on our songs on YouTube, which was a thrill. My Norwegian friends sent me condolences when he passed. My goal is to be the number-one ambassador of Lillebjorn’s music in America.”
For both musicians, keeping Nordic Fest and Lillebjorn’s music alive is not just important — it’s essential, especially during the Information Age.
“As a veteran teacher, I naturally want to help keep good traditions alive,” said Elsbernd. “There’s a myth that traditions exist in isolation, but all traditions involve growth, cross fertilization, synthesis.”
Kirkeby’s take on traditions is a little more conventional. He said every tradition is important to keep and pass on.
“Music and art take you away from the troubles of the world, and when you sit and listen or look at these things, they take you to other places — bring back memories and times in your life,” he said. “With a crazy world full of instant information and non-stop digital entertainment, it is more important than ever to keep traditional music, art and performance alive so it will inspire others to do it as well. Quite frankly, the world needs more of that and less digital entertainment and instant information.”
That mutual desire to keep traditions alive is what brings Kirkeby and Elsbernd coming back to Decorah every year to perform at Nordic Fest as the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers.
“Decorah will always be special to me,” Kirkeby said. “Coming home and seeing how Decorah has progressed and evolved is very exciting. Decorah is known better now than when I was growing up, and it’s no longer northeast Iowa’s ‘best kept secret.’”
Elsbernd agreed with Kirkeby and added that one of his goals is to someday move back to his hometown — at least part-time.
“We love coming home,” Elsbernd said. “The natural beauty and the focus on the arts makes Decorah entirely unique in America.”
The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers perform multiple times each summer throughout the Midwest. For a complete schedule of their performances and more information, visit https://kyleanddave.wixsite.com/songs.
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