About this Event
A MAGICAL EVENING OF NORDIC WISDOM & MUSIC
What could a little Nordic wisdom bring to your life?
Experience the spirit of the North through an evening of live music, Finnish storytelling, and traditions inspired by life among forests and snow.
The evening begins with a musical performance by The Otherworld Ensemble, followed by stories and teachings from Finnish author, storyteller, and sacred arts practitioner Reetta Ranta. Explore the imagination, resilience, and connection to nature woven into Nordic traditions—and discover ways to bring a little of that perspective into everyday life.
Come curious. Leave with a new story, fresh inspiration, and a little more magic in your world.
This event is part of Reetta Ranta’s US book launch tour celebrating Timeless Nordic Rituals: Bringing Purpose and Joy to Modern Life and the Nordic Forest Rituals Oracle, supported by Finlandia Foundation National and REDFeather / Schiffer Publishing.
Books and oracle decks will be available for purchase.
An evening of music, stories and ancestral wisdom — a little magic for the soul.
Finnish Heritage Society, 1970 Chestnut Street, Berkeley, CA Friday, November 20 | Doors open at 6:30 PM, program begins at 7 PM Advance tickets via Eventbrite
About the performers:Reetta Ranta is a Finnish storyteller, coach and author, whose work bridges ancient Nordic wisdom and modern life. Inspired by Finnish mythology, folklore and the sacred relationship between people and nature, she explores how ancestral traditions, seasonal rhythms and simple rituals can bring greater meaning, balance and resilience to our lives.
The Otherworld EnsembleThe Otherworld Ensemble is a unique collaboration led by Finnish jazz pioneer Heikki “Mike” Koskinen and Finnish-American saxophonist Rent Romus. Blending improvisational jazz, Nordic folk traditions and mythic soundscapes, the ensemble draws inspiration from the Kalevala, ancestral melodies and the animistic spirit of the North, creating an evocative musical journey into Finland’s cultural roots and the mysteries of the Arctic diaspora.
Rent Romus - alto & soprano saxophones, c-flute
Heikki Koskinen - e-trumpet, piano, tenor recorder
Joshua Marshall - tenor & soprano saxophones, c-flute
Mark Clifford - vibraphone
Elihu Knowles - drums
Safa Shokrai - double bass
Event venue & nearby stays
The Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut Street, Berkeley, United States
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