Monday July 7th, Family Dance - Viking Persuasion is a group with deep reaching roots in Kimberley playing Western Canadian Old Time Music. With a wide repertoire based on Nordic style old time accordion music, the Viking Persuasion's musical vista includes: Western Swing, Latin American as well as Pop Selections.

The group consists of: EDWIN ERICKSON (accordion, bass, vocals) - a native Albertan, is well known as a co-founder and perennial supporter of KIOTAC. Edwin began playing semi-professionally at age 15, and has since toured in Canada, Sweden, Norway, U.S.A., Iceland and the Faeroe Islands, recorded both in Canada and Scandinavia, as well as having been featured on radio and television on both continents. He is an active composer and arranger, having written upwards of sixty original pieces, mostly within the accordion realm.

ALLAN VALBERG (accordion, bass, vocals) - received his early training on the accordion in Norway, but has since won the admiration of a large following, both within Kimberley circles, as well as through many other performances, primarily in Western Canada. Allan still probably holds the record of “the most decorated” accordionist to have competed at KIOTAC over the years. He has since gone on to adjudicate and lead workshops at the festival numerous times. Allan is also a clever composer and arranger, and a very talented all-round musician.

BARNEY VALBERG (rhythm guitar) is a Norwegian-Canadian, having immigrated to the Calgary area in the early 60's. Barney has held the group together rhythmically and harmonically since before its inception, and is referred to by some as the “Chord God”. Since his initial involvement with KIOTAC in 1977, he has been a strong supporter and valued cultural consultant. Barney enjoys many kinds of music, but is most at home playing rhythm for old time music and finger picking the classics of the likes of Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. He has coached many young musicians, and presently teaches guitar in Sundre, Alberta.

MIKE MUSSON (bass, violin, steel guitar, vocals) joined the group in 2004. He is, however, no stranger to old time music, having first been part of groups with the Erickson brothers and Kimberley co-founder, Bill Baerg, as early as the late 60's. Mike is a native of the USA and received his formal classical training there, on piano and violin. He has since gone on to make a considerable impact within the realm of popular music here in Western Canada, primarily in the country vein, via his work on steel guitar, fiddle and arranging. Mike is a very adept vocal arranger, and brings this valuable talent to the group. 

CONNIE JENSEN (drums, misc.percussion, vocals) is the newest member of the group, replacing long-time drummer, Erick Erickson. Connie has been involved in the piano/organ and choir realms for many years, but did not take up the drums until 5 years ago. However, due to her extraordinary ability, desire, and work ethic, she was able to perform publicly within a year. Since then she has drummed for numerous dances and variety functions in Central Alberta. In the summer of 2003, she was percussionist with Killingberg's Orchestra from Norway on a three-week tour of Iceland, Faeroe Islands and Norway. Connie's vocal work adds a nice feminine touch to the group.