One of the highlights of the Eurovision Song Contest Final from last night was the program in the intermission: The Swedish Smorgasbord, by Petra Mede, Swedish comedienne, dancer and television host.
This is her presentation of Sweden and Swedes for all those of you who are curious – and Swedes to be entertained. Our relationship to church, the need of consensus – even at the combat zone, the talent of doing compost, Carola and many more goodies at the smorgasbord.
Any surprises?
Enjoy,
Johanna
Yesterday The Eurovision Song Contest 2013 Final was held in Malmo, in Sweden.
What I didn’t know was that the Eurovision was created 57 years ago by a group of broadcasters with the intent to unify Europe after world war II through the power of music. It makes total sense. And today the event is bigger than ever.
The event opened with a newly composed Eurovision Anthem “We Write The Story”, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. and the Swedish DJ, and record producer Avicii. “We couldn’t get ABBA – but ABA”, as Petra Mede introduced them.
A master piece. Here it is. Enjoy!
Johanna
“We have a choice in everything, we write the story…” – what are you making a choice about today? What is the next chapter in your story?
Earlier this year I attended the event of the year hosted by San Francisco Business Times – “The Book of the List Party”.
I was there with my friend Sandra Philips, branding and PR professional, and we were after having talked with various people, the exhibiting companies and enjoyed a little bit of the delicious food, standing catching up ourselves. Up to us comes a man wanting to talk, and asks how we are doing this evening. As a response when we are returning the question he says: “It is great. I have had a lot of exciting conversations”. Later on when I hear what his profession is I can’t help but smile – given that this event was slightly male dominated, I am sure he had a lot of “exciting conversations” – he was at the time launching a course for men learning how to come eight times in one evening.
He talks some about what he does, and then he turns the focus on us. “But I am curious – how is it for you both to be single in San Francisco?” Surprised I express “What makes you think that?” He continues: “Well, you know, it is not easy to find a great partner. You may meet someone who is considerate, successful, handsome, and tall – but can he dance?” Now I was even more surprised. I know I am easy to read (in my mind) – but THAT easy? He suddenly gained some points.
The question is: can he dance? How many of you is that important to? And what is the reason for dancing being important?
Johanna
This upcoming Saturday it is time for the Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Sweden, since we won last year, with Euphoria. Growing up, that was big. The dream was to stand on that stage. The event is still big. Living in San Francisco, I have found friends who might be even more excited about it than I was before. Saturday night Pacific Time, the recorded version of the event will be replayed. And strict rules for the guests, to be disconnected during the day, not to reveal any results… That was difficult last year, having a dear excited cousin Anna, who send me a text… EUPHORIA – WE WON!!! 🙂
Today, as a reminder about the event, the winning song Waterloo by ABBA from 1974 was shared (see below). For all ABBA lovers: since last week, there is now ABBA The Museum open in Stockholm. It is part of a larger Swedish Music Hall of Fame.
I am sure it partly covers the impact ABBA has had on it’s fans. I have only in the past two months in San Francisco met one, and heard another, case of women that have learnt Swedish for the only reason that they loved ABBA.
As of me… I was Agneta. And yes, I do have the ABBA music book with me… to San Francisco.
To-de-loo,
Johanna
What has ABBA done for you?
Mother’s Day in the US is coming up. My a cappella group Keeva has a concert in the Church of Sweden – upstairs with the view over the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. – bring your mom and family – or just yourself! – after your mother’s day brunch and enjoy some mimosa and music.
Would love to see you!
Johanna
April 8, 2013. A date many of us in San Francisco, and Scandinavia have looked forward to. The SAS inaugural flight took place in-between CPH and SFO, and landed on time. 2o minutes early after the 11.5 hour flight.
Going forward there are 6 intercontinental direct flights per week in-between Copenhagen and San Francisco with Scandinavian Airlines. A trip that makes it easier to travel. Faster. For everyone involved.
SAS hosted a celebration seminar yesterday, where I as a representant of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce was invited. They shared their insights from their latest corporate journey of a financial crisis, nearing a bankruptcy, what saved them and the strategy behind turning it around and how to create a #1 Airline in the Industry. Inspiring story indeed. Implementations in it’s work. Some changes might seem so obvious, but they weren’t that easy to implement… “So even if we have the peak of demand during the summer months, we pulled back on our service because it was stated in the employee contracts that they had right to 5 weeks of vacation during the summer time. It was like being in retail and ignoring Christmas”. [Only in Scandinavia].
Down size, cost control, renegotiated union contracts, and having a staff dedicated to turning the situation around… SAS is heading to great destinations, on time!
With the departure times, direct flights, personalized service, use of technology, 100% next generations airplanes, onboard wifi and expanded reach through new routes and partnerships – it will be easier for everyone, no-matter age, to go places.
SAS concluded with this commercial, saying that they were looking forward to seeing everyone on board…
Make sure to enjoy it you too – Scandinavia, including Sweden, is a beautiful place to visit! By your tickets before April 16 and you may catch their sale… http://www.flysas.com/en/
Johanna
What would life be without music? And more importantly, with live music. It’s like talking with someone you really like over Facebook, Email, Text, Phone – verses in person… SO much better.
I dropped by Sheba Lounge, in the jazz district on Fillmore Street last week. I wanted to catch the last set of Jesse Foster Trio with Jesse Foster on vocals, Grant Levin on piano and Pierre Archain on bass.
Jesse Foster is a singer, songwriter and percussionist extraordinaire, with an original composition and arranging style which conveys deep and personal messages through songs crossing a wide range of musical genres.
Although Jesse has worked with and been influenced by many renowned artists, he credits the body of works by master artists like Wes Montgomery, Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, Smokey Robinson, David Ruffin, Nat “King” Cole and Miles Davis for having a profound impact on his concepts, musical direction and career.
Talking with Grant afterwards, he said: “I love playing with Jesse. He is the real deal. I love his artistry.” Grant himself is a humble great talent who in this case (below) manages to play perfectly on a piano that is out of tune – yes – you just gotta avoid certain keys… And Pierre, is a cheerful solid bass player.
I’d like to call them my guys. Jesse was my vocal coach for a period of time when I first moved to San Francisco. When hearing his students with whom I did the performance workshop at the time, today, I wish I had continued… Grant is my pianist. It’s so new, so it is even a little unreal to write it – but I have a pianist! 🙂 And he is awesome! And Pierre – he played bass in the quartet that I performed with at what is now called… Tipsy Pigg! Yes, it was a music bar/restaurant at the time on Chestnut in the Marina. Today, it is mostly tipsy…
Anyway. Here is cheers for the real deal, and for Jesse Foster and musicians, bringing the live jazz back to Lower Haight in San Francisco! (See below!) What a…. LOVELY DAY!
Enjoy,
Johanna
And yes – the recording is very dark. You gotta come and visit live!
Bi-monthly Jazz sessions at Two Jacks Niks Place – 401 Haight and Webster.
7pm – 9.30pm: Jesse Foster trio with Grant Levin on keys Adam Gay on bass and Mark Lee on drums – and guest artists of accomplished musicians from the Bay Area.
This morning, I was talking to the world. And the world started talking back to me.
Both of us were lonely, a little angry. Both of us looking for a friend.
We were saying how we’d never be alone again.
All I heard was two little words: love, me. Love, me. Love, me.
And that the end of the note, that I wrote to the world:
Can you here me? Are you listening?
Love me.
These are the first lines from one song on the U.S. debut by Swedish singer Anna Bergendahl. On the record label Decca Records website you can read: (more…)
Love is Everywhere. Love is Equal. Does equal marriage even need to be a question?
Celebrate love. Don’t ban it. Do like Sweden, and raise the flags for all celebrations of love – gender neutral.
During the weeks leading up to Pride Stockholm you can see rainbow flags flying from the flagpoles that line the water in front of the royal castle. (more…)
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