LATEST EMBASSY NEWS

Seth Sharp and the Black Clock.

Helga Magnusdottir and the Blood Band.

Embassy Hosts First Leifur Eiriksson Day Concert

Each year since 1964, the President of the United States has proclaimed October 9 to be Leifur Eriksson Day, to honor the contributions of Americans of Nordic descent.  This year for the first time, the U.S. Embassy organized a concert at Thjodleikhuskjakallarinn (Cellar of the National Theatre), featuring Icelandic and American entertainers.   Goals: to commemorate the holiday, highlight the two countries’ cultural ties – and party to some first-rate music!

The showcase of talent was impressive.  Local artists Helga Magnusdottir and the Blood Band, Seth Sharp and the Black Clock, Cynic Guru and Kung Fu performed a range of power rock, blues, jazz, country ballads, and traditional Icelandic folk songs.  Reykjavik-based American actor Darren Foreman served as Master of Ceremonies. 

Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kosnett presided.  The approximately 100 Icelanders, Americans, and other guests stomping their feet and clapping their hands included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture Gudmundur Arnason, and LazyTown creator and star Magnus Scheving.

October 9, 2007 will be the Second Leifur Eiriksson Day Concert – save the date!