In the US and other Western societies, the coming weekend is filled with Valentine’s Day related events and activities, but here in Iceland artists are focusing on what they do every weekend: creating a unique and memorable experience. The weekend features a variety of events, including an Elton John tribute concert and the screening of a cult science fiction film.
Friday
Sónar Reykjavík
If you don’t already have a pass to the festival, which started yesterday, you’d best hurry up and see if there are any to nab as Sónar will be in full swing this weekend. Bring along your rave gear, drink responsibly and party through the night at Harpa.
- Harpa, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 19:30, festival passes cost 17,900 ISK
The Mountain In Me
Magnea Ásmundsdóttir’s new exhibition combines photography, literature pieces, and low reliefs. Inspired by her family’s collection of rocks from around Iceland, Magnea’s work is a dialogue on memory and its connection to the present and the future.
- Hofsmannsgallerí from February 14 to March 7 with a special opening party on Friday from 16:00 to 18:00, free admission
Ólafur Björn Ólafsson
Ólafur Björn will play songs from an unreleased album with the help of some good friends. Ólafur has collaborated with Yukatan, Canada, Nix Nolte’s Big Band and Jónsi, and recently toured with Sigur Rós.
- Mengi at 21:00, admission 2,000 ISK, BYOB
Saturday
A Hard Day’s Night
The second exhibition of a sequence called Interplay, A Hard Day’s Night features pieces by prominent Icelandic artists and musicians Svavar Guðnason, Magnús Helgason, Úlfur Karlsson and Úlfur Eldjárn. The common denominator between these four vastly different artists is their powerful voice of imagination.
– ASÍ Art Gallery from February 15 to March 9 with a special opening party on Saturday from 15:00, free admission
Ragnheiður Gröndal Sings Bergþóra Árnadóttir
At annual Bergþóra concerts, artists are selected to sing the songs of Bergþóra Árnadóttir, a pioneer of Icelandic song writing. This year Ragnheiður Gröndal has the honour of leading the concert. She is joined by singer Pálmi Gunnarsson, Kristjana Stefáns, Valdimar Guðmundsson and Svavar Knútur, as well as guitarist Guðmundur Pétursson, Haukur Gröndal on clarinet and saxophone, Hjörleifur Valsson on violin and Birgir Baldursson on percussions.
- Salurinn at 20:30, admission 3,900 ISK
Elton John Tribute Band
A tribute band composed of loyal fans of Sir Elton Hercules John will put on a live performance of his most celebrated hits, hopefully encompassing everything from his original “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” up to and including the electrifying “Are You Ready For Love.” It may not be the legend himself, but it promises to be a legendary night.
- Café Rosenberg at 22:00
Sunday
Eivør Pálsdóttir
Come immerse yourself in Eivør’s music as she’ll cajole you with her unique voice, backed by a full band. This powerful singer will transport you through the immensities of the Atlantic skies with her Faroese ballads. She creates a unique atmosphere by dipping into multiple genres, including jazz, folk, pop and European classical music.
– Bæjarbíó in Hafnarfjörður at 16 and a second show at 20, admission 3,500 ISK
Black Sundays Present: Donnie Darko
This weekend, Richard Kelly’s 2001 cult science fiction ‘Donnie Darko’ is screened at Bíó Paradís. The film features Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager who is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit named Frank that manipulates Donnie to commit a series of crimes after he narrowly escaping a bizarre accident. Featuring lines such as “Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?” Donnie Darko is a classic not to be missed.
– Bíó Paradís at 20:00, admission 1,400 ISK
This is only a fragment of the Grapevine’s listings. For the complete schedule, head over to our listings site. If you have events that you want listed, please email them to us at listings@grapevine.is.
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