Telemarkfestivalen II

After reading my last post, I realized that I severely under-praised Unni Boksasp. Not only is she absolutely adorable, her voice is phenomenal and she sings those sad songs we all love to hear more of.

Saturday rounded out with a couple more concerts for me. The captivating reunion concert of Slinkombas in all their glory. If you don't have their vinyl from 30 years ago, now you can get them on CD! Finally, some folk music! I was especially pleased to hear yet another regional variation of Kråkevise (the crow song). Their encore (in Norway, everyone gets an encore, or so it seems) was a sing-a-long which everyone was clearly enjoying, especially the band.

Then I hiked up the hill in the rain to the old church (you know the one right next to the new church) for the church concert. At least half of the music was modern compositions by Henrik Ødegaard - interesting to say the least and the vocalists were extremely talented. No recordings of the actual concert will be posted because I filled up the rest of my memory card with the bell ringing at the beginning. Oops. :)

The highlight of the church concert for me was Vegar Vårdal. I really don't think there are enough superlatives in English and Norwegian combined for me to describe how much I like the guy. He is both extremely knowledgeable and talented. Add to that, he's a nice guy and wow! He played a springar early in the program. What you need to understand is that he doesn't just play, he dances and pirouettes and emotes the soul of a tune when he is in the spotlight. If you get the chance to listen to Vegar, make sure you have a good seat! If you get the chance to talk to him, brush up your Norwegian, I think he'd like that.

Oh, did I mention the pews at the church? They explain why Catholics were perfectly willing to stand up so often during mass. I would estimate them at about 10 inches deep, with no back except for a long plank to keep you from slouching just below shoulder level. I have a picture, but it doesn't do them justice.

I got a ride back to Gullbring from a girl who was in the singing course. It wasn't so dark (at 10:30) that I couldn't have walked back safely, but what had earlier been rain was now a downpour. I packed my things hoping that the rain would stop, so I could venture out for a couple more shows. I really wanted to see Valkyrien Allstars, but I really didn't want to get soaked, so I gave in at midnight ready for the next adventure.

Telemarkfestivalen I

You would think that after two full days without a bed, I would have taken a nap, but no, there were still things to do. I managed to check my email in the quest to rid myself of one of those suitcases before I leave Telemark. I also purchased my festival pass, exchanged more money (at the bank) did some grocery shopping (gotta love bread and cheese). My dear sister will be happy to know that I bought a bag of carrots :). After all of that, I had just enough time left to eat before the opening concert.

The main performer (after the obligatory exhibition of the Bø spel og danserlag) was Faiz ali Faiz and his eight man orchestra from Pakistan. Check him out. Friday night's concert was Diom de Kossa with guest artists. I have never heard the cow horn played like that. I'll post a couple short videos here once I get my camera working.

I started Friday at the singing course with Camilla Granlien, who won 1st place at this years kappleik. Definitely worth the money. Then I heard a concert by singer Unni Boksasp, accompanied by Olav Mjelva and Ånon Egeland, among others. She is awesome. It was really fun to see Olav. I couldn't tell if he was suprised to see me or not. After the concert by Diom de Kossa, I headed 'downtown' and heard Catriona Macdonald from Shetland (excellent) and Halvorsen and Bruvoll. If you're looking for some excellent folksinging fused with a full band, their CD Trillar for to is the one to get. I haven't got my hands on it yet, but I have my eyes out.

One more day of festivaling and then I'm back to Sweden to meet up with Tom and Elaine in Hälsingland. Below are a couple more tips, or rather things I wish I had with me.

Travel tip: Cheese slicer - I brought mine. If you don't have one they sell them at the grocery stores. Small cutting board - I have noticed that it is very difficult to cut tomatoes using a grocery bag as a cutting board. Plastic ware and sharp knife - IKEA has some very sturdy reusable plastic utensils you can take on the plane. You also need some kind of pocket knife to cut said tomatoes. I also find myself imagining that a collapsible plastic bowl would be really handy, although I have no idea where I might find one...