The much anticipated Icelandic Airwaves Festival kicked off this week in Reykjavik. The annual music festival, which sees well-known international as well as local bands performing all over Reykjavik, began on Wednesday.
Last night US group ‘Of Montreal’ played in the Reykjavik Art Museum to an enthusiastic crowd and rave reviews. Of Montreal frontman, Kevin Barnes, caught the crowd’s attention even before he began playing the first set. Dressed in a bright red outfit matched by equally eye-catching shoes, he was the focus of attention when he took to the stage.
“This is our first time in Iceland,” he said. “It’s really cool. I bought these shoes here, you have really good shopping here.”
Those in town for the festival have a packed music programme to choose from. Hundreds of events are taking place at various venues all around the city, as well as in the Blue Lagoon, and are often overlapping.
Hafdis Huld, known for her singing in GusGus, hosted a small performance at the Kjauaranum shop last night. “I think the first song might sound a bit ‘noise art”, she said. “Let’s put that down to me sounding quirky and Icelandic shall we?”
Festival goers can catch full concerts at Nasa and Gaukurinn over the next few days, as well as smaller events which are planned for various downtown locations.
For more information visit www.icelandicmusic.is