Unmistakably Nordic in flavor, Sofia Talvik somehow still conforms to American interpretations of her own original music, a North Sea siren blending sparkle and melancholy, creating a special niche of folk music.
To give you a break from all the Santa Clauses and elfs on TV I’m sharing my very own Drivin’ & Dreaming show in this window of the Christmas Calendar. During 2012 I have been touring all over the US and for a while I was ambitious to film and edit it as well. Here’s 10 episodes covering the Drivin’ & Dreaming tour 2012 from North Carolina all the way to Illinois.
You’ll get to see White Trash McGywer fix the RV when it breaks down, follow us backstage, meet a lot of wonderful people and of course enjoy a lot of great music by me and many other artists and bands. It’s been such an adventure and I’m so happy I got to share it with all of you!
Gustaf and Jens are two guys who just happen to love beer. Well tell me about a guy who doesn’t you might think, but seriously, these guys love beer so much they actually brew their own harvest beer once a year, and it’s so popular it sells out instantly in Sweden.
in 2011 Gustaf and Jens invited me to play at their outdoors pop up restaurant at Öland’s Harvest Festival, so now I figured I’d ask them if they would be a part of my Christmas Calendar. In this window Jens will show you how to make a Swedish Christmas drink with beer called “Mumma”. They will also give you a short history lesson, how about that!
You can find information about Gustaf an Jens and their yearly harvest beer here! If you go to their website you will also find the recipes of some of the delicious food they serve with their craft beer. I’ve typed up the recipe for Mumma for you below. I hear it especially tasty if you listen to my new Christmas single while you drink it! Enjoy!
Gustaf och Jens Mumma recipe!
11 oz lager beer 11 oz dark beer; stout or similar 8 oz sparkling water/mineral water (you can add some sugar to it to sweeten it up) 3 oz sherry Stir and serve!
Jens and Gustaf
Gustaf Waesterberg: Chef with a special love for organic food turned photographer. Jens Skrubbe: Beer sommelier and bar manager at Pressklubben in Stockholm.
HoHoHo! Two days ago you got a download of mine and Sophie Rimheden‘s “Xmas on the Dance floor“. Today we give you a brand new version of “Rudolf”. And it’s in Swedish of course :). Talented Sophie has produced this disco version of “Rudolf” and I’m singing the lead. So get your ass off the couch and shake it baby!
Click here to listen/download
Credits: Music, Production and backing vocals: Sophie Rimheden Vocals: Sofia Talvik Mix and Master: Sophie Rimheden Coverart: Sofia Talvik
December 13th is the celebration of Saint Lucia in Sweden. We usually celebrate by having a “Lussetåg” a Lucia parade, but instead me and Sweden’s sweetest jazz singer Anna Christoffersson are going to teach you how to bake Swedish Lucia Saffron Bread. We’re also going to sing you a Christmas song!
Still haven’t figured out what to get your lovers for Christmas and missed out on my special Christmas offer a few days ago? Don’t fret! Anna have some excellent albums that will make great Christmas gifts to anyone with good taste in music! Go here to get Anna’s albums: American iTunes Swedish iTunes
It was so hard to decide the winners of the Christmas poem contest as there were so many great contributions. However, the contest was for a poem to put on your Christmas gift and there were two poems who stood out in the crowd and earned a 1st and 2nd place in the contest. A huge thank you to all participants! You can check out the challenge here!
The winner is *drumroll* Jackie LeBlanc who wrote a poem for a pair of fuzzy toe socks she’s giving for a friend (oops! I hope I didn’t ruin the surprise!) Jackie will receive a secret Christmas gift from Sofi.. I mean Santa. Here’s Jackies winning poem:
Each day, each week, each month, each season… We’ve become friends and that’s the reason – Thru weather of rain, snow or heat.. Having you as a friend just can’t be beat! I care if you’re freezin’ -with ice on your nose – So I give you this gift, For your ten little toes!
On an honorable second place is Juliana Palmcook with her ingenious poem about a Christmas gift everyone can give no matter if you’re rich or poor… guess what! Juliana will get a special Christmas greeting in the mail!
My gift cannot be bought, It doesn’t have a price tag; yet it is priceless, It will keep you warm on a cold winter day, It helps chase the blues away, Although once in awhile you see it at the stores being exchanged, My gift is free but with arms attached, If you don’t need it now you can get a rain-check, There is a rebate but not like you think, It is yours forever to remember, I don’t know who could ask for more,because it is really big, My gift is wrapped with arms, Can you guess my gift? Hint, it is a 3 letter word… I hope that rings a jingle bell.
