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.
Are you still pondering over what to give your friends for Christmas? Well why not give them a package of my three latest albums! For two days only you will be able to get a special Christmas discount when you buy my three latest CDs and get all three of them for only $15! That’s only $5 per CD, or three CDs for the price of one!
I’m nearly falling off my chair here it’s so cheap! And to make it extra special I will sign them for you too. What are you waiting for, the offer only lasts two days!
I’ve scheduled a last minute gig this Friday, December 7th at the yearly December Nights festival in Balboa Park with San Diego’s House of Sweden. The House of Pacific Relations is made up of groups like the House of Sweden from nearly 30 other countries. Many of these countries have cottages where the groups meet and carry out the objectives of the organization. The cottages are arranged in a ring that encloses a courtyard and stage where the performances are held.
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival, will take place for the 35th consecutive year on Friday, Dec. 7, 5-10pm, and Saturday, Dec. 8, noon-10pm. As always, the event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.”
Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings and more than 300,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world.
Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
My favorite food on the Christmas dinner table is the Swedish Christmas ham, but I know that a lot of people out there prefer to not eat meat for Christmas. One talanted artist that was a guest on my Xmas Calendar in 2009 showed me some great ways to celebrate Christmas without meat, and I decided to share that episode with you guys as a re-run.
Stiko Per Larsson is a great Swedish artist who is not only a vegetarian, but also have a habit of doing long walking tours. He’s walked all over Scandinavia playing his music. Check out his music and upcoming gigs here!
A few days ago I released my yearly Christmas single. It’s called “One Last Wish For Christmas” and it’s recorded partly in the US and partly in Sweden (thank you internet). The single has been very well received and here’s a selection of quotes from some writers around the globe:
[quote] “One Last Wish For Christmas” has the feel of a simple and intimate Indie Folk song while simultaneously being rich, full, and immediately pop accessible. It’s sort of Hank Williams meets the Pogues “Fairytale Of New York”, but much prettier. (…) It’s just wonderful! [/quote]
[quote]One Last Wish for Christmas” is “a story about love, loss, and afterthought at Christmas.” It is heartbreakingly beautiful, and like many of her songs, it stays with me long after I’ve finished listening to it.”[/quote]
[quote] During the years I’ve fallen in love with her beautiful alternative folk songs. Especially with the sad ballad Snowy White River (2009). This year I’m pleasantly surprised to learn that Sofia has returned to her roots.” [/quote]
