#17
Perfect Day
On Geysir
SKE plans your perfect day in Reykjavík, peek inside for further details.
“The sad (short) tale of how a once legendary geyser lost its groove.”
Ske.is 14.09.2015—04.10.2015
Your free copy Your guide to what’s going on in iceland
“Iceland is getting special treatment.” – SKE speaks to Jonathan Howard of the King’s Singers
Ske
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A “Perfect” Day Pt. 17 There is no such thing as perfect. A thing cannot be perfect. But when a thing is sufficiently wonderful we may refer to it as perfect for the sake of emphasis – such a thing is customary. A few days ago, we experienced a day that was wonderful enough to predispose us towards exaggeration, and we are confident that if any traveler were to follow in our footsteps, then they too would feel the same. It was, in all honesty, a perfect day. 1.
Traffic Yoga (Editorial) A new craze has overtaken Reykjavík. It has climbed over the flimsy battlements of the Icelandic psyche and taken a permanent hold of our collective consciousness. I assert, good sir or madam, that it has become our most popular diversion (setting aside masturbation). It is practiced twice daily by almost every citizen – early in the morning and late in the afternoon – and always with a kind of religious-like punctuality. If you are unemployed, or unconscious, or are a blind country hermit residing within some miserable fjord, then I am referring here to traffic yoga ... Traffic yoga was invented a few decades after the industrial revolution. It, like most other inventions, was brought about by the accidental commingling of various novelties. Traffic yoga was, in fact, the fortuitous byproduct of consumerism; the internal-combustion engine; and rampant, uncontrollable employment. It could be said that traffic yoga is the ancestor of rope yoga – with the exception that the rope is replaced with a motorized vehicle. It goes something like this: 1. One begins by dressing oneself in the traffic yoga uniform. (The only criterion that the uniform must satisfy is that it be capable of doubling as one’s work uniform – unless you are an astronaut. It is nearly impossible to practice traffic yoga in a spacesuit.) 2. One insinuates oneself into the vehicle and assumes the shrimp posture. (The shrimp posture is traditional. Some have graduated from the shrimp posture to the shrimp-tail posture, which involves an almost impossible curving of the spine.) 3. One turns the key (or pushes the button). 4. One allows one’s mind to wander as one heeds the artificially breezy conversation of morning radio personalities. (It is not uncommon for the mind to wander towards the subject of death – especially if one is listening to the unbearable chattering on FM95 .....) 5. One turns onto the freeway. 6. One curses, curses, curses. (Unlike other schools of yoga, traffic yoga does not involve humming. In traffic yoga, the act of humming is substituted with a series of vigorous and haphazard profanities #asshole#dickpickle#fucksyou.) “Cursing cleanses the mind,” according to the traffic yoga handbook. 7. One tries to murder a bicyclist (bicyclists can be killed with impunity). 8. There is no purpose to traffic yoga. Some people gain something by it, others do not. In truth: traffic yoga is a useless diversion heavily conducive to discomfort that is practiced by thousands of Icelanders every day.
Seltjarnarnes Swimming Pool Zen 09:00
Visiting Iceland without visiting an Icelandic swimming pool is a sin. It is like going to New York without eating pizza; like going to Bordeaux without drinking wine; like going to London without pestering a Queen’s guard. There are a number of great swimming pools in Reykjavík, among them the swimming pool in Seltjarnarnes – located a mere five-minute drive away from the center. There is a basic routine that SKE likes to adhere to when visiting any Icelandic pool. 1. Enter the locker room. 2. Divest yourself of your clothes. 3. Admire your beautiful self, surreptitiously, in the mirror. 4. Clean yourself according to the directions of “the sign” (in every locker room in every pool in Iceland there is a picture of a stick-figure-ish man with spots corresponding to necessary wash-spots). 5. Swim a few laps. 6. Flirt with aquatic unconsciousness in the hot-pot. 7. Exit.
2. Mokka
Jolt of Black Lightning 12:00 After approaching the vicinity of Zen-like lifelessness in the hot-pot, SKE recommends that you regain consciousness. You must regain consciousness in order to be more alert and alive to Iceland’s many wondrous sights. As far as recovering consciousness goes, there is no instrument as potent or as expedient as coffee – that famous jolt of black lightning. A favorite coffeehouse among locals is Mokka, which is also one of the city’s oldest coffeehouses. Founded in 1958, Mokka not only serves top-quality coffee, but some excellent waffles as well (among other things). We suggest ordering a cappuccino and mimicking the dignified and grave bearing of John Grant on the cover of Pale Green Ghosts (the album’s cover photo was shot in Mokka). Mokka is one of the greatest motherfu$#ing coffeehouses that you’ll ever visit #GMF#JohnGrant.
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Elding
JF Kennedy 13:00
Regards, Sri Sri Ravi Trafker
Ske Editors: ritstjorn@ske.is Advertisement: auglysingar@ske.is Editorial and Interview: Ragnar Tómas Hallgrímsson Interviewee: Jonathan Howard Streets of Reykjavík: Birta Rán Printing: Ísafoldarprentsmiðja Layout: Helgi Pétur Lárusson Design: Gebo ehf.
John F. Kennedy was wrong about many things. He was wrong about Vietnam and he was wrong about the Bay of Pigs. But there is one thing that he was right about. He was right about man’s ancient connection to the ocean. Kennedy said, “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” We could not agree more. While
visiting Iceland, SKE suggests returning “back from whence you came” with the Elding Whale Watching company. For 15 years, Elding has been re-introducing people to their primeval roots in the ocean. Book a trip online or visit their offices by the old harbor. There is a three-hour whale watching tour that commonly features dolphins, birds and whales that is quite popular. Guests are equipped with warm overalls and sea-sickness tablets are on hand for the queasy.
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SPARK Design Space Icelandic Design 17:00
The SPARK Design Space was opened in July of 2010. The aim of the space was to support innovative Icelandic design projects and to bring those projects, which otherwise would not have made it past the development phase, into fruition. Since then, a total of 15 projects have been introduced to the public at SPARK, along with a few smaller exhibitions and events. After each exhibition, the project/product is transferred to SPARK’s store, which has been growing with every exhibition. SPARK is funded by the City of Reykjavík and by the Aurora Design Fund. Currently, an exhibition about the legendary Icelandic artist Bjarni H. Þórarinsson is on display at SPARK. SKE suggests winding down at SPARK after after an eventful journey to the sea.
5. Ítalía Pasta 17:45
They say that Ítalía does not advertise; that it does not need to advertise; that it is so confident in its stature and prominence that it considers advertising a waste of money. They depend on their acquired reputation and the goodwill of humanitarian journalists like us: Yessirreee, Bob. Anyhow, Ítalía has formed a part of Reykjavík’s furniture since 1991. It is, as the name suggests, an Italian restaurant and it emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients. Since its inception, Ítalía has been owned and operated by Tino and Fabio, both of whom have extensive experience in the restaurant business in their native country of Italy. SKE has visited Ítalía on several occasions. More often than not we go for #13: Fresh tortellini pasta in a creamy sauce with ham, mushrooms and garlic. It rarely disappoints.
You’re in for a perfect day.
The pictures relate indirectly to each segment: Kendrick Lamaar wrote a song called “Swimming Pools”; Bill Murray starred in “Coffee and Cigarettes; JFK is obvious; Brynjar Sigurðsson once exhibited in SPARK; and Andrea Pirlo is an Italian.
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Scan it and learn more! www.jswatch.com
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Music
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Jessie J Singer, songwriter and superstar Jessie J performs at Laugardalshöll. Jessie J was catapulted to international stardom in 2011 with the release of her debut album “Who You Are”. The album was an international success and featured many chart-topping singles. Jessie J became the first British female artist to have six top ten singles from a studio album. Jessie J writes most of her songs herself. Before she launched a career as a vocalist, she had written songs for Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and David Guetta. Where: Laugardalshöll When: Tuesday, September 15th Price: 8,990 – 12,990 ISK www.midi.is
Adidas’ Fall Celebration Jón Jónsson Amaba Dama Úlfur Úlfur Logi Pedro (DJ set) Adidas’ Fall Collection Presented by Dans Brynja Péturs and Flowon
Skálmöld The Viking/folk metal band Skálmöld will host two concerts at Gaukurinn on Saturday, September 19th. The first concert will start at 16:00 with the target audience being the younger generation. The second concert will start at 22:00. Skálmöld was founded in 2009 and the band’s name is literally translated as “Age of Swords”, referring to the Age of the Sturlungs in Icelandic history. Where: Gaukurinn When: Saturday, September 19th, 16:00/20:00 Price: 1,500 ISK / 3,000 ISK www.tix.is
Where: Reykjavík Art Museum (Grjótagata 7) When: Thursday, September 17th, 21:00 Price: 2,500 ISK www.tix.is
Páll Óskar and Monika Those who have attended a concert with Páll Óskar and Monika know that when they walk out of the concert – they leave as better people. The concert, which is held at Café Flóra in Laugardalur, has been an annual event since 2001. The program features songs that Páll Óskar and Monika have been performing together for the past decade, along with all of Páll Óskar’s most famous songs, especially arranged for the harp. Limited tickets available. Where: Café Flóra, Grasagarðurinn, Laugardalur When: Wednesday, September 16th, 19:30/20:30 Price: 2,900 ISK
Parkison Benefit Concert A fundraising concert for the Icelandic Parkinson’s Association will be held on Thursday, September 17th. The purpose of the association is to assist patients and their families, as well as providing information and support for the Parkinson’s research. Many of Iceland’s most popular musicians will be performing at the concert and many of the songs that will be performed are by the Icelandic doctor and musician Helgi Júlíus Óskarsson.
Fest Africa (Reykjavík 2015) The aim of Fest Africa is to introduce Icelanders to the culture and art of Africa. The introduction will be in the form of music and dance. The festival will feature the likes of Maher Cissoko, Sousou Cissoko, Amabadama, Bangoura Band and Samúel Jón Samúelsson Big Band. Where: Húrra When: Friday, October 2nd, 21:00 Price: 3,900 ISK www.tix.is
Performers Include:
The King’s Singers The internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble the King’s Singers perform at the Harpa Concert Hall. The King’s Singers have won two Grammy’s: the first in 2009 for their album “Simple Gifts”, and the second in 2012 for their album “Light and Gold”. The King’s Singers were founded in 1968 and they perform at over 100 concerts all over the world annually. The King’s Singers repertoire is incredibly diverse. Over the past 50 years, the sextet has released over 150 records with over 200 songs. Where: Harpa Concert Hall When: Wednesday, September 16th, 20:00 Price: 5,900 – 14,900 ISK www.midi.is
Eyþór Ingi Haukur Heiðar Magni Ásgeirsson Svavar Knútur Valdimar Guðmundsson Árný Árnadóttir Hulda Björk Garðarsdóttir Ragnheiður Gröndal Stefanía Svavarsdóttir. Einn Tvöfaldur Octet Amit Paul Where: Gamla Bíó When: Thursday, September 17th, 20:00 Price: 3,990 ISK www.midi.is
Af Fingrum Fram “Af Fingrum Fram” is a conversational concert featuring musician Jón Ólafsson and singer Sigríður Thorlacius. The two performed at Salurinn last winter and tickets sold out quickly. The organizers of the event don’t expect anything less this year. Through the years, Icelanders have associated the name “Thorlacius” with science. Lately, however, this association has changed with the rise of Sigríður Thorlacius. Sigríður Thorlacius is among Iceland’s greatest living singers. Don’t miss it. Where: Salurinn, Kópavogur When: Friday, September 25th, 20:30 Price: 3,900 ISK www.midi.is
A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXHIBITION
WORTH A VISIT
Stop by the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and see how they harness the geothermal energy. Experienced guides are on-hand to provide informative presentations backed by multimedia shows about sustainable green energy as a global energy source and the geology of Iceland. Origin of the Geothermal energy – The production process – An illustrated guide to Hellisheiði – The earth core Exclusive collection of minerals and stones. An excellent hiking and outdoor destination - we provide information on hiking around the Hengill area. Enjoy our coffee shop and browse through a selection of educational material in the souvenires corner.
Hönnun: adalheiduro@simnet.is
Open daily from 9:00 – 17:00. We are about 20 minutes drive from Reykjavík on Route 1 towards Hveragerði.
More information: www.orkusyn.is Tel + 354 412 5800 e-mail: orkusyn@orkusyn.is Gps 64°02”248’- 21°24”079´
Music
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Northern Marginal Festival
Dikta – Easy Street Dikta has stood at the forefront of the Icelandic popular music scene since the early 2000s. This Saturday, Dikta celebrates the release of its newest album, “Easy Street”. Dikta will perform songs from the new album alongside of a few classics. The album is currently available at all local record stores. It features the hit singles “Sink or Swim” and “We’ll Meet Again”. “Easy Street” is proof that Dikta has still got it. The album was recorded over a period of two years in Iceland and in Germany. It was recorded under the direction of the German producer Sky van Hoff. Where: Græni Hatturinn When: Saturday, September 19th, 22:00 Price: 3,000 ISK www.midi.is
An Evening with Woody Allen Music has always played an important role in Woody Allen’s films. During “An Evening with Woody Allen”, the music featured in his films will be brought to life by the jazz quintet Bananas, as actress Edda Björg Eyjólfsdóttir looks back upon the director’s films and characters in a lively way.
The Northern Marginal Festival is a cultural attack on multiple fronts, focusing on black metal, folk metal and punk. During one week in September moving pictures, live music and a multisensory exhibitions will join forces to form the multi dimensional Northern Marginal Festival in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland. The Festival will feature the likes of Finntroll, In the Company of Men, Kuraka, Black Crucifixion, Mannveira, Auðn, Saktmóðigur and Räjäyttäjät. Where: Gaukurinn When: Thursday, September 24th – Saturday, September 26th Price: 1,500 – 2,000 ISK
Bananas: Haukur Gröndal (saxophone and clarinet) Ásgeir Ásgeirsson (guitar) Gunnar Gunnarsson (piano) Þorgrímur Jónsson (contrabass)
Agent Fresco Agent Fresco is an Icelandic progressive rock group (that hates to be pigeonholed). Agent Fresco recently released their sophomore album “Destrier”, which has been favorably reviewed by various local and international critics. In order to celebrate the release of their second album, Agent Fresco will be throwing a release concert at the Harpa Concert Hall – and no expense will be spared. They will be performing the album in its entirety. Where: Harpa Concert Hall When: Thursday, October 1st, 21:00 Price: 3,900 ISK www.tix.is
HAM Icelandic heavy metal band HAM performs alongside of Lazyblood. HAM is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most notorious rock bands. They are a treat to behold live. It’s been awhile since HAM last performed in Reykjavík – and so this concert will be special. Where: Gamla Bíó When: Friday, October 2nd, 21:00 Price: 2,900 ISK www.tix.is
Hannes Friðbjarnarson (drums)
Högni Egilsson
Special Guest and Storyteller: Edda Björg Eyjólfsdóttir (actress)
Högni Egilsson is an Icelandic singer who needs no introduction. He has performed with the likes of Gus Gus and Hjaltalín. These days, Högni is flirting with a solo career. The program at Bæjarbíó will feature many of Högni’s most famous songs and will be peppered with a few surprises.
Where: Salurinn, Kópavogur When: Friday, October 2nd, 20:00 Price: 3,900 ISK www.midi.is
Where: Bæjarbíó (Hafnarfjörður) When: Saturday, September 19th, 22:00 Price: 2,000 ISK www.midi.is
Dúkkulísurnar and Ylja 2015 marks the centenary of women’s suffrage in Iceland. In order to celebrate this momentous anniversary, the bands Dúkkulísurnar and Ylja will throw a concert at Bæjarbíó. Ylja was founded in 2008 by Guðný Gígja Skjaldardóttir and Bjartey Sveinsdóttir. Both Bjartey and Guðný sing and play the guitar (Bjartey also plays the ukulele). Ylja’s released its debut eponymous album in 2012. In 2014, Ylja released the album “Commotion”, which was well received. Dúkkulísurnar were one of the first Icelandic bands to be comprised entirely of women. It is still active today – 33 years later. During its career, Dúkkulísurnar have emphasized composing their own material and have been role models in they eyes of countless women and girls. Where: Bæjarbíó When: Saturday, September 26th, 22:00 Price: 3,000 ISK www.midi.is
The King’s Singers – Skálholtskirkja The inimitable British vocal ensemble the King’s Singers perform at Skálholtskirkja (Skálholts Church). During their stay in Iceland, the King’s Singers requested to perform at two concerts – and welcomed the opportunity to perform at Skálholtskirkja. The King’s Singers aim to tailor their program to the acoustics of the church. The concert will last for two hours. The King’s Singers vocal ensemble was founded in 1968 and has operated continuously since then, with new members replacing old members on an average of once every 12 years. Since its inception, the King’s Singers have performed a range of different music, running the gamut from Bach to the Beatles, and always with an incomparable grace. Where: Skálholtskirkja When: Thursday, September 17th, 18:00 Price: 7,900 ISK www.midi.is
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Jonathan Howard is a member of the King’s Singers. The King’s Singers are an English a cappella group. Every year, the King’s Singers travel to different countries and perform at over 120 concerts. They are always flying and touring and performing and doing interviews – also, they get a six-week summer vacation. I, on the other hand, am part of an Icelandic underground rap outfit. I have not made it past Selfoss this summer – and I have only performed at one concert this year (a miserable gig during Secret Solstice that coincided, haplessly, with Gísli Pálmi’s performance on the main stage; he purloined our entire audience, right in front of our eyes #bastard). I am never flying; or touring; or performing (rarely); and on the occasion that I am involved in an interview, I am involved in it anonymously. I am asking all the questions. I am doing all the work. I am lying awake at night attempting to compose lucid questions that sound as if they were delivered from the mouth of a sane person. Furthermore, I spent my summer vacation working another job. I’ll admit that I am moderately envious of Jonathan Howard; that I would bargain with my grandmother’s soul for the opportunity of trading places with him (I love you Bubba); that I was hoping, privately, to be asked to join his outfit after the interview … I Skype John from an office in Grandi. The weather is garbage. SKE: Hi, is this John?
of those places was amazing, particularly in L.A. It was like 37° degrees Fahrenheit every day and everyone was smiling. We ate lots of really healthy food and it was really good.
“I flew home on Monday afternoon and I had all of the Beckham family on the plane with me.”
SKE: Beautiful. Jonathan Howard: Then I flew home on Monday afternoon and I had all of the Beckham family on the plane with me. That was another exciting part of my holiday.
SKE: Were they segregated up front in first class?
Jonathan Howard: Yes. Hello. It’s lovely to speak to you.
“Some of the other guys whom I sing with think I’m crazy. We spend the whole year traveling. Then we get a holiday and I travel – everywhere.”
We exchange the required formalities. John is the model of English manners. SKE: You’re vacationing, right? Jonathan Howard: I just got back. I was in Spain for a week and then in France for two weeks. Two days ago, I returned to England from New York and Los Angeles. SKE: How was your vacation?
Jonathan Howard: I had a great, great time. Some of the other guys whom I sing with think I’m crazy. We spend the whole year traveling. Then we get a holiday and I travel – everywhere. But I just get so excited by it. I had an amazing time. The weather in all
Jonathan Howard: No. I spoke to them. They were lovely. The Beckhams are everywhere, I think. I then ask John to tell our readership about the King’s Singers in his own words. Jonathan Howard: The King’s Singers are an unusual group. There aren’t many groups like us. The King’s Singers were initially founded by six choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge, in about 1965. Membership was a bit fluid then. There were a few women who were involved. At the time, King’s Singers mainly performed at a low-key level, at dinners and at a few light concerts in the mid ‘60s.
However, we count our first professional engagement as occurring on the 1st of May, 1968, when we were asked to perform at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. From that point on, we’ve kept to the same lineup: two countertenors, one tenor, two baritones and one bass. We are an unusual group because we are not a crossover group. We don’t perform music in a crossover way, but we try to perform a much broader spectrum of music than most other vocal ensembles. We perform everything from very intricate Renaissance music to the kind of a cappella pop covers that are popular today.
“To sum up: we are an English six-man vocal SKE: You’ve performed ensemble songs by Billy Joel founded in and the Beatles. 1968 that Jonathan performs Howard: In every King’s a wide Singers show we try variety to provide a crossof choral section of choral music ensemble – everything from the music.” sacred and the classical to contemporary pop songs. For me, this is the most exciting thing about the job. You constantly have this thrill and excitement that goes along with trying to be diverse and trying to do something
“The average King’s Singer stays in the group for 12 years.”
different. To sum up: we are an English six-man vocal ensemble founded in 1968 that performs a wide variety of choral ensemble music. SKE: Have you been operating continuously since 1968? Jonathan Howard: It’s been a continuous operation, which is kind of amazing. One of the things that contributes to our success is that we are comprised of people who tend to stay in the group for a long time. There are other choral groups around the world, similar to our group, which re-audition their members every year. The lineup will change. What’s difficult with that is that you don’t have a continuity of sound. And you don’t necessarily have an understanding of how the group operates. The average King’s Singer tends to stay in the group for 12 years. SKE: Wow. Jonathan Howard: Our longest serving King’s Singer, David Hurley, has been in the group for 25 years. Then we have Chris who’s been in the group for 12 years. Otherwise the group is quite new. I’ve been in the group for five years. Tim’s been in the group for seven years. The other two members are newer than me and have been in the group for
“The average King’s Singer stays in the group for 12 years.”
three and a half years and one year respectively. You have this commitment that people make when they join the group. It’s easier to maintain the ideals of the King’s Singers that way. This is one of the reasons why we have been able to operate continuously for such a long time. SKE: It must put a real strain on family life. Jonathan Howard: It’s difficult. You accept that the job is, in a way, rough and smooth. There aren’t many jobs like ours that will give you a six-week summer holiday, a three-week Christmas holiday, and a three-week Easter holiday.
“There aren’t many jobs like ours that will give you a six-week summer holiday, a three-week Christmas holiday, and a three-week Easter holiday.”
An intense feeling of envy bubbles up in my heart.
Jonathan Howard: Whenever we do a long tour, to the US for example, we make sure that we have a week off before the tour and a week off afterwards. To make sure that people can maintain their rhythms at home. But it’s different for me: I’m single. Very few of the King’s Singers are single. I feel like I’m very lucky because the job is great for me. I get to travel the world and meet so many people. But for everyone else, I think that they’re fortunate that we have things like Facetime and Skype. You can be anywhere in the world and see the people you love on your phone. SKE: It sounds like a pretty sweet life. That vacation time, esepecially, sounds quite appealing. Jonathan Howard: I’ve done a lot of concerts. I’ve performed a lot, especially in Europe. I’ve been to the States and to India. I had barely traveled anywhere before I joined
“When I look back at all of the countries I’ve traveled to with the King’s Singers it sort of blows my mind. It’s really mad. How have I been to Chile and to Brazil and China!? And now Iceland!”
the group. When I look back at all of the countries I’ve traveled to with the King’s Singers it sort of blows my mind. It’s really mad. How have I been to Chile and to Brazil and China? And now Iceland! SKE: This isn’t the first time that the King’s Singers perform in Iceland. When was the last time that they came here?
Jonathan Howard: I know that they were here in about 1972. SKE: This will be your first time, ‘though? Jonathan Howard: Yes, which is weird considering that Iceland is only three hours from London. I’m embarrassed to say that it’s my first time. I reveal that I haven’t been to London either. I tell him that I was at Heathrow airport on a layover once. I’m quite the conversationalist. SKE: Do you have anything special planned? Jonathan Howard: Usually, when we travel somewhere, because we travel so much, we tend to fly out the day before the show and then fly back the day after. We’ll be performing at two concerts in Reykjavík and one in Skálholt – on the 16th and the 17th. Normally, we would just fly back on the 18th, because we’ve got a concert on the 19th in Belgium. But in this case we are going to stay in Iceland for a whole day and then fly directly to Belgium. Because we’re so excited. We’ll be exploring the Golden Circle
10 and Reykjavík. I can’t stress it enough how rarely we would do that. Iceland is getting special treatment. SKE: Do you have any favorite Icelandic musicians?
“It’s almost impossible for you to ask me that and then for me to answer Björk, because she’s just amazing. ”
Jonathan Howard: It’s almost impossible for you to ask me that and then for me to answer Björk, because she’s just amazing. I don’t know if you sense this in Iceland but there’s a real revival in her kind of musicmaking in England and in the States. You have artists like FKA Twigs and others who are hearkening back to what she was doing in the ‘90s. I’ve been watching a lot of Björk’s videos very recently. I apologize that I’ve given the most obvious answer. I just feel like she’s very culturally relevant today. SKE: I saw FKA Twigs this summer and I see what you’re saying. I noticed that your program includes an Icelandic song, “Kvöldvers” by Tryggvi Baldvinsson. You’ve probably starting rehearsing that piece. Jonathan Howard: Yes, and we’re trying to get some good Icelandic coaching. There’s nothing worse than going to a country and getting the language wrong. It’s very important to us when we visit new countries to try to develop our catalogue of international songs. In terms of Iceland, we wanted to add this song because we’ve been told how significant the song is within the country – and how well known it is. For most of the concert we’re bringing you a part of our English culture. So it’s nice to be able to offer you a little bit of your own culture as a thank you.
Jonathan Howard: You said that really well. You’re absolutely right. There are issues. When we’re trying to decide on repertoire, someone like David who’s been in the group for 25 years, and who knows more repertoire than most of us, we respect that level of experience and we listen, but in the other sense we are one instrument on the stage. There’s no voice more important than another. And we are all paid the same; we all travel the same way; and we stay at the same hotel. So there’s a sense of unity. It would be very difficult if we were doing a concert and we all turned up from different places. It’s important that we foster this sense of camaraderie. We are all equal. Everyone has a job within the group. I’m in charge of the diary and scheduling. SKE: It’s very interesting. I’m looking forward to watching you perform. Jonathan Howard: You must come and say hi to us. SKE: Is there anything you would like to add?
SKE: I’m sure you’ll do it justice. Jonathan Howard: You’re making me nervous, now. Jonathan laughs. SKE: It’s probably easier to sing Icelandic than to speak it, because the emphasis is different. Jonathan Howard: We’ll try to do some Icelandic announcements as well. Our conversation moves to Oxford. SKE: You studied classics at Oxford, right? Jonathan Howard: It’s kind of weird. I shouldn’t really say this, but I will: I didn’t leave university wanting to be a singer. I studied Latin and Greek and ancient history, and all of my friends became bankers or lawyers. Being a singer was never something that crossed my mind. It was always something that I’d done for fun. After university I went to work in advertising. While I was there, I was invited to audition. I had been recommended by my old choir master. My name was put forward. I went along to the audition and didn’t expect to get past the first round of auditions. But then after the second audition I was asked to join. It changed my life.
“It’s kind of weird. I shouldn’t really say this, but I will: I didn’t leave university wanting to be a singer.”
SKE: It’s probably a good foundation in terms of all the old Christian or Catholic songs that you’re singing. Jonathan Howard: I use my degree more than any of my friends. There’s loads of Latin in what we sing. I’m like: “my job did have a purpose!” I then tell John that I have a degree in English literature and that I’ve been frittering away my time in the self-storage business. Until now. Now, I’m insulting my bank account with meager deposits as an aspiring writer … I inquire about John’s age. He tells me that he’s 28 and that he was 23 when he started. Jonathan Howard: I wanted to see the world and I was interested in music. A lot of the King’s Singers tend to begin in their 20s. Everyone in the current King’s Singers started in their 20s. SKE: I’ve been listening to a few interviews with you guys and what has really stood out for me is that there seems to be this really steadfast principle of equality that reigns between all of you. I can imagine that that’s quite important, especially in terms of the music, seeing as you are working as a single instrument.
Jonathan Howard: You’ve heard how excited we are to perform in Iceland. After every show, we speak with the audience. It would be great if people would come up to us if they have any suggestions, because we love to speak with everyone. SKE: One final question: I’m a fan of the TV show Scrubs (the first few seasons), and there was an accappella band in Scrubs that exclusively performed cartoon theme songs. If you had to cover a cartoon theme song, what would you do? Jonathan Howard: In England, there’s a show called Wacky Races, which would be funny. There’s this really awesome show from the ‘80s called HongKong Phooey that I would love to do. I’m a really big fan of Dr. Seuss as well. What about you? SKE: My mind goes directly to ThunderCats. Jonathan Howard: Let’s be honest, ThunderCats is awesome.
“Let’s be honest, ThunderCats is awesome.” On that truthful note, our conversation ends. The King’s Singers will be performing at the Harpa Concert Hall on Wednesday, September 16th, and at Skálholtskirkja on Thursday, September 17th. For more information visit www.midi.is
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Exhibitions
12
Gunnar Rúnar Ólafsson
Nína Tryggvadóttir
A Retrospective
Overview Exhibition The Overview Exhibition at the National Gallery of Iceland aims to do justice to the remarkable career of one of Iceland’s most important artists, Nína Tryggvadóttir (1913–1968), and will feature a number of her paintings and publications alongside of reference material (there are 80 works by Nína Tryggvadóttir, from between the years 1938 and 1967, in the National Gallery of Iceland’s art collection). Besides selected works from the Gallery’s collection, the exhibition will also feature works on loan from various places alongside of works owned by Una Dóra Copley, Nína’s only daughter, which have previously not been exhibited in Iceland. Where: The National Gallery of Iceland When: September 18th – December 31st, 2015 Price: Adults 1,200 ISK
The Reykjavík Museum of Photography will open a new exhibition on Saturday, September 26th featuring a selection from the works of the Icelandic photographer Gunnar Rúnar Ólafsson. The Reykjavík Museum of Photography preserves the collection of photos that Gunnar Rúnar Olafsson photographer (1917-1965) took in Iceland during his lifetime. Gunnar Rúnar was an advertising and industrial photographer, who died an untimely death in 1965. The collection features many great photos that show, for example, how Reykjavík developed from a small village to a city in just few decades. Gunnar Rúnar also traveled around the country and took pictures of farmers and their families. Gunnar Rúnar took many photos of his wife Amy Bjarnadóttir (1925-2012) and their children who would often accompany him on his journeys. Where: The Reykjavík Museum of Photography When: September 26th – October 1st, 2015 Price: Free
Ragnheiður Björk Þórsdóttir Rýmisþræðir (Spatial Threads) Rýmisþræðir (Spatial Threads) connect Ragnheiður to life, origins and sources. They are at once the material and the subject of her art. They form both the warp and the weft and therefore the fabric itself. The thread is a kind of pencil and the fabric a kind of drawing made from threads. There is a kind of magic to the fabric, for it is endlessly connected to life, fate and the history of man on Earth. The fabric is simultaneously a tough opponent and a good friend, which is both simplistic and complex and tests both body and spirit. Where: Akureyri Art Museum, Ketilhús When: September 12th – October 25th Price: Free
Welcome to
Einar Ben
Guðrún Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir Installations Last Saturday, September 5th, the ASÍ Art Museum began exhibiting works by Guðrún Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir in the museum’s Arinstofa and Gryfja galleries. The works in question are installations inspired by the artist’s day-to-day environment, fragments of her memory and the moods she experienced while traveling. The exhibition features photographs in the color of flowers, films shot at botanical gardens alongside of objects that Guðrún has collected on her travels. Where: ASÍ Art Museum When: September 5th – September 27th, 2015 Opening Hours: Every Day except Mondays 13:00 – 17:00
In the heart of Reykjavik
Women’s Time Here and Now, Thirty Years Later The idea behind the collective exhibition Women´s Time – Here and Now, Thirty Years Later is to resummon a group of of almost 30 women who exhibited together at Kjarvalsstaðir in 1985 under the title Hér og nú (Here and Now). The Hér og nú exhibition was one of the most extensive events at the Women’s Arts Festival (Listahátíð Kvenna) held to honor the end of the UN’s so-called “Decade for Women”. The occasion for the current exhibition is also a festival connected with women, i.e. the celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Iceland. Just like the exhibition in 1985, this exhibition emphasizes new works and all of the women who participated in the former exhibition were invited to join in; all of them are still involved in art or in the exhibition of art (aside from two who have passed away). The works in the exhibition span various methods, media and ideas.
Veltusund 1 Ingólfstorg
einarben.is
tel: 511 5090
einarben @einarben.is
Where: Kjarvalsstaðir (Flókagata 24) When: September 12th – November 29th, 2015
Skólavör›ustígur 19 tel.: (+354) 552 1890 ONLY SWEATER SELECTION,NO KNITTING MATERIAL
Radisson Blu, Hótel SAGA tel.: (+354) 562 4788 Laugavegur 53b tel.: (+354) 562 1890
WWW.HANDKNIT.IS
Q&A
14
Q&A with Ragna Kjartansdóttir AKA Cell 7 Singer, Rapper and Audio Engineer Name, aliases, nicknames? Ragna Kjartansdóttir aka Cell7 Age? Depends on the situation. Occupation? Sound engineer and part-time rapper. What’s on your mind these days? Airwaves comes to mind first and then working on my second album. How’s that coming along? It’s coming along slowly, steadily and surely. What are you listening to these days? I spend most of my days listening to snowstorms, rain and wind – bad weather just in general, not just for the sheer entertainment value, but mostly because it’s my job. Favorite book – and why? Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove. This book is crazy entertaining. It’s personal, educational, and enlightening: the title says it all. As for you music lovers, a fair warning, you will have to resist the
Podcast Recommendation of the Week:
The House at Eyrarbakki
THE HOUSE AT EYRARBAKKI Árnessýsla folk museum is located in Húsið, the House, historical home of the Danish merchants built in 1765. Húsið is one of the oldest houses in Iceland and a beautiful monument of Eyrarbakki´s time as the biggest trading place on the south coast. Today one can enjoy exhibitions about the story and culture of the region, famous piano, shawl made out of human hair and the kings pot, are among items. Húsið prides itself with warm and homelike atmosphere.
Opening hours: May 1st - September 30th daily 11.00-18.00 or by an agreement Tel: +354 483 1504 & +354 483 1082 | husid@husid.com | www.husid.com
urge to go out and buy all of the music that is metioned in this book! If you were to advise travelers visiting Iceland: what would you suggest that they do? Let go of the tourist brochure, do your own thing. Go and seek your own experiences. The most important thing that you’ve learned in your lifetime? Wow this just got mad real, real fast! That’s some serious question! Here goes: The single most important and hardest thing (and this is a lesson in progress) is worrying only about the things I have control of, not about the things that are beyond my capacity. People are going to do whatever they want, whenever they want. The only thing I have control of is me, my CELLF and my own reaction to them. Favorite film? Kill Bill Volume 1&2 What’s best in life? Well, according to Conan the barbarian it’s, “ to crush your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their women”. Can’t say that I fully agree – but the first one kind of agrees with me.
Fresh Air (NPR) “Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio’s most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features intimate conversations with today’s biggest luminaries.” – www.npr.org SKE loves podcasts. And SKE loves Terry Gross. For decades, Terry Gross has been conducting insightful, heartfelt interviews with many of America’s most interesting people. In our modest, yet self-assured opinion, Terry Gross is the podcast empress; the radio ruler; the interview idol; and the queen of conversation. Subscribe to Fresh Air immediately. Also, check out Terry´s interview with Louis C.K. It’s delightful.
Gelato
Gelato is the italian word for icecream. Perlan makes it’s own italian gelato for you to enjoy with the spectacular view overseeing the city in any direction.
C
A
F
É
Blue Lagoon
Snowmobile on the top of a glacier
The Golden Circle 6 times daily
Book your tour now! iceland@grayline.is | +354 540 1313 | grayline.is
South Coast & Waterfalls
Paragliding on the South Coast
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
24 HOUR BOOKING SERVICE Book now at www.grayline.is or call +354 540 1313 Sales Office, Hafnarstræti 20, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
18
The Old Harbor
The Old Harbor The old harbor in Reykjavík has got it going on (excuse my informal use of American idiom). It is that quarter of the city where one can lose oneself in marine activities. At the old harbor, one can educate onself about the fishermen’s life at the Víkin Maritime Museum; one can acquaint oneself with the gentle giants of the sea on a whale-watching tour; one can tip one’s hat to a short-necked seabird on a puffin tour; and one can go on a violent, friendshipending bender at Reykjavík Marina – and so on and so on and so on. If you are curious as to the harbor’s history then we shall enlighten you. When the Danish trade monopoly was moved from Örfirisey to Reykjavík in 1780, merchants began constructing their own insubstantial piers, which extended from the warehouses into the cove (the sheltered bay where the old harbor is located). The city of Reykjavík did not participate in the buildup of the harbor area until 1850, when it hired a Danish engineer to make suggestions for the construction of a harbor – only to discover that it lacked the budget to go through with the project #stupidextravagantDanes#stupidcheapReykjavík; only minor improvements were made (the so-called Stone Pier was constructed in 1884 for example). It was not until 1911, that a substantial betterment was commissioned. It was that year when the town council agreed to construct the harbor based on the plans of the harbor master of Kristiania (from 1909). Shortly afterwards, the Danish engineer N.C. Monberg sent an offer for the construction of the harbor and it was accepted. The work commenced in 1913 and it was the largest Icelandic construction project to date. A pair of locomotives was employed to haul building materials from the hills of Skólavörðuholt and Öskjuhlíð to the construction site. The project progressed quickly and was completed in 1917. It was the first permanent harbor of the city (nat.is). Today, the old harbor is alive with restaurants, galleries, shops, tour operators and coffeehouses, all of which are teeming with generous and friendly locals ready to cater to your proverbial “every whim”. For more information on the old harbor visit www.oldharborreykjavik.com
www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
CHECK OUT THE NEW
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :
Aurora Reykjavík
Árbær Open Air Musem
The Settlement Exhibition
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Viðey Island
A Profound Sense of Calm #TheGreatProcrastinator I had long been meaning to write an article about Aurora Reykjavík. I had long been meaning to and intending to and planning to but I had never gotten around to it. The reason being that I am a struggling journalist employed by a precarious startup, which is to say that I have no money, no patience and no time – and I have been too busy keeping my head above water to turn said head (said / head /) in the direction of the Aurora Borealis. A few days ago, however, as I was surveying the busy landscape of my formidable to-do-list, I perceived a minute chink in my schedule – a chink that I imagined I could fill with a brief stopover at Aurora Reykjavík (if I was quick about it). Being the intrepid, selfconfident go-gettter that I am, I decided to make a go at it. #TVSpeedAddict At 14:27 on a Friday afternoon, I careened onto the parking lot in the manner of a madcap getaway driver; hopped out the window; and bolted past the front desk like a cartoon road runner, snatching a brochure from one of the racks and leaving a visible trail of animated dust in my wake #meepmeep. As I strolled through the museum, alternating my beady eyes between the screen of my phone and the blurred lines of the exhibit labels, I began to lament my dwindling attention span; my pitiable physiological state; and my uncanny resemblance to a TV speed addict on fast forward (I am like most modern Icelanders: stressed out, over-caffeinated, anxious
and in a constant hurry). But then, in the midst of this heartfelt bout of self-pity, I turned a corner from the first show room and entered the musuem’s main attraction: a kind of miniature dark theater, which, with a sense of mysterious grandeur, screens a continuous HD panoramic film of the glorious Aurora Borealis dancing above various places in Iceland … I WAS OVERCOME WITH A PROFOUND SENSE OF CALM.
Reykjavík Museum of Photography
#ProfundaTranquillitas I sat myself down on one of seats and stared at the screen. My iphone dropped audibly to the floor; my heart assumed a normal rhythm; and all of my worries and woes were swallowed up by the beauty and magnificence of those moving pictures. For a good 20 minutes I sat in the darkness, contemplating the Universe and reveling in my sense of insignificance (which afforded me a strange sense of relief). I walked out of that room a different person. The TV speed addict had gone Zen.
WELCOME
TO REYKJAVÍK CITY LIBRARY
Aurora Reykjavík is located on Grandagarður 2 by the old harbor. The museum is open every day from 09:00 – 21:00. Admission is 1,600 ISK for adults and 1,000 ISK for children between the ages of 6 and 18. For additional information visit www.aurorareykjavik.is.
LIBRARY SHOP The Library Shops sell toys for children, such as puzzles, dolls, games and more. You can find popular stuffed toys in the shape of Nordic fictional characters, such as Pippi Longstocking and Alfons. They are educational and fun and should appeal to children and parents alike. Tryggvagata 15. Tel. 411 6100 www.borgarbokasafn.is
Food tips
20
Fjörugarðurinn
Block Burger
Barking Minstrels
What’s Going on Here?
Words: Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass
Words: Eric Blair
It is a strange feeling, walking into Fjörugarðurinn. There one stands, dressed in skinny jeans, Timbaland sneakers while fingering a recent version of the iPhone, as a persuasive Viking troubadour saunters through the halls. It is not quite like traveling back in time, but it is almost like that. It is almost like that movie Black Knight with Martin Lawrence, except there are Vikings instead of knights – and one is infinitely more Caucasian than Mr. Lawrence. Last week, I visited Fjörugarðurinn and was escorted to my table by a tunic-clad young man. After I had taken my seat, he departed momentarily and when he returned he handed me a kind of faux newspaper that was to serve as my menu. He had also brought a bottle of water. He poured me a glass while engaging in gleeful smalltalk. Lovely. As he wiped clean my table, I surveyed the dining hall: rows of wooden tables; fur blankets resting on benches; leather place mats; various stuffed birds; damaged Viking shields; and the occasional pair of antlers. As I observed all this, the tunicclad young man returned to take my order. I, being the unimaginative brute that I am, ordered the beef tenderloin with pepper sauce. As I waited for my food to arrive, the aforementioned Viking troubadour proceeded to serenade a pair of German tourists, who were quite delighted by the minstrel’s sporadic barking. He was quite mad. The food arrived. The beef was tender, succulent and red. It was served with a baked potato and grilled vegetables. I glutted myself. I ended my evening with, “two kinds of ice-cream and whipped cream.” It was a slightly less impressive follow-up. All in all, however, I enjoyed myself.
I was uncertain what to make of Block Burger’s branding. The establishment’s trademark color (pink) and almost mysterious logo (an oddly shaped patty suspended between two different-sized buns – all pink everything), served to conjure up an image of Lego’s in my mind, for some reason. I pictured blockshaped patties and block-shaped buns being assembled by block-shaped men in a block-shaped kitchen (I am, generally, a blockhead). As it turned out I was far off the mark. Block Burger is actually a quite standard burger joint (I mean that in a good way). When I visited Block Burger it was around 2 o’clock in the afternoon. There was no one there save for a pair of Americans discussing federal politics (fortunately, I had prepared myself against such nonsense with earphones). I stepped up to the counter and was greeted warmly by a young and friendly woman. She spoke English, which was nice. I enjoy speaking English, from time to time. Being absolutely on the verge of exigent food deprivation, I ordered the Block Burger Combo (1,690 ISK) and prayed to God that the kitchen employed a swift cook. It did. The combo arrived relatively quickly. The burger was medium-sized, I would say, and it was accompanied by a rather meager serving of waffle-fries (meager may not be fair; I think that I would have considered half a horse meager, given my state). The burger was juicy and the fries were good. I would have liked some sauce to go with the fries ‘though. Maybe next time. Block Burger is located on Skólavörðustígur 8 (the entrance is at the back, by the parking garage).
Fjörugarðurinn is a Viking-themed restaurant. It forms a part of the Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður.
www.blockburger.is
www.fjorukrain.is
Gourmet Experience
- Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is
Svarfadur Valley is Iceland’s most beautiful place, according to its people, the Svarfdaelings. A few years ago, all sheep in the valley were quarantined and destroyed because of scrapie, a fatal and infectious disease. That’s when they founded the Herding Society, a venerable club of shepherds, car mechanics, carpenters, schoolteachers and plumbers. They are also poets and singers and festive men. And they continue to herd every year, despite the fact that there is not a single sheep left in the valley. The Svarfadur Valley Herding Society: Skál fyrir þér! Léttöl
Design
22
Möskvar Light Design: HAF Studio
Mr. Tree Fuzzy Chairs Design: Sigurður Helgason Classic fuzzy chair made from Icelandic sheep’s wool and mahogany wood. Sigurður Már Helgason designed the chair in 1972.
A collaboration between Icelandic netmakers and HAF studio, Möskvar light is a reinterpretation of the classic crystal chandelier and is developed from herring nets.
Design: Tullipop Cute lamp, which fits fantastically into any children’s room. Tulipop was created by two good friends, Signý Kolbeinsdóttir and Helga Árnadóttir. The aim of Tulipop is to design creative and beautiful products for children, which also appeal to people of all ages.
www.fuzzy.is
HAF by Hafsteinn Julíusson is an Icelandic design studio run by designers Karítas Sveinsdóttir and Hafsteinn Júlíusson. The company was founded in 2010 in Milan, Italy, but is currently located in the fish packing district in Reykjavik. www.hafstudio.is
www.tullipop.is
REYKJAVÍK ESCAPE Fun activity in central Reykjavik
Origami Fox
Price: 2 people 5,990 ISK p/person 3 people 5,290 ISK p/person
Reykjavik Escape is a live interactive escape game located in the heart of the Reykjavik down town area. Groups of 2-6 are locked in a room filled with puzzles and brain teasers, with only 60 minutes to escape! Great activity for friends,
4 people 4,990 ISK p/person
Design: Krista Design Silver necklace and arctic fox pendant (available in black and white). Krista Design is a small design and creation company operated by the husband-and-wife team María Krista Hreiðarsdóttir and Börkur Jónsson. www.systurogmakar.is
5 & 6 people 4,690 ISK p/person 11+ people 4,290 ISK p/person
families and groups.
Open all year - 7 days a week • Availability at 12 – 14 – 16 – 18 – 20 hours. •
•
The Scientist Prison Break TAKEN Hangover
No cancellations due to bad weather! Find us online and on social media. We are eager to please. We are all about the experience.
Bergdís Design: Aberg Beautiful, crocheted necklace perfect for the summer. Aníta Berglind Einarsdóttir (aberg) designs hand-crocheted jewelry and accesories. www.kaupstadur.is
WHY
ERVE DO WE S BURGERS, SS HAM A L C T S R N WINGS E FI K C I H US C DELICIO ILLER RIBS? &K
SIMPLY,
ETTER B S ´ T I E BECAUS
Ske
24
The (Once Great) Geysir
Happy Hour!
You know what time it is Prikið, Bankastræti 12 All weekdays from 16:00–20:00 Beer–500 ISK
Vegamót, Vegamótastígur 4
There are certain places and things which one feels obligated to mention in discussing a nation and its history – even though there is nothing more of interest to be said about them. One such thing is the Great Geysir. The Great Geysir is an erupting hot spring discovered in the south of Iceland in 1294. There was a time when the Great Geysir would erupt with frequent regularity; when it would eject great columns of water and steam as high as 120 meters (a height which currently exceeds Iceland’s tallest building); when fawning admirers would journey to its side and produce enthusiastic oooohs and aaaahs, as if observing an self-assured stripper expelling ping-pong balls from the private corners of her anatomy. But these were its glory days and have long since passed. Today, the Great Geysir is of no more interest than a common rain puddle. Why? Because the Great Geysir is dormant, which is, undoubtedly, the most unfavorable career choice that a geyser can make. When contemplating the circumstances of his dormancy, however, a compassionate man cannot help but to take pity on the once Great Geysir. He is merely the has-been neighbor of the geyser du jour – Strokkur. Not only is the once Great Geysir forced to watch his success or lap up all the glory, but must also bear the embarrassment of ignorant tourists mistaking Strokkur for himself. The once Great Geysir is a reminder that all things will eventually pass into obscurity so as to make way for new things, which in turn will also pass into obscurity to make way for newer things still … Except SKE. SKE will always be there for you.
Thursday till Saturday from 22:00–01:00 Beer: 750 ISK Wine: 750 ISK
Stofan Café, Aðalstræti 7 All days from 17:00–20:00 Beer: 750 ISK Wine: 950 ISK
Kaldi Bar, Laugavegur 20B All days from 16:00- 19:00 Beer: 650 ISK
Hlemmur Square, Laugavegur 105 All days from 17:00–21:00 Beer: 600 ISK Wine: 600 ISK
Slippbarinn, Mýrargata 2 All days from 15:00–18:00 Beer: 500 ISK Wine: 500 ISK
Public House, Laugavegur 24 All days from 14:00–19:00 50% off draft beer and wine
Smurstöðin Restaurant, Austurbakki 2 All days from 16:00–18:00 Beer: 500 ISK Wine: 600 ISK
Barber Bar, Laugavegur 66-68 All days from 16:00–19:00 Beer: 650 ISK Wine: 650 ISK
Loftið, Austurstræti 9 All days from 16:00–23:00 2 for 1
26
Fashion Una Valrún
Fashion design student
Síta Valrún Artist & stylist
Transparent Fashion
It takes no time to manufacture clothing – today. Very often, the manufacturing conditions are unsatisfactory and the material used is poorly processed. This suggests that there is a poor ethical code underlying the production, which undermines the entire process. This is why many mainstream producers attempt to conceal the nature of their production process (and the quality of their materials). But there is one clothing brand that takes the exact opposite approach: Honest by Bruno Pieters. Honest stands for truthfelness and transparency. Every produced article of clothing is accompanied with a detailed production list. Honest is the first company in the world that makes the entire production process transparent for the benefit of its customers. The design is stylish, trendy, and effortlessly classy.
28
Streets of ReykjavĂk streetsofreykjavik.com
565 6000 / somi.is
Eat Out in Iceland.
Check out our menu Enjoy Sómi sandwiches and wraps on your travels, Iceland’s favourite take-away! Fresh every day!
Cinema
30
Straight Outta Compton
Amy
Hitman: Agent 47
No Escape
Ant-Man
Smárabíó | Háskólabíó | Borgarbíó | Laugarásbíó | Sambíóin Keflavík
Háskólabíó
Smárabíó | Sambíóin Egilshöll | Háskólabíó | Sambíóin Keflavík | Borgarbíó
Háskólabíó | Borgarbíó | Laugarásbíó
Laugarásbíó | Álfabakki | Kringlubíó | Sambíóin Egilshöll | Sambíóin Akureyri | Sambíóin Keflavík
IMDB 8,0 Rottentomatoes 97%
IMDB 8.3/10 Rottentomatoes 71%
IMDB 6,2 Rottentomatoes: 6%
IMDB 7.0/10 Rottentomatoes 42%
Imdb: 7,9 Rottentomatoes: 79%
The Transporter Refueled
Self/less
Southpaw
The Gift
Trainwreck
Smárabíó | Laugarásbíó | Sambíóin Akureyri | Sambíóin Keflavík
Sambíóin Egilshöll | Akureyri | Keflavík | Álfabakka | Kringlunni
Smárabíó | Háskólabíó | Borgarbíó
Laugarásbíó | Sambíóin Keflavík | Sambíóin Akureyri
Smárabíó | Laugarásbíó
Imdb: 4,6 Rottentomatoes: 18%
Imdb: 6,5 Rottentomatoes: 20%
Imdb: 7,8 Rottentomatoes: 59%
Imdb: 7,6 Rottentomatoes: 95%
Imdb: 6,8 Rottentomatoes: 85%
Love
Red Army
Minions
Bíó Paradís
Bíó Paradís
Imdb: 6,4 Rottentomatoes: 60%
Imdb: 7,7 Rottentomatoes: 96%
Álfabakka | Kringlubíó Smárabíó | Laugarásbíó | Háskólabíó | Álfabakki | Borgarbíó Imdb: 8,6 Rottentomatoes: 54%
ALÞJÓÐLEG KVIKMYNDAHÁTÍÐ Í REYKJAVÍK 24.09.2015–04.10.2015
MIÐASALA HAFIN! UPPLÝSINGAR Á RIFF.IS