New York in shade of hurricane Irene

The hurricane Irene changed the city life of Manhattan into a ghost city. Before this happened I was lucky to see a fantastic, glittering show on Broadway - "Priscilla, the queen of the desert”. Fabulous dresses, stage show, dancing, singing etc.  It’s definitely the opposite to ‘less is more’. This show promises ‘the two happiest hours on Broadway’ and it’s true.










On Saturday afternoon the streets were almost empty and shopping was out of question as all shops were closed, even Macy's.





All public transportations stopped by Saturday noon and people were buying bottled water and groceries like the storm would last for weeks.

One a few restaurants open was The Grill at Standard Hotel by the High Line in the Meatpacking district. Great food and service and I like their wallpapers.

Before the hurricane drama started I had the pleasure to experience lovely Fire Island outside Long Island. Beautiful beaches and the Ocean in a calm mood. Hopefully the damages will be limited. We want to return to our friends’ house.

Wentus Blues Band brings blues into Facebook

The blues can be found everywhere - both in Ostrobothnia, Finland and at Facebook. Wentus Blues Band showed it very clearly when I heard them playing at WATTs Up music festival in Jakobstad (Pietarsaari).
The song on this video clip is called "Facebook Blues". No matter how lonely you are, you can always turn to your 'friends' at Facebook. Or despite hundreds of Facebook friends you may still feel alone.

The Wentus Blues Band are: Niko Riippa (guitar), Juho Kinaret (vocal), Robban Hagnäs (bass), Kim Vikman (guitar), Mikael Axelqvist (drums), Pekka J.V. Gröhn (keyboards). 
More information about the band to be found at: HERE

WATTs Up festival took place 22-23 July in connection with Jakobs Dagar in Jakobs dagar. It was arranged by the football club JARO.


 Video and photo: Lilian

Sundays are perfect for music experiences

Sometimes you hear people say that Sundays are boring and dull. Well - it's up to everyone to deside. A music experience is a perfect way, in my opinion, to make Sunday a happy day. A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege to listen to Geir Rönning and his band at Engelen in Stockholm.
Geir has a great voice and a variety of songs that appeal to a broad audience. Born Norwegian, living in Finland and performing frequently in Sweden, Geir is a true Nordic personality.

Geir represented Finland in Eurovision Song Contest 2005 with the ballad "Why" and last year he participated in Swedish Idols 2010 as one of the oldest, young hearted adults ever. Right now he is touring around Sweden with Robert Wells' band which also include the singer LaGaylia Frazier.

Life is all about having fun, to be true to yourself and feel young in your heart and mind. Even on a Sunday!

Enjoy these videos by Geir Rönning.
Thanks to Teija for great photos!

PS! We appreciated everybody in band and want to give an extra homage to the guitar player from Jakobstad in Finland.

PS 2! Visit Geir's web page on: www.geirronning.com