What happens in Bråvalla stays in Bråvalla

Not to say that anything bad would be happening there, of course. It's a festival, what do you expect? It was my first, though, so I wasn't really sure. But what a first festival it was.

Living in a tent in a massive field in the middle of nowhere with over 50,000 other music-lovers really brings some perspective to life. There were moments when I wondered why I was paying to be here at all, and others when I wanted to stay for another week instead of our Wednesday-to-Sunday stretch. 

And then there was the music, which made every discomfort worth it.

Imagine Dragons on our one sunny day

I saw a total of 22 bands over the course of 3 days - many more than the number of live shows I've seen in recent years. There truly is something incredible about seeing live music, whether the sun is shining brightly as it did on our first day, or torrential rainstorms are matched with hurricane-level gusts of wind, like they were on Friday. 

our post-storm, pre-dismantle party tent

Despite heroic efforts (and lightening shocks!), our party tent didn't really survive the storm. But we just piled on more layers (somewhat damp by then) and tramped through the debris-filled mud pits in our wellies.

I won't tell you all the bands I saw, but I will list my top three:

- Imagine Dragons - a surprise, as I thought I was sick of them
- The Kooks - what's not to love?
- and Veronica Maggio - featuring a surprise duet with the legendary Håkan Hellström (like Sweden's Bob Dylan (right, Swedes? or?)) - can't get enough of her (Veronica, that is), whether or not I understand all of her lyrics

Despite such an amazing festival, it was also wonderful coming home. And taking a shower. My first in 5 days. I went down to Bråvalla expecting to at least wash my face every day, but soon realized brushing my teeth was all I was likely to do in terms of hygiene. And that was okay. Everyone's in the same boat of uncleanliness at a festival, especially after making it through a storm like the one we experienced. There was a feeling of camaraderie afterwards; that we'd made it together.

Sometimes we all need to live a little - grab some beers, pitch a tent with good friends, and listen to some incredible tunes.

An Afternoon at Galleri Duerr with James Bradley Jr

"I worked to do with my right foot what others did with both"


So said Los Angeles-native Mr. James Bradley, Jr about his musical career as one of the world's finest jazz and rock drummers. On Sunday afternoon, Mamie Hyatt led Keepin' the Beat: An Afternoon with JBJ in Galleri Duerr in Odenplan. 


JBJ started tapping to the beat of music from the time he was in his crib, and demonstrated true musical talent at the age of 3 banging on pots and pans. At age 4, JBR was recognized as the world's youngest professional drummer.


Since then, Mr. Bradley has continued to live his passion, playing in a variety of bands, including Mary's Danish, Chuck Mangione, and Anita Baker. He has also played with The Beastie Boys, Crazy Town, and Lenny Kravitz.


On Sunday, his audience was lucky enough to hear the first-hand story of his music, and then to hear an incredible mini concert. His talents are truly amazing and make me wonder - was I doing anything at the age of 4? 

The New Guys in Town

There's a new band in town, they've got a retro sound
Nothing close to lame, the band is called The Names
5 guys, 2 managers, and some good rock 'n roll
Check them out in my article here
And see their show next Sunday @ The Federal House