Watch BAO live tonight

Tonight is the premiere of 'Allsång på Skansen', the hugely popular sing-along TV show, brodcasted live from Stockholm. This year the show is hosted by singer Måns Zelmerlöv, and his guests tonight are Benny Andersson Orchestra with Helen Sjöholm & Tommy Körberg, Danny and September.

The show starts at 20.00 CET and you can start to watch the preparations before the show at 19.30 CET at SVT Play. 

Here follows the booked artists for the 2011 season so far:

PROGRAM 1: tisdag 28 juni
BAO
Lunds studentsångare
Danny Saucedo
September

PROGRAM 2: tisdag 5 juli
Håkan Hellström
Miriam Aïda
Siw Malmkvist
Ulrik Munther
The Moniker
Hasse Anderson

PROGRAM 3: tisdag 12 juli
Veronica Maggio
Elisa's
Eric Amarillo
Sara Varga
Kjell Lönnå
Per Andersson

PROGRAM 4: tisdag 19 juli
Malena Ernman
Bo Kaspers Orkester
After Shave & Anders Eriksson
Petter
Vocalettes
Pernilla Andersson
Lena-Maria Klingvall

PROGRAM 5: tisdag 26 juli
Hoffmaestro
Marika Willstedt & Angelica Alm
Carl Norén
Östen me Resten
Caroline Wennergren
Eric Saade

PROGRAM 6: tisdag 2 augusti
Timbuktu
Eva Eastwood
Patriks Combo
Hans-Erik Dyvik Husby
Fredrik Kempe
Linda Bengtzing
Svante Thuresson

PROGRAM 7: tisdag 9 augusti
Lena Philpsson
Sven-Ingvars
Staffan Percy
Albin Flinkas och Fredrik Meyer

PROGRAM 8: tisdag 16 augusti Finalprogram
SRSO och Anders Berglund
Björn Skifs
Loa Falkman
Peter Jöback

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

ABBA's secret political agenda

ABBA's art director Rune Söderqvist, together with Agnetha, Björn and Frida at the photo session for The Visitors.

ABBA is probably the last band anyone would think of when speaking about political messages. But when Björn of ABBA appeared in the Swedish radio show 'Pop & Politics' last Saturday, he revealed that ABBA had a hidden political agenda.

- I am convinced that there were many who did not even understad what it was all about, because it was ABBA, and everybody would think that there were no political agenda there. It might have been our curse, our music was always considered as simple and joyfully and no way it would have any political messages, Björn said in a press release befor the radio show.

For example the song 'The Visitors' was inspired by the thought of being different and not being allowed to have your own opinions in a dictatorship like the Soviet Union.
- I thought about what it would be like to live in a dictatorship. That was the inspiration of the song 'The Visitors'. I pictured myself in an apartment somewhere in Moscow, where one might held secret meetings talking about and planning for freedom and what it would feel like. And also the threat, terror and fright what would happen if someone would find out about these meetings - when someone tries the door knob, Björn tells.

There was quite a risk by writing this song. Being from Sweden ABBA was allowed to sell records in the Soviet Union at that time. Sweden was a neutral country and therefore allowed to export goods like music albums to the Soviet Union. ABBA was allowed a specified quote of records into Soviet each year, a quote not even close to the demand for ABBA music at that time (therefore ABBA was highly sought after in the black market). But the song 'The Visitors' was however hardly never noticed for it’s hidden political message.

However, ABBA was more noticed for their political engagement when U.S. President Ronald Reagan arranged a television music gala to support the development of democracy in Poland through Lech Walesa. He was a Polish politician, trade-union organizer, and human-rights activist. ABBA performed, but Bjorn and Benny also choose to say a few words about the lack of freedom of speech in Poland. They specifically pointed out that there was no freedom of speech, not only in Poland, but also in El Salvador, Chile, Afghanistan and Iraq. This speech by Björn and Benny got a wide spread even though it was immediately cut-out from the TV show since the U.S. government was supporting some of the states Björn and Benny mentioned. After this the Soviet Union forbid all sales of ABBA music for a while, since ABBA stated that they were on the enemy's side.

Just a few years later, 1984, when Björn, Benny and Tim Rice arrived in Moscow to promote the musical 'Chess' they were welcomed with open arms, and no one ever mentioned the ban of ABBA music. They were greeted like superstars with magnificent VIP treatment.

Listen to the whole show 'Pop och Politik' here.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Tom Hanks wants to reunite ABBA!

He took "Mamma Mia!" to the big screen and helped make the hit musical to the multi-billion dollar industry.

Now Tom Hanks wants to direct ABBA's reunion.

- Half of the world would go mad, wouldn’t it? he asks the reporter.

Tom Hanks, 54, is the Oscar-winning actor of "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump" who also made a success as a movie producer to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "Mamma Mia!".

Aftonbladet Swedish newspaper met Hanks in London and the conversation drifted quickly into the music that made him want to do musical film.

- When I saw the musical "Mamma Mia!" here in London I thought, "unbelievable, I know every single one of these songs." You know, I stood up and sang with before I even understood it myself.

It made him and his wife Rita Wilson produced the film version with Stellan Skarsgard in one of the roles.

The success of “Mamma Mia The Movie” along with a reunion concert by Cream has made Hollywood star to start to think about an ABBA's future. Hanks saw Eric Clapton reunite his band in 2005 at the Royal Albert Hall.

- It would be so much fun to see ABBA at Royal Albert Hall in London, he says.

- Halt the world would go mad if they reunited? It would be great if they got together and did a reunion tour.

As the businessman he is, Hollywood's most profitable actor, his own role in the project is given. Tom Hanks would be the director of the ABBA reunion.

- Yeah! Why not! This has to happen! he exclaims enthusiastically.

And the idea seems to grow in his mind for the rest of the interview. When it's time to finish, he takes up the subject again.

- This ABBA reunion, do they listen to you? he asks the reporter in a tone of half jokingly, half seriously.

- I think they would listen to you. Give them a call. Yes, do it!

- Maybe I should. I would never say now to direct that happening, says Tom Hanks.

Former ABBA star Björn Ulvaeus was contacted and laughed when he heard about Tom Hanks proposal.

- Ha ha ha! Let him try! My answer is no, says Björn Ulvaeus. It is absolutely unbelievable that there is still talk about this. It should not be this way. We slit up in 1982. The odds against it are very large.

Read the whole article in Aftonbladet here.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Traditional Swedish Midsommar smörgåsbord!

Traditional Swedish Midsommar smörgåsbord with new potatoes, sour cream, chives and herring of all kinds; Dream Herring, Mustard Herring, Currant Herring, Onion Herring, Island Herring, Lemon Herring, Elderflower Herring, Archipelago Herring, Lingonberry Herring and so on. The variety of different kinds of pickled herring is a never ending story.

Together with this of course smoked salmon with chili, smoked salmon with garlic, aged wonderfull Swedish Västerbotten cheese, a Västerbotten cheese pie, a salmon tarte, a seafood tarte, a smoked ham paté, home made crips bread. Everything accompanied by ice cold Swedish beer and different home made snaps, made from fresh herbs, honey, lemon and vanilla.

If there is room left, then follows the traditional fresh strawberries with whipped cream or a strawberry cake. Yummie!

So the rest of the world; now you have it all - join us Swedes in our Midsommar celebrations next year!

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

GLAD MIDSOMMAR!

Today we rise the Midsummer Pole (Majstången/Midsommarstången), which is said to be a phallic symbol.

In earlier times, small spires wrapped in greens were erected; this probably predates the maypole tradition, which is believed by many to have come from the continent in the Middle Ages.

Others argue that some form of Midsummer pole occurred in Sweden during the pre-Christian times, and was a phallic fertility symbol, meant to impregnate the earth, but as there were no records from those times it cannot be proven, and this idea might just be a modern interpretation of the pole's form.

The earliest historical mention of the maypole in Sweden is from the Middle Ages. Midsummer was, however, linked to an ancient fertility festival which was adapted into St. John's Day by the church, even though it retained many pagan traditions, as the Swedes were slow to give up the old heathen customs.

The connection to fertility is naturally linked to the time of year. Many young people became passionate at Midsummer, and this was accepted, probably because it resulted in more childbirths in March which was a good time for children to be born.

GLAD MIDSOMMAR & HAPPY MIDSUMMER all readers!

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Swedish Midsommar is the time for mystery!

Because Midsummer was thought to be one of the times of the year when magic was strongest, it was considered a good night to perform rituals to look into the future. Traditionally, young people pick bouquets of seven or nine different flowers and put them under their pillow in the hope of dreaming about their future spouse. But you should be careful, so that you would not run into Näcken, the naked fiddler by the river.

In the past it was believed that herbs picked at Midsummer were highly potent, and water from springs could bring good health. Greenery placed over houses and barns were supposed to bring good fortune and health to people and livestock; this old tradition of decorating with greens continues, even though most don't take it seriously. To decorate with greens is called att maja (to may) and may be the origin of the word majstång.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Midsommar is here!

It’s Midsummer’s Week. Midsommarafton (Midsummer Eve) is on Friday - one of Sweden’s biggest festivities!

It is one of the most important holidays of the year in Sweden, and probably the most uniquely Swedish in the way it is celebrated. The main celebrations take place on the Friday, and the traditional events include raising and dancing around a huge maypole. Before the maypole is raised, greens and flowers are collected and used to cover the entire pole.

Raising and dancing around a maypole (majstång or midsommarstång) is an activity that attracts families and many others. People dancing around the pole listen to traditional folk and pop music and some even wear traditional folk costumes. In addition, many wear crowns made of wild springs and wildflowers on their heads. The year's first potatoes, sill (soused herring), chives, sour cream, Swedish beer, homemade snaps and strawberries with cream or strawberry cakes are on the menu. Drinking songs (Snapsvisor) are also important at this feast.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Opening night of 'Lotta på Liseberg'

Opening night for show 'Lotta på Liseberg' (Lotta at Liseberg) tonight. 'Lotta på Liseberg' is an equivalent of the TV show 'Allsång på Skansen', but broadcasted live from Scandinavia's largest amusement park Liseberg, located on the Swedish west coast in Gothenburg.

The show is hosted by singer Lotta Engberg, known to many by the many entries in the Swedish 'Melodifestivalen', the Swedish heat contest for Eurovision Song Contest. 1987 Lotta was representing Sweden with her song 'Fyra Bugg och en Coca Cola'.

In tonight's show, which is broadcasted live on TV4, Lotta's guests were former Norweigan ESC winner Alexander Ryback together with Orup, Sanna Nielsen and Loa Falkman.

Watch the show at TV4 Play.

Following are the artist booked for this summer season:

• June 20: Alexander Rybak, Orup, Loa Falkman and Sanna Nielsen.
• June 27: Christer Sjögren, Thomas Di Leva, Ola and Jörgen Mörnbäck.
• July 4: Malena Ernman, The Poodles, Swingfly feat. Pauline.
• July 11: Jessica Andersson, Charlotte Perrelli, Linda Pritchard and Alcazar.
• July 18: Jenny Silver, Jack Vreeswijk, Ann-Louise Hanson, Josefin Glenmark and Brolle.
• July 25: Lill Lindfors, Ulrik Munther, Martin Rolinski.
• August 1: Danny, Arja Saijonmaa, the Danish group A friend in London, the Finish singer Paradise Oskar and the Norweigan singer Stella Mwangi, all three representing their countries in Eurovision Song Contest 2011.
• 8/8: Eric Saade, Tomas Ledin, Thomas Petersson and September.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

ABBA Intermezzo No 62 OUT NOW!

The splendid full-color glossy magazine ABBA Intermezzo is out with a new issue! For subscription contact ABBA Intermezzo.

• All of the latest news, including new interviews with Björn and Benny
• Exclusive interview with Murray Head, the famous "Freddy" from CHESS
• Special feature on "Super Trouper"
• ABBA Intermezzo Competition – enter to win tickets for CHESS in Germany, promo copies of BAO's new CD single "Kära syster", "Super Trouper" Deluxe CD/DVDs, "ABBA Gold" MP3 players, and signed copies of the great new book "ABBA By Micke"
• A new series, ABBA in Spain
• The second and last part of Agnetha on Gäst Hos Hagge, 1985 - you can also win a copy of the book "Gäster Hos Hagge" featuring Agnetha & Frida!
• The last part of Japanese Discography, this time covering MC releases
• Part 7 of Poster Special
• An A3 size poster featuring an alternate shot of ABBA during their "Super Trouper" session in 1980 with Agnetha's tongue out!

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Astrid Lindgren prize goes to Shaun Tan

Astrid Lindgren, mother of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, Ronja and many many more. Late Swedish children's book author Astrid Lindgren left a memorial to the world after she passed away. It is the world's largest chuldren's book author prize.

Shaun Tan received the 2011 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at a solemn Award Ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall.

900 specially invited guests attended the ceremony as well as celebrity guests as Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, the Swedish Minister of Trade, Ewa Björling, and General Director of the Swedish Arts Council, Kennet Johansson.

The Award Ceremony was a celebration of Shaun Tan and his work. Top Swedish artists were performing, including a dance interpretation of one of Shaun Tan’s illustrations by the dance group Soul Sweat. The host for the evening was the compere, author and UNICEF Godwill Ambassador Mark Levengood.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Prince booked for WOW

Singer Prince is now booked for the WOW festival, Way Out West in Gothenburg. Way Out West is quite a newcomer among music festivals, but has fast become one of the most popular festivals which books many major acts. Date of Prince's performance is not known yet.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

June 6th - Sweden's National Day

Happy National Day Sweden!

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/

Trailer The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Svedenland has already shown some leaked footage from the forthcoming movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, filmed on location in Sweden. Columbia Pictures has now released the official trailer and we are pround to be one of the first to share it. The US and Canadian opening of the film is set to December 26th 2011.

SVEDENLAND, YOUR SWEDISH VOICE IN THE WORLD http://svedenland.blogspot.com/