As reported last week, a couple of us here at Escireland.com were heading over to the much hyped Schlager party being held at the Loom bar in London last Friday. For anyone who did not know what this is all about, a specific group of people organise a party every month or so for those ever growing legion of fans of “Schlager” music.

We headed over in plenty of time on an early flight last Friday, did some early shopping and had a bite to eat before getting ready in our very modern self catering apartment and finally taking just a few steps down the same street to the lovely Loom Bar on Clipstone Street.

Chris Henderson, one of the organisers of the event welcomed us at the entrance, thanked us for making the trip over from Ireland and reminded us of our free drink (Kopparberg Cider) once we reached the bar.

We arrived fairly early as we wanted to get a good spot and hear all the music that was on offer throughout the evening. The music consisted of the early years of Eurovision, 60′s through to 90′s from approx 8.30pm up until around 10.30-11pm, then there was a mixture of more modern Eurovision and Melodifestivalen (Sweden’s Eurovision preselection).

The Loom Bar filled right up to it’s limit as it was sold out before the event and with the mix of all types of people there, filling the floor, the place was hopping for the night! I think there were people who did not leave the dance floor all night, such was the appreciation for the music!

There were lots of favourite songs on the night provided by the wonderful DJ Dave Simmons, but one of the highlights for me and for most of the crowd from the way they raised the roof, was this years Hungarian entry “What About My Dreams?” sung by Kati Wolf.

Also high up on the fan play list was Carola Häggkvist with “Evighet”, Velvet with “The Queen”, Jenny Silver with “Something In Your Eyes”, Sanna Nielsen with “Vågar du, Vågar Jag” and “I’m In Love”, a remix of Linda Bengtzing  with “Jag Ljuger Så Bra”, Turkey’s very catchy entry into Eurovision in 2009, “Dum Tek Tek” sung by Hadise, Shirley’s Angels with their Melodifestivalen entry this year, “Thought It Was Forever”,” Samba Sambero” sung by Anna Book, Shirley Clamp in her solo effort “Att Älska Dig ”,  ”Etymon” by Sonia Alden, “Kalla Natter” from the beautiful Jessica Andersson among many many more…..!!

The very popular and well known “Schlagerboys” (pictured here in the last picture above) were not going to miss out on another night of huge hits on their Eurovision journey!

Overall, a great night was had by all, drinking, dancing, meeting people and some of the best music ever to come from Scandinavia and Eurovision was enjoyed on the night!  Thanks to Chris Henderson and “Schlagerfest”!!!

Pictures courtesy of Chris Henderson and Evan Condon.

The list of nominees for this year’s Rockbjörnen awards in Sweden have been released. The awards are concentrated around pop and rock and this year there are a plethora of former Eurovision and Melodifestivalen favourites amongst the nominees.

This year’s Eurovision 3rd placer, Eric Saade, is nomianted for Best Male Artist along with Melodifestivalen runner up this year, Danny Saucedo.

Will Eric make it a double victory or will Danny steal his thunder? Either way a publicity kiss is likely on the cards.

Also nominated in this category is Ola (MF 2008 “Love in Stereo” and 2010 “Unstoppable”).

Ola faces off against Saade in the Best Swedish Song category for “All Over the World” and “Popular” respectively. You can decide which you like best here.

Ola – \”All Over the World\”

Eric Saade – \”Popular\”

2007′s entrants for Sweden, The Ark, are nominated in the Best Group category while the wonderful September is amongst the Best Female nominees.

Isn't she fabulous?

However perhaps most surprising and best of all, Jedward are nominated in the Best Foreign Song category for “Lipstick”.

The boys are up against Adele and Lady Gaga amongst others but who knows they could pull off a coup and snatch the award from Gaga’s grasp. You can help by voting below

Vote here

RTE broadcast episode four of the highly enjoyable “A Little Bit Eurovision” tomorow night, this time focusing on 1993′s Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh. Niamh gave Ireland a home victory in Millstreet with “In Your Eyes”; the 2nd of Ireland’s three-in-a-row wins.

Niamh’s win was a nail-biting duel against the UK’s Sonia during most of the voting but Ireland eventually claimed victory with 187 points; a record score at the time. “In Your Eyes” became the biggest selling single in Ireland in 1993 and Niamh travelled to Nashville to record an album but subsequent singles failed to make an impact.

In 2010 she returned to Eurovision, again representing Ireland with “It’s For You”. Despite high expectations it was ultimately a disapointing return for Niamh. Her outfit choice almost overshadowed her return in some media circles and while she qualified to the final, she eventually placed 23rd of 25 countries on the final night itself.

These days Niamh lives in Carrickfergus with her musician husband and two sons. She remains a fan favourite both nationally and internationally and continues to perform although perhaps not in that purple dress.

“A Little Bit Eurovision” is broadcast on RTE1, Tuesdays at 8:30pm.