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.

RTE broadcast part two of “A Little Bit Eurovision” tomorrow night and this week it’s the turn of “Mister Eurovision” himself Johnny Logan to be profiled. Johnny is of course the undisputed king of Eurovision, winning twice as a performer; 1980 (“What’s Another Year”) and 1987 (“Hold Me Now”). As well as writing the 1992 winner “Why Me” for Linda Martin, Johnny also penned her 2nd placed 1984 entry for Ireland, “Terminal Three”.

Despite “What’s Another Year” topping the UK singles chart, he never managed to capitize on the success and later attempts to crack the UK, including a rebranding as Logan in 1986, fell flat. A year later, Johhny Logan was back at Eurovision with “Hold Me Now” and the rest is history.

Throughout his career, he has released almost 20 albums and 40 singles such as “Stab in the Back”, “Oriental Eyes” and even an ill-advised R&B version of “Hold Me Now” in 2006. These days, Johnny Logan continues to be revered throughout Europe for his Eurovision success and has been critical of Ireland’s Eurovision participants in recent years; Dustin the Turkey, Dervish and most famously Jedward, allegedly comparing the Grimes twins to a pair of Frank Spencers.

Just don’t mention the 2007 Eurosaver ad for McDonald’s. Twisty fries anyone?

“A Little Bit Eurovision” airs Tuesdays’ on RTE 1 at 7:30pm.

RTE broadcast the first in a six part documentary series on Irish Eurovision winners tonight by profiling Dana, Ireland’s first Eurovision winner back in 1970. After winning the contest, Dana became something of a national treasure. She has released over thirty singles and an astonishing thirty albums in her career; including the rather dubiously titled “In the Palm of His Hand” in 1987. Her last album was 2007′s “Good Morning Jesus!”

Dana has also dipped into politics, contesting the 1997 Irish Presidential election and even becomming an MEP, but these days she’s a well-known judge on the All-Irealnd Talent Show (Britain’s Got Talent on a much more “rural” scale).

The show airs Tuesdays on RTE 1 at 7:30pm.

The 2011 Kate Ryan award 2011 is now open to voting.

For 2011 there is a lot of competition for the title, many countries that were expected to qualify didn’t and other powerhouses like Russia were struggling to get through, proving that no one is safe, apart from Greece who if they sent in “Baa Baa Black Sheep” in Greek will still get into the top ten, don’t worry people from Greece ye have good songs and we do love them So should Norway have nudged their way in there, should Turkey have trounced all competition or did Poland not flash her knickers enough. Vote below for the song that you think should have made it to the Eurovision Final 2011. The results will be revealed on June 24th 2011. Good luck to all competitors.

In case you are unfamiliar with any of the songs, we will include a link to all of them underneath the poll.

Albania – Aurela Gaçe “Feel the Passion” (Popup)

Armenia – Emmy “Boom Boom” (Popup)

Belarus – Anastasia Vinnikova “I Love Belarus” (Popup)

Belgium – Witloof Bay “With Love Baby”(Popup)

Bulgaria – Poli Genova “Na inat” (Popup)

Croatia – Daria “Celebrate” (Popup)

Cyprus – Christos Mylordos “San aggelos s’agapisa” (Popup)

Israel – Dana International “Ding Dong” (Popup)

Latvia – Musiqq “Angel in Disguise” (Popup)

Macedonia – Vlatko Ilievski “Rusinka” (Popup)

Malta – Glen Vella “One Life” (Popup)

Netherlands – 3JS “Never Alone” (Popup)

Norway – Stella Mwangi “Habba Habba” (Popup)

Poland – Magdalena Tul “Jestem” (Popup)

Portugal – Homens da Luta “A luta é alegria” (Popup)

San Marino – Senit “Stand by” (Popup)

Slovakia – TWiiNS “I’m Still Alive” (Popup)

Turkey – Yüksek Sadakat “Live it up” (Popup)

We are very happy to announce that the Queens of Irish Eurovision are gracing the next Funk N Something in Cork with their presence.

Sheila Fitzpatrick and Madonna Lucia are on the way! Along with Fabula as our hostess. The first time these three legends have worked together playing all your favorite hits both classic and recent. Come join us one and all, a great night is to be had

FRIDAY 15TH APRIL
DOORS 9.00
€5 AND FREE ENTRY TO RUBYS NIGHTCLUB

Map to the location

So it’s here already, with just under an hour to go to the fourth and last semi final from the wonderful juggernaut that is Melodifestivalen.

We have 8 more songs to go through and I think its the strongest semi final with regards to overall song quality this year in MF.

Song 1: Melody Club

I was expecting more of a rock style song from Melody Club, something more quirky but I am surprised to say that I enjoyed the audio for this. I am expecting them to be more out there on stage tonight but I am strangely looking forward to it!

Possible Andra Chansen?

Song 2: Julia Alvgard

I didn’t know anything about this girl and I still don’t but the more I listened to this song, the more I liked it…it leaves a lasting impression on your brain! As I have never seen her before or how she performs, I am looking forward to watching her performance tonight!

Possible Andra Chansen?

Song 3: Lasse Stefanz

I tried my very best to listen to this song in its entirety before I passed judgement but I found myself very bored and wondering how this made it into any of the semi finals!

Last position? I hope so!

Song 4: Linda Pritchard

Not the type of song I expected from Linda but it is a very strong powerful ballad and I think she will do quite well. I just hope she is able to hit those notes. There are a few times in there that sounded a little screechy!

Either Andra Chansen or Final

Song 5: Anders Fernette

This is a nice song, it kind of grows throughout, better than I was expecting, not so sure if it is strong enough to go the whole way though.

Either Andra Chansen or out I’m quessing!

Song 6: Linda Bengtzing

This is classic Linda Bengtzing. Great song, key change as usual, up tempo, high octane entry for Linda. Not sure about those yellow PVC leggings I happened to see in a preview today though!

Should be straight to Final and it may very well do but there is a chance of Andra Chansen here. It would be a disgrace if she did not make either of those!

Song 7: Nicke Borg

This is not my type of music at all. Did not enjoy this, quite boring and lame. Can’t really find anything nice to say about this so I will just leave it there I think!!

Second Last?

Song 8: Love Generation

I did not know anything about this song until I just listened to it a few moments ago. I love it! I think this will be hugely popular tonight and will really finish off the show wonderfully!!!

Straight to Final? Andra Chansen at the very least I bet!

Well not long to go now so I expect you all have your favourites for tonight?

Who do you want in the Final or who do you want to sink to the bottom of the table?? Have your say!

The public have spoken and you have declared Sweden to be then winner of the 2010 Kate Ryan Award, the one act the you wanted to see in the final of last years Eurovision.

Earlier we caught up with Anna to present her with her trophy

Runner Up:

The Netherlands’s Sieneke