Iceland's Eurovision Icons to Perform at Rainbow Reykjavik

Mark Thompson READ TIME: 3 MIN.

Reykjavik, Iceland - The Rainbow Reykjavik Event Team has put together an outstanding program for this international LGBT festival Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2013.

"The Rainbow Reykjavik program provides a colorful mixture of various events, including tours to see the Northern Lights, geysers, waterfalls and the Continental Divide, great meals and dance parties....as well as pure wellness and relaxation in the world famous geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon," says Eva Mar�a Thorarinsdottir Lange, Managing Director of Pink Iceland, Iceland's top tour operator dedicated to LGBT clientele.

In addition to experiencing Iceland's unparalleled nature, attendees will be treated to a top-knotch concert in Reykjavik's remarkable and elegant Harpa Concert Hall. In fact, many of Iceland's most celebrated Eurovision icons will be performing Saturday, February 2nd, providing an amazing night of power ballads, disco beats to wild techno.

Two of the top acts confirmed for this year's concert are the amazing Hera Bj�rk and Paul Oscar, both of whom have enjoyed national as well as international success following their participation in Europe's most loved talent show, the Eurovision Song Contest.

A host of other Icelandic Eurovision contestants will join them on stage to perform their own songs as well. "We're planning a late concert starting off with the ballads and moving our way up to the songs that will make you want to throw your chair into a corner to get up and dance....which you will be allowed to do, of course!" says Eva Mar�a Thorarinsdottir Lange.

Iceland’s most celebrated Pop Icon

Paul Oscar is one of the nation's most beloved performing artists. He's been one of the country's true leaders in the battle for LGBT rights since the early 90's. His flourishing solo career includes a triple win at the Icelandic Music Awards in 2007 for his solo album, Allt fyrir �stina (Anything For Love).

Oscar has represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest, was a judge in both the Icelandic Idol and X-Factor TV series, and is currently Iceland's most sought-after DJ and entertainer booked 12 months in advance. His float in the Reykjav�k Gay Pride parade is always the most anticipated and his performance on the Gay Pride big stage has become a Reykjav�k Gay Pride tradition.

Hera Bj�rk competed in the Icelandic Eurovision preselection contest in 2007, and sang backing vocals for the Icelandic Eurovision entries in 2008 and 2009. She also participated in the Danish Eurovision preselection ('Melodi Grand Prix') in 2009, finishing in second place with the fan favourite 'Someday'.

Eurovision trivia buffs will be delighted to know that she was also one of the dancers in Selma's comedy video for her Icelandic Eurovision entry 'All Out of Luck' in 1999. Hera Bj�rk's defining Eurovision moment was her participation at the 2010 Eurovision on Iceland's behalf singing the fantastic and catchy Je ne sais quoi.

Hera has been busy touring the US and Europe with her Eurovision since 2010 and is one of the most sought after performers on the Eurovision scene.

P�LL �SKAR (PAUL OSCAR) - VIDEOS
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d12YLAS444
www.youtube.com/watch?v=30jW4aSdjiA&feature=share&list=UUxMMbFcy_DSH1TYUQ3maEVw

HERA BJ�RK - VIDEO
� Je ne sais Quoi: www.youtu.be/eE6Sayu7JyM

Further Event Details:

You can see further details regarding the event, including a video of last year's event, the 2013 event program, and extended program and all booking details @ www.rainbowreykjavik.com

Event videos can also be seen, if you like:

� Shorter version: www.vimeo.com/44394518
� Longer version: www.vimeo.com/44399861

Event Photos can be seen at:

RAINBOW REYKJAVIK 2012: www.picasaweb.google.com/107845951849406613616/RAINBOWREYKJAVIK2012

GAY ICELAND: www.picasaweb.google.com/107845951849406613616/GayIceland

Icelandair is offering fantastic packages for the event, at great rates @ www.rainbowreykjavik.com/bookings#!booking/cfgt

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by Mark Thompson , EDGE Style & Travel Editor

A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.

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