Hippest Weekend North of Nebraska: Iceland Airwaves

One of the trendiest music festivals on the face of the earth is less than a week away, Iceland Airwaves. The line up this year is very intriguing - up and coming indie bands from different corners of the world mixed with the Icelandic music scene's cream of the crop. That is good enough of a reason to hop on a plane to spend a raving weekend in Reykjavik. Knowing your way around the city takes the festival experience to the next level, making it ludicrous not to join the party. I'm going to share with you some pointers and hush-hush secrets on how to enjoy this wicked weekend to the fullest, which I gathered during recent years' Airwaves hoedowns.

The music starts playing on Wednesday the 18th of October, however the party begins as early as Monday that same week. If you have the chance to spend the whole week in Reykjavik, grab it. The city goes wild the whole week, i don't know where the energy comes from or wether it is sustainable, but it is there and lots of if. Come early and get down with the festive locals.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for art exhibits or parties at stores and galleries around Laugarvegur, Reykjavik's main drag. That's were the crazy cool kids start the night out, often with a drink in hand and you never know where the night might take you hanging out with that crowd. Whether it will be dancing on the top of a table to crazy techno music or getting drunk on a whale hunting vessel, you are guaranteed to have one heck of a time.

As the week progresses bands will pop up in the strangest places to play free concerts. Both artists appearing at the festival, giving passers-by a taste of what to expect. Icelandic bands not on the official bill play as well, for the fun of it and perhaps trying to make use of the media craze. Many of these shows are at small bars or shops making for intimate performances and an overall unique atmosphere. Take special notice of what is happening at 12 Tonar, the Bad Taste record store and Kaffi Hljomalind.

Airwaves takes place at seven different venues situated within a ten minute walk of each other in downtown Reykjavik. This is a great setup, since different venues suit varying artists. This however also comes with its downsides. You might want to see two bands that are playing at the same time. Much worse is that long lines often form outside venues where popular acts play. Last year these lines often lasted hours; keep that in mind when you are venue hopping.

Take a chance on Icelandic bands. The best performances are often by little known local artists. If you don't have a clue about which one to to see, ask. Don't hesitate asking the guy working in the music store, the bartender or just the cool kids on the street, everyone speaks good english and people are thrilled to show it off every chance they get.

I hope you are all excited for the carnival coming up and that these pointers will be of use if you decide to get down and dirty at Iceland Airwaves 2006.

Baldur Héðinsson is a mathematics student and DJ living in Boston