Grolsch Block Party 2011
September 7, 2011
Summers are usually the season for outdoor parties. Including the infamous (New York-born) American-style block party. Don’t we all love the traditional block parties made up friendly neighbors, fresh lemonade, potato salad, grilled burgers and dogs.
Stockholm has definitely put a twist on the tradition. This August celebrated the fifth edition of the Grolsch Block Party. And this isn’t a party for the 80 year old lady next door.
Sticking with the quinquennial theme, the party was held on five different streets in the south Stockholm area : Södermalm and SOFO district.
Restaurants, bars, and clothing shops showcased DJs, live acts, art, fashion, and design. The music line up included a handful of new and old Swedish indie darlings. Some of The Swede Beat favorites were: Dante, Sail A Whale, Niva, Lo-Fi Fnk, Gnucci Banana, Lorentz M. & Sakarias, Mahoyo and more.
American block parties almost always take place on a beautiful sunny afternoon or on a hot summer evening. Dress code consequently matches the summer theme: Summer dress, denim shorts, bright colors, airy tops, sunglasses, etc. August 19th was rather wet and cold, most outfits in Södermalm did not resemble the block party tradition. That, however was certainly no stop sign for Swedes (or anyone else). The five streets were what seemed to be a kaleidoscope of music, art and vibrant youth. Through out the night friends met up with friends and made a bit of new ones. After a dance or two they continued on to a next place. Each place was completely different. Different styles and different music.
Vintage style clothing shop: Grandpa on the SOFO street Sodermannagatan was our personal favorite. All guests greeted by the glistening green bottle, as the made their way into mix of people, fashion and great music. The tracks of the moment were selected by Swedish Berlin based Trunkfunk Records, The Touch, and clothing company turned band Uniforms.
By ten o’clock the night was a success!
As all good things come to and end, so did the Grolsch block party. But luckily the festive day activities was followed by an after party.
The south Stockholm hipsters migrated over to the official Grolsch Block Party After Party at outdoor club venue Trädgården under a highway. From there The Studio Barnhus boys and Superpitcher took the night away!
The Grolsch Block Party has taken your friendly neighborhood gathering to a whole new level.
Honestly, we love it.
By Vanessa Gil
Photos by Grolsch Block Party
Published by: The Swede Beat
