Photos taken by Anna Ubell-Garcia

New York City came alive with the sound of Icelandic music this September, as two standout showcases –  by the legendary Iceland Airwaves and Dark Music Days – captivated audiences in intimate yet electrifying settings.

The concerts were a part of Taste of Iceland, an event series - hosted by Inspired by Iceland - which celebrates the best of Icelandic culture across the United States.

Iceland Airwaves Lights Up Pianos with Klemens Hannigan and Superserious.

On September 5th, Iceland Airwaves brought their signature blend of indie music magic to Pianos, a Lower East Side venue, where a sold-out crowd gathered to witness Klemens Hannigan and Superserious perform live. Tickets to the show sold out a week before the event, with a waiting list of 300 people eager to experience a taste of Iceland’s renowned music festival. Despite the venue's modest 130-person capacity, the energy inside felt boundless.

The crowd buzzed with excitement long before the first note was played, and when Klemens Hannigan stepped onto the stage, the room ignited. Known for his work with the popular group Hatari, Hannigan delivered a performance that showcased his striking vocal range and magnetic stage presence.

Superserious followed and turned the dial up with their charismatic performance. Their seamless blend of upbeat grooves, catchy hooks, and playful energy kept the momentum going. As the night went on, it became clear that Iceland Airwaves had once again proven its ability to spotlight the most exciting artists emerging from the Icelandic music scene.

Dark Music Days at Ground Zero

The following evening, Dark Music Days Festival presented a unique showcase at the legendary Ground Zero Art Centre in collaboration with the Perelman Performing Art Centre. The event drew a crowd of music lovers eager to explore the festival’s avant-garde soundscapes, and it did not disappoint.

The showcase was opened by Iceland’s Minister of Culture and Business Affairs, Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, who welcomed guests and highlighted the cultural exchange between Iceland and the U.S. The performance itself by Ensemble Adapter was a profound journey through folk traditions, seamlessly blending Icelandic and American influences. Attendees were deeply moved by the evocative mix of musical styles, which paid homage to both the past and present.

Check out the photos from these unforgettable nights below!

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