Back in 1996 when I saw Kristina performed not once but twice in Minnesota
it would become much more than I ever expected. Aside from meeting over 15
other ABBA fans from all over the U.S. at the event, I also had the
fortune of meeting Benny, Bjorn and the cast (Peter and Helen were my
favorites). Oh and I must say I took some fantastic photos of both
concerts and obtained autographs of the cast and B&B.  
The music, orchestra and the singers were all superb. I really got into
Kristina even without knowledge of the Swedish language but I knew what
the story is based upon!  They also videotaped the concert at the High
School and I'm even in it, so most of Sweden has seen me too. Scary isn't
it ?
Minnesota was beautiful also, I enjoyed flying over the Great Lakes, and
seeing the famous Mall of America also. I don't think I could handle the
winters there or in Sweden though.

As a result of this event I made a web site
(http://georgenet.net/kristina) containing some of my images, assorted
information, links and even a mailing list to spread information about
Kristina to fans worldwide.
Many Swede's not to mention American's (some also Swedish) have contacted
me (some of which I even met in both the US & Sweden!) and some I
periodically chat online with. Over the years I traded Kristina and ABBA
materials over the years ranging from photos, videos, CD's and cassettes.

Suprisingly, back in April 2000 I received an email from Maria Sachs in
Stockholm who belongs to a female chorus at University of Karlstad from
Varmland. She informed me that her chorus (SÖT LIKÖR)
along with a male chorus (CMB), totaling 60 will be touring the U.S.  The
quencher was they will be performing ABBA, Kristina, Chess and other
Swedish music!!  I read it and said WOW we will have real "Swede's"
singing some of my most favorite music right in my backyard here in New
York City and New Jersey in early August.

Maria was the coordinator and needed help with logistics and more
importantly spreading the word about them since the time factor wasn't on
our side, just 4 months away. Luckily I have a few e-mailing lists, also
know of others and along with some newsgroups to get the word out. And
many local fans and people in some of the other cities they're touring.
I even made a special web site for news and updates and a special mailing
list for everyone to receive instant updates about their tour.  

Originally they planned Minnesota, New York City/New Jersey, Boston and
Chicago.
The final cities eventually became Chicago, Toronto and New York City/New
Jersey.  They were very upset not to make it to the Minnesota performances
and Boston they just couldn't find affordable housing nor did I know of
many fans in Boston so they cancelled Boston and picked Toronto instead. 
They got a bargain going there since MAMMA MIA just opened up there and me
and other local fans made it premiere night and met Benny, Bjorn, Frida
and even the cast after we snuck into the party!!!!
A lot of Swedish emigration and culture exists in Minnesota and many in
the chorus were upset they couldn't make it there. I'm waiting for
Kristina to return there again myself.

Maria also sent me a cassette of the chorus and they sounded fantastic. I
heard some ABBA tunes and One Night in Bangkok and and I must say they
sounded great. Quite a change from Bjorn Again or another cover band this
chorus can really sing!!!!!

Things took a twist back in June I was browsing the New York Times on a
Friday and found out about the annual Swedish Midsummer festival being
held in downtown Manhattan the same day.  I was hoping to find the
organizers and distribute the information after seeing the turnout of
Swede's at this event I was amazed. The big surprise for me going to this
event was seeing Princess of  Sweden she looks a lot better in person than
in the photos I remember seeing of her last September when I was in
Stockholm.
Too bad I didn't have a camera.  I stood behind the stage hoping to find
the organizers, and I lucked out meeting the organizer's husband, Randy.
His wife Jeanne who was on stage entertaining everyone already knew about
this event from a singer of the male chorus. And she helped a lot with the
media, arrangements etc. which I couldn't help Maria with. But I helped
get the word out using the web and emails and my friends in the area who
are also fans of ABBA & Kristina.

They had three different days of performances (Aug 5, 6 and 8) I couldn't
attend the International Festival at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long
Island on the 5th. But the performances on Sunday and Tuesday I did
attend. 

The big day came on Sunday August 6th at Vasa Park in Budd Lake, NJ, this
was their full 2 hour performance. About 9 locals from NJ, NYC and
Pennsylvania attended most of which I met for the first time except for
Jonas. One surprise visitor was Wayne from Minnesota. The audience
estimate was about 120 most seemed to be the Swedish community and all
ages (teens to seniors).

The day was cloudy with rain on and off and I arrived about an hour early.
I saw Randy & Jeanne singing to the chorus in the same hall they will be
performing in. I looked and eventually asked around for Maria Sachs. We
briefly talked and then they got dressed for the show. A lot of us had
seats scattered around, I sat where I could see the whole chorus so I
could see everything happening and get some good photos.

Their performance had many suprises. Everything from their outfits, to
re-enacting some skits from Kristina showing the Swedish emigration from
Battery Park to Minnesota along with their voices, vocal expression and
even interacting with the audience. Even a disco ball spinning during
Dancing Queen!!!!
It started promptly around 3pm and they entered the stage area. The males
were wearing black ties and pants with white shirts and the females had a
blue-purple dress. Very classy chorus!!!

Some very expressive performers really caught our attention and myself and
others were all talking about them during intermission and when it ended.
Their conductor and piano player were also very good. They all were a big
hit in Vasa Park. They put together a fantastic performance.

Most of the music was from work by Benny & Bjorn. Many popular ABBA tunes,
"One Night in Bangkok" from Chess, several from Kristina, even a Roxette
tune and some Swedish and American tunes. Their outfits and props during
the 2nd half were even used to become Swedish and American flags. And I
heard they did the same in Toronto making a Canada flag. They all saw
MAMMA MIA there and enjoyed it.

The outfits in the 2nd half surprised everyone. I quietly said "Toga's"
and everyone in my row was laughing. Everyone was barefoot with bright and
colorful combinations of7 blue, yellow, white or red and in some cases a
bit revealing on their sides. They were creative and imaginative using
props and choreography to become American and Swedish flags too.

At the end I met with Maria and a few others they were flipping through my
photos of Kristina in Minnesota and the MAMMA MIA premiere back in May. I
brought extra copies for Maria and the others I presumed they would want
copies (and I was right) as with my other Swedish friends who are really
close to Kristina.  She gave me a copy of the "16 Favorites" CD of
Kristina tunes, I had a bootleg but I wanted a copy with the booklet,
lyrics and photos inside the CD case.  She thanked me for all the help
too. And I thanked her and the others for trekking all the way over here.

Maria and some others even cleared up rumors about Kristina opening next
in Malmo or London. Both of which are not happening.  

Some of the tunes the group sang were:
Honey Honey, Take a Chance, Does your mother know, The Sign (Roxette),
Dancing Queen, One night in Bangkok (Chess), Lay all your love on me,
Hooked on a feeling, the US & Swedish national anthems (with the chorus
becoming the flags!!!),


The next area performance came on Tuesday August 8th.  Actually two
performances. One was nearby the Swedish church on the East Side. I was
surprised they were in their "toga-like" outfits which were sure to catch
a lot of attention in New York City! Especially with some of the females.
11:45am was the first of two back to back performances, the last one
before they leave back for Sweden was in the main lobby of the U.N.  I
bumped into Jonas on my way to see them and we were together again for the
two shows.  

They started on time and many were curious and just waited to see what was
going on, many stopped to see them as they entered and exited the
building. Many right off the street were even buying their CD & cassettes
too. 

Then came the United Nations (UN). They drew quite a crowd ranging from
visitors in the lobby, the security guards and staff of the UN. Some told
me they were asked on the street "Where is the Toga party?". First words
out of my mouth at Vasa Park when I saw them the 2nd half was "Toga".
Brought back memories of Animal House's Toga Parties. They lucked out too
since this was one of the hottest days of the year so far. Our summer has
been more like an extended spring. The sound was a lot better indoors
without the street noise and distractions. Many visitors and tourists were
singing along, taking photos even videotaping them. They really drew a
good audience.

The choir really enjoyed themselves, and visiting the US & Toronto. This
was the first time for many of them. I'm amazed how they handled their
sporadic schedules and locations.  Many thanked me for my assistance and
the web site. I told them I'll send Maria my photos and negatives and so
will Jonas. I'll try copying the video by Bill and making a CD to have
just the music. I told many of them to come back to U.S. they really
enjoyed seeing the US & Toronto. I cant wait to see my photos!!!

Their performance brought back a lot of memories of seeing Kristina back
in 1996. Music is a big part of my life. 
This is my third dose of ABBA this year. Started out seeing MAMMA MIA in
Toronto on premiere night back on May 23rd. On top of that meeting Benny,
Bjorn and Frida (even her grandson!!) and then a chorus straight from
Sweden right here in New Jersey and New York City.  I wonder what other
suprises the year will have!

CMB & SÖT LIKÖR -  Thank You for the Music!!!!!!!!!!

George Lewycky