Venues in Iceland -#4

Iðno

IÐNÓ is a place of curiosities. An attractive, accessible and inspiring place for ideas and stories. The building combines in one place history, tradition and culture, dating all the way back to the year 1897. IÐNÓ is a living monument of older and simpler times, all the while being a modern rendezvous for people of all classes and ages. ~ Iðno information page.

A distinctive small hall, still in demand. A favorite for CD release parties (remember CDs?) or banquets. One of the mainstays of Iceland Airwaves. It usually features the more outré acts, from this humble folksinger (the late Siggi Armann):

To a classy orchestral ensemble (Daniel Barnarson):

And an experimental diva (Kira Kira):

I’ve even see an outrageous Balkan wedding dance band (Storviet Nix Noltes):



With the right performer(s), this venue can be magical, it does have its quirks, however. The lobby/bar is directly adjacent to the hall and can be disruptive for a quieter act. Conversely, a loud act can overpower the room, losing its sense of intimacy. The difference in shows I've seen between 2008 and 2018 highlights this modern tendency.  If you are ever in Reykjavík make it a point to stop in. You can’t miss it, it’s right on the pond in the center of town. Even if you can’t catch a performance there, you can have a libation in its cozy café.