Arts & Entertainment
ABBA will release new music for first time in decades
the four-piece Swedish outfit will embark on an avatar tour
ABBA (Photo via Instagram)
ABBA has announced they will release two new songs as part of an avatar project marking the first time the group has released new music since their split in 1983.
The Swedish group, which consisted of members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngsta, made the announcement to fans on Instagram.
“The decision to go ahead with the exciting ABBA avatar tour project had an unexpected consequence,” the statement reads. “We all felt that, after some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and go into the recording studio. So we did.”
“We may have come of age, but the song is new. And it feels good,” they added.
Their comeback will feature avatars of the band members performing in a tribute concert scheduled to be televised in the fall.
“It’s a kind of ABBA tribute show, but the centerpiece … will be something I call ‘Abbatars’. It is digital versions of ABBA, from 1979,” Ulvaeus told AFP. “It’s the first time it’s ever been done.”
Ulvaeus continued that the avatars will be recreated to look like younger versions of themselves from 1979 through video technology and lipsyncing.
The avatars are expected to embark on a world tour following the tribute show.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
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