Hanne Boel Concert

Scandinavian recording artist Hanne Boel played a benefit concert at the NATO-base's Naples Community Conference Center in September. Here is an article published on the event:

Hanne Boel rocks the NCCC

Scandinavian Recording Artist, and current Naples resident, Hanne Boel and her band, performed at the Naples Community Conference Center (NCCC) on JFC Compound Thursday, 6 September 2007. Proceeds of the event, approximately 2000.00 Euro, benefited the charity BIANCO/NERO Daycare for Children in Castel Volturno.

The crowd of approximately 225, who each paid 10 euro to relive their favourites from the 1980’s and 90’s enthusiastically received Ms Boel as she sang through two sets of her hits, recent work and some favourites from other performers.

Colonel Fleming Larsen, Danish Army, Joint Operations Support Branch Chief, J3 Division, welcomed the crowd and commented that such charity performances, hopefully, will be repeated in the future.

Known as the “Scandinavian Queen of Soul”, Ms Boel enjoyed great success in her native Denmark as well as Sweden, Norway and Iceland in the 1980’s and 1990s, with her smoky, bluesy voice is reminiscent of Janis Joplin. She now lives in the Naples area with her musician-husband and children, but has recently released a new CD of original music. Titled “Private Eyes”, Hanne’s CD is climbing the charts, and her music is being introduced to a new generation of fans, as well as those who have enjoyed her soulful melodies for decades.

Ms Boel and her band performed for free on Thursday night, so that 100% of the proceeds could go to charity. MWA sponsored the event, and provided support for sound and light, instrument rental and transportation. The NCCC was arranged for by the Scandinavian Community, primarily spouses, and the manager of the NCCC. The recipient of the charitable contribution was decided upon in cooperation with the Allied Spouses Club at JFC Headquarters, Naples.

Story and Pictures Copyright (C) 2007 Todd Mercer

We enjoyed a really great concert. I wasn't familiar with her music, but of course my better half was more than familiar....she is a fan from way back. Regardless of my familiarity, I quickly got into the music, and really enjoyed the two sets she and her band performed.

A bug's life

Last month, there was an annual bazaar held at the NATO base here. Many European vendors were present, as well as national emissaries, all selling wares or showing what their country had to offer. Sometimes both.

One table was shared by three local photographers. All had very interesting, and different, areas of expertise.

One is John Kimbler. He has developed over time the ability to take some really amazing photos of some local inhabitants... insects. He showed some of his work, like these pictures:




We were so enthralled by one picture, that we've purchased it to be printed on canvas and stretched like a museum-quality painting. We can't wait to receive it next week!


You can take a look at his blog at: http://www.no-cropping-zone.com/ or go to http://www.dalantech.smugmug.com/ to purchase some prints for yourself.


John, like the other photogs we met at the bazaar have day jobs with the US or NATO military here, and do their photographic passion on the side. And thank God they do, for without it, we would miss out on some truly interesting vision.

Activated!

Ok, we are going to try to populate this blog with pictures, events and stories from the US 09620 zip code. Check it out, and one finds this is the zip code for the Fleet Post Office supporting US Forces in Naples, Italy. So, there in a nutshell, is what you will find here.

Enjoy!