The Goethe Institute held D.C.’s first Eurovision show this weekend, simultaneously broadcasting the annual song competition held this year in Dusseldorf, Germany with a performance party right here in America’s culture capital.  Joining with groups from the Embassies of Greece, Italy,  Finland, France, England and Austria – and inviting K Street Kate‘s Kate Michael and Europolitics‘ Brian Beary to emcee – the Institute offered traditional German fare and a lively audience of close to 300 to cheer for their favorite original songs.


The annual Eurovision competition, one of the most-watched non-sporting events in the world, was inspired by the Sanremo Music Festival held each year in Italy, and has become the longest running international song contest, now transmitted simultaneously to all countries of the European Union. More than 40 countries participated, with 25 selected for the final round.

Unofficial voting at the Institute showed Ireland winning the competition with their lively performance by Jedward, yet Azerbaijan, a relative newcomer to the competition in only its 5th year performance, actually won 2011’s Eurovision for the very first time with a duet from Ell/Niki.

Spotted & Snapped: See more pictures from DC’s Eurovision performance party here!

The Goethe Institute held D.C.’s first Eurovision show this weekend, simultaneously broadcasting the annual song competition held this year in Dusseldorf, Germany with a performance party right here in America’s culture capital.  Joining with groups from the Embassies of Greece, Italy,  Finland, France, England and Austria – and inviting K Street Kate‘s Kate Michael and Europolitics‘ Brian Beary to emcee – the Institute offered traditional German fare and a lively audience of close to 300 to cheer for their favorite original songs.


The annual Eurovision competition, one of the most-watched non-sporting events in the world, was inspired by the Sanremo Music Festival held each year in Italy, and has become the longest running international song contest, now transmitted simultaneously to all countries of the European Union. More than 40 countries participated, with 25 selected for the final round.

Unofficial voting at the Institute showed Ireland winning the competition with their lively performance by Jedward, yet Azerbaijan, a relative newcomer to the competition in only its 5th year performance, actually won 2011’s Eurovision for the very first time with a duet from Ell/Niki.

Spotted & Snapped: See more pictures from DC’s Eurovision performance party here!