MANSFIELD — Grab your best floral outfit and turn up the jazz — a worldwide celebration of beauty, whimsy and romance is coming.
Mansfield will be one of 75 cities across the world to host A Very Laufey Day on Aug. 23.
A Very Laufey Day is an annual event created by Laufey, an Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of jazz, classical and pop music.
Art galleries across the globe applied to host A Very Laufey Day, according to Jennifer Beavis of the Mansfield Art Center.
“Each year, Laufey chooses a focus for ‘A Very Laufey Day’ that helps connect her fans to new places and ideas. Last year it was libraries and bookstores, and this year she wanted to invite her fanbase to art museums,” Beavis said.
“To my knowledge there hasn’t been an Ohio location in the past, and the closest participating city was Pittsburgh.”
Beavis said she’s not sure how much of an impact the event could have on tourism, but Mansfield will likely receive out-of-town visitors.
“I have friends that drove their daughter to the Pittsburgh event last year, and I can’t wait to tell them that it’s going to be here in Mansfield,” she said. “We really have no way of knowing how many ‘Lauvers’ will head our way!”
Specially-curated itinerary invites Laufey fans to shop, sip and more
The day will feature a suggested, specially-curated itinerary that emphasizes supporting small businesses and the arts.
The fun begins at the Mansfield Art Center, where guests will be able to browse MAC’s latest exhibit, Anthesis, a garden-inspired exploration of beauty at every life stage.
The museum will have exclusive Laufey Day merch on sale, as well as matcha and macaroons. The first 200 student guests (elementary through college) will receive a free MAC membership and a token to ride the Richland Carrousel.
Kingwood Center Gardens will offer free admission for anyone with a Laufey wristband (available for free at the MAC) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other suggested stops include Blackbird Records, the 101 Tea Company and Richland Carrousel Park, which will be playing the singer’s music over the speakers.
The Renaissance Theatre will host a free film screening of Laufey’s A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl concert at 5 p.m. Viewers will be required to reserve seats in advance.
Who is Laufey?
Many commentators have credited Laufey with introducing a new generation to traditional pop music by pairing original, modern lyrics with a nostalgic feel.
Her two most recent albums, Bewitched and A Matter of Time, each earned a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album — making her the youngest performer ever to earn two Grammys in that category.
A Matter of Time debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200.
Her dedicated fanbase, nicknamed Lauvers, often show up to concerts dressed in her signature style — a cross between vintage, preppy and feminine clothing, complete with a hair ribbon.
“If you don’t already love Laufey’s music, now is a great time to get to know this two-time Grammy Award winning artist,” Beavis said. “She plays multiple classical instruments and is an incredibly elegant performer in both her vocals and her stage presence.”
