The pro rocker Petter and the penguin Arne!

Text: Irene/KJF     Photo: Thomas Hegna

From 1978 – 89, Petter was known as the frontman in the band Sage Malone. When he became a father, he gave up his life as an artist, but got involved in the technical side, which Kongsberg jazz festival has greatly enjoyed!

Petter came to the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in 1992 as a sound technician with the band Inside Out. The front man was Sebastian Christensen, who these days is highly topical with his participation in The Voice. Since 1993, Petter has been technically responsible for jazz.

With him to the Kongsberg Jazz Festival he brought the penguin Arne, who had a past as mascot and club symbol for the jazz club "The Penguin Club" in Oslo (1952 -1970). - It was a sweet, small jazz club founded and run by my uncle, Terje Kjær. Inge Norby, had technical responsibility at the club, he was my father, says Petter. 

Arne had a permanent place at the bar counter and was "patted" by everyone and everything from 1952. He has also seen international stars such as Louis Armstrong. Now he likes to be in places during the jazz where he gets the most attention. Among other things, he was on stage when Aurora played at Kirketorget.

- Arne is a little fascinated by her. Therefore he looked at her with extra interest. He thinks she's a bit weird, but very sweet, says Petter. He also enjoyed the awarding of the musician's prize to Hedvig Mollestad, very much and was very happy that so many nice photos were taken of him and Hedvig, says Petter with a laugh. Close-ups were also taken, where Hedvig pretends to kiss Arne. It is extra great now that Hedvig even won the Spellemannsprisen.

On the Sunday after the festival, a separate party is held for officials and here the "Arneprisen" is awarded. It is awarded to the official whom the highly subjective Arne thinks has excelled the most this year

At the Kongsberg festival it is warm, cozy and cosy. That is why I have continued to participate, says Petter. Now both he and Arne are both looking forward to a long-awaited full-scale festival where there will be claps, hugs and prizes will be handed out!

Photo: Odd Eirik Skjolde

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