Performance artist: A Grace Jones concert is a firework of music and performance art. On stage, she is known for her eccentric costumes, theatrical stage shows and magnetic presence. The photo is from a performance in Australia in 2018. Photo: Bruce Baker / Creative Commons 2.0

The big concert guide for Kongsberg Jazz Festival 2025

Jazz lover? Most ready for a folk festival? Kongsberg Jazz Festival has in many ways several festivals within the big festival. From intimate club concerts to large outdoor experiences, this large concert guide gives you an overview of this year's program. 

Our concert guide roughly sorts this year's bands and artists through several "trails" through this year's Kongsberg Jazz Festival program.

Kongsberg Jazz Festival is many things at once: Broad and narrow. International, national and local. There are concerts early and late, on large stages and small stages, and commissioned works and popular artists come together in a compact and atmospheric festival format. In other words: Every day is a party, with something for every taste.

Everyone has different music preferences, and no one has time to see and hear everything during the four-day festival anyway. That's why we've sorted this year's festival program into different categories, so that it may be easier to choose - or easier to find the good festival experiences. We've also created a guide to different festival passes and ticket types.

Below you will find an overview of most of what is on the poster in 2025. We have set up a selection of festival menus within different categories. If you click on a category, you can go directly to that section.

TOP-SHELF JAZZ
LIVING LEGENDS
ROCKA, FUNKY AND SOULFUL FROM JAZZENS NABOLAG
THE CREAM OF NORWEGIAN
SHORT TRIP: MADE IN KONGSBERG
THE YOUNG AND PROMISING
FOLK ENTERTAINMENTS
SPECIAL CHILD, MANY NAMES

Wednesday 2 July:  

inazuma  

Kongsberg Music Theatre, at 18:00.

When Maria Kannegaard unfortunately has to cancel, a new star team steps in and opens this year's festival with a bang. Inazuma, Japanese for lightning, is a new supergroup with some of Norway's most profiled jazz musicians: Nils Petter Molvær (trumpet), Ståle Storløkken and Anja Lauvdal (keyboards), Ole Morten Vågan (bass) and Thomas Strønen (drums). Together they interpret Kannegaard's compositions and present their own pieces in a force field of creativity, sound and improvisation. An explosive and distinctive start to this year's festival.

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Close Erase

Energy mill, at 20:30.

One of the most electric names from Norwegian jazz in the 2000s is back! With Kongsberg's own Christian Wallumrød on keyboards, bassist Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and Per Oddvar Johansen on drums, you just have to prepare for rhythmic punch, raw nerve and world-class trio interaction. The comeback in 2024 was red-hot – now they are coming "home".

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Thursday 3 July:  

Simin Tander – "The Wind"

The Silver Hall, at 17:30 PM.

Afghan-German vocalist Simin Tander is known for her expressive and spiritual musical universe. Together with Olav Torget's atmospheric baritone guitar and Sjur Miljeteig's poetic trumpet playing, she creates a beautiful and meditative soundscape where language, melodies and improvisation merge into a rare whole.

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Neset / Kleive / Eilertsen / Dale

Energy mill, at 19:00.

Four of the country's most expressive jazz musicians in one and the same quartet – and what a quartet it is! Saxophone comet Marius Neset leads the way in a tight, melodic and powerful collaboration with Eyolf Dale, Mats Eilertsen and Audun Kleive. This is jazz with big space and big personalities – a rare event on Norwegian soil.

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Friday, July 4:  

Henriette Eilertsen – "Just a Universe" (commissioned work)  

Energy mill, at 14:00.

Last year's winner of the DNB Musician Award, flutist Henriette Eilertsen, is an exciting performer in Norwegian improvisational music. In her commissioned work, she combines acoustic and electronic elements to explore the spatial dimensions of music, helped by, among others, Jon Balke on keyboards and Swedish Nils Berg on woodwinds.

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Daydream + Håkon Kornstad: The Music of Duke Ellington

Argus, at 16:00 PM.

When Håkon Kornstad joins forces with an all-star team consisting of Pat Thomas, Per Zanussi and Ståle Liavik Solberg, Ellington's timeless compositions are given new life, in a twisted and vital way. Here, classic jazz meets free improvisation in explosive musical conversations, where Ellington's spirit hovers over every phrasing and every air current. A tribute with both sting and imagination.

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Ellen Andrea Wang - Closeness  

Energy mill, at 19:00.

Bassist, vocalist and composer Ellen Andrea Wang blends modern jazz with pop and groove. Drawing inspiration from Charles Mingus and Joni Mitchell, she creates music that is both profound and captivating. 

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Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra  

Kongsberg Music Theatre, at 21:00.

A jazz big band that truly lives up to its name! Gard Nilssen brings together some of the foremost musicians in European jazz for a concert with explosive energy, big sounds and improvisational excess.

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Saturday 5 July:

Rohey Taalah & Martin Myhre Olsen

Private Bar, 16:00 PM.

There will be soul, jazz and a lovely atmosphere when the duo Rohey Taalah and Martin Myhre Olsen take over Privat Bar in an unconventional duo format! Songs from Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell and Laura Mvula in the repertoire in addition to well-known jazz standards. Backyard jazz at its best!

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In the Country, Solveig Slettahjell & Knut Reiersrud

Kongsberg church, at 23:00.

Poems from the Brontë sisters and Emily Dickinson meet newly written music in a rare, beautiful collaboration between Slettahjell, Reiersrud and In the Country – led by Kongsberg's own keyboard magician Morten Qvenild. Here, rich church sound is combined with low-key intensity and strong text delivery. A late-night concert with nerve, poetry – and lots of soul.

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Thursday 3 July:

Karin Krog & The In-Between-Times  

Kongsberg church, at 17:00.

Norway's great jazz legend Karin Krog has been a pioneering voice in the jazz world since the 60s. Together with The In-Between-Times, she explores the rich vocal traditions of jazz, with a mix of classics and newer compositions. A concert that suits Kongsberg Church perfectly.

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Friday, July 4:

Jan Erik Vold & John Pål Inderberg

Kongsberg church, at 19:00.

A living legend meets one of jazz's warmest saxophone voices. For half a century, Jan Erik Vold has connected poetry and jazz like no other, and together with John Pål Inderberg's characterful baritone, the words take on new life - wise, funny, sad and always with style.

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Saturday 5 July:

Grace Jones

Quarter, doors open at 18:00 PM.

A pop culture icon with an uncompromising stage personality! Grace Jones combines avant-garde aesthetics with funky beats and immortal songs like "Slave to the Rhythm" and "Pull Up to the Bumper". A unique artist who mustn't experienced live.

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Dave Douglas Quartet  

Energy mill, at 19:00.

Trumpeter Dave Douglas has one of the most impressive discographies in modern jazz. With his quartet format, he creates melodic and atmospheric jazz that combines tradition and innovation.

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John Scofield's Long Days Quartet  

Kongsberg Music Theatre, at 21:00.

Guitar icon John Scofield also visited Kongsberg last year, then in a duo with Dave Holland. Now he comes with a new quartet, playing groovy, bluesy and funky jazz, inspired by the long, bright days of summer and with a guitar tone that is always unmistakable.

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Thursday 3 July: 

Dirty Loops  

Kongsberg Music Theatre, at 20:00.   

Taking pop songs and turning them on their head with jazzy harmonies, funky rhythms and spectacular musicianship, the Swedish virtuosos of Dirty Loops broke through with their breakneck version of Justin Bieber's "Baby" and have since captivated audiences around the world.

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Hedvig Mollestad Trio  

Christians Kjeller, at 22:00.

When Hedvig Mollestad brings her guitar and trio, it becomes an uncompromising mix of jazz, prog and heavy rock. She is known for her explosive guitar playing, and the trio has established itself as one of Norway's most exciting live bands.

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Møster!

Energy mill, at 23:59.

Kjetil Møster is a powerhouse on the saxophone, and his band Møster! takes you on a journey through free jazz, psychedelic rock and electronic elements. A perfect choice for those who want to experience jazz with a punch.

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Friday, July 4: 

Aloe Blacc

Quarter, doors open at 18:00 PM.

Aloe Blacc sings like an old soul master, but writes songs that resonate with the present. Popular songs like "I Need a Dollar" and "Wake Me Up" combine warmth and nerve with full stage authority. At Kvarten it's danceable, genuine and straight from the heart.

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KNOWER

Energy mill, at 23:59.   

It's not easy to describe this Los Angeles duo. That's meant as a compliment. But what we can say is that their electronica/funk/pop hybrid quickly becomes an obsession. Angular and crackling one moment, overwhelmingly melodic the next – often at the same time.

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Saturday 5 July: 

Y-OTIS

Energy mill, at 13:00.

Otis Sandsjö is back at Kongsberg with his boundless liquid jazz – a mix of hip-hop beats, saxophone riffs and electronic collages. Together with Petter Eldh (who also plays with super drummer Gard Nilssen in various constellations), Dan Nicholls and Jamie Peet, he creates a sound journey that is funky, fragmented and full of surprises.

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Poesioasen: TIME – Steinar Raknes & Lars Saabye Christensen

Christians Cellar, at 15:00 PM.

When author icon Lars Saabye Christensen meets bassist and songwriter Steinar Raknes, a low-key and listening mix of poetry, roots, Americana and Norwegian song tradition emerges. With them they have a top-class band and a shared view of the great theme of time; reflective, musical and meaningful.

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Les Amazones d’Afrique   

Energy mill, at 23:59.

Perfect "after party" after Grace Jones at Kvarten: An African star team that combines traditional music with modern beats. It will be a funky and perfect end to this year's Kongsberg Jazz Festival!

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Friday, July 4:  

Sivert Høyem

Quarter, doors open at 18:00 PM.

The dark and powerful voice of Madrugada fills the outdoor stage Kvarten with its unique rock melancholy. With a catalogue full of classics, this will be one of the festival's great rock highlights.

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Real Ones  

Christians Kjeller, at 22:30.

Bergen band Real Ones is considered one of Norway's very best live bands regardless of genre, and for three decades has delivered its captivating and distinctive mix of folk and rock, known for its warm, organic-sounding songs and infectious live music.

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Saturday 5 July:

Fay Wildhagen

Quarter, doors open at 18:00 PM.

Fay Wildhagen has gone from being a breath of fresh air in Norwegian pop rock to becoming one of the country's most critically acclaimed songwriters and live artists. With her resonant guitars, big emotions and soaring melodies, she creates concerts that feel both intimate and epic. Now she's taking the step up to Kvarten - and it could soon be magical.

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CC Cowboys  

Old Norway, at 22:00.

There's almost no point in starting to list Magnus Grønneberg's almost endless series of hits and classics, because CC Cowboys is an institution in Norwegian rock. Old Norway will be filled with good vibes, broad-minded rock and a maximum of popular hits this evening.

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Wednesday 2 July:

Ulf Myrvold No Limits Project

Christians Kjeller at 21:00 PM.

When blues meets African traditional music, a unique evening of celebration is created. Ulf Myrvold, Mattis Kleppen and Eivind Kløverød bring years of experience to the stage. Together they create an explosive symbiosis of roots and innovation. Ibou Cissohko on kora and Andreas Hoem Røysum on clarinet and saxophone are guests.

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SEA: Skjelbred / Engen / Asmundsen Trio

Argus, at 22:00 PM.

With Kongsberg's own Tine Asmundsen on double bass, the SEA trio invites you on a genre-crossing journey through elegant compositions and spontaneous improvisation. The interplay between piano, bass and drums opens up both lyrical landscapes and rhythmic surprises, with elements from jazz, pop and classical music.

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Thursday 3 July:

Hot Club de Nieu & Viggo Venn + Martin Marki

Christian's basement, at 15:00 p.m.

Jazz and humor are almost as venerable a Norwegian tradition as jazz and poetry, especially for those who remember Harald Heide Steen Jr. Hot Club de Nieu springs from the humor/standup community at Soria Moria at Torshov in Oslo, here in a fierce and humorous improvisational collaboration with the world-famous Kongsberg comedian Viggo Venn and another short-lived comedian, Martin Marki. Fun!

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Reidun Ottersen Quartet

Argus, at 21:00 PM.

Reidun Ottersen combines warm lyrics in the Kongsberg dialect with a warm, genre-crossing soundscape where folk music, pop and improvisation blend together. She has a playful band with her, and together they invite you to a concert experience with presence and uniqueness. Music that touches the heart and awakens curiosity.

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Saturday 5 July:

Kongsberg Big Band & Kim Fairchild

Old Norway, at 12:00.

A festival morning at Gamle Norge is not complete without the Kongsberg Big Band – a long-standing tradition with full swing and swing on the steps. This year they are bringing soul queen Kim Fairchild, who adds extra glow. Here you will find infectious groove, jazz classics and local excess in beautiful harmony.

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Damer i Blues med gjester: Noora Noor og Kid Andersen

Old Norway, at 16:00 PM.

Kongsberg's own blues queen Rita Engedalen brings Margit Bakken and the Damer i blues project to Old Norway. A musical powerhouse that pays tribute to strong female voices in blues history, with a strong guest list including soul phenomenon Noora Noor and Norwegian-American blues guitarist Kid Andersen. Local roots and international flair.

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Wednesday 2 July:

Emma Steinbakken  

Old Norway, at 21:00.

The Jessheim artist has established herself in record time as one of Norway's strongest pop voices, with songs like "Not Gonna Cry" and "Stay With Me", not to mention strong cover versions of Hellbillies' "Eg gløymer deg aldri" and Bjørn Eidsvåg's "Floden", which have made her a favorite across generations. On Gamle Norge there is both vulnerability and a sing-along factor.

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Øyunn

Private Bar, 22:00 PM.

Drummer, vocalist, rapper and producer: Øyunn does it all, and she does it with style. The music is raw, honest and uncompromising, with vibes from hip hop, indie and alternative pop. Live she is both laidback and explosive. At the intimate Privat Bar this becomes close, intimate and unpredictable in the best way.

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Friday, July 4:

Sondre Moshagen Lightning Trio

The Silver Hall, at 17:30 p.m.

New energy from jazz's next generation! Lightning Trio, led by keyboard virtuoso Sondre Moshagen, was named Young Jazz Musicians of the Year 2024 and delivers jazz with punch, finesse and unusual presence. Surplus, nerve and high level, just the way we like it in Sølvsalen.

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Saturday 5 July:

Tuva Halse: Air Music feat. Håkon Kornstad (commissioned work)

The Silver Hall at 17:30 PM

Winner of last year's #huninvester scholarship, violin talent Tuva Halse, returns to Kongsberg with an airy, lyrical and playful commissioned work. Here, baroque and Nordic jazz, chorales and improvisation meet – with Håkon Kornstad himself as a guest on saxophone and vocals. This will be beautiful, unpredictable and full of breath and space.

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Sverre Sæbø Quintet + jam

Argus, at 22:00 PM.

With a fresh debut album and festival gigs around the country, Sverre Sæbø Quintet has established itself as a young band with a distinctive character. Here, freedom and melodic flair meet in an expression that draws inspiration from Don Cherry and Gato Barbieri, but with a distinct Nordic and modern imprint. After the concert, the stage opens for the annual festival jam.

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Thursday 3 July:  

Di Derre  

Old Norway, at 21:00.

Jo Nesbø's beloved band is back at Kongsberg, and there's guaranteed to be a party atmosphere in the backyard. With a bunch of classic hits, like "Jenter" and "Rumba med Gunn," they deliver feel-good pop with ringing guitars, warm reflections, and a solid dose of sing-alongs.

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Friday, July 4: 

Swing it

Old Norway, at 17:00.

Swing'it always throws a party when they bring 20s New Orleans back to Kongsberg – with Dixieland jazz and a twinkle in their eye. After a successful tour of Germany, the band is ready for the backyard at Gamle Norge, where there will be a charming show, energetic brass and dancing shoes on. A sparkling time travel to 1925!

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Staut  

Old Norway, at 22:30.

The folk rock favorites from Valdres give the audience an evening of energetic rhythms, fiddle, accordion and sing-along choruses. One of the country's most popular live bands in the genre.

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Saturday 5 July:  

Best Western Swing & Bjorn Tomren

Christians Kjeller, at 22:30 PM.

When fiddle swing meets throat singing and Bjørn Tomren is given free rein – then things happen. Best Western Swing offers driving Americana and rocking jazzgrass, and with Tomren's bottomless baritone and erratic nature on top, the stage is set for one of the most charming and unpredictable concerts at this year's festival.

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Thursday 3 July:

Pat Thomas & Kitchen Orchestra: Madad

Energy mill at 14:00 PM.

Anything can happen when Pat Thomas and the Kitchen Orchestra join forces! With Thomas' use of the ancient numerical alphabet ABJAD and the orchestra's playful experimentation, the boundaries of improvisation and interaction in the work are expanded HelpCould quickly become a highlight of this year's festival!

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Særingfest

Smeltehytta, at 19:00 p.m.

The Særingfest at Smeltehytta is a highlight for the adventurous – and this year's Thursday sets the standard high. One stage, four sets, zero compromise: Henriette EilertsenHåvard Wiik og Mark Sanders opens the evening with a starburst. The duo Food Manner (viola) and Hein Westgaard (guitar) dives deep into free structure and dissonance. The Lost Tangos - alias Guoste Tamulynaite and Jan Martin Gismervik - serve musical darkroom poetry. Eventually: Decoy, a British power trio that offers energy, ecstasy and pillow-filled free jazz in a trio format.

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Friday, July 4:

Axel Dörner solo

The Stone House, at 13:00 p.m.

German trumpeter Axel Dörner is a pioneer in experimental sound art. In his solo format, he takes the audience on an exploratory journey where the instrument's outer limits are challenged with extreme precision, silence and intensity. A meditative and uncompromising concert experience, raw and refined at the same time.

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Saturday 5 July:

Sulida + Axel Dörner

Argus, at 16:00 p.m.

Sulida is a new and uncompromising trio with roots in the Norwegian improvisation scene. Raw energy, searching interaction, poetic and unpredictable soundscapes. At Kongsberg they will be joined by the German avant-garde trumpeter Axel Dörner. A concert for those who are excited by music that is shaped in the moment, and only those present will know where it leads.

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Henriette Eilertsen solo – Poems for flute and friends

The Stone House, at 15:00 PM.

Henriette Eilertsen is one of the most prominent voices in recent Norwegian jazz, and winner of the DNB Musician Award in 2024. During this year's festival you can experience her three times, this solo concert concludes her Kongsberg Jazz residency this year. With fragile melody lines, processed soundscapes and free improvisation, she shows why she is considered the undisputed first flute of Norwegian jazz. Towards the end, a space opens up for more voices: "...and Friends". But who and how? You will only find out if you are there.

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