GROUP LEADER FOR THE AUDIENCE HOSTS, ERIKA FONSDAL

"My first year as an official, I had one of my strongest concert experiences", says Erika.

The place was Energimølla, the year was 2008. It was the first year of official accreditation around the neck and Erika didn't know anyone. Wildbirds & Peacedrums were on stage. Only two people; vocals and percussion. “I was completely floored. That something so small could sound so violent".

Together with Mina Jønnum Grimnes, Erika is the leader of the audience hosts during the festival, it was this group that she chose when she signed up as an official in 2008.

Erika grew up in Oslo, but both parents are from Kongsberg. When she was younger, she often visited her grandmother Karin during jazz. The friends thought it was cool to come along to Kongsberg and experience the city in week 27. We hung around and experienced that the city was exciting, it wasn't necessarily the concerts that were the most important thing then.

As Erika grew older, it was no longer enough just to wander around and look at life in Kongsberg. She plays classical piano herself and her passion for music grew stronger and stronger. The concerts became important. The friends were interested, but all were young and had little money. The idea of ​​volunteering came up.

As a public host, the job consists, among other things, of organizing entry, ticket control, supervision of emergency exits and more.

"I myself have struggled with social anxiety, so it was not a given that such a social voluntary task would be something for me. But meeting the audience in that way, being present during the concerts - it gave me a great sense of mastery."

The most important quality as an audience host is to help give people safe and good experiences at our arenas. We give people jobs they are comfortable with. If you are unsure, join, says Erika.  

Click here to register as an official