The Sunshine Patrol

For the volunteers who work long days at the festival, it is very nice to have a little extra 'care'. Andrea and Evelyn Klabunde (aged 8 and 7 respectively) in the festival's Sunshine Patrol have taken this responsibility and have been constantly out on assignments.

"We hand out sweets and smile at people who work at the jazz", says Andrea. There were many who wanted it, she continues. Evelyn adds that she likes giving out sweets and that she would like to do this again next year. Mamma Hanne says that both girls were a little unsure of what it meant to work in the festival's Sunshine Patrol, but the feedback from the girls after the first 'work session' was a clear and unambiguous "it's fun to work". 

Andrea had a birthday during the festival week. "When I crossed the bridge, someone started singing a birthday song, suddenly many people were singing - including those who distribute food", says Andrea enthusiastically. Otherwise, the sisters think that the festival is nice and they are particularly satisfied with the concerts at Barnivalen. "Brillebjørn" was one of the favourites, but face painting and bouncy castles were also extra fun, says Evelyn. Andrea was a little more skeptical about this bouncy castle when we spoke to her, because a keen jumper had jumped on her foot and it hurt a bit. 

During the festival, they have also taken almost 100 photos which have been put together into a nice photo collage. "It turned out great", they all agree, and they also think there was a need for something to spruce up the inside of the office shared by the finance and sales department during the festival. 

When asked if they would like to be part of the Sunshine Patrol next year as well, the answer is a unanimous "YES!", and the two young girls have embarked on a hopefully long career for the Kongsberg Jazz Festival.

Text: Anna Moxnes / Photo: Morten Kolve