Bergen Fest this year was four days with a great mix of artists and musical styles. just like their recipe has been for many years. I have had the great pleasure of seeing old favorites, new bands, indie bands, pop, hip hop, soul and Americana, all in four days. This year was no difference, with an eclectic mix of styles and new and old. (Photo above: Patti Smith)
The last day at Øyafestivalen starts early, and the last band stops at 11 PM, which means ten hours of music from six stages. Twenty eight bands and artists plus book talks and artist interviews. And after the last act has finished, the party continues at clubs in Oslo, like the other three nights. With the club day Tuesday before the festival venue opens, much more than a hundred bands and artists have presented themselves for their fans. (Photo above: Patti Smith)
The first day at this year’s Bergen Fest had Patti Smith as the headliner. Before her, the Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit played. The opening act was supposed to be Sam Smith, but when he canceled, Grace Jones came in, making the main stage on the opening day all female. Many festivals have been criticized for having to few female artists, and their argument is often that there aren’t enough good female artists. They shouldn’t worry – Bergen Fest showed us yesterday that this is no problem. (Picture above: Patti Smith) Continue reading
Tomorrow the festival Norwegian Wood in Oslo starts, going on for four days. The headliners are Bryan Ferry, Tom Pety, Kaizers Orchestra and Sting. Other artists are Lenny Krawitz, Laleh, Lars Winnerbäck, James Morrison and The Gaslight Anthem. I will post pictures from the festival during the next days. But here are pictures from some of the acts from last year. The picture on top here is of Patti Smith.
Artist Pictures Blog 