Kari Svendsen has always been there. Banjo-Kari. Oslo-Kari. Ballad-Kari.

She helped establish the Josefine Visescene in 1995, and her tireless efforts for Oslo's ballads and ballad singing in general earned her the St. Hallvard Medal in 2011.
Kari made her recording debut in 1967 with The Young Norwegians before joining Øystein Sunde’s Christiania Fusel & Blaagress. Throughout the 1970s, she contributed to numerous albums, collaborating with artists like Jan Eggum, Knutsen & Ludvigsen, Lillebjørn Nilsen, Erik Bye, Åge Samuelsen, and Vandrerne. Notably, she was part of the legendary På Stengrunn project in 1973, featuring the poetry of Rudolf Nilsen, before eventually releasing albums under her own name.

Now, at the age of 74, Kari has never sung better, played the banjo more skillfully, or had more stories to share. That’s why the past year has been dedicated to recording an entirely new album.

"Kari Svendsen Special!" is Kari’s first album since 1991(!), produced and arranged by Rolf-Erik Nystrøm. It’s both a revitalization and optimization of Kari’s artistic expression as well as a summary of her career. Fittingly, the album concludes with “God Natt Oslo”, a duet with her former husband and best friend, Lillebjørn Nilsen, recorded shortly before his passing.

This is Kari as we know her: energetic, humorous, beautiful, raw, and revealing. Under Nystrøm’s direction, the album also incorporates elements of jazz, classical music, Asian and Middle Eastern folk music, rock, avant-garde, swing, and, of course, bluegrass—all to make the songs truly come into their own.

After 33 years, a new album is finally here, and it will be celebrated with two richly packed release concerts—right here at Riksscenen! Just like on the album, Kari will be joined on stage by some of the country’s absolute best musicians, including Knut Reiersrud, Rolf-Erik Nystrøm, Håkon Thelin, and Frode Haltli (Poing).

Welcome to a landmark day in Norwegian ballad history.

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Doors open at 12.45pm with Violetas pizza on sale.

ARE YOU COMING BY TRAIN?

It's not a long walk from Ogna station to Ogna Scene (15 min) but with Ogna Scene's Shuttle bus service, they pick up and drop off their fantastic audience members who are going to Ogna Scene at Ogna train station completely free of charge.

They arrange it so that those who take the train from Stavanger will be picked up at 12.50 (approx.). From Egersund 13.36 (approx.).

They will also bring you to the station after the concert.

Ogna Scene wants to make it easy and comfortable for you.

NB. They only have one car... If there are many people to be driven, there may be a 5-10 minute wait.