Kongsberg celebrates 60th jazz festival alongside city’s 400th anniversary in Norway

Since 1964, Kongsberg has hosted an annual jazz festival that has become a cornerstone of both Norwegian cultural life and the international jazz scene, according to festival director Ragnhild Menes. This summer, the Kongsberg Jazz Festival celebrated its 60th anniversary alongside the city’s 400th anniversary, which is being commemorated throughout the year.

The festival featured numerous artists in July, including Carola, while the audience record was set in 2018, aided by performances from pop icons A-ha and Sting.

Menes emphasized that the festival’s six-decade history encompasses not just music but also an invaluable collection of graphic design that is unmatched in Norway. Posters from each year since 1964 have become collectible items. “Each poster reflects its contemporary visual expression and graphic style, and many possess iconic qualities that have made them sought after by Kongsberg residents and jazz enthusiasts alike,” said Menes. The festival’s posters are showcased in the exhibition titled “Kongsberg Jazz 1964 – 2024: A Design History” at Grafill’s house in Oslo.

The exhibition also features recently digitized recordings of legendary concerts from the festival’s past, marking the first public playback of these recordings in years. Additionally, a selection of films and photographs chronicling the past 60 years will be displayed. Curated and produced by Smuss Studio, the exhibition runs from Friday, October 18, to Sunday, November 24, with support from the industry organization Grafill.