ReykjavÃk Blues Jam 2026 Filled Cadillac Club with Soul, Power and Pure Live Energy
The ReykjavÃk Blues Jam 2026 at the Cadillac Club in Suðavogur became exactly what a great blues jam should be — a full house, a hot room, and three straight hours of powerful live music. As part of the wider build-up around the ReykjavÃk Blues Festival 2026, the jam delivered an explosive night where a wide range of artists stepped up, shared the stage, blended styles, and simply had fun together in the true spirit of the blues. Among those joining the night was Trent Page, adding to a lineup and flow that kept the energy high from start to finish. The venue itself — Cadillac Club, Suðavogur — was absolutely jam-packed, creating the kind of close, electric atmosphere where every riff, groove and vocal line landed with force. What made the evening special was not only the quality of the playing, but the sense of community: musicians listening, responding, trading energy, and building something alive together in the moment. Far from being just a side event, this jam proved to be a powerful and memorable addition to the main festival program at Hotel Nordica on 1 and 2 April 2026. It gave the ReykjavÃk blues scene a living, breathing center point — raw, welcoming, and bursting with musical fire. See the attached photos and videos to catch a glimpse of the atmosphere, the crowd, and the amazing jam that lit up the night.
A Strong Opening Day for ReykjavÃk Blues Festival 2026
The launch concert for ReykjavÃk Blues Festival 2026 set exactly the right tone at the Krúser Club in ReykjavÃk — a venue with real character, dedicated to classic American cars and filled with vintage memorabilia that gave the evening its own special atmosphere. The festival was officially opened by Guðmundur Pétursson, the artistic director of the festival, who welcomed the audience and launched the days ahead from this fittingly soulful location. The music followed with strength and variety. Mõhalla Music Company (MMC), E Major, The Singletons, and Trenton Page Band delivered a rich blend of blues in different flavors, moods, and energies — from deep groove to driving rhythm and strong stage presence. Together, the bands created a warm, vibrant opening that felt both like a celebration and the perfect warm-up for what is still to come. EXTRA: All of The Singletons performances this day are available here to enjoy. Next up is the Blues Jam Session on March 31, where everyone is welcome to join in and bring their instruments — a living part of ReykjavÃk’s regular monthly blues culture. Then the festival moves into its main program on April 1 and 2 at Hilton ReykjavÃk Nordica, with both nights packed with outstanding artists and a full schedule of live music. More festival details can be found here: ReykjavÃk Blues Festival 2026 on BluesPress Tickets are still available, but while the Hilton offers plenty of space, the festival continues to attract strong interest year after year — so waiting too long may not be wise. The last years have been amazing. This year is already off to a beautiful start. Do not miss it.
Bjørn Berge live in Horten
 Performed at Artilleriverkstedet, Horten, on 21 March 2026. One man. One chair. No amp. Everything running direct into the mixer — and yet the room felt full, alive, and completely under his control. Finger picks, a specially tuned guitar, stomp box, loop, and a raw voice with just enough rasp to remind you this is the real thing. The tone shifted — reverb, texture, depth — all seemingly at his fingertips. The beats were deep and pulling. You felt them in your body, not just your ears. It’s hard to explain exactly what happens when Berge plays. Something ancient gets activated. For one listener in the room, it sent them straight back to the 1970s — not to any specific concert, but to a feeling. The kind of feeling you get wandering between sets at a festival, when the music is still in the air and the night is wide open. That’s the power of a player who has spent decades refining something truly his own. Bjørn Berge was born in Sveio, Norway in 1968. He has released ten studio albums, won the Spellemannprisen — Norway’s equivalent of the Grammy — twice (2001 and 2002), and has performed at major festivals across Europe. He is widely regarded as one of Norway’s finest live performers, known for his mastery of the acoustic guitar, his use of metal finger picks, and a playing style that moves freely between blues, roots rock, and folk — always with the blues at its core. The venue — Artilleriverkstedet in Horten — proved a perfect setting. An enthusiastic audience, excellent service, and an intimate atmosphere that let Berge’s performance breathe and land exactly as it should. Raw guitarist. Raw experience. Nothing more needed. Video by Trygve Lange-Nielsen
The Heart of Notodden: Community and Artists Unite for Powerful 2026 Support Concert
There is a unique frequency that vibrates through the streets of Notodden—a rhythm born from resilience and a deep, shared love for the blues. This spirit was on full display recently as the community, local venues like Bellman Kulturpub, and a wave of dedicated artists came together for a massive support concert to ensure the future of Notodden Blues Festival 2026. It wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a masterclass in what happens when a town and its musicians decide that their cultural heartbeat is too precious to let fade. A town that plays together, stays together The initiative, spearheaded by the Bellman Kulturpub and supported by “many good forces in the environment,” has sent a clear message to the festival board and the world: Notodden stands behind its blues. In a heartfelt response, the festival board noted that this outpouring of support shows a “real love” for the festival that they do not take for granted. This collective action is a testament to the precious spirit within the blues community, where the music isn’t just a performance—it’s a bond that connects every family in the city. Artists giving back to the “Europe’s Memphis” For decades, Notodden has been a launchpad for Norwegian blues talent and a home-away-from-home for international legends. Now, those same artists are stepping up to give back. The support concert highlights a beautiful cycle of reciprocity: Artist Unity: Musicians are coming together not for a paycheck, but to protect the stage that has nurtured so many careers. The “Notodden Way”: The festival was born out of a desire to lift the town’s spirit during tough times in the 1980s. Today, that same “can-do” attitude is what’s driving the momentum toward 2026. Volunteer Power: The festival has always relied on the hands of 450+ volunteers, and that volunteer spirit is currently fueling these grassroots support efforts. The event was organized as a benefit evening to support the festival during a challenging period. By donating their time and talent, the artists sent a clear message: the blues is the soul of Notodden, and it belongs to the people. Festival leadership described the night as a “demonstration of power,” expressing deep gratitude for the artists who turned a fundraising effort into the most significant musical gathering of 2026. Who Took the Stage: A Lineup of Legends The evening featured an incredible “on-a-roll” program where the audience experienced the depth of Notodden’s musical heritage on a single ticket. The lineup included: Notodden Blues Band Damer i Blues (Women in Blues): Featuring Rita Engedalen, Margit Bakken & Espen Liland Spoonful of Blues Terry Lehns Oddbjørn Holla Norske Menn i Hus og Hytte Trym Deal Guy Collins & The Groove Machine Looking forward: a sustainable, soulful 2026 Beyond the performances, the night served as the official program launch for the 2026 festival. Attendees were the first to hear the plans and artist reveals for the upcoming summer, bridging the gap between the festival’s storied past and its sustainable future. As noted by American Blues Scene, this level of community backing is what has allowed Notodden to thrive since 1988, proving once again that the “Notodden Spirit” is a force of nature. Why this matters for the global blues scene When a town like Notodden rallies, the world watches. Often called “Europe’s answer to Memphis,” Notodden is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the industrial past meets a musical future. The success of this support concert proves that the “Notodden Spirit” is alive and well. It’s an inspiring reminder that the blues community is more than just a group of fans—it’s a family that shows up for one another when it counts. Sources & Further Reading Notodden Blues Festival 2026: Upcoming event Community Response & Board Statement: Telen The History of Notodden’s Resilience: American Blues Scene
