Norsk Bluesunion Opens Applications for Young Artist Grant 2026
 Norsk Bluesunion (NBU) is now accepting applications for its Young Artist Grant 2026, offering a valuable career boost for emerging blues musicians in Norway. The grant is aimed at a young solo artist or band that shows both commitment and a clear desire to grow, and it will be awarded during the Notodden Blues Festival. The initiative is designed to support young performers who work within blues or blues-related music, while also helping open doors into the wider Norwegian blues community. What the recipient will receive The artist or band selected for the NBU Young Artist Grant 2026 will receive: NOK 30,000 for the production or promotion of their own music Live performances organized and promoted by Norsk Bluesunion One recording day at Juke Joint Studios in Notodden A suitable musical mentor for pre-production Guidance in developing a press kit Mentoring in navigating the music industry Taken together, the package offers more than financial support. It is structured as a practical development opportunity, combining funding, visibility, mentoring, and professional guidance. Who can apply Applicants must: be based in Norway consider blues a relevant genre for themselves and their music apply either as an individual artist or as a band Norsk Bluesunion notes that the grant is intended to motivate the recipient, increase visibility in the blues environment, and serve as a gateway into the Norwegian blues scene. While the opportunity is open more broadly, NBU says it especially encourages applicants under the age of 26 to apply. What to include in the application Applications must be submitted by email and should include: a short biography including full name, age, place of residence, and whether the applicant is in school or similar education/training a photo which must be usable in NBU’s channels if the grant is awarded a short motivation letter explaining how receiving the grant would help the artist or band and how the grant money would be used two audio clips in .mp3 or .wav format that reflect the project as clearly as possible Studio-quality recordings are not required, but the material should make it possible for the jury to hear the songs and the artist’s musical identity clearly. Applicants are also encouraged to include links to relevant social media or media coverage, if available. Important deadline Applications must be sent to: post@norskbluesunion.no Deadline: 15 May 2026 NBU also notes that the grant can only be awarded to the same recipient once. A door-opener for the next generation The applications will be evaluated by a jury assembled by Norsk Bluesunion, made up of key figures from the Norwegian blues field. The grant is clearly positioned not only as a financial award, but as a launching platform for young blues talent. For aspiring artists looking to strengthen their profile, record new material, and build real connections in the blues world, this could be a meaningful opportunity to take the next step. Please contact NBU for more details.
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
