The Fall Season: Kicked Off with a Bang!
The 2026 fall season is officially underway and it kicked off with a bang!
At Club Gustav, we opened the season with Bourbon Street Parade - Felix Peikli & Friends feat. Tracee Meyn (USA), bringing the spirit of New Orleans straight to Oslo. Joined by American vocalist Tracee Meyn and a group of energetic second line dancers, Felix Peikli & Friends turned Club Gustav into a celebration of the music, rhythm and culture of New Orleans.
With the band moving through the repertoire and second line dancers bringing the audience into the action, the evening captured something central to the jazz tradition: music as a shared experience, not simply something happening on stage.
A New Jazz Home in Bjørvika
At the same time, a brand-new chapter began in Oslo's jazz scene with the premiere of Jazz at Levant Oslo.
Located in Bjørvika, just steps from the Oslo Opera House, Levant Oslo is a new venue concept inspired by the great jazz lounges of sophisticated metropols. The opening weekend featured the house orchestra with Nikolai Hansli & Guests, bringing together some of Norway's finest jazz musicians with an international guest appearance.
Among the musicians joining the band was trombonist Anders Evju, while the weekend also featured a very special guest from New York: Benny Benack III on vocals and trumpet.
Known for his distinctive combination of trumpet playing and vocals, Benny Benack III brought a genuine New York jazz club energy to the opening weekend and helped set the tone for what Jazz at Levant Oslo aims to become: a place where Norwegian and international musicians meet, collaborate and create something unique on stage.
A Five-Year Celebration in Ski
The fall also marked a major milestone for Lørdagsjazz på Rådhusteatret in Ski, curated by drummer Frederik Villmow, which celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special jubilee concert.
For the occasion, Villmow was joined by Jerry Lu on piano and Eskild Okkenhaug on bass, with guest artists Felix Peikli on clarinet, Majken Christiansen on vocals, and Benny Benack III on vocals and trumpet.
The anniversary concert brought together an impressive mix of Norwegian and international talent, celebrating five years of regular jazz programming and the important role Lørdagsjazz has played in bringing live jazz to audiences in Ski.
From New Orleans to New York
The opening of the fall season is a good reflection of what we want Jazz Music Norway's programming to represent.
From the traditional sounds and street culture of New Orleans to the sophisticated, energetic club sound of New York, jazz continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its roots.
With Club Gustav continuing its weekly programming and Jazz at Levant Oslo now joining our growing portfolio of jazz venues and concert series, the months ahead will bring even more international guests, Norwegian artists and unique collaborations to audiences across Oslo.
The fall season has only just begun!
