Kai Robert returns with Spilloppgjengen
Kai Robert Johansen tours the Midwest this Fall with “the performing gang” from Sarpsborg
Photo courtesy Leslee Lane Hoyum
Spilloppgjengen, a high-energy performance group founded in Sarpsborg, will accompany Kai Robert Johansen in his fall U.S. tour.
Leslee Lane Hoyum
Rockford, Minn.
One of the Upper Midwest’s favorite Norwegian entertainers is back, trumpeter and dear friend Kai Robert Johansen. This year’s annual autumn tour includes Spilloppgjengen, a high-energy performance group. The group was founded in 1986 at St. Olav High School in Sarpsborg. Johansen and Spilloppgjengen have worked together for 28 years and have collaborated on three CDs.
“With butterflies in their stomach,” says Kai Robert, “Spilloppgjengen is ecstatic with anticipation to travel ‘over dammen’ and visit Norwegian America.”
The “performing gang,” which is the English translation of Spilloppgjengen, has appeared on TV Norge, Norsk Rikskringskasting (NRK), local Østfold TV and at a variety of venues throughout Norway. “Each performance is a joy for the audience,” says Kai Robert. “I promise an unforgettable experience from these incredible entertainers.” The group will be accompanied by Odd Karlsen, music director.
“The Upper Midwest Norwegian-American community always has supported me and all the groups that have accompanied me,” said Kai Robert. “I know that the experiences for Spilloppgjengen will be no different, and everyone will arrive home with suitcases full of fond memories.”
Kai Robert has been performing for 44 years. He has appeared on radio and TV not only in Norway but throughout Europe and the United States and has released 57 albums, several of which have reached gold and platinum status. He also has written several musical tributes to the Norwegian royal family. Johansen also received several Norwegian cultural awards for his work both as a performer and composer.
Johansen is from Sarpsborg, Norway, which will celebrate its 1000th anniversary in 2016. It is the fifth largest urban area in Norway and is located just one hour southeast of Oslo.
Kai Robert’s 2014 Autumn Tour includes:
• Minneapolis, Minn.: Sept. 28, 11:00 a.m. at Mindekirken (Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church), 924 E 21st St, (612) 874-0716.
• Fargo, N.D.: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. at Kringen Lodge, Sons of Norway, 722 2nd Ave. No., (701) 232-9222. Free.
• Dalton, Minn.: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7:00 p.m. at Dalton Opera House, 109 Summit, (218) 589-8157. Free will offering.
• Alexandria, Minn.: Thursday, Oct. 2, 1:30 p.m. at Grand Arbor, 4403 Pioneer Rd. SE, (320) 763-1600. Free and the public is welcome.
In 2016, the City of Sarpsborg will be 1000 years old!
For more details, contact Leslee Lane Hoyum at leslee.sarping@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared in the Sept. 5, 2014 issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.
