On the eve of his hometown’s 1,000th Anniversary, Kai Robert returns to the Midwest

September 23, 2015

Photo courtesy of Kai Robert Johansen
Kai Robert Johansen once again brings his trumpet to the Midwest for a limited engagement tour. The 60-year-old performer says he’s ready to give the best performances of his long career.

Leslee Lane Hoyum
Rockford, Minn.

On the eve of his hometown of Sarpsborg’s 1,000th anniversary, Norwegian trumpeter extraordinaire Kai Robert Johansen is back. This year he has limited engagements, so don’t miss out!

“This is such a great year,” said Johansen. “This is my eleventh year touring the Midwest and I never grow tired of it. From the Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa, to all the marvelous people I have met throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, I feel nothing but love and I thank you.

“In August I turned 60 and I can tell you that I feel in better shape than ever, so I am ready to give the best performances of my life.”

Johansen has been performing for 45 years. He has appeared on radio and not only in Norway but throughout Europe and the United States. He has released 58 albums, several of which reached gold and platinum record status, and he has written several musical tributes to honor the Norwegian royal family. He has also received several Norwegian cultural awards for his work as not only a musician, but as a composer.

Many concertgoers will remember his beautiful daughter, Camilla, who was accepted by and is now attending the University of California at Berkley in chemical engineering. Who knows, there may be a concert tour to the Bay Area in the near future?
Sarpsborg, Norway, turns 1,000 years old in 2016 and its highlight celebration will be held the last weekend of July during Olsok. It is the fifth-largest urban area in Norway and is located just one hour southeast of Oslo.

Tour dates:
Sept. 27, 11:00 a.m.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Mindekirken, 924 E 21st St
At the opening of the Leiv Eriksson International Festival.
More info: (612) 874-0716

Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Fargo, N.D.
Kringen Lodge, 722 2nd Ave N.
Free. Join a dinner from 5:00-6:30 p.m. for $11. With the Rennebu Community Choir from South Trondelag.
More info: (701) 232-9222

Sept. 30, 8:00 p.m.
Thief River Falls, Minn.
Northland Community & Technical College Auditorium, 1101 Hwy #1 E
Free will offering.
More info: (218) 681-2116

This article originally appeared in the Sept. 25, 2015, issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.