Arne Bendiksen’s Guitar – 100th Anniversary Celebration
The project “Arne Bendiksen’s Guitar” centres on Bendiksen’s old Levin guitar, inherited by guitarist Svein Erik Martinsen through Bendiksen’s son, Tore. The instrument was originally intended for an exhibition at Rockheim, but the wish was instead to keep the guitar alive – in active use – as a tribute to Arne Bendiksen’s lifelong love of jazz.
Since then, the guitar has been given a new life on stage and used by Martinsen in a variety of settings, including performances with Hilde Louise Asbjørnsen, The Milkmen and Prima Vista Social Club. The plan is that when the guitar is eventually no longer in active use, it will be passed on to another guitarist – allowing the instrument to be handed down from musician to musician.
To mark Arne Bendiksen’s 100th anniversary, a concert celebrating both Bendiksen the melody-maker and Bendiksen the jazz musician will be presented. Jazz interpretations of classics such as “Blå ballong”, “La meg være ung” and “Intet nytt under solen” will be performed alongside lesser-known gems such as “Hvem har sagt jeg savner deg”.
The concert also explores Bendiksen’s legacy in Norwegian musical life through his work as bassist with Rowland Greenberg, producer, record company executive and studio owner. Through these roles, Bendiksen contributed to a number of recordings now regarded as milestones in Norwegian jazz history.
Joining Martinsen on stage are two rising young jazz musicians who, together with him, form the trio Blues Almighty:
Håvard Ersland – Hammond organ
Magnus Sefaniassen Eide – drums
About Svein Erik Martinsen
Svein Erik Martinsen studied at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen and is an acclaimed and active jazz and blues guitarist and vocalist with extensive experience on the Nordic music scene. His musical style is broad-ranging, with a particular fondness for swing- and blues-based jazz, combining strong musicianship with a compelling stage presence.
This promises to be a warm, personal and swinging celebration of one of the most important figures in Norwegian musical life – and of a guitar that continues to connect generations of musicians.
Practical information
Doors open at 12.30 pm, with Violeta’s pizza available for purchase.
Transport from Ogna station
Ogna Scene is approximately a 15-minute walk from Ogna station. A free shuttle service is available for concertgoers arriving by train.
Train from Stavanger: pick-up at Ogna station at approximately 12.50 pm.
Train from Egersund: pick-up at Ogna station at approximately 12.36 pm.
Shuttle transport back to Ogna station is also available after the concert.
There is one shuttle vehicle. During busy periods, waiting times may be 5–10 minutes.
