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 Heavy basement stuff |
Slemdalsvn. 7 Oslo 0369 Norway +47 22 85 6372 http://www.betong.as |
Betong is located in the basement of Chateau Neuf, a five-floor building owned by the students at Oslo University. The building itself is worth a tour, with all its hidden bars and concert areas(where Betong offers larger concerts and gigs). These give you the freedom to move around in the building and get a taste of everything that's going on. Betong, meaning concrete in Norwegian, is exactly what you get. Dark concrete walls, sparse lighting and a bit of that, "after-the-bomb" feel. They often stage high-quality DJs and bands, including some unknown, up-and-coming-ones. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Music and politics |
Pilestredet 30 Oslo 0164 Norway |
The Blitz building was occupied by left-wing youth in 1981, and is still a centre for alternative, left-wing activity in Oslo. Famous painter Edvard Munch lived in this building for a couple of years, and it is easily recognisable by the black-and-white mural of the Scream that covers the south wall. Today, most people have learned to accept Blitz's existence in the city. Blitz usually offers one or two concerts a week, covering everything that is considered part of the underground music movement. Try the waffles in the café, they are homemade, and the best you can get in the way of traditional Norwegian waffles anywhere. The café also serves vegetarian dishes at very reasonable prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: haley m |
 Photo: Tuva Langfeldt |
 Photo: chelsea strate |
 Photo: Reetta Asikainen |
 Lively and international |
Møllergata 26 Oslo 0179 Norway +47 22 11 3308 http://www.cosmopolite.no |
By many considered to be the most exciting concert stage in Oslo. It is run by the North-African Miloud Guiderk, who has put his heart and soul into making a stage for ethnic, native and international artists, ranging from the Lapps in Northern Scandinavia to African, Asian and American music. All are certainly off the beaten track. But you will also find jazz, funk and folk music, tango and southern European inspirations. The best tip is to check the papers. The guests and the audience vary with the music being staged, but the atmosphere is always friendly and warm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ketil Blom |
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The Norwegian Opera |
Storgaten 23 Postboks 8800 Youngstorget Oslo 0028 Norway +47 23 31 5000 http://www.wit.no/norskopera/ |
For some reason that foreigners will probably find rather odd, there has been a huge debate over where to build the new Opera House in Oslo. In the meantime, opera, ballet and concerts are performed at the "old" Opera House by Youngstorget square. There is often a free information session about the piece that is to be performed one hour before the performance, but do check about this in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mariamia Borja |
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Reggae and Afro rhythms |
Peder Claussøns gate 4 Oslo 0165 Norway +47 22 36 1979 |
Exodus concert venue is one of the best places to go to hear reggae and Afro-style music. The place is frequented by the young coloured population of Oslo. Even though the interior may seem a little too glossy, lots of good concerts are held here. If you are into this kind of music, Exodus is definitely worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rock and blues |
Grensen 1 Oslo 0159 Norway +47 2335 6379 |
Gamla is home to the Oslo Rockabilly Festival, and that very much sets the tone of the place. It is old, it is dark and it is full of life. If you want to escape urban trends and pretentious nightspots, Gamla is where you will find people just like yourself. It is located under the same roof as Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri, and apart from beer, the kitchen also serves lighter meals and dinner. There is usually live music on weekends and some weekdays, mainly roots, rock and blues. Most of the guests share an interest in rockabilly and blues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Elegant cultural venue |
Grev Wedels plass 2 Oslo 0151 Norway +47 22 33 4470 http://www.logen.no |
Built in 1836 by Count Wedel Jarlsberg to become the regular hangout of well-known nineteenth-century Norwegian artists (such as Henrik Ibsen, Henrik Wergeland and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson), Gamle Logen is Oslo's oldest and most traditional cultural establishment. It serves as a concert venue, banquet hall and conference centre, for both public and private events. These include traditional café concerts which are held every Saturday at 1p (the café opens at noon). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Some garage this |
Grensen 9 Oslo 0159 Norway +47 (0)2 242 3744 http://www.garageoslo.no/ |
Doors of the Garage Oslo basement open at 9p for all rock thirsty fans...head banging concerts await you. This popular nightclub is located just a stone's throw away from the Muddy Waters bar. Witness Oslo's nightlife by losing yourself among these party animals, who come in hordes. They begin serving drinks in the bar earlier in the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Heavy metal mania |
Torggaten 16 (Rockefeller Music Hall) Oslo 0181 Norway +47 22 83 0050 http://www.infernofestival.net |
Described by the organisers as "the greatest gathering of Norwegian heavy metal bands in Norway.... ever!," the annual Inferno Festival features some 20 bands thrashing away on two stages for two nights in Oslo's Rockerfeller Music Hall. Norway's biggest metal festival attracts thousands of headbangers from all over Europe, the sight of which should be enough to strike fear into the hearts of any weak-nerved local residents. Past events have included the talents of Behemoth, Carpathian Forest, Eternal Silence and Zection 8. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Central cultural church |
Hausmannsgate 14 Oslo 0506 Norway +47 22 99 3450 http://www.kkv.no |
Deprived of its finest gems, including the altarpiece by Eilif Petersen, a statue in carved wood and the silver cross decorating the pulpit, the church was abandoned within its lively frame of the Aker river, the Anker bridge and the heavy traffic on Hausmannsgate. On 18 February 2000, Jakob was re-inaugurated as a Cultural Church. The concept belongs to Kirkelig Kulturverksted, a small record label that publishes Norwegian crossover music in an open-minded and vaguely Christian vein. There are art exhibitions, live acts and so on, and it can also be rented for private arrangements. Jakob can no longer be used for official Church rituals, but people who like to stay up late can attend services here at 10p every Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Small and rough |
Torggata 16 Oslo 0181 Norway +47 22 20 32 32 http://www.rockefeller.no/ |
Every city has its legendary spots, and the Zebra Pub in Oslo was one of them. Now in that space, John Dee is one of the most successful small music stages around. Located in the same building as its big brother, Rockefeller, John Dee is an intimate and warm venue. Check the papers for what is on; special events and concerts are scheduled throughout the year, even during the chilly winter months. Come early if you want a seat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marï Rustan |
 Photo: Rasmus Olsen  |
 Photo: Ed Verillo |
 Photo: Martin Ernstsen |
 Photo: kristinebj |
 Photo: Torstein |
 Photo: Flameboy |
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Folk and jazz music |
Josefines gate 16 Oslo 0351 Norway +47 22 69 3499 http://www.josefine.no/ |
A well-known inn with live music three nights a week, Josefine also serves hot and cold meals. The interior is intimate, with a homely atmosphere. The music includes jazz jamming on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Folk Song Club on Wednesdays. Many well-established artists enjoy playing concerts at Josefine; this is perhaps due to the intimate stage that binds audience and artist together. Among the famous Norwegian folk singers who have played here are Åge Aleksandersen, Jan Eggum, Lillebjørn Nilsen and Steinar Albrigtsen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Free classical concerts every week |
Gydas vei, 6 Oslo 0302 Norway +47 23 36 7000 http://www.nmh.no/ |
The Norwegian Music School at Majorstua puts on regular concerts all year round. The performances—many of which are actually exams—are given by the students and are often free of charge to the general public. The programme is varied and also includes premieres and special events that take place in the 200-seat Lindeman Hall or the 100-seat Levin Hall. Most major concerts are advertised in the local press while details of smaller concerts appear on the school's Web site. In general, the concerts are of an extremely high standard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A celebration of Norway's greatest composer |
Universitetsgaten 13 Nasjonalgalleriet, P.O.Box 7014 Oslo 0130 Norway +47 22 20 0341 http://www.nasjonalgalleriet.no/ |
Held in honor of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), this annual festival is co-organized by the Oslo Grieg Society and the National Gallery, where it takes place. Grieg was heavily inspired by Norwegian folk music; perhaps his most famous work was the incidental music to Ibsen's play, 'Peer Gynt'. The Grieg Festival, which was inaugurated just four years ago, comprises of a number of performances of Grieg's works as well as a series of seminars and guided tours of the museum. This festival is a must for classical music aficionados. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The biggest names in rock and pop |
Sonia Henies Plass 2 Oslo 0185 Norway +47 22 05 2900 http://www.oslospektrum.no |
Norway's largest indoor concert hall can seat an audience of up to 10,000 people. Ever since it was built in 1990, Oslo Spektrum has been used for rock and pop concerts, such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Sting, big-time shows like Disney on Ice, political rallies, trade fairs and sports competitions. All the facilities are state of the art, as is the architecture of the building designed by Guttorm Guttormsgaard. The Champ Sports Bar is located in the main building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paolo Tonon |
 Photo: Stian Grytøyr |
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Oslo concert hall |
Munkedamsv. 14 Oslo 0250 Norway +47 23 11 3100 http://www.oslokonserthus.no/ |
Oslo Concert Hall is a regular venue for top quality concerts including numerous performances by the brilliant Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. This is Oslo's number one classical music venue but its programme is certainly not limited to one particular style of music. Tickets can be purchased at Oslo Konserthus. Tickets are also available two hours before concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alfred Nerstu |
 Photo: •·.·´¯`·.·• Carla •· |
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Where something is always happening |
Torggaten 16 Oslo 0181 Norway +47 2220 3232 http://www.rockefeller.no/ |
Black is the color of choice here, and the walls were those of Oslo's city swimming pool in the 1930s. Rockefeller is the main concert venue for both local and famous bands that prefer a more intimate setting for gigs. With a capacity of 1,400 people, Rockefeller is also used for TV shows, rock cinema, literature evenings and various club nights. Even though it can accommodate more than 1,000 people, the atmosphere is still intimate because the place is split into several levels. Special events are held throughout the year here and at John Dee, its sister spot. Claim a cozy nightspot for a cold winter's night. Check out the newspaper Dagbladet for what is going on at the moment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Casper Kongstein |
 Photo: Jose Sa |
 Photo: fishball |
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Celebrity-spotting |
Rosenkrantzgate 22 Oslo 0160 Norway +47 22 42 5262 http://www.smuget.no/ |
Smuget is one of the largest and most well rounded bar-discos in Oslo, with three stages, seven bars, a café-restaurant part and a disco. It is crowded every night, with long queues on weekends that can be avoided by becoming a member. The concerts are high in quality and cover everything from jazz and rock, blues, R&B, funk and soul to folksongs. The spectrum of artists ranges from young hopefuls to major stars like Guns 'n Roses or Stevie Wonder. Club music is played by diverse professional and well-known DJs. Smuget also serves food until 3am Mon-Sun, and even has its own restaurant, Darwin P, open until 11p M-Sa. This place even has its own free magazine, and is regularly used as a theatre stage. Smuget is also the number-one place for spotting Norwegian celebrities,; you are bound to run into at least a couple of famous or semi-famous people at any time. Mondays are "poor musicians' days", when musicians (and others) can buy cheap soup and bread to keep the cold winter out of their bodies. The minimum age is 23, and from there the guests are of all ages, with a majority in their thirties. The staff are very professional and service-minded. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
