Posts Tagged Fredrikstad
Debut concert at Carnegie Hall today
Posted by admin in Art, culture and literature, Photos and videos on October 10, 2010
An interview with Aksel Kolstad
Posted by admin in Art, culture and literature on October 10, 2010
Aksel Kolstad (born 22 April 1981) is an award-winning Norwegian composer, pianist, and stand-up comedian. With his unique style, he brings a fresh perspective to classical music, engaging audiences with his on-stage mix of athletics, comedy and music, all presented in very colourful fashion (literally!). He kindly agreed to answer a few questions I put to him before his debut show at Carnegie Hall in New York City today.
…
Aksel, you grew up in Fredrikstad in the 1980-1990s. What was it like?
A lot of ‘jantelov’*, which I finally defeated, but great nature and a loving family that made me who I am today – fearless and entertaining. I watched the DJ Cat show a lot on Sky. God knows how I miss that cat!
You are now based in New York. How did you end up there?
Actually I am based in Oslo, but have apartments in both Tallinn and New York. So I travel a lot and yes, I am very much in NYC. If you want to get somewhere in the entertaining industry, you need to blossom in NYC. Then Japan. So next stop is Japan.
You are playing at Carnegie Hall today, not a bad achievement for a kid from Østfold. How do you feel about that?
I am already planning my second performance there 
You have a well documented fascination for George Gershwin. What appeals to you so much about his work?
He takes the best out of two genres. That is what I love to do. To pick something apart, and put something new together.
And back home, are there any Norwegian musicians-composers you look up to?
Alive: Wolfgang Plagge. Dead: Geirr Tveitt.
Your style, mixing humour and music, is quite unique. Why this approach?
When you laugh, you are more open to new things. My music is contemporary, so I figured I’d give the crowd a good laugh first. Besides, I’m funny to look at, so then I just do what I am best at. Being funny and playing my own music.
How often do you come back to Fredrikstad?
I’m there as often as possible. At least once a month!
What do you like best about the town?
Verdensspeilet!**
And about Østfold?
The nature.
…
Read more about Aksel Kolstad at www.akselkolstad.com and about his Cafe de Concert concept at www.cafedeconcert.no
*Jantelov: Definition at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jante_Law
** Verdensspeilet: Fredrikstad’s most popular cafe www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/11/verdensspeilet-fredrikstad/
Lille Special, Fredrikstad
This delicatessen in the Old Town, located in what used to be the local dairy, is so popular that they recently opened a second shop on Gågata, the main pedestrian street in Fredrikstad proper, on the other side of the river. The products on offer are the same in both shops, and range from unusual preserves such as the popular chilli jam to speciality pasta, teas and coffees, chocolates and honey, pesto, sauces and dressings, as well as seasonal offerings such as aquavit gelee or Christmas mustard, among many others. There is also an ad-hoc assortiment of kitchen utensils and tableware, and many pre-packed hampers to choose from, although you can also put your own together should you so wish. A cosy shop gourmet visitors to Fredrikstad may well want to check out.
Voldportgaten 73, Gamlebyen; and Nygaardsgata 36-38, Fredrikstad. Tel: 48 00 25 04, http://lillespecial.com (Norwegian only).
Fredrikstad: Port of call in 2014
Great news for Fredrikstad! The town has just been named as a port of call for the Tall Ships Races 2014. The Tall Ships Races is an international long distance race for training ships. The aim of the race is to encourage international friendship and train young people in the art of sailing. The annual event has been arranged since 1956, and is the only one of its kind in the world. Today, the Tall Ships Races routinely attract a fleet of between 80-100 vessels from around 30 countries, 6-8,000 trainees from some 50 countries, and 3-4 million visitors. Ports of call change every year. Fredrikstad was a port of call for the races once before, in 2005.
More about the Tall Ships Races at www.sailtraininginternational.org
Where to eat: Chang Cheng, Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Food and drink on September 23, 2010
Fredrikstad’s most popular Chinese restaurant, Chang Cheng, burned down in October 2008, but reopened, completely transformed a year later, on new premises on Storgata. The spacious restaurant is not exactly a gourmet haunt (it dishes out standard Chinese food rather watered down for Western palates), but it’s a decent option for a reasonably-priced dinner in pleasant, modern surrounds. Friendly service and affordable beer (about 60Kr for a pint). The Mongolian BBQ buffet is good value for money for big appetites. Expect to pay between 140-180Kr for a main course.
Storgata 15. Tel: 69 31 71 77, no website.
One of the exhibits inside Tøihuset
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on September 15, 2010
Fredrikstad Museum in Gamlebyen
Posted by admin in History and architecture on September 15, 2010
Taken a stroll in the Old Town? Why not follow this up with a visit to the local museum, housed in what was once Norway’s largest arsenal? Small, but interesting, the museum retells the history of the Old Town through a variety of exhibits ranging from an outdoor toilet (with not one, but two seats) to archeological finds, as well as reconstructed interiors and scenes depicting daily life among soldiers and civilians. There are also archive photos of the old and new towns throughout the years, a 3D model of Gamlebyen when it was still a guarrison town, and an exhibition focusing on military costumes and Norway’s various factions during WW2.
Most of the signs are in Norwegian, but info sheets in English are available. Alternatively you can book a guided tour in English. Allow about one hour.
Tøihusgaten 41. Tel: 69 95 85 00. Entry 40Kr.