Jardar Johansen is one of Northern Norway’s foremost performers, known from concerts, albums, TV and theatre. His magnificent voice and style make at home in a broad spectrum of genres.
His background is in the American gospel tradition, but over the years he has developed into a singer who can deliver everything from powerful ballads to up-tempo songs. Nevertheless, it is his ability to deliver feelings of intimacy through song that really captivates his audience.
For more than 15 years, Johansen has done an annual Christmas tour that has developed into the most popular series of concerts for the holidays in the region of Northern Norway.
Johansen and his band present songs in a variety of styles, including traditional Norwegian, contemporary, and international Christmas classics.
He often weaves stories into his concerts, combining the music with anecdotes and tales of Christmas.
His wish is to share what he feels is the true message of Christmas, while also giving the audience a glimpse of the Norwegian traditions of this holiday.
This year Johansen will also perform in the United States, visiting both Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. He will perform at the Prove Gallery in Duluth, Sat., Nov. 26 at 4:00 p.m. and at The Norwegian-American Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis on Sun., Nov. 27 at 5:00 p.m., in addition to Norwegian Christmas at Union Station in Washington, DC on Nov. 30.
In a beloved DC area family tradition, Norway will present a Christmas tree to the people of Washington, in recognition of the strong friendship between the two nations. The tree symbolizes Norway’s gratitude for the United States’ assistance during and after World War II. The tree lightning ceremony will be at November. 30.