PROGRAM
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KIKO LOUREIRO
Kiko Loureiro is a renowned Brazilian guitarist and composer, celebrated for his groundbreaking work with bands like Angra and Megadeth, as well as his successful solo career. With numerous awards under his belt, he’s a highly respected figure in the music world.
IDA NIELSEN & THE FUNKBOTS
Ida Nielsen, the Danish bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, is famous for her electrifying funk style and her collaborations with Prince as a member of The New Power Generation and 3rdeyegirl.
Together with her band, The Funkbots, she delivers high-energy funk shows filled with tight grooves, uplifting vibes, and subtle nods to Prince’s legacy.
FREAK KITCHEN
Hailing from Gothenburg, Freak Kitchen is a Swedish rock band formed in 1992. Known for their eclectic mix of heavy metal, hard rock, and progressive elements, their music often features humorous and socially critical lyrics. Frontman and guitarist Mattias "IA" Eklundh is celebrated as a virtuoso with a distinctive playing style.
ROWAN ROBERTSON with HEX A.D
Rowan Robertson, born November 22, 1971, in Cambridge, is an English
rock guitarist best known for his work with Dio, contributing to the iconic album Lock Up the Wolves at just 17 years old.
Teaming up with Norwegian doom metal band HEX A.D., Rowan has also recorded music, including the single All the Rage (2021)
TOM OLLENDORFF
Tom Ollendorff is a British jazz guitarist who has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young musicians on the international jazz scene. Known for his unique style that blends virtuosity with sophisticated harmonic and melodic ideas, Ollendorff has graced top jazz clubs and festivals across Europe, including Ronnie Scott’s and the London Jazz Festival.
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TORA DAHLE AAGÅRD TRIO
Tora Dahle Aagård, known as Tora Daa, is a Norwegian guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has gained international acclaim for her talent and charismatic stage presence. Leading the pop/rock band TORA DAA, she has been nominated for the Spellemann Award and is known for her catchy melodies and electrifying live performances. She will be performing with her blues trio.
KRISSY AND THE VIKINGS
Krissy Matthews, the British-Norwegian blues-rock guitarist and singer, is renowned for his high-energy playing style and remarkable technique. Having performed over 1,000 shows across three continents, including prestigious venues like BBC Maida Vale, The Cavern, and Ronnie Scott's, his live performances are unforgettable.
EXPO
As an extra treat for the guests at Larvik Guitar Festivals, we're excited to bring back the Guitar & Bass Expo brought to you by our friends at 4Sound Norway.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your musical journey, the expo will be a place to discover the latest and greatest from top brands and suppliers like EM Nordic, Algam Nordic, Fitzpatrick, Roland, Yamaha, Polysonic, Crafton, Morgan Instrument, Gewa, Fender, TMA, Sound Service, Benum and Minuendo.
The Larvik Guitar Festival is not just a showcase; it's a networking hub and celebration of all things guitar and bass.
Admission to the expo is free, granting you access to exclusive expo deals and expertise from 4Sounds seasoned professionals.
Marvel at the craftsmanship, test out the gear, and take part in product demonstrations and clinics.
GUITAR SCIENCE
This year’s Larvik Guitar Festival continues its tradition of blending music and technology with an exciting, free-to-attend event. Last year, Professor Alexander Refsum Jensinius captivated audiences by demonstrating self-playing guitars and real-time brain activity during performance. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Michel Buffa, a leading expert in web audio technologies.
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Professor Buffa will showcase how modern browser-based tools can transform your guitar into a live, digital sound lab. Discover how to create amps and effects directly in your browser—an innovative approach that’s sure to inspire guitar enthusiasts, tech fans, and the curious alike.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the cutting edge of music and technology—open to everyone!
MICHEL BUFFA
Michel Buffa, is a leading expert on Web Audio Modules (WAM), which makes it possible to use guitar effects and amp modules straight into your browser! This technology makes it accessible for everyone. There will be a workshop after where you can try out the technology.
LGF CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Champion of the Year 2025 admission is now open! Send us your performance using the guidelines below and who knows, may be you'll end up being the top three most voted guitarist or bassist and will play live at the festival! ​
Admissions close 15th of February. Voting begins after.
Send us a downloadable link (dropbox, drive, onedrive) to gitarfestivalen@gmail.com - good luck!
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What is LGF Champion of the Year?​
After 15 years of festivals celebrating the most renowned guitarists and bass players in the world, we are ready to crown our own champion of the year!
We will be hosting a competition in two categories, one for guitarists and one for bass players.
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The top three most voted participant in each category, will be invited to play at the festival stage in front of a live audience and a live jury. In the final you will be asked to play a full song, either with backing track or solo, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same song that you admitted entering the competition. There might also be a little twist (challenge) when it comes to the final performance, but more information to come.
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Criteria:
- The candidate cannot be younger than 16 years old.
- The jury will consider both musicality and technique in this competition.
- Both acoustic and electric instruments are allowed.
- High quality video and audio is not a requirement, but it is recommended.
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Other than the fame and glory of becoming the LGF Guitar/Bass Champion of 2025, we have a superb company sponsoring this competition with prices for all the finalists.
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Contact us if you have any questions.
LGF CHAMPION OF THE YEAR 2024
From left: Nick Johnston (jury), Daniel Jenssen (2nd place), Per Cesar Westgård (1st place), Kent Grupperud (3rd place), Stewe Lawson (jury)