The Spellemann is the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy Award. Three well known names on the Norwegian blues scene are nominated in the category Blues for 2010. They are Billy T Band, Eric "Slim" Zahl & The South West Swingers and Little Andrew. Picture from left Eric Zahl, Andreas Stamnes and Bill Troiani. (Photo: Merete Eide)

Apart from meeting polar bears, this year's blues festival at Svalbard - from 21 to 24 October - offered all kinds of experiences. The lineup included local, national and international artists and bands. Visitors could take sightseeing tours, check out the kennels, watch a curious polar fox listen to the music outside the main venue, or behold the spectacular northern lights. Longyearbyen was bathed in moonlight most of the time, and the always smiling organizers did everything in their power to satisfy their guests. The picture shows the festival artist Bill Sims Jr.

The Norwegian Blues Union (NBU) and The European Blues Union (EBU) invite Norwegian blues artists to participate in the newly formed European competition for blues artists, The European Blues Challenge. The idea for the contest, held in Berlin in March 2011, is from the International Blues Challenge held every year by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, USA.

Many highlights and magic moments were presented from the main stage "Magic Mirror" at this year's Blues in Hell. On Friday Roffe Wikström, Omar & The Howlers, Bernie Marsden and Dana Gillespie ruled. Saturday it was the New Yorkers Popa Chubby (picture) and Chris Bergson, and not to forget soul diva Bettye LaVette, who gave the audience great moments.

The 23rd Notodden Blues Festival opened Thursday 5 August. The opening was as always marked with a free concert on the main stage with musical samples from some of the festival artists. The prestigious blues prize was awarded Notodden's successful blues singer Rita Engedalen. On the main stage at night Solomon Burke was back after five years and showed once again who is the King of Soul in 2010 (photo). Photo: Roald Jungård.

With ZZ Top as headliner Skånevik Blues Festival had the biggest crowd ever the first weekend of July. Not only the mega stars from Texas contributed to this year's success. The audience could enjoy memorable concerts from artists like Bergen Blues Band, Knut Reiersrud, Trampled Under Foot, Beth Hart and Aynsley Lister. Festival boss Alf Warloe Christophersen and his crew of volunteers worked hard the whole weekend and gave artists and visitors a great blues weekend. Some logistical problems around ZZ Top's concert Friday, otherwise everything went smoothly. Once again a successful festival! (Photo: Roald Jungård).

The idea of a blues festival at the small town Hagan in Vestfold county was conceived one late night during Dark Season Blues at Svalbard. Four years later the wild nachspiel idea has grown into a well-run festival with a very good musical program. (Picture: Earl Thomas & The Coalminers).

On Saturday, March 20, the Oslo Blues Club celebrated it's 15 year anniversary, at Buckleys in Oslo. The 12 hour blues party included blues concerts - both afternoon and night - two meals, speeches, "hobnobbing" and everything that comes with a successful birthday celebration. The Oslo Blues Club was founded in 1977, and after a ten year hiatus, came back to life in 1995. It is one of the oldest members of the Norwegian Blues Union, which has more than 60 members.

A numerous audience of mostly grown up people filled the Sentrum Scene in Oslo on March 9 to experience the historic golden sound of Motown Records' soul factory. The Four Tops (picture) and The Temptations were the greatest male vocal groups to come out of Motown. In the U.S., The Temptations was the more successful of the two groups, while The Four Tops were very popular in both England and Norway.

The Spellemann is Norway's equivalent to the Grammys. Prizes were handed out in 26 different categories this year. In the blues genre, the Spellemann was awarded to blues veteran Reidar Larsen, and to Norway's new "Queen of Soul", Noora Noor. Reidar Larsen won for "Best Blues Album", and Noora Noor for "Best Female Artist".

ZZ Top will headline the Skånevik Blues Festival this year. The negotiations have taken quite awhile, but a deal has finally been reached. ZZ Top will play on Friday, July 2nd, 2010.