What's Happening in Corvallis, OR…

A Swedish artist who plays a staggering array of instruments is bringing her band to Corvallis.

Gunhild Carling has been dubbed Sweden’s “Queen of Swing.” She plays over 20 instruments, though she is best known for her skill as a trombonist. She is also a talented vocalist, tap dancer, and juggler.

Carling is a native of Gothenburg, Sweden, and first came to public notice when she appeared at Allsång på Skansen (which translates as Singalong at Skansen), a show held on summer Tuesdays at Skansen in Stockholm. The first show was a small event in 1935 that drew about 50 people, whereas today’s audiences range from 10,000 to 25,000 people at every show.

Many of her offerings are jazzy adaptations of popular songs, such as “Never Going to Give You Up” by Rick Astley. She has also acknowledged her fellow Swedes, ABBA, with a jazz cover of “Dancing Queen.” She is particularly drawn to New Orleans jazz and cites Billie Holiday, Bix Beiderbecke, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong among her influences.

A review says:

“ . . . Gunhild Carling is a superb jazz musician who's [sic] technique is reminiscent of the 20's 30's hot swing style. . . . Gunhild had most of the audience following her around . . . as she played The Saints Go Marching In.”

Carling will be at the Majestic Theatre on December 20. Audiences at events like these enjoy learning about the performers, so organizers can use brochure printing to create programs.