Musical party night at Maritim Fjordhotell
Along the riverbank in Flekkefjord, Maritim Fjordhotell is filled with laughter, sing-alongs and genuine good humour when John Stanley Martinsen enters the stage with his guitar, big drum pedal and an infectious smile.
With his unique combination of music bingo and live performance, he has become a regular at the hotel - and a draw for both locals and travellers.
It all began as a small side project. Now he plays to full houses and receives applause far beyond his home town of Borhaug. His musical evenings have quickly become part of Maritim Fjordhotell's most popular events.
From bingo to dancing - an evening full of life and rhythm
The evenings start with music bingo - an energetic and sociable concept where guests are given bingo sheets and guess at songs based on short music clips. With four rounds and more than 150 songs on the list, the atmosphere is high and the threshold for participation is low.
When the bingo is over and the winners have been announced, the atmosphere moves on to the hotel's bar area. Here, Martinsen takes on the role of troubadour and delivers a varied and audience-friendly concert - with everything from pop and rock to country and sing-along classics.
- "I try to meet everyone. I have around 180-190 songs to choose from, and I'm happy to take requests along the way. The goal is always the same - to give people a break from everyday life," he says.
Musician, troubadour or entertainer?
For John Stanley, it's not just about the music, but about the moments he creates with the audience. He may not describe himself as the most technical musician, but rather as an entertainer who knows how to create atmosphere.
- "I like to get people to lower their shoulders, laugh, sing and be present. When the audience feels good, then I've done my job," he says.
A regular feature throughout the year
Martinsen appears regularly at Maritim Fjordhotell - especially during peak seasons such as the Christmas party period and at major events. He has also attracted increasing attention outside Flekkefjord, and plays everything from hotels and company parties to private events across large parts of southern Norway.
With his ability to captivate the audience and fill the room with life, John Stanley Martinsen has quickly become a favourite among the guests at Maritim Fjordhotell. And one thing is certain: once you've experienced an evening like this, you'll want to come back.
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