KRISTINA OLSEN

Kristina Olsen: The Genre-Defying Virtuoso Lighting Up the Global Stage

Step into the electrifying world of Kristina Olsen—a modern-day troubadour whose explosive talent and magnetic storytelling have captivated audiences across six continents. Armed with a powerhouse bluesy voice and mastery of over seven instruments (from fiery slide guitar to soulful saxophone), Olsen crafts performances that are raw, intimate, and utterly unforgettable.

Rooted in the rebellious spirit of 1960s Haight-Ashbury, her music pulses with social activism, cultural grit, and a fearless blend of blues, jazz, swing, and raucous rock. With 13 albums, a live DVD, and a genre-shattering collaboration (Sweet Stillness) alongside jazz virtuoso Bill Coon, Olsen defies labels, weaving “art music” that’s both hauntingly familiar and thrillingly avant-garde.

A songwriter’s songwriter, her work has been embraced by icons like Eric Bibb and Fairport Convention, while her anthems of resilience, like the Kerrville Award-winning I’m Keeping This Life of Mine, ignite stages and stir souls. From hammered dulcimer on Michelle Shocked’s albums to sold-out theaters from Bangladesh to Alaska (yes, via snowmobile!), Olsen’s artistry knows no bounds.

When not touring 10 months a year, she’s shaping the next generation at music camps worldwide or penning wisdom for Acoustic Guitar magazine—all before capping her legendary journey with a 2020 Berklee degree. Kristina Olsen isn’t just a performer; she’s a force of nature, rewriting the rules of acoustic music with every soul-stirring chord.

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