Gunhild Carling at the Cactus Theater at Cactus Theater

Gunhild Carling - Sweden’s Queen of Swing - Live at Cactus Theater - First Appearance! Friday, October 23, 2026 Doors: 6:50 pm • Showtime: 7:30 pm

Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed Swedish jazz superstar, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose electrifying performances bridge the Roaring Twenties with the modern era. Known as “Sweden’s Queen of Swing” - she masterfully plays over ten instruments — including trombone, trumpet, bagpipes, harp and recorder — often playing three trumpets simultaneously. A featured sensation with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox and a dynamic bandleader in her own right, Carling’s high-energy shows blend New Orleans jazz, vaudeville charm, and breathtaking virtuosity.

Beyond her viral success, Carling is a deeply respected jazz artist and composer. Her foundation is rooted in traditional New Orleans jazz, swing, and the influences of legends like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. She frequently tours with her own big band, performing her original compositions alongside jazz standards. Her recent album, Jazz Is My Lifestyle, features eleven original tracks and garnered critical acclaim.

Carling has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and events, from a royal celebration for King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden to a sold-out show at the Blue Note Milano. Whether she is tap dancing, singing a heartbreaking ballad, or leading a rousing second-line parade through the audience, Gunhild Carling does not just play jazz — she embodies its joyful, exuberant spirit.