Jazz Finland Live

On Thursday 4 September Koko Jazz Club will host a rare treat of a concert as three bands formed by some of the best Finnish jazz musicians will be joined by a three much-acclaimed international stars. Saxophonist Ellery Eskelin, drummer Obed Calvaire and pianist Antonio Faraò, despite representing the best in their area, have been heard live in Finland very rarely.

The idea was born as the jazz faculty of Sibelius Academy invited the abovementioned guests to a three-day summer camp to co-operate with the teachers and bring something inspiring and refreshing from their repertoire to the Finnish jazz scene. In the Koko concert this same spirit of openness is displayed by a stylistically versatile programme, in which each guest’s different musical background is present in individual ways.

Co-prodeced by Sibelius Academy and Koko Jazz Club. 

Age limit: 18. 

Open event

AR Quartet (formerly known as Artturi Rönkä Quartet) is a band of four young musicians from Helsinki, Finland. The group’s music is characterized by dynamic and energetic interplay and refined compositions, mostly written by Artturi Rönkä. In May 2012, the band won the first prize in the Finnish final of “Young Nordic Jazz Comets” competition and represented Finland in the international showcase in Copenhagen, Denmark. In September 2012, AR Quartet won the second prize in international “Jazz Hoeilaart” competition for jazz groups in Belgium. Jazz HUG record label released the band’s debut album in March 2014.

The 23-year-old pianist-composer Artturi Rönkä is Pori Jazz’s Artist of the Year in 2013 and had the honour of being the first Rising Star of We Jazz Festival 2013. Rönkä has also been successful in composing competitions. Highlights so far include the first prizes in both Finnish “Esko Linnavalli” (2011, organized by UMO Jazz Orchestra) and international “Jazzverk” (2012 Luleå, Sweden, organized by Norrbotten Big Band) big band composition contests.

The first two weeks, 3 - 13, of September AR Quartet will be touring around Finland for eight concerts. This tour, produced together with Jazz HUG and Finnish Jazz Federation, will take the young jazz lions to perform around Finland, e.g. in Kuopio, Tampere and Turku.

Sampo Kasurinen – soprano & tenor saxophones
Eero Seppä – bass
Artturi Rönkä – piano
Jonatan Sarikoski – drums

Wed 3.9. Tampere, AMC-klubi, Telakka
Thu 4.9. Kajaani, Koutasali, Kaukametsän kulttuurikeskus
Fri 5.9. Kuopio, Jazzklubi, Musiikkikeskus
Sat 6.9. Tallinna, Philly Joe's Jazz Club
Wed 10.9. Turku, Sibelius-museo
Thu 11.9. Helsinki, Malmisali, Malmitalo
Fri 12.9. Savonlinna, Wanha Kasino
Sat 13.9. Oulu, Pikisali, Kaupunginteatteri

Open event

Ruskaswing festival commences at Hotelli Pyhätunturi's restaurant!

On stage three groups: Jazzpoppers, formed by music students with singers Hanna Toiviniemi and Alisa Ojanen. Next up Jazzcompany featuring vocalist Inga Söder, a familiar face from the Voice of Finland TV show. The night is closed by Soulfactory orchestra, who, as the name suggests, play old-school and newer soul pieces.

The official after-party is hosted by Bistro.

Tickets 15 €.

Open event