Jazz Finland Live

The Finnish Jazz Federation warmly welcomes you to the 17th Jazz-Espa Festival. The two-week concert series sees twenty Finnish jazz acts entertain music-lovers this summer on the Espa Stage in the Esplanadi Park. All Jazz-Espa concerts are accessible, free of charge and open to all ages. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Finnish Jazz Federation, Jazz-Espa dresses up to a Jazz Federation's colours and turns up the volume by presenting as many as three large orchestras this year. The crown jewel of these big-band-sized ensembles is of course UMO Jazz Orchestra.

Fri 29th of July Grímsey 

Grímsey

Matti Saarinen – g, Jarno Lappalainen – b, Joonas Leppänen – dr

Another newcomer to the Finnish jazz scene, Grímsey was founded in 2015 to perform the compositions that came together during the Finno-Icelandic leader Matti Saarinen’s years of intense self-discovery after student years. After establishing themselves in a short time, they released their debut album in Iceland in late spring. June saw an album-launch tour in Iceland and the following month a return to Finland.

Fri 29th of July Halme Prospekt

Halme Prospekt

Hepa Halme – sax, fl, Matti Riikonen – trp, Esa Onttonen – g, Arttu Tolonen – g, b, electr., Tapani Varis – b, b. sax, mouth harp, Affe Forsman – dr

Instead of functional harmony, Halme’s compositions are branded by polyphony and influences of world music. Since 2003 the band has worked on special collaborations with guest stars like jouhikko (bowed lyre) virtuoso Pekko Käppi and controversial Finnish lyricist Hannu Salama. The band released their fifth album Pajazzo in 2015.

Jazz-Espa, July 25 – Aug 6, 2016

Espa Stage, Esplanadi Park

Concerts start at 4:00PM and 5:30PM every weekday (on Mondays at 4:00PM only). Saturday concerts are held at 3:00PM. 

Jazz-Espa 2016 programme: