Jazz Finland Live

Solar Winds is a three-part concert series, hosted by drummer-percussionist Mika Kallio. Each concert will feature a different guest alongside Kallio, and in the opening concert he will be joined by Yrjö-awarded saxophonist Esa Pietilä. Prepare yourself for improvisational fireworks!

Mika Kallio, percussion
Esa Pietilä, saxophone

Tickets 15 €, available at the door 

Pre-bookings via email: liput@acktefestival.fi 
Pre-booking fee 2 €/per ticket

Open event

In January Koko Jazz Club will play host to splendid jazz pianism. First in the pipeline will be Corea-esque Kari Ikonen with his trio, featuring the ECM-signee Markku Ounaskari on the drums and Olli Rantala, known for his impressive career on the continent,  on the bass. 

Kari Ikonen Trio is an exceptional group, whose expressive and innovative sound consists of a sovereign know-how of the Afro-American tradition, the best North-European ingredients and the finest Eastern flavours. Chef Kari Ikonen conjures up a menu where originality meets solid team-work and improvisation shakes hands with long-lost recipes. 

Kari Ikonen, piano
Olli Rantala, double bass
Markku Ounaskari,  drums

Tickets 18 / 15 €

Open event

Martti Vesala Soundpost Quintet play the Helsinki-born trumpeter Vesala's compositions. The frontman's style is modern, groovy jazz with catchy tunes. The quintet was founded in 2011, and now, five years later, all the members have emerged big time in the Finnish jazz scene. The group draws, among others, from Miles Davis's 60s groove and Wayne Shorter's elegant melodic language. The debut Helsinki Soundpost was released on German Ozella Music in September. Watch the video here.

Martti Vesala - trumpet
Petri "Pope" Puolitaival - tenor saxophone, flute
Joonas Haavisto - piano
Juho Kivivuori - double bass
Ville Pynssi - drums

Open event