Jazz Finland Live

G Livelab Helsinki is the city’s premiere live music spot. This time around, We Jazz Records will capture the evenings sets for future live albums. Oddjob comes from Sweden and features many of the country’s top jazz musicians, while the Finnish duo of Juhani Aaltonen & Simo Laihonen makes a rare appearance presenting their ever-evolving music for flutes & percussion. We Jazz DJs & Friends spin vinyl, with regular collaborator Gavin Maycroft from Stockholm joining the lineup at the decks. Digelius Music will host a pop up record shop on site. What’s more, Juhani “Junnu” Aaltonen turns 90 this December, so it’s the perfect time to celebrate him.

There’s always a good reason to celebrate – and this time, there are two! Contemporary folk band Frigg celebrates its 25th anniversary and joins forces with the 50-year old UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in this unique concert. A grey November night will be transformed by lively energy and infectious rhythms!

The collaboration between Frigg and UMO brings together decades of experience and refined ensemble playing, honed over hundreds of performances. Both ensembles are known for their strong sound, tight swing and virtuosic flair. Now, these two masters of their genres come together to create a unique concert experience, seamlessly blending the best elements of folk music and jazz.

Frigg has previously collaborated with symphony orchestras, a string quartet, and choirs. This time, they bring their characteristic energy and virtuosity to the world of big band music, while UMO dives deep into the pulse of Frigg’s music. Their music in the distinctive nordgrass style is arranged for big band by Timo Alakotila, Sampo Kasurinen and Artturi Rönkä. The concert is conducted by Mikko Hassinen.

Join us to experience the joint force of these two top-tier ensembles bands with decades of experience!

Vuotalo: Deeper into the show discussion event about concert in Vuotalo’s café at 5:15 PM. Conversation is in Finnish.

Frigg is one of Finland’s best-known and most internationally successful instrumental bands. They have captivated audiences in over 30 countries and established themselves as a leading name in the global folk music scene. The group has released 12 acclaimed albums and toured worldwide, including in the US, Canada and the UK. Frigg has been selected for Songline’s Top of the World list three times and has received numerous nominations, including the Teosto prize, the Etno-Emma and the Folkherbst Award. At the Etnogaala, the band was named International Group of the Year. Frigg has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including WOMADelaide, the Cambridge Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Celtic Connections and the Lotus Festival. Their tight swing and distinctive nordgrass style have charmed audiences across the globe. www.frigg.fi

UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – The Greatest Feats since 1975. Get ready to groove as we mark 50 years of achievements and mastery in jazz! UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary season from summer 2025 to spring 2026. Throughout these decades, the orchestra has been at the forefront of Finnish jazz. Over the years, UMO has recorded over 60 albums, received Yrjö and Emma prizes, and even a Grammy nomination. The orchestra has shared the stage with international jazz stars as well as Finnish artists. One thing remains constant: the core of UMO is in new music. Join us for our anniversary season to look back on the past and celebrate our achievements, all while keeping our eyes firmly on the exciting future ahead. Come and celebrate together with the UMO! www.umohelsinki.fi 

Open event