Jazz Finland Live

Luotsi – an ensemble made up of top music professionals and students training to become music professionals – will perform on the Finnish Jazz Federation’s pilot tour in Savonlinna, Turku, Seinäjoki and Espoo. The band’s repertoire includes Finnish jazz originals, and each concert evening concludes with communal jam sessions. The tour is made possible by the Niilo Helander Foundation.

Luotsi is a brand-new ensemble that will open the evening’s jam session in honor of the Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year with a fascinating selection of Finnish jazz originals as well as the group members’ own compositions. The audience can look forward to both familiar and rarely heard gems presented in contemporary interpretations – with an eye not only on the past but strongly on the future. After the opening set, the stage will be open to jammers, with the compass turning toward the heritage of American jazz.

Luotsi consists of both seasoned jazz musicians and emerging names. Alto saxophonist and flutist Oona Mattsson has performed with several well-known Finnish jazz artists, in both big bands and smaller ensembles. Her playing can be heard on the upcoming 2025 releases of the groups Kanvas and Siina Suutarinen. Pianist Riitta Paakki is a highly respected jazz musician, composer and bandleader who received the Finnish Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award in 2019. She has released seven albums with her own groups. Lauri Ikävalko is a double bassist originally from Savonlinna and now based in Helsinki, whose playing is grounded in improvisation and interaction. He is particularly inspired by combining the rhythms of world music with jazz. Markus Ketola, in turn, is the longtime drummer and rhythm section leader of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. His diverse achievements as a composer and instrumentalist have been recognized with the Yrjö Award in 2012 and a Jazz Emma Award in 1998.

The concert is part of the Jamiluokka project by the Finnish Jazz Federation, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Music, the Sibelius Academy’s Jazz Music Department and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, supported by the Niilo Helander Foundation. The project forms an ensemble and house band consisting of top jazz professionals and students training to become music professionals, for whom the Jazz Federation produces a nationwide concert tour. The project aims to develop students’ professional and performance skills and to expand the networks that are vital for their careers. This model of multidisciplinary collaboration supports the career development of future leading talents while also promoting regional access to jazz music.

_{In 2026, it will be 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland with the ship Andania. The year thus marks a historic centenary celebration for Finnish jazz: Jazz in Finland 100. The anniversary highlights Finnish jazz and its artists both in Finland and abroad, celebrating jazz as part of Finland’s cultural heritage. The Jazz in Finland 100 campaign is coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation.}

Open event

Tickets 15/10 €. Support tickets 30 €.

Trumpetisr Mikko "Gunu" Karjalainen and Jazz Jkl Collective perform a tribute to the legendary Clifford Brownille in a swinging 1950s mood!

_{In 2026, it will be 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland with the ship Andania. The year thus marks a historic centenary celebration for Finnish jazz: Jazz in Finland 100. The anniversary highlights Finnish jazz and its artists both in Finland and abroad, celebrating jazz as part of Finland’s cultural heritage. The Jazz in Finland 100 campaign is coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation.}

Open event

South-East Corner is a jazz ensemble led by drummer Arttu Huopainen, performing music composed by him. The music blends elements of the jazz tradition with themes inspired by his home region. The combination of different saxophones, double bass, and drum set creates an ensemble sound that is airy and rich in tonal colors. The compositions feature diverse rhythms, lyrical themes, and plenty of space for improvisation.

Arttu Huopainen (b. 1998) is an active freelance musician in the Helsinki metropolitan area. His playing can be heard in groups such as Sointi Jazz Orchestra, Syskofrenia, TRI-, Tuigu led by guitarist Juha Björninen, and many other ensembles.

Musicians:
Jimi Ahlroos – soprano and tenor saxophone
Casimir Ekman – tenor and baritone saxophone
Antti Ahoniemi – double bass
Arttu Huopainen – drums & compositions

The concert is part of the Suomi Jazz 100 program organized by Porvoo Jazz Festival ry.

FRIDAY 13.3. AT 19:00 / VANHA 123
KAIVOKATU 37 B / 18+ / BAR DOORS OPEN AT 18:00

Open event