Jazz Finland Live

Joonas Haavisto Trio celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new program that brings together Haavisto’s compositions from the trio’s five albums. Pianist Joonas Haavisto is joined by double bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Joonas Riippa.

Over two decades, the trio has developed a remarkably cohesive sound and achieved wide international recognition, particularly in Japan, where they have completed several concert hall tours and performed at events such as the Tokyo Jazz Festival. In June 2022, the trio embarked on its first U.S. tour, appearing at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York as well as at the DC Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C., and Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Haavisto’s compositions balance beautiful melodies, expansive structures, and freer passages, drawing influences not only from jazz tradition but also from classical music and hip-hop. Their distinctive approach to the classic jazz trio format combines confident simplicity with the freshness of Scandinavian jazz, where interaction between the musicians plays a vital role.

“Joonas Haavisto is one of the most talented pianists of his generation.” – Der Spiegel
“World-class trio from Europe.” – Jazz Perspective
“A supreme Nordic piano trio album.” – Jazz Critiques Magazine

Photo: Jari Kivelä

Joonas Haavisto Trio at Blue Note New York club
https://youtu.be/b7eTgUA6XR4
Joonas Haavisto Trio at Halosennie­mi
https://youtu.be/sJ8odf5L8bY

The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.

Open event

Two of the most interesting figures in free improvisation at the moment will arrive at Suisto in early June: American drummer Chris Corsano and Argentine saxophonist Camila Nebbia.

Based in New York, Chris Corsano has been working at the intersection of free jazz, rock and experimental music since the late 1990s. The Guardian has described him as "one of the best drummers in the world", and The Wire has named him "perhaps the most energetic and creative drummer in free jazz today".

Based in Berlin, Camila Nebbia is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, visual artist and curator. Her rise to the international jazz scene has been rapid and convincing. A fearless and open approach combined with skillful saxophone playing has classically brought new stars into the spotlight in jazz throughout time. This is all wonderfully true in the case of Nebbia.

Nebbia and Corsano will offer an intense and surprising performance.

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Free entry

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Tickets 39 €

Camila Nebbia and Chris Corsano, both adventurous improvisers, come together in a duo that thrives on raw energy and uninhibited exploration. Their music navigates the intersections of texture, melody, and noise, forging a dynamic and expressive sonic space. With a fearless and deeply intuitive approach, they push the boundaries of sound and form.

Their debut album "Six or Seven Ways Towards Becoming Undone" is coming out 2026 on the NYC label Relative Pitch Records.

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Chicollective showcases drummer Chico Matada’s unique musical language, where deep-reaching roots and modern expression meet. The album, to be released by Eclipse Records in April 2026, features a multinational group of musicians.

Chico Matada – drums & compositions
Rafa Postel – trumpet
Nikita Rafaelov – piano
Hector Lepe – guitar
Melik Turunen – bass guitar

Flame Jazz Summer Live on Wednesdays at 6 pm at Cathedral Park Terrace, free entry. As the Flame Jazz Summer Live concerts are held outdoors, in case of rainy weather, the concert of the day may be rescheduled. Any changes will be announced on social media channels and websites by Church Park Terrace and Flame Jazz. 

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Free entry

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Tickets 25 €

Known for her open-minded music-making and impressive vocals, Selma Savolainen is one of the brightest stars in Finnish jazz. Helsingin Sanomat has described her as an artist who has taken Finnish vocal jazz to a new level.

In the spring of 2026, the British Whirlwind Recordings will release the singer-composer's second album, in the shade, which takes the expression of the six-piece band led by Savolainen in a raucous and outward-looking direction. The album draws influences from early 2000s British punk and the golden age of Brazilian música popular, and the themes of the songs range from parenthood to angry men and mass hysteria.

In the shade continues the collaboration of the six-piece, familiar from the Horror Vacui album and gigs, where space is cleared for rough playing and luminous expression.

Open event

Tickets 15/10 €. Support ticket 30 €.

_{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.}

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Free entry

Roope Kantonen 3 introduces a fresh sound to the jazz scene, with the trio's rhythm section enriched by the eccentric tone of the bass clarinet. The group's music draws inspiration from traditional jazz, contemporary musical language and experimental elements. The trio's debut album Introducing was released in spring 2025 by Flame Jazz Records.

The trio's leader, Roope Kantonen, was named Jazz Musician of the Year 2022 by Jazzmuusikot ry. A graduate of the Amsterdam Conservatory with a master's degree, Kantonen has built an international career and also plays an active role in the Helsinki jazz scene, for example as host of the weekly jazz jam sessions at Sörkan Ruusu.

The trio is completed by top musicians Max Zenger and Juuso Rinta, known for their distinctive interpretations of their instruments both as bandleaders and as members of several of today's most exciting ensembles.

Max Zenger, bass clarinet
Juuso Rinta, double bass
Roope Kantonen, drums

Free concerts are held weekly on the Musiikkitalo summer patio from Thursday to Saturday throughout the summer, 28 May–1 August at 5 pm. See the full summer programme at www.musiikkitalo.fi/en/summer-concerts.

In case of rain, the concert will take place indoors at the Musiikkitalo Restaurant.

Open event

Free entry

Strandberg Project is a modern and versatile band that blends different musical styles to create a distinctive and recognizable sound. Their music is characterized by strong melodies, an energetic tone, and expressive interpretation. The band is dedicated to high-quality musical expression and live performances, where both individual musicianship and the power of playing together are highlighted.

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Mikael Saastamoinen performs a selection of compositions on double bass by, among others, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane and Charles Mingus.

Mikael Saastamoinen is one of the leading figures of contemporary Finnish jazz bass playing, and he can be heard in groups such as Superposition! and OK:KO as well as in numerous other ensembles and jam sessions.

The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.

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Free entry

Nujakka returns to the stage at El Fant with a set rooted in free improvisation, collective composition, and the raw energy of free jazz. The trio brings together woodwinds, double bass, and drums, moving through original and co-composed material shaped by the sorrow of folk music and the restless force of improvisation. After a few years away from performing, and following the recording of their second album, Nujakka steps back into live music with a sound that feels open, intense, and deeply present.

Jaakko Arola - woodwinds
Aaron Koskelainen - double bass
Elias Ojutkangas - drums

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The Joonas Tuuri Quartet performs compositions by Tuuri that represent rhythmic and expressive Brazilian-inspired jazz. The ensemble’s second theme album, Pindorama, was released in the autumn of 2025.

Joonas Tuuri – bass, compositions
Ilmari Rönkä – saxophones & flute
Toomas Keski-Säntti – keyboards
Anssi Tirkkonen – drums

Flame Jazz Summer Live on Wednesdays at 6 pm at Cathedral Park Terrace, free entry. As the Flame Jazz Summer Live concerts are held outdoors, in case of rainy weather, the concert of the day may be rescheduled. Any changes will be announced on social media channels and websites by Church Park Terrace and Flame Jazz. 

Open event

Free entry

Iina & Markus performs original compositions and inventive arrangements of songs and poems. The duo moves through the compositions leaving space for the unexpected. At the heart of the performance is storytelling and connection.

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Free entry

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Mäkelä–Manuel Dunkel Family Quintet is a rare professional-level jazz ensemble made up entirely of one family. Mother Mirja Mäkelä is the band’s vocalist, father Manuel Dunkel plays saxophone, and the family’s three sons — Eero, Atso, and Tuukka Dunkel — form the rhythm section. The group performs original compositions, Finnish jazz compositions, and selected jazz standards. Their compositions and arrangements combine influences from both the history of jazz and contemporary jazz traditions.

Mirja Mäkelä is one of Finland’s best-known jazz singers and has released five solo albums, among other works. Manuel Dunkel is internationally recognized as one of the leading tenor saxophonists. He performs regularly with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and has appeared with artists such as Peter Bernstein and Rick Margitza. Both parents hold Master of Music degrees from the jazz department of the Sibelius Academy.

The brothers represent the younger generation of jazz musicians. Eero performs with groups including Joonatan Henriksson Quintet and the band of Emma Award-winning rap artist Turisti. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Sibelius Academy jazz department and will continue there with Master’s studies. Atso has released his own full-length album, Käännän Sivuu, and has performed with artists such as Ege Zulu and Emilia Sisco. He is currently in his third year of studies at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Tuukka is building his career as a drummer and bandleader in Amsterdam, where he is also in his third year of studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

The event is open to all ages.

There will be an intermission during which Café Hoffi will serve customers.

The Linnajazz club series is supported by the City of Hämeenlinna and the Music Promotion Foundation Finland. This concert has also been supported by the Fredrika Wetterhoff Foundation.

Open event

Tickets 15/10 €. Support ticket 30 €.

_{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.}

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Tomi Salesvuo´s compositions and the band’s original arrangements for the classic Finnish hit songs makes the repertoire shine and is providing an engaging mix of tradition and fresh creativity.

Long time friends Pope Puolitaival – saxophone, Mikko Helevä – Hammond Organ and Tomi Salesvuo – Drums played their first jam during the Sibelius-Academy Jazz department studies in the mid 90s. Since then the musicians have worked in various projects together during the years. Salesvuo Syncopation’s debut album release, Complete Loft Sessions (Eclipse Music) underlines the interpretation that captures the listener with Salesvuo´s playful melodies and the trio´s energetic performance!

Now embarking on their first international tour, Salesvuo Syncopation invites audiences to experience powerful swing and nostalgic melodies performed by three of Finland’s most sought-after jazz musicians. Catch the spark of Finnish jazz!

_{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 30 €

At the heart of the group are two legends of Finnish music: Jukka Orma, known for his versatility as a guitarist and composer, and Jukka Gustavson, the keyboardist of Wigwam's classic lineup and a pioneer of Finnish progressive soul.

Street Level surrounds them with a powerful rhythm section and an energetic live sound, characterized by improvisation, groove, and strong musical interaction. The ensemble is especially known for its intense live performances, where deep musical tradition meets fresh, vibrant interpretation.

Jukka Orma, guitar & vocals
Jukka Gustavson, keyboards, vocals
Jan-Olof Strandberg, bass
Thomas Törnroos, drums

Open event

Swingin´ jazz and the spirit of blues!

Juli Wood trio (Fin/USA)
Juli Wood. saxophone/vocals
Petri Ahjokoski, guitar
Anu Ahjokosi, bass

_{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

Open event

Swingin´ jazz and the spirit of blues!

Juli Wood trio (Fin/USA)
Juli Wood. saxophone/vocals
Petri Ahjokoski, guitar
Anu Ahjokosi, bass

_{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

Josefiina Vannesluoma is a jazz vocalist, flautist and composer who draws inspiration from, among other things, languages, ways of communicating, visual arts and lingering in cafés.

In her solo concert, Vannesluoma delves into the meeting points between linguistic expression, singing and flute playing. Her inner dialogue invites the listener into a stream of thoughts and gestures, where surprising turns become a source of delight.

Vannesluoma’s free expression reflects an open-minded attitude and musical fascinations ranging from jazz traditions and Brazilian music to contemporary classical music. At the jaZZanti concert, there will also be a world premiere of a composition by Juho Valjakka for Vannesluoma’s voice and flute playing.

Vannesluoma’s debut solo album The Mortal Lease (Flame Jazz Records 2023) was nominated for the Jazz Album of the Year category at the Emma Gala and received excellent reviews in the Finnish media. An active performer and constantly releasing new music, Vannesluoma also leads the vocal ensemble Signe and makes freely improvised music with American double bassist Kenneth Jimenez. Vannesluoma’s clear, luminous upper register can likewise be heard on Heräämisen valkea myrsky, the album by Mikko Sarvanne Garden that won the 2023 Teosto Prize.

“…the star of the evening was vocalist Josefiina Vannesluoma, who at times sounded like an opera singer and often adopted very different characters with her voice. In her wildest moments, she carried out entire conversations all by herself in completely invented languages, whose intonation, timing and richness of colour were simply jaw-dropping, and also truly delightful to witness —”
– Telakka Jazz 2023 concert review by Jussi Niemi / Soundi.fi, 14 January 2023

“Vannesluoma’s supple phrasing, impeccably beautiful articulation and consistently bright tone set her interpretations soaring.”
– Turun Sanomat, 12 November 2023

Photo: Sakari Puhakka

The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.

Open event

Open event

A calm, atmospheric jazz concert at the church.

Juli Wood trio (Fin/USA)
Juli Wood. saxophone/vocals
Petri Ahjokoski, guitar
Anu Ahjokosi, bass

_{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

The continental rhythm orchestra Aninkaisten Sävel takes listeners on a journey back to the swinging atmosphere of the 1920s and 30s, in the spirit of the Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year.

Mikko Lagerspetz – conductor, piano, vocals
Sanna Vartiainen – vocals
Aleksi Kauppinen – vocals
Riku Rinne – violin
Andrei Sinenko – saxophones
Jukka-Pekka Sirviö – saxophones
Tapani Kärnä – saxophone, clarinet
Markku Salminen – saxophone, clarinet
Timo Piironen – cornet
Janne-Pekka Niininen – cornet
Sami Levänen – trombone, vocals
Mauri Kantola – guitar, banjo
Timo Saario – double bass
Kari Välimäki – drums

Flame Jazz Summer Live on Wednesdays at 6 pm at Cathedral Park Terrace, free entry. As the Flame Jazz Summer Live concerts are held outdoors, in case of rainy weather, the concert of the day may be rescheduled. Any changes will be announced on social media channels and websites by Church Park Terrace and Flame Jazz. 

Open event

A calm, atmospheric jazz concert at the church.

Juli Wood trio (Fin/USA)
Juli Wood. saxophone/vocals
Petri Ahjokoski, guitar
Anu Ahjokosi, bass

_{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

Open event

Open event

Free entry

RSB – Roamin’ Street Band is an 11‑musician, two‑vocalist supergroup from the Pirkanmaa region, bringing the authentic jazz energy of the streets of New Orleans to events. The band’s captivating second-line street beat and swinging, cheerful sound sweep along even those audiences for whom jazz or blues wouldn’t normally be the first choice. At RSB’s shows, no one is left cold – get ready for a mood that will make your feet start dancing! 

RSB has created a recurring event in Tampere called Gumbo Club, where the band performs once a month for free at the Public House Huurre restaurant. On club nights, the venue serves spicy gumbo typical of the Mississippi Delta region, and local dancers take the floor with Lindy Hop and other dances that perfectly match the 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

Helmi is an artist aiming for an international career, blending jazz, R&B, and more modern neo-soul. Her live lineup features the top musicians of Finland’s current new generation.

Helmi – vocals
Alvar Sievers – saxophone
Pyry Brandt – piano
Antti Ahoniemi – bass
Veikka Kajamies – drums

Flame Jazz Summer Live on Wednesdays at 6 pm at Cathedral Park Terrace, free entry. As the Flame Jazz Summer Live concerts are held outdoors, in case of rainy weather, the concert of the day may be rescheduled. Any changes will be announced on social media channels and websites by Church Park Terrace and Flame Jazz. 

Open event

Open event

Free entry

UMO's jazz jams return to the summer terrace of Konepaja Biergarten for their sixth consecutive summer – free entry!

The jazz jams are a musical think tank where new ideas are created by building on the past. In summer 2026, the jams take on a special celebratory atmosphere as Finland marks 100 years of jazz and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra concludes its 50th anniversary season.

The evening begins with a performance by the house band at 6:30 PM, followed by the jams themselves. Musicians and music enthusiasts emerging from the audience form spontaneous ensembles where nothing is predetermined – no one knows what will be played or with whom. The house band lays the foundation, but the direction of the evening is shaped through interaction between performers and the audience. That is exactly what makes jazz jams such a unique and vibrant part of jazz culture.

Throughout the summer, audiences will experience themed evenings and unique ensembles bringing together musicians from UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, other jazz professionals, and rising talents from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The jams foster the development of jazz music, connect generations, and create space for new voices.

The outdoor terrace of Konepaja Biergarten (Bruno Granholminkuja 1, Helsinki) offers a relaxed summer setting to enjoy music, good company, a wide selection of drinks, and occasionally also food stalls.

The jams are organized in collaboration with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Konepaja Biergarten, the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Mikko Pettinen – trumpet & jam host
Alina Pettinen – saxophone
Elis Krzywacki – guitar
Sampo Tiittanen – bass
Erik Chollat – drums

_{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

Free entry

Siina Suutarinen is a vibrant singer, pianist and composer who aims for an international career and is making her mark in the music world with a sound that's all her own. She is known for her unique, soothing voice and astounding improvisation skills. Debut album 'Who You Are' was released in April -25 with Flame Jazz Records. Currently Siina is composing her second album and performing with her band and other projects in Finland and abroad.

Siina Suutarinen, vocals, keyboard
Kasper Halttunen, drums
Antti Ahoniemi, double bass

Free concerts are held weekly on the Musiikkitalo summer patio from Thursday to Saturday throughout the summer, 28 May–1 August at 5 pm. See the full summer programme at www.musiikkitalo.fi/en/summer-concerts.

In case of rain, the concert will take place indoors at the Musiikkitalo Restaurant.

Open event

Open event