Jazz Finland Live

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.