Jazz Finland Live
Jazz-Espa: Arto Ikävalko Trio,Espan lava, helsinki29.7. At 13:30
Arto Ikävalko Trio brings an intense and experiential concert to Jazz-Espa, where the traditions of modern acoustic piano trio jazz meet a fresh and original compositional voice. The performance features Arto Ikävalko’s atmospheric and surprising compositions from the trio’s debut album Changing Priors (2024), newer unreleased material, and selected jazz standards reimagined with the ensemble’s unique touch. Through his compositions, Ikävalko creates atmospheric imagery of different worlds that take on a life of their own as the band members breathe life into them through their playing.
Arto Ikävalko – piano
Joonas Tuuri – bass
Ville Luukkonen – drums
Jazz-Espa is a city festival focusing on Finnish jazz music produced by the Finnish Jazz Association from 27 July to 1 August 2026. The event aims to present a diverse and current range of top names in Finnish jazz and young future talents to a wide target audience. The concerts are free, accessible and suitable for the whole family. More information at jazzespa.fi and on social media @suomenjazzliitto.
Gigs on the same day in helsinki
Rytmihäiriöklubi: Joppo Martikainen GroupJuttutupa, helsinki29.7. At 19:00
Jazz-Espa: Mikko Pettinen Why NotEspan lava, helsinki29.7. At 16:00
Mikko Pettinen Why Not is a top-tier Finnish jazz ensemble whose expression is built on strong interaction, precise musicianship, and the nuanced language of modern jazz. The group’s founder and leader, trumpeter Mikko Pettinen, is known for his personal compositional style, which emphasizes clear forms, subtle dynamics, and a sense of space.
The ensemble performs repertoire from the album Patient Patient (Eclipse Music, 2025), a work rooted in Pettinen’s personal experiences. The record received a full five-star review from Kulttuuritoimitus and was nominated in the jazz category at the Indie Awards. Additionally, journalists from Yle selected the album as one of the ten best releases of 2025.
Mikko Pettinen – cornet, trumpet, Organelle M, vocals
Joakim Berghäll – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, kalimba
Vesa Ojaniemi – bass
Tuomas Timonen – drums
Jazz-Espa is a city festival focusing on Finnish jazz music produced by the Finnish Jazz Association from 27 July to 1 August 2026. The event aims to present a diverse and current range of top names in Finnish jazz and young future talents to a wide target audience. The concerts are free, accessible and suitable for the whole family. More information at jazzespa.fi and on social media @suomenjazzliitto.
Jazz-Espa: Pepa Päivinen PeacepipeEspan lava, helsinki29.7. At 17:15
Pepa Päivinen, a saxophonist and flutist known for boldly breaking boundaries, is one of the cornerstones of Finnish jazz. The music of his new Peacepipe ensemble is peacefully melodic and atmospheric, while also venturing into edgy, energetic prog, jazz, and free music. Finding its way deep into the consciousness, the group's expression seeks to kick down musical fences and discover interesting new paths. This quartet, creating an impressive atmosphere through collective sensitivity, consists of veteran musicians with strong individual voices.
Pepa Päivinen – saxophone, flute
Timo Kämäräinen – guitar
Ville Herrala – double bass
Mikko Hassinen – drums
Jazz-Espa is a city festival focusing on Finnish jazz music produced by the Finnish Jazz Association from 27 July to 1 August 2026. The event aims to present a diverse and current range of top names in Finnish jazz and young future talents to a wide target audience. The concerts are free, accessible and suitable for the whole family. More information at jazzespa.fi and on social media @suomenjazzliitto.
