Free entry

The musical partnership of Rénata Damu and Tibor Kónyai is an exciting journey across genres and languages. Their collaborative work is rooted in continuous improvisation and mutual interaction. In addition to Hungarian melodies, their repertoire also includes compositions in Spanish and Portuguese, offering the Helsinki audience not only the depth of Central European music, but also the passionate and vibrant energy of Latin culture.

Free admission to the concert!

Programme on the Finnish National Theatre website: https://www.kansallisteatteri.fi/tapahtuma/jazzkonsertti 

Open event

Open event

Tickets: €20 / €15 (regular price / KJB members & students)
Tickets available at the door from 18:00 onward.

At the KJB Association’s Jazz Finland 100 anniversary concert on Wednesday 27 May in the chamber hall of the Music Centre, audiences will hear Pekka Toivanen Quartet & Jenny Robson. The concert also celebrates jazz legend Pekka Toivanen’s 65th birthday. The event is organized in cooperation with Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

To mark the 100-year history of Finnish jazz, Pekka Toivanen Quartet and Jenny Robson present a program covering roughly a century of jazz in Finland. Although the arrival of the ship Andania in Finland is often cited as a milestone in the history of Finnish jazz, jazz had in fact already been played here before that event. However, the example set by Tommy Tuomikoski and Sylvester Ahola made an irreversible impact on Finnish musicians.

Pekka Toivanen has selected jazz compositions from different decades for the program, beginning with the folk tune Suomalainen rapsodia (“Finnish Rhapsody”), arranged and recorded by Yrjö Gunaropoulos in 1929. The program also includes Matti Rajula’s Mesikämmen from 1941 and Toivo Kärki’s Serenade from 1947. More recent Finnish compositions are represented by Åke Granholm’s Love All and Erik Lindström’s Pakaste from 1951. Closer to the present day are Olli Ahvenlahti’s A Day At The Zoo from 1976 (though that too is already nearly 50 years old!) and Aili Ikonen’s Nuori vapaa nainen (“Young Free Woman”) from 2017.

In 2026, Pekka Toivanen celebrates his 65th birthday at the same time as Finnish jazz turns approximately one hundred years old (depending on how one counts). The spirit of Andania nevertheless lives on. Toivanen has gathered around him favorite musicians from various collaborations.

On piano is Janne Maarala, whose uncompromising style leaves no doubt about where the music is heading. A lyrical expressiveness shines through all aspects of his musicianship.

The bass is played by Wade Mikkola, a close collaborator of Toivanen’s for many years. Their shared career includes recordings and performances released under both Toivanen’s and Mikkola’s names, depending on the occasion. On Pekka Toivanen’s debut album, released in 1988, the drums were played by Heikki Sandrén. With the Andania Blues project, the circle comes full circle.

Singer Jenny Robson performed with the Pekka Toivanen Quintet in the 2000s at festivals such as Pori Jazz and April Jazz. At that time, the program focused on the music of Cole Porter. Toivanen and Robson are colleagues at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and now they perform together again after a long break.

Pekka Toivanen Quartet & Jenny Robson – Andania Blues

• Jenny Robson – vocals
• Pekka Toivanen – saxophone
• Janne Maarala – piano
• Wade Mikkola – double bass
• Heikki Sandrén – drums

Supported by: Savonia, City of Kuopio, MES

_{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

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

Mustik Motel Music night at G Livelab Tampere presents: Tahmela Six & Lauri Kallio!

Tahmela Six:

Six visionary souls who weave intricate tapestries of sound. Tahmela Six is a perpetual rebirth – a free-flowing session that taps into the very pulse of existence.

Through the heart of Finland’s ancient woodlands, the music drinks from babbling creeks and listens to the whispering forest. Roots stretching across the time and globe from the land of midnight sun all the way to the streets of 1965 New York city.

For some time audio engineer Jarno Alho had an idea cooking in his head. As a music lover the idea was to organise and record a free jazz session. Curious to see and hear the session from the very beginning till end while recording the moment. Finally in late 2023 he and the well known local drummer Janne Tuomi met at lunch to figure out a list of players for the session. They came up with satisfying names from Helsinki, Tampere and Turku who all happened to agree to take part!

The session was agreed to happen right after Christmas Eve 2023. During the darkest and coldest time of the year. Location was chosen to be one of the beautiful old Villa’s around Tampere, Tahmela Villa by the lake Pyhä. The session was a success and magic indeed happened as we all can hear from the recording. This was the birth of Tahmela Six and the album Mount.

In late summer of 2025 the group gathered to Finnish countryside to record their second album. Playing outside, besides a rye field just before harvest time set the mood to an inspiring collective improvisations with loose premeditated riffs. The result can be heard in spring 2026, released again by Mustik Motel Musik.

Eero Savela, trumpet
Otto Eskelinen, alto sax, flute, shakuhachi
Sami Sippola, tenor sax
Eero Tikkanen, bass
Janne Tuomi, drums
Topias Tiheäsalo, guitar

Lauri Kallio:

Raised in Tampere, Lauri Kallio (b. 1989) is a versatile music professional whose work can be heard on around forty releases: as a recording engineer, mixing engineer and producer, as a composer and arranger, and of course as a musician—above all, a guitarist. In recent years, Kallio has become known through groups such as Pambikallio and the Jimi Tenor Band.

His ensemble plays music in which “an open landscape of interpretation leaves the listener both the responsibility and the freedom to seek the stories and the meanings behind them. Though you don’t have to do even that—you can simply be and enjoy.” (Pekka Laine)

Kallio’s second album, Turtles, Cats and Other Creatures, acclaimed by both critics and audiences, was released in 2025. The concert will feature pieces from the album as well as new compositions.

The ensemble features:
Natalia Castrillón – Harp
Ville Rauhala – Bass
Joonas Leppänen – Drums
Adele Sauros – Saxophones & Flute
Lauri Kallio – Guitar

During the evening, it will also be possible to purchase these and other records released by Mustik Motel Music at the label’s own sales table. Mustik Motel Music is independent label dedicated to exploring melody, harmony and rhythm, born out of urge to spread great music.

Open event

Woodwind specialist Max Zenger invites the audience into the unique world of 1950s American jazz, as his trio performs the music of the Jimmy Giuffre 3. Stepping into Giuffre’s shoes, Zenger plays baritone saxophone and clarinet, accompanied on stage by guitarist Rene Willman and bassist Filemon von Numers.

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

Open event

Lau Nau (Laura Naukkarinen), Linda Fredriksson and Matti Bye enter the We Jazz Records realm as Kiri Ra! with their new album nen (out 22 May 2026). Kiri Ra! is a trio that creates their sound slowly, in a process of improvisation and discovery. Filtered through the musicians’ long-standing friendship and collaboration, Kiri Ra!’s music is a testament to the joy of creation and invention. Their sound together draws from each of the the artists’ work before, while creating new world of sound. Their music is about letting go and being free to take in the even softest whisper and the most minute sonic particle to complete a mosaic filled with beauty. Kiri Ra! follow their own path with courage, showing how letting go can create new worlds.

From Kiri Ra!:

"This music does not try to be anything. No pre-determined references, we get into our recording sessions without any verbal communication. It’s more like a state of mind where we are not trying anything, we just see what happens. We create a moment that is unexpected and doesn’t have any locked direction. We are not trying to be anything, We are existing together. This music was made with a lot of time. We drank coffee and tea. Played. Enjoyed pulla and cookies. Played a bit more. We talked. We were slow. It took 10 years to combine the right pieces for the album. We were not in a hurry. Keywords: air, space, love, time, rest, electronic, synthetic, organic, warmth, wood."

Open event

At the May Linnajazz club: Selim Rantapuro Trio

The music on the album Triple Resonance pays tribute to great names in jazz such as Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and George Benson – artists who are central to the groove-driven, blues-influenced traditions of hard bop and soul jazz. Each track aims to capture the lively and energetic spirit of 1960s jazz.

• Selim Rantapuro – guitar
• Antti Utriainen – Hammond organ
• Henri Lintula – drums

Free entry!

Open event

Tickets 29 €

The Five Corners Quintet plays a rare show at Ääniwalli to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Chasin' The Jazz Gone By.

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.}

Open event

Tickets 24€ / 14€

Singer and actress Miia Laitinen returns to her old hometown to perform a concert. The artist—who studied at the Oulu Conservatory, the Liminka School of Arts, and abroad, and who was also crowned Tangokuningatar (Tango Queen) in 2024—brings to the Valvesali a captivating, story-driven musical experience.

In Laitinen's intense interpretation and presence, jazz melodies and Latin rhythms transform into longing, joy, and burning emotion. Songs from different parts of the world come alive as Laitinen also captivates her audience with her love of dance.

Musical accompaniment is performed by the magnificent TT Big Band, which adds color, power, and dramatic glow to the pieces. Laitinen has previously performed as a soloist with the orchestra, and the concert will also feature nostalgic tunes from their shared musical journey. Welcome to a cinematic concert of live music and storytelling!

_{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

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.

Open event

Free entry

Open event

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.

Open event

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. 

Open event

Free entry

Open event

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.}

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.

Open event

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.

Open event

Open event

Open event

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

Open event

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.}

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

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

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

Tickets 32–55 €

Aili Ikonen's deeply expressive songs meet Oona Airola's charismatic presence in a concert specially created for Jyväskylä Festival.

Aili Ikonen is one of Finland's leading singers and songwriters, renowned for her sensitive yet virtuosic interpretations. Her expressive range is rooted in jazz but boldly reaches beyond genre boundaries. Ikonen's luminous career includes collaborations with a variety of jazz ensembles, big band productions, and acclaimed interpretations of Ella Fitzgerald's repertoire. She is also widely known as a member of the vocal group Rajaton. In 2025, Ikonen was awarded the Yrjö Award by the Finnish Jazz Federation, one of the most prestigious honours in 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

J Tikka’s debut album Hear my whisper is a fascinating example of contemporary Scandinavian jazz, seamlessly blending Tikka’s saxophone with the MPC drum machine beats, familiar from the world of hip hop.

Jarno Tikka – saxophone
Mikko Antila – vibraphone
Eero Seppä – bass
Okko Saastamoinen – 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

Performers:
- Sami Saari & Jazzpojat
- St. Michel Sound Machine
- Mikko Herranen Goes Jazz

Open event

Tickets 35–45 €

The world-class banjo player captivates the audience from the very first play - with a lineup of top-notch musicians as the All Star ensemble. Cynthia Sayer & Joyride is a sure favorite of all fans of 1920s-1940s hot jazz and swing. The world-class banjoist with her ensemble captivates listeners from the very first note: this luminous and professional group is a must-see and hear!

The ensemble is led by the award-winning and internationally acclaimed, charming New York jazz banjo player and singer Cynthia Sayer. True to its name, Joyride offers surprising, fast-paced and joyful concerts. The All Star lineup of top musicians handles its extensive repertoire, based on American Songbook classics, traditional jazz, blues, tango and original compositions, with a personal and fresh approach.

_{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 €

_{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 32–55 €

The closing concert of Jyväskylä Festival will feature an exceptional line-up this July, as pianist and composer Heikki Sarmanto performs together with the Jyväskylä Workshop Band, an ensemble bringing together some of the leading names in Finnish jazz.

The concert programme spans multiple eras and will also include the world premiere of a new composition by Sarmanto dedicated to the festival. This unique closing concert has been created specifically for the Jyväskylä Festival.

The ensemble references the original 1970 Jyväskylä Workshop Band and brings together several key figures of Finnish jazz from different decades. Alongside Sarmanto (piano), the line-up features Juki Välipakka (vocals), Juhani Aaltonen (flute), Reino Laine (drums), Jukka Eskola (trumpet), Eero Koivistoinen (saxophone), and Ulf Krokfors (bass). The seven-member ensemble has an average age of 72.

_{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

The promising new jazz newcomer, the Pauli Halonen Trio, offers up groovy jazz in their first-ever performance in Turku. Founded in 2024, the ensemble performs original music composed by Pauli Halonen as well as covers of songs by their musical influences.

Pauli Halonen – piano
Oskar Lehtimäki – bass
Kuutti Suonio – 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

The Tuomas Talvi Quintet performs a repertoire composed and arranged by double bassist Tuomas Talvi. The music is particularly inspired by the era following the ”golden age of fusion jazz,” incorporating influences from 80s R&B, Afro-Cuban music, and avant-garde nuances.

Tuomas Talvi – double bass, compositions and arrangements
Alexi Tuomarila – piano
Jesse Vilhomaa – altosaxophone
Sami Leponiemi – saxophones
Arttu Huopainen – 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

Damien Sabatier: alto and sopranino saxophones
Hugues Mayot: tenor saxophone
Joachim Florent: double bass
Antonin Leymarie: drums

The driving forces behind the ensemble are the two saxophonists Damien Sabatier and Gérald Chevillon, who also founded Impérial Quartet in 2010. At the jaZZanti concert, however, Chevillon will be replaced by the outstanding saxophonist Hugues Mayot, who performs, among others, with the French National Jazz Orchestra.

On their fifth album, Imperial Quartet continues to explore the folk traditions of Central Europe and the regions shaped by the Danube. As a cultural thread, the river symbolizes cycles, encounters, and the blending of Eastern and Western cultures.

The quartet draws from vernacular traditions—Balkan, Hungarian, Romani, and klezmer music—highlighting their emotional depth and rhythmic richness. Modality, asymmetrical time signatures, and virtuosity intertwine in a free musical language nourished by improvisation. Melodies are reshaped, fused, and reimagined with intention in a contemporary form.

Functioning as a true laboratory for experimental work with sound and rhythm, the ensemble composes and arranges collectively in search of an organic sonic palette. Alternating between introspective softness and powerful bursts of energy, Dunav Magika is a poetic and magical sonic journey in which jazz enters into dialogue with the living memory of European cultures.

Photo: Istvan Meszaros

Soul Diaspora, Impérial Quartet
https://youtu.be/atNvGQz1OR4

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

Open event

New3 is a trio formed by three rising young jazz musicians, combining two vocalists and wind instruments in a novel way.

Helmi Antila – vocals, piano, keyboards
Siina Suutarinen – vocals, piano, keyboards
Oona Mattsson – saxophones & flute

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

Lauri Kallio is a versatile music professional whose work can be found on approximately forty releases. He has contributed as a recording engineer, mixer, producer, composer, and arranger—and naturally as a performer, primarily a guitarist. In recent years, Kallio has become well-known for his work with bands such as Pambikallio and the Jimi Tenor Band. His second album, Turtles, Cats and Other Creatures, was released in 2025. 

Lauri Kallio’s ensemble plays music where the "landscape, open to interpretation, leaves the listener with the responsibility and freedom to seek out stories and their meanings. Then again, you don’t have to do that either; you can just be and enjoy." (Pekka Laine) 

Lauri Kallio – guitar 
Adele Sauros – saxophones & flute 
Natalia Castrillón – harp 
Ville Rauhala – bass 
Joonas Leppänen – 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.

Open event

Tickets 19 € / 35 € / 38 €

The new ensemble of singer Aili Ikonen and saxophonist Jukka Perko reinterprets some of classical music's most famous melodies with a jazz-infused approach! These familiar classical tunes are given new life when paired with brand-new poetic lyrics. Finnish lyrics for these compositions - originally known as instrumental pieces—have been crafted by Paleface, Mariska, Mikko Kuustonen, and Kanerva Pasanen, among others - all of whom are today's leading Finnish lyricists.

_{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

Chico Matada is a Mozambique-born drummer, composer, and bandleader whose music blends African rhythmic traditions with modern jazz, cinematic arrangements and improvisation. Released in April 2026 by Eclipse Records, his latest album features a multinational ensemble of musicians. At Jazz-Espa, Matada presents his unique compositional language, where deep-reaching roots and modern expression converge. The music is simultaneously meditative and rhythmically vibrant—an invitation for the audience to pause, listen, and feel. 

Rafa Postel – trumpet 
Nikita Rafaelov – piano and synthesizers 
Hector Lepe – guitar 
Melik Turunen – bass 
Chico Matada – 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.

Open event

J TIKKA is the solo project of saxophonist Jarno Tikka. On his recent debut album, Hear My Whisper, he blends jazz tradition with modern hip hop. The album is a captivating example of contemporary Scandinavian jazz, where Tikka’s soulful saxophone merges seamlessly with MPC drum machine rhythms familiar from the world of hip hop. 

On the record, Tikka handled all instruments and production himself. In a live setting, however, the music comes to life through a brilliant ensemble, allowing the compositions to take on a new form. 

Jarno Tikka – saxophone 
Mikko Antila – vibraphone, keyboards, percussion 
Eero Seppä – bass 
Okko Saastamoinen – 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.

Open event

Eero Savela Quartet’s music is built upon the compositions of trumpeter and composer Eero Savela, which serve as the foundation for the ensemble’s interplay. Clear melodies provide an accessible surface, yet the band broad-mindedly pushes the music into freer directions. Released in August 2025, the album Way To was nominated for an Indie Award, and Tina Edwards of BBC Radio 3 ranked it among the best releases of the year.

The quartet’s musicians represent several generations and are well-known figures across jazz and various other musical genres. Their playing emphasizes listening, interaction, and a distinctive collective sound.

Eero Savela – trumpet
Seppo Kantonen – electric piano
Eero Tikkanen – double bass
Joonas Leppänen – 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.

Open event

Open event

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.

Open event

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.

Open event

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.

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

Open event

The trio of Turku-based drummer Veikka Kajamies, recipient of the Finnish Jazz Federation’s 2025 Taimi Award for young talent, draws from the tradition of swinging improvisation while looking firmly toward the future. Their spontaneously bold and seamlessly intertwined interplay comes to the fore, captivating the audience with original compositions painted with a broad brush and carefully selected covers. 

Having begun their musical journey together in the Sibelius Academy’s youth program in 2019, this energetic trio features Kajamies alongside fellow Taimi Award-winning pianist-clarinetist Joonatan Henriksson and bassist Otso Huhtala, known for his work with the UMO. 

Joonatan Henriksson – piano & clarinet 
Otso Huhtala – bass 
Veikka Kajamies – 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.

Open event

In the music of saxophonist, composer and sound artist Heli Hartikainen, experimental sonic textures and hypnotically transforming soundfields come out to play. Hartikainen’s debut solo album, CHRONOVARIATIONS, which utilizes 3D audio technology, was awarded the Kritiikin Kannukset (Spurs of Criticism) prize in 2025 for the year's most significant artistic breakthrough and was nominated for an Emma Award for Best Jazz Album of 2024.

On their new album, Interbody (2026), Hartikainen utilizes active sampler software developed for them and customized in collaboration with sound engineer Kaj Mäki-Ullakko. The polyphonic sampler is controlled by Hartikainen’s tenor saxophone; its operating principle is characterized by a certain randomness, allowing improvisation and algorithmic chance to weave into an organic dialogue between a human and a machine.

Heli Hartikainen – tenor saxophone and live electronics

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.

Open event

Olli Soikkeli has risen to become one of the most respected jazz manouche guitarists in the world. Having lived in New York for over ten years, Soikkeli has performed alongside the genre's international stars at jazz clubs and festivals throughout Europe and the United States. 

Now, he appears in Finland with his new Django Trio, in which Soikkeli is accompanied by guitarist Brad Brose and bassist Joonas Tuuri. The Jazz-Espa performance is part of the Finnish record release tour for Soikkeli’s recent album Comeback. 

Olli Soikkeli – guitar 
Brad Brose – guitar 
Joonas Tuuri – double bass 

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.

Open event

Open event

Siina Suutarinen is a distinctive singer, composer and pianist who is currently building an international career with her English-language music. Suutarinen is especially known for her soft vocal sound, which has been compared to artists like Diana Krall. Her debut album, Who You Are, was released in 2025 via Flame Jazz Records, and she is currently working on a second album with her new band, Super Sonic. Inspired by human relationships, honesty and a connection to nature, their music draws influences from jazz and Brazilian music, combining strong bass lines, melodies and bold harmonic ideas. 

Siina Suutarinen – vocals, piano, synthesizer 
Ilari Mäkelä – piano, synthesizer 
Antti Ahoniemi – bass 
Kasper Halttunen – 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.

Open event

New3 is a trio formed by three rising young jazz musicians, combining two vocals and woodwinds in a fresh way. The members' original compositions and arrangements of poignant songs create a musical environment full of space, experimentation, improvisation, honest interpretation, and presence. The band members are known from groups such as the Helmi Antila Quartet, Mattsson/Herrala/Kallio and Siina Suutarinen. The musicians met at the Sibelius Academy’s jazz department, and their friendship is strongly audible in their music. 

Helmi Antila – vocals, piano, keyboards 
Siina Suutarinen – vocals, piano, keyboards 
Oona Mattsson – saxophones and flute 

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.

Open event

Elifantree is the brainchild of vocalist Anni Elif, saxophonist Pauli Lyytinen, and drummer Olavi Louhivuori. Energetic and unpredictable, their music moves freely between precision and rawness, often hinting at surreal and abstract imagery. Their sound is playful yet highly articulate, guided by a fearless spirit of improvisation. 

Their forthcoming seventh album, due in May 2026, is a mystical journey where vocals, tenor saxophone, drums, mellotron, live electronics, and synthesizers merge into an organic, ever-shifting whole—echoing jazz, free improvisation, prog, and pop, yet fully belonging to none. 

Anni Elif – vocals, synthesizers 
Pauli Lyytinen –  saxophone, ewi, effects, drum machine, mellotron 
Olavi Louhivuori – 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.

Open event

Beatbox & Cupola brings a rhythmic world to Jazz-Espa’s Children’s Saturday, where the traditional roles of instruments are turned upside down! In the duo of Felix Zenger and Lauri Wuolio, rhythms are created with the mouth, and melodies are played on a drum. This preview of Konserttikeskus’s upcoming repertoire introduces two unique and distinct instruments: beatboxing—rhythm produced by the human voice—and the cupola, a melodic metallic percussion instrument. In this inspiring and energetic yet occasionally near-meditative performance, the audience also gets to learn the basics of beatboxing. 

Top masters of their instruments, Wuolio and Zenger demonstrate that music can be made in one’s own way and from one’s own perspectives. Zenger has performed worldwide with stars such as Pharrell Williams, and his most popular YouTube video has nearly 40 million views. Lauri Wuolio is one of the most internationally renowned cupola players; his albums, released under the name Kumea Sound, have been streamed over 50 million times. 

Felix Zenger – beatbox 
Lauri Wuolio – cupola 

The concert is organized in collaboration with Concert Centre Finland. 

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.

Open event

The energetic ZikiZiki family orchestra, appearing at Jazz-Espa as a trio, takes listeners on a humorous journey into the diverse world of rhythmic music in the company of ants, monkeys, and chickens! The concert offers an experiential afternoon where learning and shared joy go hand in hand.  

The band’s vision is to create high-quality and versatile music primarily for children, but in a way that audiences of all ages can enjoy. Composed and written by singer Elina Brooks, the songs combine catchy rhythms, playfulness, and swing. The performance also features a few gems by Kaarina Helakisa and Jukka Jarvola from the Posetiivi recording.

Elina Brooks – vocals  
Veikki Virkajärvi – guitar, backing vocals  
Kalle Ylitalo – bass, backing vocals 

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.

Open event

Tickets 17,50 € / 35 €

In honor of the Jazz Finland 100 anniversary, Nina Mya has put together a mix of Finnish and American jazz that showcases the various phases and styles of the genre. In her own artistic expression, she blends the roots of Black music - jazz, soul, and gospel - with Scandinavian melancholy and sincerity.

Nina Mya brings the international spirit of jazz singing to the stage, along with a selection of Finnish gems, accompanied by pianist Henri Mäntylä. Nina Mya is known for her emotional interpretations, and in this concert she also highlights the legacy of her great jazz singing role models.

_{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 35 €

Kaisa Mäensivu Quartet
New Orleans Stompers/Kimmo Leppälä

_{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

Lauri Kallio is a versatile music professional whose work can be found on around forty releases. Kallio’s second album, Turtles, Cats and Other Creatures, was released in 2025.

Lauri Kallio – guitar
Adele Sauros – saxophones and flute
Natalia Castrillón – harp
Ville Rauhala – bass
Joonas Leppänen – 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

Tickets in advance 26 €. At the gate 29 €.

Razzborg once again invites jazz lovers to gather in a unique historic setting, where top-quality music meets the magic of a summer evening and the atmosphere of Raseborg Castle. Expect an unforgettable night filled with swing, great ambience, and memorable moments in celebration of Finnish jazz.

This summer’s line-up features Kari Antila Quartet & Elna Romberg, Lassi Friman Quartet, Bo i Billnäs Orkester and Ite.

Come enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and a beautiful summer evening at Razzborg.

_{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

The Kasper Halttunen 5tet performs compositions by drummer-composer Kasper Halttunen in the spirit of modern jazz. The band’s sound blends the soft interplay of vibraphone and alto saxophone with a traditional piano trio.

Mikko Antila – vibraphone
Ilmari Rönkä – saxophones and flute
Juho Valjakka – piano
Antti Ahoniemi – double bass
Kasper Halttunen – drums and compositions

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

Led by drummer Arttu Huopainen, South–East Corner brings fresh jazz energy to the stage, blending jazz traditions with influences rooted in their home region. The ensemble’s versatile saxophone sounds, swinging double bass, and dynamic drums create a sound that is airy yet intense.

Jimi Ahlroos – saxophones
Casimir Ekman – saxophones
Antti Ahoniemi – double bass
Arttu Huopainen – drums, compositions

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

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

Kanvas is an ensemble of young jazz musicians that boldly blends the sensitivity of jazz and pop with diverse soundscapes and poignant storytelling. The band’s pianist-composer Andrea Martín draws inspiration from the world around her and the beauty of the Finnish language.

Siina Suutarinen – vocals
Andrea Martín – piano & compositions
Kasper Halttunen – drums
Aaron Koskelainen – double bass
Oiva Haapamäki – trumpet, flygel horn
Oona Mattsson – altosaxophone, flute

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

Tickets 22 €

This autumn, producer Charles Gil’s Vapaat äänet, celebrating its 30th anniversary, presents two ensembles in a concert at Kouta Hall. Runoja rauhalle – Poems for Peace is an emotional and meditative manifesto for peace by two saxophonists, Joakim Berghäll and Adele Sauros. T.I.M., formed through Norwegian-French collaboration, creates fascinating experimental music in the spirit of folk traditions. This tour is the 38th co-production between Vapaat äänet and the Finnish Jazz Federation, continuing a collaboration that began in 1996.

Joakim Berghäll & Adele Sauros: Poems for Peace
The compositions performed in the duo concert by Joakim Berghäll and Adele Sauros originate from a single-session solo improvisation by Berghäll. The catalyst for this process was a collection of anti-war poems written in various crisis areas around the world, which influenced the music in an abstract way. The melodic ideas were transcribed exactly as they emerged, without altering a single note, remaining faithful to the impulses of the improvisation. Berghäll and Sauros recorded the material in the Kamppi Chapel, resulting in the album Runoja rauhalle – Poems for Peace.

Adele Sauros – tenor and soprano saxophone
Joakim Berghäll – baritone saxophone, cello

T.I.M.
T.I.M. is a trio assembled by French pianist Sébastien Palis, together with Norwegian singer Karoline Wallace and violinist Inger Hannisdal. The group’s captivating minimalism moves along the borders of folk music and improvisation, alternating between light and shadow while blending acoustic expression with DIY electronics. The stories in their songs emerge through a childlike perspective, instinctive memories, or even an ancient Inuit lullaby. The Hungarian label BMC will release T.I.M.’s debut album Tall, Infinite, Microscopic in September 2026.

Karoline Wallace – vocals, tapes
Inger Hannisdal Hardinger – violin, vocals
Sébastien Palis – piano, synthesizer, composition

Tour co-production: Vapaat äänet & Finnish Jazz Federation
Supported by: AJC, CNV, Institut Français

_{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

Jaska Lukkarinen & Turku Jazz Orchestra: Rainbow Blue

Drummer Jaska Lukkarinen explores the possibilities of jazz drumming within a big band setting, focusing on the idea of “soloistic accompaniment.” Rather than serving only as a rhythmic foundation, the drums become an active part of the orchestra’s sound and musical dialogue.

The music is composed by conductor Mikko Hassinen in close collaboration with Lukkarinen, originating from Lukkarinen’s doctoral project. The result is vibrant and swinging big band jazz, combining the dynamic range of small ensembles with the rich sound of a full orchestra.

***

Trumslagaren Jaska Lukkarinen utforskar i denna konsert jazztrummornas möjligheter inom ett storbandsformat, med särskilt fokus på idén om solistiskt ackompanjemang. Trummorna fungerar inte enbart som rytmisk grund, utan som en aktiv del av orkesterns klang och musikaliska dialog.

Musiken är komponerad av dirigenten Mikko Hassinen i nära samarbete med Lukkarinen, och har sitt ursprung i Lukkarinens konstnärliga doktorandprojekt. Resultatet är svängig och färgstark big band-jazz där smågruppens dynamik möter storbandets rika ljudvärld.

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

Tickets 22 €

Founded in 2016, Tuomas Paukku Scription represents a strong and distinctive voice in Finnish contemporary jazz. Having released its second album in 2023, the ensemble performs the original, tightly woven compositions of guitarist Tuomas Paukku with compelling dedication.

Scription’s style is rooted in modern jazz impressionism and post-bop, while continuously discovering new nuances and perspectives from the outer edges of jazz expression. Paukku’s open-minded interest in multiple musical genres shines through with both subtlety and explosive energy. The music’s rugged Scandinavian atmospheres and its dynamically unfolding sense of tension have moved audiences well beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Tuomas Paukku – guitar
Juho Valjakka – piano
Jori Huhtala – bass
Tomi Saikkonen – 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

Ticket 129 €

Performing at the concert are two esteemed jazz artists: Bianca Morales (vocals) & Zhenia Gimer (piano).

The keynote speaker is Ari Rämö, an experienced business leader, author, and lecturer who has successfully put his leadership theories into practice.

The gala will be hosted by Ira Hammermann. Ira Hammermann is a presenter who combines expertise, presence, and empathy, making the occasion a memorable experience.

_{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

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

Tickets 17-44€

Two legends of Finnish jazz come together for a celebratory concert at Savoy Theatre.

Saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen and drummer Reino "Reiska" Laine, both celebrating their 80th birthdays, are among the pioneers of Finnish jazz. The actively performing musicians will celebrate their long and diverse careers in a concert at the Savoy Theatre.

The first half of the concert will feature Reiska Laine Sextet, with Koivistoinen and Laine joined on stage by Jari Perkiömäki (saxophone), Mikko "Gunu" Karjalainen (trumpet), Olli Ahvenlahti (piano), and Filemon von Numers (double bass). The program includes Koivistoinen’s own compositions as well as works by jazz greats such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, also celebrating the centennial year of their births.

After the intermission, the stage will be taken over by the Sibelius Academy Big Band, conducted by Bianca Rantala. Together with Eero Koivistoinen, the ensemble will perform Koivistoinen’s compositions from different decades, as well as his arrangement of John Coltrane’s classic Equinox.

Welcome to celebrate Finnish jazz!

Duration: approximately 2.5 hours, including an intermission.

The stalls section is an over-18 licensed serving area. The balcony is open to all ages and has no alcohol service.

The concert is produced by Savoy Theatre and Helsingin Jazz ry.

_{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

Open event

American singer and composer Michael Mayo is one of the most exciting vocalists of his generation, acclaimed for his innovative blend of jazz, neo-soul and R&B. This concert marks the beginning of Mayo’s season as principal guest artist of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. Known for his celebrated albums Bones and Fly and collaborations with artists such as Herbie Hancock and Jacob Collier, Mayo brings fresh perspectives and bold vocal artistry to the orchestra’s repertoire.

Open event

American singer and composer Michael Mayo is one of the most exciting vocalists of his generation, acclaimed for his innovative blend of jazz, neo-soul and R&B. This concert marks the beginning of Mayo’s season as principal guest artist of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. Known for his celebrated albums Bones and Fly and collaborations with artists such as Herbie Hancock and Jacob Collier, Mayo brings fresh perspectives and bold vocal artistry to the orchestra’s repertoire.

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

Open event

Jazz visionaries Teppo Mäkynen and Mikko Hassinen join forces to compose a new work for Turku Jazz Orchestra. Premiering at Fuuga in December, the piece transforms the traditional big band sound into an electroacoustic, shape-blurring and electrically expanded jazz work that speaks strongly to the present moment. The work will also be recorded during the same weekend.

Inspired by Jean-Luc Godard’s film Pierrot le fou, the piece approaches big band tradition with a knowingly “misread” perspective: history is acknowledged, but never treated reverently. The compositional process unfolds cyclically, moving from live performance to remixing and back to the stage. Beyond their shared background in drumming, Mäkynen and Hassinen are united by a distinctive use of electronics as both an extension and a counterforce to acoustic expression, creating a sound that is at once familiar and entirely new.

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