As the first event in the Archipelago Sea Jazz festival series, Baltic Jazz will resound on the first weekend of July in the historic ironworks milieu of Taalintehdas in Kemiönsaari. This cozy family event, held since 1987, focuses especially on classic swinging jazz and features both international artists and local flair.
Baltic Jazz is a relaxed summer meeting place for both young and older visitors, and the festival kicks off with a traditional pre-party on July 4th at 8 PM at Kasnäs Pavilion. The stage will feature Archipelago Sea Jazz All Stars. It's advisable to book your place in advance.
The Jazz Street opens on Friday. The opening parade at 12 PM includes the straw-hat-clad musicians of Maaria Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout the weekend, the Jazz Street will also feature performances by the Bike Pianist, Kimito Island Big Band, Muddy Husky Duo, Turku Firehouse Brass Band, and Jazzåå5.
The festival's first park concert, “Let’s get this party started,” offers entertainment led by the local band Kake & Co. Next up is Högsåra Hipsters, a band that gained great popularity on the Jazz Street last year. The show choir ÅK Ensemble will close the park concert with their dazzling show.
Jazz guitarist Mathias Sandberg will end the festival Friday at Strandhotel.
Saturday starts with two children's concerts in the park. Aarne Alligator & Viidakkorumpu will perform in Swedish at 10 AM and in Finnish at 11:15 AM. With the Baltic Jazz Kids wristband, you can attend both concerts.
"What a wonderful way to teach children to attend concerts!" says the jazz association's chairman Sanna Järf, referring to the concerts held in the lush park. "Pack a picnic basket and a blanket. The whole family can enjoy live music, treats, and the freedom to move to the music together."
Saturday's “Swinging in the Park” comprises three different concerts. The audience can attend individual concerts or enjoy the entire series with the Swinging at the Park pass. In the first concert, Baltic Jazz's artistic director, the legendary Antti Sarpila, celebrates his 60th birthday with musician friends. In the next concert, Danish singer Mette Juul will perform songs from her latest album Celeste. The afternoon concludes with SUMU Big Band with Strings, featuring Finland's own Frank Sinatra, Sami Pitkämö, in a concert titled “Tribute to Frank Sinatra.”
Saturday continues with a 30th-anniversary concert by the Baltic Gospel Singers at Taalintehdas Church. The choir was originally founded to bring a bit more swing to the jazz service.
For those who love jazz and gourmet food, there's a concert at the magnificent Ullman's Villa. You can enjoy a three-course dinner in the ambiance created by Mette Juul. Jazz & Dinner tickets are sold exclusively in advance.
Saturday ends at the Factory with “Jazzing up the Factory.” The evening starts with Marian Petrescu Combo and their “Tribute to Oscar Peterson Trio.” SUMU Big Band continues the evening with emotional big band sounds. The final band of the night, The Busquitos from the Netherlands, will offer swinging, cheerful, and perhaps a bit quirky fun.
This year, there are two final concerts at Söderlångvik on Sunday: Gypsy Swing vol 1 and vol 2. The closing concerts have usually been sold out, so the organizers wanted to offer more people the chance to enjoy great music in the beautiful Söderlångvik Manor. The concerts are not identical but differ in content. A combo ticket is available for those who wish to attend both concerts. Olli Soikkeli Trio featuring Antti Sarpila will perform a tribute to Django Reinhardt.
At the after-party, the festival weekend will be brought to a lively close. Instead of jazz, there will be more rocking tunes. The first to take the stage is Uncle Ben’s Pumped Frisco, followed by Fury, with the evening culminating in TrrTrrTrr's show.
Baltic Jazz is one of four festivals in the Archipelago Sea Jazz series. The other festivals are Korpo Sea Jazz, Turku Sea Jazz, and Åland Sea Jazz. When purchasing a ticket through Tiketti, you have the option to support the work of the John Nurminen Foundation for the marine environment.
Archipelago Sea Jazz is a series of four festivals that invites you to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and top music of the Archipelago Sea. Check out the program at www.archipelagoseajazz.fi.
ÅK Ensemble © Tobias Braun