The sixth edition of Kirjazz Festival is organised this summer on 5 July in Valkeakoski, at Kirjaslampi Dance Pavilion. The headliner of this year’s festival is one of the most talked-about of new-generation Finnish jazz combos, Dalindèo. Other artists include local group, OJS, with vocalist Lili Lambert.
Doors open at 7PM and the night will be kicking off with the “jazz challenge” at 8PM. In the jazz challenge, anyone from the audience can join the house band in the jam session and have fun and display his or her talent. We are in for a good deal of laid-back jamming, experimental moments and jazzy gimmickry, and there are surprise prizes awaiting the ones favoured by Fortune. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments (apart from the drums and the keys), plus sheets for the house band.
Dalindèo trusts originality
Dalindèo, the main act of the event, is a sextet lead by guitarist-composer Valtteri Pöyhönen. The group is known for being simultaneously tradition-conscious and refreshingly carefree of genre categories. Dalindèo is composed of saxophonist Pope Puolitaival, trumpeter Jose Mäenpää, bassist Pekka Lehti, drummer Jaska Lukkarinen and percussionist Rasmus Pailos.
Dalindèo has been around already more than ten years, and their latest album Kallio, widely admired upon its release, was rightfully awarded with the Jazz Emma award. This classy group trusts the appeal of a distinct blend of jazz, film music and Finnish tango and popular song. The danceability and solid melodies of their compositions are a guarantee that no one will stand still.
Lili Lambert charms as a vocalist for OJS
OJS introduces some local colour onto the stage. Formerly known as OJ’s Quartet and after renaming OJS, the band is formed by Olli Jokinen on the bass, Eero Kokkonen on the drums, Miko Tekoniemi on the guitar and Juuso Horelli on the piano. They will be joined by the dazzling Lili Lambert on vocals, who recently participated the Voice of Finland singing competition and the Finnish qualifying heat for the Eurovision song contest.
The official after-party will be held at Hotel Waltikka, with the saxophone-playing and record-spinning host, local disk jockey DJ Rezz Jakola (Ilkka Rekola). The party will continue until small hours.
Kirjazz is co-organised by Työväen Musiikki tapahtuma ry, Valkeakosken Sanomat and Valkeakosken Osuuspankki. Nimikin Kirjazzgrilli will provide tasty treats from salmon to pulled pork burgers.
Further information and interviews:
Joni Rokkanen, tuottaja
Työväen Musiikkitapahtuma
040 525 7176
joni.rokkanen@valmu.com
www.valmu.com
Photos from Kirjazz 2013:
http://www.valmu.com/medialle/kuvagalleria/galleria-kirjazz