The Porvoo Jazz Festival once again brings an international flair to Porvoo this year.
On Friday, September 27th, the stage at Vanha 123 will host the striking project EXPAND, led by German composer-singer Sara Decker. Known for her subtle voice, touching storytelling, and impressive vocal range, Decker has been recognized with several awards (including Young European Talent, Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition, European Jazz Award). For her latest ensemble, she has brought together four long-time friends, all internationally accomplished female musicians: Heidi Bayer (trumpet) and Mareike Wiening (drums) from Germany, Yuhan Su (vibraphone) from the USA, and Kaisa Mäensivu (bass).
“My music relates to many societal issues and personal relationships. EXPAND is really about celebrating the collaboration and friendship of women. For me, it’s a way to support each other and make each other shine while expanding our own musical boundaries,” describes Sara Decker.
Saturday, September 28th kicks off at 2 PM with a playful, low-cost daytime event designed for all ages, Jazz + Ping Pong, at the pop-up venue Vanha Pantteri. The event will feature entertaining music by the Danish organ duo Born2Bingo, with lively rhythms accompanied by top Finnish jazz names, all while playing rounds of ping pong.
The festival’s Nordic collaboration culminates on Saturday evening at Vanha 123 with the Estonian-Danish Karmen Rõivassepp Quartet, which has gained a strong following in Scandinavia. Composed of young jazz musicians, the quartet strays slightly from traditional jazz, offering more reflective, atmospheric, and melancholic contemporary jazz. The international concerts are supported by the Better Live EU initiative, Svenska Kulturfonden, Initiative Musik gGmbH, and the Finnish-Danish Cultural Foundation.
Porvoo Jazz Festival “Single Tray” – A New Way to Date Amidst Music
The difficulties of finding a partner and fatigue with dating apps have been much discussed in the media. Single events sell out quickly, and there is a demand for opportunities to meet in person. The Porvoo Jazz Festival wants to offer a chance for those seeking a partner with its “Single Tray” concept. “There are many lonely people in society, and we want to create a fun way to meet new people,” says Antti Ansas, chairman of PJF ry.
How does the Single Tray work? It will be available during the evening concerts at Vanha Pantteri, where singles can take a photo of themselves sitting on a physical tray. The picture can be shared on social media with the tags @porvoojazzfestival and #sinkkutarjotin. By doing so, the single person gives permission to be approached either at the event itself or via social media when the tagged photo is published on the festival’s channels. The festival trusts that the audience will be supportive and respectful of those brave enough to put themselves out there with a twinkle in their eye.
Event Schedule
Fri, Sept 27th at 8 PM: EXPAND & Joonatan Henriksson Quintet
Vanha 123, Kaivokatu 37b. Tickets in advance at biletti.fi: 30€/25€, at the door: 35€.
Sat, Sept 28th at 2 PM: Jazz + Ping Pong w/ Born2Bingo (DK)
Pop-up venue Vanha Pantteri, Kaivokatu 37. Tickets: biletti.fi/at the door: 10€ adult, 5€ child.
Sat, Sept 28th at 7 PM: Karmen Rõivassepp Quartet & Lampen
Vanha 123, Kaivokatu 37b. Tickets in advance at biletti.fi: 30€/25€, at the door: 35€.
Expand © Porvoo Jazz Festival