Linnajazz, organized since 1991, fills the center of Hämeenlinna with music on the last weekend of July.
The versatile program of Linnajazz 2023 features new interesting artists and master-level jazz musicians. There are concerts in clubs, terraces, markets and churches. Most of the performances are free to the public.
The weekend culminates in a big picnic park concert on Sunday in the wonderful Linnanpuisto on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi. At the park concert, Finnish jazz legend Olli Ahvenlahti will take the stage with his amazing line-up. The picnic concert will start with a performance by the Junior All Star Big Band, made up of talented young Finnish jazz musicians. The program also includes The Blassics, who combine afrobeat, funk and jazz. The park concert is free of charge.
At Linnajazz’s after party at Rantakasino, the weekend will be sealed with the wonderful Aleksi Aromaa trio and Jazzrosvot.
Weekend jazz gets off to a flying start already at Thursday's pre-party in Suisto where Rosettes presents long-awaited new and fresh Finnish soul.
On Friday, there are already a large number of artists performing, such as the gramophone artist DJ Old Crank and the magical world music band Belize. The late-night jazz club presents Martti Vesala Soundpost Quintet.
On Saturday, the marketplace concert serves music all afternoon, including Vanaja Big Band, Noo, Maarian yökirjat, ConCis Big Band and Kassun jamit feat. Jukka Eskola. In Saturday's special concert in the hall of the old Palokunnantalo, the band Uusi aika will perform. The band's gentle and exotic sound has received a great reception. In the evening, there is plenty to listen to and experience around the city in local restaurants including performance by e.g. Tuareg guitarist and singer Ahmed Ag Kaedy, the swinging Kimmo Salminen Trio, Edward Seger & Bluesjuntta and many others.
Linnajazz is organized by the Hämeenlinna Soitannollinen Kerho, founded in 1945. The chairman of the association, Sami Pekkola, is satisfied with Linnajazz’s program. "Our artist lineup this year presents a really interesting selection of domestic expertise. Local and more famous artists are in a nice balance. It will be fun for sure!” Pekkola summarizes.
Full program and venues at linnajazz.fi
Photo: Hannu Juutilainen