A series of four high-quality summer festivals takes its audience on a diverse journey through the world of jazz, from classic tunes to experimental realms. Archipelago Sea Jazz spreads across the shores of the Archipelago Sea from Kemiönsaari to Korpoo and from Turku to Mariehamn in July and August. The entire festival program is ready, and ticket sales are underway.
Baltic Jazz: July 5–7, 2024
The first event in the festival series, Baltic Jazz, takes place on the first weekend of July in the historic ironworks setting of Taalintehdas on Kemiönsaari. This family-friendly event, organized since 1987, focuses on classic swing jazz and features both international artists and local talent. The 2024 lineup includes piano virtuoso Marian Petrescu, top guitarist Olli Soikkeli, who is building a career in the United States, and award-winning Danish singer Mette Juul. Jazz legend Antti Sarpila has been the artistic director since 2002.
Korpo Sea Jazz: July 25–27, 2024
On the last weekend of July, jazz echoes throughout the Korppoo archipelago. Known for its intimate and experimental nature, Korpo Sea Jazz offers unique experiences such as a forest concert on Paljasjalkapolku in North Korppoo, featuring drummers Severi Sorjonen and Anssi Tirkkonen as a duo. The 2024 festival’s artistic director is bassist Joonas Tuuri, who will perform in various ensembles. The Riikka Keränen Group will perform on Friday in Korppoo's medieval church, and a special boat trip to Aspö island on Saturday will feature Joonas Tuuri and guitarist Olli Soikkeli playing Brazilian guitar music. The festival, popular among boaters, also offers plenty of free daytime activities in places like Nauvo guest harbor and the terrace of the Korpoström Archipelago Center.
Turku Sea Jazz: July 31–August 3, 2024
The urban maritime Turku Sea Jazz takes its turn at the end of July and beginning of August. The event kicks off on Wednesday at the Kirkkopuisto Terrace with a Baltic Sea theme in collaboration with the John Nurminen Foundation. Thursday's activities take place on the historic Seili island, featuring a solo performance by vibraphonist Panu Savolainen and a concert by the Superposition ensemble as part of their album release tour. Weekend concerts will be enjoyed at the maritime center Forum Marinum along the Aurajoki river. Top names in Finnish jazz will perform in various venues within the maritime museum from morning until night, including piano legend Olli Ahvenlahti, soul artist Tuomo, and the new world music trio Wishamalii. The festival week also includes the Jazz Camp for Girls, launched by the Danish Jazz Association.
Åland Sea Jazz: August 9–10, 2024
Åland Sea Jazz concludes the festival series in August in Mariehamn. This Nordic boutique festival holds evening concerts at the Alandica cultural center, featuring Grammy-winning Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius and the charismatic saxophonist Timo Lassy with his trio on Friday. Saturday's performances include soulful Nina Mya with her gospel repertoire and the local Whatclub band in the spirit of Django Reinhardt. An intimate solo performance by young Swedish trombone talent Hampus Adami will take place on Saturday afternoon in the idyllic chapel of the Maritime Quarter. Both festival evenings in Mariehamn end with jams at Hotel Arkipelag.
The summer Archipelago Sea Jazz events are built with respect for environmental values. The festival's environmental partners are the Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association and the John Nurminen Foundation. You can make a donation to the John Nurminen Foundation’s marine environment work when purchasing tickets from Tiketti.
Archipelago Sea Jazz is a series of four festivals that invites you to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and top-notch music of the Archipelago Sea. Check out the program at www.archipelagoseajazz.fi.
Photo: Juha Kurri