Jazz Finland Live

The Finnish Jazz Federation warmly welcomes you to the 17th Jazz-Espa Festival. The two-week concert series sees twenty Finnish jazz acts entertain music-lovers this summer on the Espa Stage in the Esplanadi Park. All Jazz-Espa concerts are accessible, free of charge and open to all ages. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Finnish Jazz Federation, Jazz-Espa dresses up to a Jazz Federation's colours and turns up the volume by presenting as many as three large orchestras this year. The crown jewel of these big-band-sized ensembles is of course UMO Jazz Orchestra.

Thu 4th of August at 4pm Zander

Joonas Haavisto – keys, Juho Kivivuori – b, Tuomas Timonen – dr

Zander made their debut in 2010 in Belgium at the final of prestigious Hoeilaart Jazz competition impressing the jury immediately with their exuberant and intense performance. From a traditional acoustic jazz trio sound, the trio’s output has evolved towards more electrical expression. February 2016 saw the debut album of Zander, The Sound of Rewinding. The cassette(!) is a fine example of creativity and open-mindedness that this energetic trio is all about.

Thu 4th of August at 5.30pm Laura Annika Quartet

Annika Mustonen – voc, comp, lyr, Aleksis Liukko – p, comp, Joonas Tuuri – db, Jesse Ojajärvi – dr

Laulaja Vocalist Annika Mustonen and pianist Aleksis Liukko stand behind the quartet’s subtle and stylish music. The compositions have their roots in modern and modal jazz, Brazilian rhythms and blues elements. The band has released one EP, titled Le Lac, yet already performed in some of the biggest jazz stages in Finland.

Jazz-Espa, July 25 – Aug 6, 2016

Espa Stage, Esplanadi Park

Concerts start at 4:00PM and 5:30PM every weekday (on Mondays at 4:00PM only). Saturday concerts are held at 3:00PM. 

Jazz-Espa 2016 programme: