MAIN MUSIC PAGE :::::
MUSIC SCHEDULE
:::::
REGISTER AND GET TICKETS!
FINNFEST 2008 MUSICIANS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Marjatta Airas is well known as an artist of many talents with a lyrically dramatic high dark voice and extensive register. Her repertoire encompasses opera, operetta and Lieder as well as gypsy music, light music and spiritual music.
She received critical acclaim from her debut concert in Helsinki in 1981. Thereafter she has performed as a soloist with all the prominent Finnish symphony orchestras as well as in Sweden, Estonia, Hungary and Spain, with conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Sakari Oramo, Jorma Panula. As a recitalist she has performed in several European countries and USA.
Marjatta is mostly recognized for her operatic roles of which the most important are Carmen (with over 200 performances at the Finnish National Opera and in major Finnish cities Turku and Oulu), Tosca, Isabella, Amneris, Santuzza and Butterfly. At the Savonlinna Opera Festival as well as in the Finnish National Opera she has had leading roles in several World Premiers of new Finnish operas by Aulis Sallinen and Jukka Linkola. In 1991 she was nominated Operetta Star of Finland in a competition arranged by Finnish Television MTV3.
Contemporary Finnish composers such as Kaija Saariaho, Jukka Linkola and Jarmo Sermilä have dedicated works to Marjatta Airas.
Marjatta Airas has made recordings of Negro Spirituals, Spanish music, Viennese songs and Gypsy music with her Zingara Quartet, as well as several television and radio programs.
Tero Airas received his cello diploma from Sibelius Academy after studying with professors Erkki Rautio and Arto Noras, as well as Liszt Academy, Budapest with Laszlo Mezö. He performed with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Helsinki Philharmonic 190-88, taught chamber music in Turku and Helsinki Conservatories 1988-95 and was the director of the Hyvinkää Music School 1995-2003. Currently he teaches cello and chamber music at the Kuopio Conservatory.
Mr. Airas has performed in Europe, USA and Japan. Chamber music has always held a special place in his heart and he is a member of several chamber music ensembles, the Finnish String Quartet, Avanti and Zingara, among others.
Ameriikan Poijat (Boys of America) is a brass septet formed from professional third-generation American Finns. In 1990, the group was formed by Paul Niemistö who had made contact with many Finnish brass players and discovered this relatively unknown musical tradition. They are reviving the tradition of the Finnish Brass Septet and their music evolves around the old music and dance arrangements. Through contact with septet players in Finland, the group realizes its playing style differs. They say that they play ‘ with a foreign accent’ but the more interaction they have with Finnish music colleagues, the more authentic their sound.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Casey Aro is a talented musician and storyteller. He’s a “one-man band, storytelling machine that entertains audiences-young and old alike.” Join Casey and Harry Whitt on the Scenic Train Ride to Lester River (Thursday) and enjoy their pleasant blend of songs and stories.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………The Arrowhead Chorale is a professional group of select vocal artists who are dedicated to bringing fine performances of unaccompanied and accompanied music to their audiences. Enjoy their selection of Finnish songs during the Gala Concert.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Band’O is an acoustic Finnish trio~~two daughters and their father.The trio’s repertoire is a combination of modern acoustic folk, bluegrass and country as well as original compositions by all three of them. Jemina and Selina share the lead singer’s role of the Sillanpää family. Selina plays the guitar, fiddle and tin whistle, Jemina plays the fiddle and Seppo plays the guitar and other stringed instruments.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Brent Buswell & Bert Stromholm’s Accodion Duo are Finlandia Foundation’s POY for 2008. Bert Stromhom is an exceptionally talented accordion player and entertainer and has been performing and playing dances since his youth either alone or as a member of various bands. Brent Buswell pays the accordion as well as organ and percussion. Together this duo brings a wide variety of accordion music to FF 2008.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Conga Se Menne is a “high energy alternative reggae band from Marquette Michigan performing original music with a mix of Calypso/funk/Sauna/Reggae which has been classified as a new experimental sound.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Finn Hall Band is a group of musicians dedicated to preserving the feel and sounds of dances at the Finn Halls found in most Finnish-American communities in the late 1800’s into the 1950’s. “Finn Hall remains true to the original folk tunes, and has added dances that were coming into vogue in the 50’s and the 60’s—like the humppa and tango.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Finn Power Band is a four piece band that is well known in the Wisconsin area. Rod and June Maki on accordion are backed up by drums and saxophone. They play and sing traditional Finnish tunes and dances. In 2000 they received the Viola Turpeinen Accordionist plaque at the National Finnish Festival in Kimball, WI.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………The Finnish American Singers of Michigan are well known to FinnFest attendees as they have performed at fifteen of the national FinnFests beginning with the very first one in Minneapolis in 1983. They have had several directors and many singers throughout the years and sing concerts of Finnish classical, folk and American songs with enthusiasm.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Vicki Lundberg Gornick of Chisholm, MN, was selected as the Finlandia Foundation National Performer of the Year for the year 2000 and toured throughout the U.S. performing Finnish organ music. She has performed as a soloist and accompanist in the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland, and now plays professionally for three churches, directs two choirs and maintains a private studio for organ and piano instruction
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Folke Gräsbeck has performed more than 200 of Sibelius's c.550 compositions, and has given the world premiere performances of 82 of them. He was the first pianist to give a recital at the new Bisbelius Hall in Lahti (14th March 2000), play8ing a programme exclusively devoted to Sibelius piano music premieres. His Sibelius repertoire also includes the Piano Quintet in G minor, the four piano quartets and the complete works for piano trio. In 1996 he was awarded the medal of Sibelius's Birthplace in Hämeenlinna.
Folke Gräsbeck studied piano under Tarmo Huovinen at the Turku Conservatory (1962-74) and won first prize in the Maj Lind Competition in 1973. He made numerous study visits to London, where he was taught privately by Maria Curcio-Diamond. He also studied under Prof. Erik T. Tawaststjerna at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and became a Master of Music there in 1997. He has performed some thirty piano concertos and given performances as a recitalist, chamber player and Lied accompanist in the USA, Egypt, Irsrael, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mexico as well as in many European countries. He has made numberous recordings for BIS, many of which are included in the company's ongoing complete recorded Sibelius edition.
Ted Heinonen has been performing professionally for the past 35 years in various Bluegrass, Swing and Country-Rock and Scandinavian Roots bands and has been a studio musician on several CD projects. He has shared the stage and taught workshops with mandolin greats as Jethro Burns, Butch Baldasari, Adam Steffey and Peter Ostrousko to name a few. While mandolin is his main instrument he also plays the fiddle, guitar, kantele and the nyckleharpa. Ted also teaches the mandolin in the Duluth area. He is a 20 year veteran graphic artist with the Duluth News Tribune and has won a couple of National awards for his design work. He has also worked as a radio announcer/programmer for both public and commercial broadcasting stations. Born in Mora, Minnesota,Ted has been a Duluth resident for over 40 years.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Highland String Quartet was formed in 1985 and continues to present concert programs as well as other festivities and events in the upper Midwest region with its four original members: Steve Highland, first violin, Laurie Bastian, second violin, Ron Kari, viola, and Betsy Highland Husby, cello. The members of the quartet are all native Duluthians and hold principal and assistant principal positions in the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Hilkka Helena is an accomplished singer, who has enjoyed singing her whole life. She was born in Helsinki, Finland and now lives in the “Palm Beaches” area ofd Florida. Hilkka Helena has specialized in singing Finnish tango and humppa, and her repertoire includes songs in both Finnish and English. Hilkka Helena regulary performs with Heikki Perttu. They will re releasing a new CD this fall entitled “Amor.”
Lauren Hiukka was 85 last November. He took accordion lessons from Einar Kivela and from Arne Fraki. Later he studied at the Kult School of Music and played on their Young Artist’s radio shows. He played on Onni Laines radio show for Oxidant flour playing Finn music on KDAL. He also played many years on Leo Keskinen’s Finnish Americana show from Grand Rapids. He taught accordion at the Duluth and Ely Accordion Center’s for six years. He hosted a bi-weekly radio show from Ely and played on radio stations KDAL, WEBC, WDSM, WEVE, WMFG, WKLK, WHLB, WCCO AND KSTP. Lauren says that he believes he has the largest collection of Finn Music than any other accordion player in Minnesota.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Hoedown Trio: Mika Kuokkanen, Ninni Poijärvi, Olli Haavisto share the passion for old Finnish and International roots music and traditional Finnish pelimanni folk music. Mika , guitar player and singer is rooted in the singer-songwriter tradition but not a “stranger to urban and sharp edged rock ,” Ninni, a songwriter and master of vocal harmonies plays violin, accordion and piano. Olli is the guru of the pedal and lap steel guitar and the mandoliini .
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Indigenous (blues/rock band) has undergone a major change in structure with a new look and a new sound. Mato Nanji is lead singer, guitarist, composer and lyricist and is becoming one of the hottest young blues rockers on the scene today. Indigenous still delivers “blazing blues/rock and sizzling live performances.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Lyz Jaakola & her Blues Band, the ‘Smokin’ Chimokes’ will perform at Bayfront, Saturday night, July 26th. Her Native-based compositions have been heard on radio stations and television. Lyz is multi-talented and says of her music, “I sing because that is who I am, the journey I have been given. I tell stories of the Oshkii-Anishinaabeg, the New People, the 7th Generation. Many of us are of a mixed heritage and music is a way to touch hearts so that we may learn to accept what gifts life brings. All the people of this world are just different shades of the same spirit, and it is in this spirit that I sing.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………The Jarvenpää Singers were originally called the FinnFest Chorus when they were formed for the FinnFest held in Duluth in 1992. The choir has continued to meet and regularly performs concerts in and around the Midwest region under the direction of Dolores Carlson. The choir is now known as the Jarvenpää Singers and has a repertoire of Finnish folk songs, hymns and patriotic music. The Jarvenpää Singers have performed at FinnFests in Marquette and Toronto and at many festivals, churches and other special events throughout the area.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Diane Jarvi is a versatile jazz and pop singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. She sings and records her own original songs in contemporary folk style and is accomplished on both the guitar and kantele. She is known in Finland as “Minnesotan Satakeili” the Minnesota nightingale. She is a published poet, and a recipient of the Finlandia Foundation Performer of the Year 2000
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Craig Randal Johnson is a Finnish American Minneapolis-based conductor, concert pianist/recitalist and double bassist. As Finlandia Foundation “Performer of the Year” in 1999 Craig played over two dozen Finnish Piano recitals across the United States. He has a CD devoted to the Finnish piano music repertoire. Craig Randal Johnson has organized and conducted gala Finnfest symphony concerts in Ashtabula (2007), Marquette(2005) and Minneapolis (2002). Each Finnfest concert featured world premieres or first American performances of Finnish orchestral works. He held positions for six seasons in three German opera houses, and conducted concerts and opera in Italy. Amongst others Craig has conducted the Florida Symphony, Marquette Symphony (MI), Arius Chamber Orchestra, North Star Opera and the Upper Peninsula- based Boreal Chamber Symphony, which under his baton, was featured in the November
2007 issue of Lake Superior Magazine which honored the Earth Keepers Initiative. In 2006 at the Nordic Spirit Symposium in California he presented a combined performance-lecture exploring social and cultural ramifications of ongoing musical directions in the Nordic counties; and at UMD performed Finnish piano music at a SISU Finnish Language and Culture Seminar. Craig holds degrees from Northwestern University and The University of Minnesota, and has studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, the Aspen Music School, and Dartmouth College.
Tyler Kaiser is a jazz guitarist and award –winning composer. His compositions have earned him numerous awards. He is an adjunct music instructor at St. Scholastica and University of Wisconsin-Superior. He will combine with the Saana Ensemble in a performance and also participate in the Jazz Cabaret.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Wil Kilpela & Friends are a popular U.P. Finnish dance band. Wil began playing the accordion when he was nine and says that he picked up styling and tunes by hanging around and playing with local musicians, and listening closely to the musicians who traveled through the area such as Viola Turpeinen. “He is a skilled player, able to perform rapid-fire polkas and mournful minor key waltzes with precision and feeling.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Richard Koski is well known in both Finnish and Finnish-American musical circles, especially in the Northeast and Upstate New York. Richard plays traditional Finnish dance music on one and two diatonic button accordions preserving the old-time music. He has the distinction of being Finlandia Foundation’s POY for 2005. He has performed at the Kaustinen and Rääkylä Folk Festivals in Finland. Don’t miss Richard performing an accordion, fiddle duo with Carl Rahkonen at the Gala Concert.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Ari Lahdekorpi is a Finnish Canadian guitarist who has performed jazz, blues and world music as a solo artist, session musician, and a sideman for over thirty years. He has released ten cds of original material over the last twenty years, and continues to write and record in Canada. The cd project entitled, “Letters from Karelia” features Ari as composer producer, musician, and arranger, performing on guitar, mandolin, bass and synthesizer.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Nathan Muus is co-editor of Baiki: The International Sami Journal. He is a yoiker who has performed solo at most of the major Scandinavian and Finnish festivals over the last ten years. He has formed a Minneapolis-based group with three other musicians; two are Native American and one is Chicano. They play Latin-style music with Nathan as the flute player and Yoiker. The group also includes guitar/keyboard, bass and percussion.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Jyrki Myllärinen was born in Naples, Italy in 1961. He spent his childhood in Lappeenranta, Finland and started his music hobby by playing the violin in the music class of the elementary school. Soon he took on the guitar along with the violin, and guitar studies took him to Naples in Conservatorio S. Pietro a Majella, where he studied years 1979-1984 with Francesco De Sanctis.
In 1984 he continued his studies in Sibelius Academy with Seppo Siirala, finalizing with an A examination with honors in 1989. After his debut concert Myllärinen moved to Basel to continue his studies in Italian Oscar Ghiglia's master class in Basel Music Academy. 1994 brought soloist diploma, and first place in prestigious internation Gargano guitar competition.
Jyrki Myllärinen has had concerts all around Europe, and performed on radio and TV in several countries. He has taught in Sibelius Academy and Turku University of Applied Sciences. Currently he works as a docent in Tallinn Music Academy. Myllärinen is also a popular master class teacher
The Northern Echoes, (Pohjoinen kaiku) vocal ensemble Jayme Bell, Debra Hautala Wahlberg and Margaret Sell Vainio became life-long friends during their years as members of the Northern Michigan University Arts Chorale under the direction of Dr. Douglas Amman. Jayme stayed in the Marquette area and Debra returned to Ironwood, where both, in addition to careers as school music teachers, lead the worship music in their respective congregations. Margaret moved to Finland and has worked as organist/choir director for the State Church. Not even the ocean between them has been able to keep them from singing together. The trio's repertory contains folksong arrangements as well as contemporary religious music from the soon-to-be-released Finnish-American Hymnal.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Northern Stars is a family band that originated in Virginia, MN, and have performed dances and festivals for over thirty years. The group features Finnish and Scandinavian dance music recorded by Viola Turpeinen, Walter Eriksson, and Veikko Ahvenainen.
The Northern Stars started as a husband and wife duo with Ernest Aho on accordion and Joan Aho on drums. Their five children, Teresa, Tina, Terri, Todd and Taippo all studied music and performed as members of the family band.
Today, the family members of the Northern Stars includes Joan Aho on drums, Terri Aho Lehr on violin, mandolin and drums, Taippo Aho on drums and guitar, Teresa Aho Thums on accordion, violin and vocals, and granddaughter, Kristiina, who is just 11 years old, performing on the violin and singing in Finnish. Also joining the Northern Stars at FinnFest 20008 is artist and musician, Teresa Bulen on guitar.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………The Suomalainen Sisters~~Nyt Naura ‘Now Laugh’ are a “Finnish comedy and musical troupe which perform comic reminiscing, hilarious folk songs and lyrics (flavored entirely in English, accented with a dose of Finnish spice) which will tickle your funny bone.” Their performances include a unique and interesting blend of music (some original compositions) and comical reminiscing about growing up Finnish in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Suomalainen Sisters, Linda and Kris Kyro and Sherry Saarinen have been filmed and interviewed by Finnish Reporters and TV personnel. They also performed live on the WLUCTV.com world-wide web with Carl Pellonpaa during a taping of the FinnGrand Festival. The Suomalainen Sisters have presented over 100 performances and Sherry has said, “how exciting this Finnish show biz is!”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Kip Peltoniemi is an accordionist, song writer, story teller and comedian who sings original and traditional songs about Finnish-American and northern Minnesota culture. He tells tales about fictional and historical subjects and plays Finnish fiddle tunes on two and three row button accordions. “His one man show features unusual accordion instrumentals, humorous songs, dubious folklore, tall tales and out-and-out-lies.” The Helsingin Sanomat (Finland’s largest newspaper) named his CD “Minnesot Tango” the best folk music in 2001.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Heikki Perttu is a composer and arranger and has just released a music CD entitled “Ameriikan Raitilta.” Heikki is a former Zion Lutheran Church organist and choir director. For the last six years, during the winter months, he has directed the Florida Finnish Male Singers Choir in Lake Worth, Florida. He is accomplished accordion, piano and organ performer. Before immigrating to the United States, he played vibraphone for approximately six years in a jazz band in Finland. Heikki Perttu and Hilkka Helena frequently perform together. They have released a new CD this fall entitled “Amor.” On this CD, Heikki has composed an original composition entitled “Me Kaksi.”
The May Prachar Band is a family band that originated in 1973. The band consists of May Prachar, daughter Marie Ojala, son Mark Prachar and son-in-law Esa Ojala. They have performed at many local events including the International Finnish Festival held at UMD, the Finnish Ethnic Days at Ironworld-Chisholm, the Heritage Days Finnish Festival in Finland, MN and several events held in Thunder Bay, Canada. They specialize in Finnish, Polish and Czech old tyme music.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Singer/songwriter Jonathan Rundman grew up in the Finnish communities of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and now lives in Minneapolis. He performs nationally as a critically acclaimed folk-rock artist, and has recently achieved recognition as a church musician with his composition of A Heartland Liturgy. Since its debut at the 2006 ELCA Youth Gathering in Texas, Rundman’s liturgical setting has been used by dozens of Lutheran congregations from coast to coast. Rundman has also performed in Finland, from rock clubs in Turku and Helsinki to the famous Temppeliaukio Church, and his music has been broadcast on YLE Radio and radio Helsinki.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Saana Ensemble is a vocal group of five young women who perform Finnish traditional folk tunes often with “a modern twist .” They perform both accompanied and acappella music in Finnish from traditional folk tunes to popular music from the 40’s to current. Their songs have a wide variety of styles. For accompaniment, the ensemble utilizes guitars, accordion, piano, clarinet, recorder and various kitchen gadgets with percussive qualities. Saana will combine with the Finn Hall Band in the Tanssi Tangoa evening of tango and other Finnish dances.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Gregg Santa, Baritone, formerly of Duluth has held a permanent position with the Norwegian National Opera in Oslo since 1997. He has performed numerous roles in standard works of Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Poulenc, Grieg, Søderlind, Handel, Kverndokk, Bizet, Strauss, Giordano, Lehar, and others. In addition, Santa performs regularly in concerts and oratorios in the Oslo area.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Singing Strings is a group of talented young violinists led by Helinä Leino Pakola and Hilpi Leino Kantola. Singing Strings was founded in 1984 and has since performed all over the world with selections which include folk and classical numbers. Highlight performances have been at the White House “Christmas Celebration”, Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C, several Embassies in foreign countries and of course numerous Finn Fests in this country.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Tanja Paasikas Stanaway of Kokkola, Finland, now of Ishpeming , Michigan is well known in the region for her Finnish ballads.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Ulla Suokko and Flamenco Guitarist Carlos Revollar recently presented their New York recital debut in Carnegie Hall on February 10, 2008. Ulla, a native of Finland, has been featured in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues. Flamenco guitarist Carlos Revollar is one of the most sought-after flamenco artists in New York City. He is an accomplished composer and has won the American Music Center Award Grant three consecutive years for his compositions. He is currently the Musical Director of the Alborada Dance Theater.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Dave Tak & the Finnbillys perform original music conceived, scored and performed by Dave Takanen, recalling his Iron Range roots, life experiences and Finnish heritage. The Finnbillys music has been described as “focusing on mandolin, Northern-rock with a bluegrass feel that kicks like country, jumps like bluegrass and has a rock and roll edge that lays on a bed of blues.”
Many Finnish-Americans remember the rousing performances of The Third Generation. From the late 1970’s to the early 90’s, this popular folk music group recorded four albums, performed frequently in the upper midwest, toured Finland twice, and appeared on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion show. Oren Tikkanen, respected Michigan musician and writer, wrote the following about one of those radio performances: “The sound this group created transfixed me: vigorous, old-time accordion, banjo and bass playing, with a soaring, singing violin that transcended mere fiddling; then quiet guitar chords under a rich, powerful baritone voice.” The Third Generation will stir FinnFest 2008 audiences with their familiar arrangements as well as a couple of new surprises you won’t want to miss! Members of The Third Generation include Gregg Santa, vocal and guitar; Wesley Santa, accordian; Leonard Saari, mandolin and banjo; Johanna Santa Doty, violin; Jeanne Santa Doty, violin; and Dan Doty, bass.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………The Wiita Brothers Band
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………The Veteli Boys’ Choir started in Veteli, Middle Ostrobothnia, in the spring of 1985. The choir was founded by Simo Kangas who continues as the choir’s director. Simo says that the repertoire of the boys’ choir mainly consists of typical music for boys’ choirs, Piae Cantiones, spiritual or religious tunes, Finnish folk songs and larger choir works. They are involved in the Opening Ceremonies, the Gala Concert, their own concert and the Worship Services besides other venues in Duluth, Esko and Thunder Bay.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Juli Wood has made music her passion and her life for the last 25 years. She started out playing classical music and then R&B’s music. Since 1993 she has focused on playing jazz and leading her own bands. Juli plays alto, tenor, and baritone saxes and loves to sing. She has entertained around the world at jazz festivals and clubs. A few of her favorites were: Skansen Jazz and Blues fest in Stockholm; Pori Jazz in Finland, Elo Jazz and Blues in Oulu, Finlnad; and Storyville Jazz Club in Helsinki. Stateside she has played extensively throughout the midwest. She continues to perform with two bands the Rhythm Club and the Valley of the Dolls . These bands happen to be made up of talented women. Juli is also a member of the Prohibition Orchestra which plays authentic arrangements of tunes from the 20’s and 30’s. In addition to this and more Juli and her partner/drummer, Mike Schlick have put together a “straight up dance band” Funkalicious . The Juli Wood Quartet will be featured in the Jazz Cabaret and their own concerts at FF08
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Zingara-kvartetti performs a wide variety of programs which include Finnish folk songs in new arrangements, gypsy songs in Finnish and gypsy languages and classical Finnish concerts and contemporary music. Strong emotions, dance and virtuosity are distinctive features of Zingara’s performances. Marjatta is the vocal and dance soloist, Tero, cellist and virtuoso guitarist Jyrki Myllärinen complete the ensemble.
Marjatta Airas laulu, Ismo Eskelinen ja. Jyrki Myllärinen kitara,
Tero Airas sello
