Tampere Jazz Happening from 30 October to 2 November

The Tampere Jazz Happening returns for its 44th edition, bringing vibrant live music to the All Saints’ weekend (30 October – 2 November). Due to renovation works at Tullikamari, the event will partly relocate to new venues: the main concerts will be held at Paja Kongressi, next to the Torni Hotel, and at Tampere Hall. Finnish jazz will continue to be showcased at Telakka.

Tahmela Six will kick off the entire festival concert programme on Thursday. Admission to the group’s record release concert is free of charge. Even before this, festivalgoers can get a head start on things at a showing of the film Every Note You Play at the Arthouse Cinema Niagara. The director of this music documentary, Mika Kaurismäki, will be present at the screening.

This year’s international line-up features some of the most exciting names in contemporary jazz. Paja Kongressi will host two acclaimed American artists, both recognised in this year’s DownBeat magazine critics’ poll. Guitarist Mary Halvorson was named Guitarist of the Year, and her band Amaryllis received the title of Group of the Year. Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis was voted Artist of the Year, as well as Tenor Saxophonist of the Year.

Also performing at Paja Kongressi is saxophonist Tomoki Sanders, a prominent figure among the new generation of New York musicians. In total, eight international bands and Finland’s The Five Corners Quintet will take the stage at Paja Kongressi on Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, the festival’s closing day, international jazz will fill the Small Auditorium at Tampere Hall with three overseas ensembles.

Meanwhile, Telakka’s intimate atmosphere will bring together veteran Finnish jazz musicians and the most intriguing emerging talents throughout the festival.