What do you get when you combine an indie artist blessed with a unique voice, an orchestra leader known as the Duke Ellington of Finland and the only full-time big band in the country? It’s not a simple calculation, as any performance by Ringa Manner, Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra is much more than the sum of its parts.

Ringa Manner brings translucent pop music, a club atmosphere and songs from her projects Ruusut and The Hearing to the equation. Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen, also known as the frontman of the Ricky-Tick Big Band, will apply his skill in arrangement to ensure that the act gets in the groove and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra will bring a long tradition and infallible sense of style to the mixture. Heaven knows where the improvised notes, electronic elements and effects that feature during the Huvila gig come from – or who to thank when the audience keeps moving to the music. Showtime at 8:30 pm.

The evening will open with another enchanting indie voice when Suad performs her wistful and dark guitar pop on the Huvila stage (at 7 pm).

Feel free to expect the Huvila experience at its best!

Ringa Manner is one of the most hyped and interesting Finnish indie and pop musicians at the moment. She is known for her bands Ruusut and Pintandwefall and her solo project The Hearing – as well as her unique singing voice.

Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen is known as the leader and composer of the successful Dalindèo and Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana projects. The music of the award-winning versatile musician and producer has a strong sense of cinematic visuality.

Helsinki Festival is celebrated again from 19 August to 5 September 2021! The program features the new classical festival Wonderfeel, gigs by top artists at the Huvila and art around the city. Check out the program at helsinkifestival.fi.

Photo: Federico Cabrera