UMO’s jazz jams return to the summer terrace of Konepaja Biergarten for their sixth consecutive summer – free entry!
The jazz jams are a musical think tank where new ideas are created by building on the past. In summer 2026, the jams take on a special celebratory atmosphere as Finland marks 100 years of jazz and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra concludes its 50th anniversary season.
The evening begins with a performance by the house band at 6:30 PM, followed by the jams themselves. Musicians and music enthusiasts emerging from the audience form spontaneous ensembles where nothing is predetermined – no one knows what will be played or with whom. The house band lays the foundation, but the direction of the evening is shaped through interaction between performers and the audience. That is exactly what makes jazz jams such a unique and vibrant part of jazz culture.
Throughout the summer, audiences will experience themed evenings and unique ensembles bringing together musicians from UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, other jazz professionals, and rising talents from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The jams foster the development of jazz music, connect generations, and create space for new voices.
The outdoor terrace of Konepaja Biergarten (Bruno Granholminkuja 1, Helsinki) offers a relaxed summer setting to enjoy music, good company, a wide selection of drinks, and occasionally also food stalls.
The jams are organized in collaboration with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Konepaja Biergarten, the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
JAZZ JAMS SUMMER 2026:
Thursday 4 June 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
Metropolia Music presents: 100 Years of Jazz in Finland Jam Session
Exactly 100 years ago, the steamship Andania brought jazz to Finland. The opening jam session of the summer celebrates this historic moment with music that brings together the tradition, present, and future of jazz. On stage, Metropolia music students perform alongside more experienced musicians, and as the evening unfolds, anyone may become part of the story in the open jam session.
The opening jams are also part of the international project Great Tunes and Great Solos – Spring 2026 Helsinki, featuring students and top musicians from Italy, Latvia, Croatia, and Finland. The evening will include Finnish jazz compositions and beloved jazz standards performed by both Finnish and international musicians.
Thursday 11 June 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
The Music of Ornette Coleman
Max Zenger – saxophone & jam host
Oiva Haapamäki – trumpet
William Tarvainen – bass
Markku Ounaskari – drums
Thursday 25 June 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
Funky Jazz
Mikko Pettinen – trumpet & jam host
Alina Pettinen – saxophone
Elis Krzywacki – guitar
Sampo Tiittanen – bass
Erik Chollat – drums
Thursday 2 July 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
The Music of Kenny Wheeler & Tom Harrell
Tero Saarti – trumpet & jam host
Rebecca Ekman – trumpet
Joonatan Henriksson – piano
Filemon von Numers – bass
Ilari Kinnunen – drums
Thursday 9 July 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
The Music of Chick Corea
Joonatan Henriksson – piano & jam host
Oona Mattsson – alto saxophone & flute
Vesa Ojaniemi – bass
Knut Haglund – drums
Thursday 6 August 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
“Cryin’ Blues” – The Music of Eddie Harris
Manuel Dunkel – tenor saxophone & jam host
Rafael Postel – trumpet
Lauri Hirsto – piano
Tuomo Purhonen – bass
Joe Peri – drums
Thursday 13 August 2026, 6:30–9:30 PM
The Themes of Charlie Parker
Jouni Järvelä – saxophones & jam host
Rafael Postel – trumpet
Juuso Rinta – bass
Joonatan Naumanen – drums
Accessibility at Konepaja Biergarten: Accessible entrance, several wheelchair spaces, accessible restroom. No induction loop available.
Age limit: Konepaja Biergarten is an 18+ licensed venue.
Photo: Olli Nurmi