Kaustinen Folk Music Festival has elected its showcase artists for 2025. This year’s selected performers include the ethno-futuristic Dänkki Briha, the tradition-reinventing duo Emilia Lajunen & Eero Grundström, and the dynamic six-member band HUIPPU. The established showcase program highlights emerging, ambitious, and internationally aspiring folk music acts, to whom the program provides visibility and international opportunities. Once again, a record-breaking number of 47 bands or artists attended the call.
Festival Program Director Anne-Mari Hakamäki emphasizes the significance of the showcase program for musicians and Finnish folk music.
“The showcase offers musicians a unique opportunity to networking and performing directly in front of international event organizers. Advancing international career is long-term work in which our festival plays a crucial role in Finnish folk music scene, especially as there’s no other equivalent showcase concept in Finland”
2025 Showcase Performers
Dänkki Briha is an ethno-futuristic banger machine where Ingrian, Karelian, and Finnish folk traditions meet urban aesthetics, theatrical expression, and futuristic soundscapes. The band consists of Juho Liira (vocals), Matias Kontula (electric violin), and Manu Penttilä (electric guitar, ukulele, percussion, backing vocals, and production). The jury was impressed by the band’s stylishly produced music, its strong and profound artistic vision, and its creative use of folk poetry.
Emilia Lajunen & Eero Grundström Emilia Lajunen & Eero Grundström is a duo of two tradition bearers who bring archival melodies and stories to life using violin, kontrabasharpa, and electronics. Having played together for 25 years, they communicate and express themselves seamlessly, continuing the tradition from where past folk musicians left it. According to the jury, the duo radiates assured musicianship and deep respect for tradition while still surprising and staying relevant in the present day.
HUIPPU HUIPPU is a fresh and energetic six-member band that brings an edgy attitude and youthful intensity to the stage. Their distinctive sound is built on the dynamic interplay of diverse instruments. The lineup includes Touko Kentala (violin), Viive Virtanen (5-string violin, nyckelharpa), Sonja Kola (accordion, piano), Aapo Nieminen (guitar, mandolin, jaw harp), Petteri Wiander (double bass), and Juho Kola (drums, percussion). The jury was convinced by the band’s fresh and vibrant music, the skill of its young musicians, and its ambitious artistic vision.
The 2025 showcase program is organized in collaboration with Yle Radio 1 and Music Finland. The jury included members of the festival’s programming committee and a representative from the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle.
Katso tarkemmat esittelyt Showcase-esiintyjistä osoitteesta kaustinen.net/showcase-2025/
The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival will take place from July 7 to 13, 2025.
Artikkelikuva:
HUIPPU plays with immerse passion and youthful energy. Photo by Anna-Maria Viksten.