Kaustisen showcase-yhtyeet 2026
Showcase bands have been selected at the Kaustinen festival since 2013. The already established series presents forward-looking, emerging and internationalized folk music names. Three bands is selected for the Showcase series, each of which will perform on two different days and on two different stages at the festival. The summer 2026 showcase series is implemented in cooperation with Music Finland
Melkutus Party
Traditional Karelian dance tunes meet an electronic soundscape and hypnotic beats, as modern kantele-based music takes listeners on a journey to post-human raves. Debut album coming in fall 2026.
Line-up
Jenni Venäläinen – kantele, vocals
Janne Storm – live electronics, setara
Tatu Viitala – live electronics, percussion
Debut Album
Coming in fall 2026
Gigs
Fri 17.7. at 11.30pm at Kestikievari
Sat 18.7. at 8.30pm at Kallioklubi / Club Kallio
uni uni
Archaic instruments, live loops, and electronic pop blend into a cinematic whole, from the shimmering shores of the Baltic Sea to the pulsing heart of the storm. Dreamlike, primal, and utterly unique.
Line-up
Ella Isotalo – violin, bowed lyre, viola, ilimba, live looping
Mikko H. Haapoja – synths, programming, bowed lyre, vocals
Debut Album
Coming in summer 2026
Gigs
Fri 17.7. at 9pm at PH Nordgren Hall
Sat 18.7. at 10pm at Kallioklubi / Club Kallio
Veikko Virkkala Band
Veikko Virkkala, originally from Kaustinen, brings to the stage a swinging and open-minded performance where the deep roots of folk music collide with rock, jazz, and everything in between—with boundless energy!
Line-up
Veikko Virkkala – drums
Erkki Virkkala – fiddle
Iikka Huntus – fiddle
Okko Huntus – keyboards
Nooa Luoma – guitar
Tuomas Piispanen – bass
Released single
UNG 2025
Gigs
Wed 15.7. at 10pm at KPO Arena
Fri 17.7. at 10.15pm at Kallioklubi / Club Kallio