Jazz in Finland 100 discussion: “Jazz and peace” | Lauri Kallion yhtye – Jazz-Espa

Jazz-Espa will be opened by a panel discussion on the role of jazz as a peacebuilder and by Lauri Kallio’s ensemble, which blends various musical genres.

16:00 Jazz in Finland 100 discussion: Jazz and peace
17:15 Lauri Kallion yhtye

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Jazz in Finland 100 discussion: Jazz and peace

We live in a time overshadowed by war and growing uncertainty. Art and culture play a vital role in strengthening democracy, as well as in building intercultural dialogue and resilience. As an art form, jazz is recognized for promoting peace, diversity, human rights, and human dignity.

The panel examines how activism and themes of peace are reflected in the work of today’s jazz musicians and in the way they perceive their own artistry.

The panelists will be announced later.

The year 2026 marks 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the Andania ship. The centenary celebration, Jazz in Finland 100, will highlight Finnish jazz and its artists at home and abroad, recognising jazz as an integral part of Finland’s cultural heritage. The Jazz in Finland 100 campaign is coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation.

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Lauri Kallio is a versatile music professional whose work can be found on approximately forty releases. He has contributed as a recording engineer, mixer, producer, composer, and arranger—and naturally as a performer, primarily a guitarist. In recent years, Kallio has become well-known for his work with bands such as Pambikallio and the Jimi Tenor Band. His second album, Turtles, Cats and Other Creatures, was released in 2025.

Lauri Kallio’s ensemble plays music where the “landscape, open to interpretation, leaves the listener with the responsibility and freedom to seek out stories and their meanings. Then again, you don’t have to do that either; you can just be and enjoy.” (Pekka Laine)

Lauri Kallio – guitar
Adele Sauros – saxophones & flute
Natalia Castrillón – harp
Ville Rauhala – bass
Joonas Leppänen – drums

Jazz-Espa, organized by the Finnish Jazz Federation, presents the most current domestic jazz ensembles from July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Espa Stage. The concerts are free of charge, accessible, and suitable for the whole family. Events are subject to weather conditions. Follow our updates at jazzespa.fi and on social media @suomenjazzliitto.