International Funk Festival jointly organized by Estonia and Finland
Funking It Up Across Borders: FinEst Funk Festival 2023
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Get ready to groove at the second annual FinEst Funk Music Festival, happening from 14-16 March! This giant bash will bring together a stellar lineup of funk musicians from both Estonia and Finland.
For the first time ever, the Grammy-nominated Norbotten Big Band will make their way to Estonia, teaming up with local funk heroes Nine Sparks Riots. With a renowned Saxophonist Joakim Milder at the helm, Norbotten Big Band has collaborated with big names such as Joe Lovano, Toots Thielemans, Maria Schneider, and Chris Potter over the years.
Prepare to be amazed by Italian sensation Giacomo Turra, hailing from the land of pasta and pizza. At only 26 years old, Giacomo has been influenced by funk legends such as Stevie Wonder, George Benson, and Herbie Hancock since his teenage years. He has shared the stage with international artists like Brandon "TAZ" Niederauer, Phoebe Katis, Jessica Burdeaux, and more.
Estonian funk music will be represented by the Estonian Funk Unit and their project Eesti Groove'i Radadel. The group pays tribute to the late Estonian singer Marju Kuut (1946-2022) and trumpeter Jaan Kuman.
The Finnish funk scene will shine with We Got Soul featuring Sam Huber.
Ready for a Funktastic Experience
According to one of the festival organizers, Sten Valdmaa, "The FinEst Funk Festival promises a varied range of artists and music for the local music lover. The concert-goer can expect an exhilarating listening experience regardless of prior familiarity with the artists. We aim for our carefully curated program to provide a lasting experience of the funk world that audiences will cherish."
In 2023, the festival welcomed Philip Lassiter to Estonia for the first time, leading to his subsequent return for the Estonian Jazz Festival because of the audience's overwhelming response. Valdmaa noted that this year's festival is expected to uncover some hidden gems, ensuring audiences have even more funk-tastic moments to look forward to.
The festival schedule kicks off on 14 March in Tartu at the Alexela Creative Stage and continues on 15 March in Tallinn at the JAIK Theatre House (formerly Vaba Lava). In Finland, the fun doesn't stop there—the festival will wrap up on 16 March at Töölö restaurant and Storyville jazz club, both in Helsinki.
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Stay updated with this year's lineup, schedule, and ticket information by checking the official FinEst Funk Festival website, following their social media profiles, or browsing local event listings. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories at the FinEst Funk Festival 2023!
- Immerse yourself in the rich blend of funk music cultures at the FinEst Funk Festival 2023, featuring renowned artists such as the Estonian Funk Unit, Nine Sparks Riots, Norbotten Big Band, Giacomo Turra, and We Got Soul.
- This year's festival, happening in Tartu, Tallinn, and Helsinki from 14-16 March, aims to provide a unique and enriching experience, showcasing funk music knowledge and entertainment from Estonia, Finland, and Italy.
- Don't miss the exhilarating performances by the likes of Joakim Milder, Giacomo Turra, and Philip Lassiter, as the FinEst Funk Festival 2023 brings together a diverse range of musical talent, contributing to the global exchange and promotion of funk music in culture.
