Maija Pokela | Melkutus Party - Etno-Espa

Contemporary folk music meets electronic dance energy as Maija Pokela and Melkutus Party take over Etno-Espa.

16.00 | Maija Pokela

Maija Pokela is a kantele player and singer whose music combines Finnish kantele and vocal traditions with modern and timeless songwriting. As a member of the bands Kardemimmit and ENKEL, Pokela has established herself as a creator in contemporary folk music. In 2025, she released her debut solo album Lohdun sanoja. The album's themes are largely rooted in the emotions found in folk songs - longing, comfort, and dreams.

The concert promises beautiful vocal harmonies, folk fiddle playing, and the kantele weaving everything together with effortless grace.

Maija Pokela - kantele, vocals
Veera Kuisma - violin
Onni Rajaniemi - vocals, guitar

17.15 | Melkutus Party

Melkutus Party combines Karelian kantele melodies with electronic music, creating modern kantele dance music. A couple of centuries ago, celebrations were accompanied by the kantele - why not today as well?

Melkutus Party began as Jenni Venäläinen's (kantele, vocals) solo project and debut album (Melkutus Party, Nordic Notes, 2023). Later, a trio was formed. Janne Storm (live electronics, setara) and Tatu Viitala (live electronics, percussion) brought their own vision to the project, resulting in fresh and futuristic electronic folk music with strong roots in Karelian and Finnish folk traditions.

The trio has performed in Finland since 2023 and made their international debut on a US tour in autumn 2024. Since then, they have performed in Latvia, Lithuania, and as showcase artists in Sweden at Nordic Folk Alliance. In summer 2026, the band performs as one of the showcase acts at the Kaustinen folk music festival.

In autumn 2026, the band will release their first joint album, exploring a post-human world, expressing feelings of joy, sorrow, and frustration, and investigating their own power.