Letkaliiterin tanssit: Pääesiintyjät and Vesa Haaja with his band

Pääesiintyjät rose to popularity in 1993 with a style drawing from old Finnish films, rural romance, and rockabilly. The songs "Sua aattelen" and "Iiris" received heavy radio play, and the band released the album "Pitkäsoitto" before vanishing from the scene for nearly two decades. Their cult status grew gradually, and comeback requests accumulated over the years.

The band returned to the stage in spring 2019 with a renewed lineup. In February 2020, the album "Lättähatun paluu" was released, chosen as album of the month on local radio stations. The third album "Lauluja laitakaupungilta" (2022) received enthusiastic reception from both listeners and critics, and was nominated for the 2022 Iskelmä-Emma award. In March 2025, the fourth album "Riimejä ja Riitasointuja" was released, featuring the band's own songs, covers, and several guest artists.

The band's musical style is called Rillumareibilly: a blend of American roots music (rockabilly, rock'n'roll, country) and Finnish rillumarei - Johnny Cash meets Reino Helismaa, as the band themselves put it.

From the original members, Pete Salomaa (slap bass) from the Francine band and Mika Jokinen (guitar) are included. The vocalist is Vesa Haaja, known from Agents, Whistle Bait, and Barnshakers, and on drums is Timo Järvinen with his strong roots background.

Admission 20 €. Organizer: Rutalahden nuorisoseura, rutalahden.ns@gmail.com, 040 5659 719.