Maunula Jazz

An evening of Maunula Jazz in the Metsäpurosali hall features three different ensembles. The event is free and has no age restrictions. A café operates in the foyer, and both the foyer and hall have designated drinking areas for adults.

"Billy Strayhorn Comes Alive" is a musical drama that illuminates the life and music of pianist, composer, and arranger Billy Strayhorn (1917-1982), known as Duke Ellington's right hand - and how he, as a member of a sexual minority, had to create in the shadow of dominant culture. The script is by "Jazz Pastor" Markku Salo, and jazz classics in new Finnish arrangements are performed by singer Selma Savolainen, saxophonist Mikko Innanen, and pianist Seppo Kantonen. Duration approximately 80 minutes.

Aaron Koskelainen Stampede is an ensemble founded in 2022 that plays music composed by bassist Aaron Koskelainen. The debut album Daylight Gives A Chase for two tenor saxophone-drums-bass ensembles was released in late 2025. Lineup: Risto Kauppinen and Olavi Stanek (tenor saxophone), Aaron Koskelainen (double bass), Vilho Louhivuori (drums).

Sami Pekkola Quartet closes the evening. The quartet plays free jazz with a collective approach - the repertoire includes both borrowed pieces and original compositions. This is the first time the full ensemble performs together publicly. Pekkola is known from groups including Oaagaada and Oiro Pena. Lineup: Sami Pekkola (saxophones), Staffan Södergård (piano), Tero Kemppainen (double bass), Juha Sarkkola (drums).