Tampere Jazz Happening

The most esteemed recognitions in Finnish jazz were presented in Tampere on Friday, 31 October. The Finnish Jazz Federation awarded the Yrjö Award to vocalist Aili Ikonen, the Andania Lifetime Achievement Award to Bosse Mellberg, Chair of Korppoo Jazz Association, and the Taimi Award for a talented young musician to drummer Veikka Kajamies. The Varjo-Yrjö Award, given by Yle’s Jazzradio for contributions to Finnish jazz culture, was awarded to Juhamatti Kauppinen, the retiring artistic director and producer of the Tampere Jazz Happening.

The 44th international Tampere Jazz Happening will be held from 30 October to 2 November 2025. Immerse yourself in the current trends of jazz music at Paja Kongressi, Telakka and Tampere Hall with eight concert events and 21 performing ensembles.

Juhamatti Kauppinen, who has had a long career as the Artistic Director of Tampere Jazz Happening, shares insights into the event’s last-minute arrangements, the challenges brought on by the renovation of Tullikamari, and what it feels like to leave behind a beloved festival after this edition. Alongside the sense of wistfulness lives an excitement for a new phase in life, where jazz continues to play a strong role.