Time stands still when art and man meet. With art, it can go one of two ways for me, I’m either quietly reflective or sporting a huge grin. Good art is infectious and engaging. What I tend to look for is a great overall experience or a really charismatic performer. During the Festival the whole city comes alive and art is suddenly part of everyday life. I love it.

juko's festival picks:

20.8.

sierra maestra

Caribbean music is an infectious combination of African and Latino influences and Sierra Maestra have been doing a great job championing the traditional Son sound round the world. Kuukumina should also be interesting.

21.8. & 22.8.

stage: the trial

The Stage theatre festival is a new event and worth checking out for that alone. The Trial will bring a breath of fin de siècle Czech culture into Helsinki. A modern stage adaption of this chilling classic is a definite must-see.

28.8.

oumou sangare

On the same day, Viapori Jazz offers great music in a historic setting. Oumou’s been getting great write-ups and her band packs a lot of promise. It’ll be interesting to see if they’ll be scaling the same heady heights as the likes of Miriam Makeba and Angelique Kidjo!