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Jazz is Coming, Are You Ready? |
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By Ata Bos
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Tuesday, 14 April 2009 |
 Bo Kaspers Orchester
For most, the word ‘jazz’ conjures up images of swinging musicians, hot temperatures and summer dresses, but the weather’s everything but tropical when I meet Elojazz 2009 organisers Antti Nevalalainen and Olli Eloranta on a cold and snowy Monday at Oulu’s Kruunumakasiini.
Of course all this is set to heat up as summer approaches and Elojazz offers an alternative to the rock-oriented Rotuaari Picnic, or Kuustock in July.
Personally, though I like jazz music–Rita Reys, Ella Fitzgerald, and Candy Dulfer are firm residents in my cd rack– I’ve never been to an event in Oulu. According to Antti and Olli, this year’s Elojazz is the right place to start.
“Elojazz will conquer the world,” says Antti, mobile phone in one hand and a copy of the programme in the other. “Everyone should give it a try,” continues Olli. “Jazz musicians really get their audience and we promise a swinging atmosphere. We’ll have Finnish, Icelandic, and Swedish musicians such as Bo Kaspers Orchester and Ruf’s Blues Caravan.”
As leaders of a small (or large, depending on your viewpoint) jazz organisation of 150 members, the pair must have had their work cut out for them setting up the event, though apparently everyone chipped in. Three months away, the prices are fixed and set, the leaflets are printed, and the line-up is ready.
All that’s left is to attract people to the festival, a process Antti and Olli seem to leave mostly up to word of mouth and the power of competitive pricing.
“Our prices are really good. And we’ll have two free concerts on Saturday August 8, and a ‘jazz for children’ concert. Our members take part in the concerts and spread the word,” says Antti.
While I’m not convinced this is the most effective-sounding marketing strategy ever devised, the music itself seems of a very high calibre, and the idea of eight acts over three days and eight stages is exciting for a jazz addict.
For details, a full programme, and ticket sales, visit www.elojazz.com.
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