Louhela Jam, a beloved free family event held since 1992 in the picturesque Jokiuomanpuisto in Vantaa, once again brought together music enthusiasts and good vibes -lovers for a fantastic day in nature. Surrounded by rolling hills and by towering trees, the festival grounds provided a scenic backdrop for the lively festivities.
As the crowd entered Jokiuomanpuisto, they were greeted by the vibrant energy and joyful atmosphere that filled the air. The park’s natural beauty added an enchanting touch to the festival experience, as few festivals these days still fit in local parks and have needed to move into concrete jungles. The gently sloping hills provided comfortable spots for attendees to relax, soak in the sun, and enjoy the performances. The lush greenery and the shade from the trees created a refreshing environment, allowing festival-goers to escape the summer heat.
The main stage, situated at the heart of the park, served as the focal point for the musical performances. Its grand setup ensured that every note and beat reverberated throughout the festival grounds, creating an immersive sonic experience for the audience. Next to the stage, a food section offered an array of burgers and woks, ensuring festival-goers could refuel while still enjoying the music.
Back to the stages, the Main Stage was an undeniable highlight of the festival, featuring a diverse lineup of talented artists who delivered unforgettable performances. Kicking off the festivities, ZEPIKÄT 4.0, KRAIDEN, and MOSKA set the energetic tone, their music resonating through the trees and captivating the crowd. The charismatic Arttu Lindeman followed suit, commanding the stage with his magnetic presence. Eurovision runner-up KÄÄRIJÄ, a last-minute addition to the lineup, electrified the atmosphere with their powerhouse performance, leaving the audience in awe. Their soaring vocals and dynamic stage presence solidified their position as an up-and-coming force in the music industry. His music is more simplified but reachable to a wider audience of all ages.
WRAPPER and HYBRID CHILDREN kept the momentum going, their high-energy acts keeping the crowd engaged and dancing. A special collaboration between LIIVIT BOYS featuring Tommi Läntinen added a unique touch to the program, creating a memorable musical experience. The evening was punctuated by a captivating set from Jesse Markin, a multifaceted artist, who effortlessly weaves together a tapestry of genres, showing off his versatility and creative prowess. With influences spanning electronic music, folk, hip hop, pop, modern R&B, and rock, Markin defies categorization, carving a niche of his own in the music landscape. His music resonates with a captivating blend of soulful melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and infectious beats. Each performance on the Main Stage was met with resounding applause and cheers, as the artists poured their hearts into their craft.
The Can U Louhela Jam stage was housed in a trailer converted from a truck, offering a unique setting and catered to fans of metal and hard rock genres. Positioned on a hillside, the stage provided a perfect vantage point for attendees to enjoy the performances while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding park. The raw energy and headbanging riffs resonated through the air, as bands like EVERFROST, HOSPICE79, KOMISARIO’S DOG PATROL, REBELLIX, and THE MOSFETS.
REBELLIX took the stage with an explosive energy that could rival the intensity of a raging inferno. Their performance was a testament to their passion for music and their dedication to delivering an unforgettable show. The traditional thrash metal riffs and blistering guitar solos harkened back to the golden era of metal, reminiscent of bands like METALLICA in their early days. The crowd was swept away by the sheer power and precision of their performance, headbanging and thrashing in unison. LASTOUT, a young and immensely talented boys’ band, brought a modern twist to the Can U Louhela Jam stage with their nu-metal Djent style. Their performance was a showcase of their technical prowess and their ability to seamlessly blend heavy, down-tuned guitars with intricate rhythms and syncopated beats. The repetitive sound of the guitars and bass created a hypnotic atmosphere, drawing the audience into a sonic trance. Overlapping the pulsating instrumental backdrop, LASTOUT‘s vocalist unleashed a range of emotions through his powerful and dynamic voice. His ability to seamlessly transition from melodic crooning to guttural screams added depth and dimension to their sound. THE MOSFETS delivered an electrifying set that had the crowd dancing and singing along with their unique psychedelic rock. The intimate setup and the fusion of music and nature created an unforgettable experience, connecting the audience with the essence of the festival.
Louhela Jam was a resounding success, combining a family-friendly atmosphere with a diverse and talented lineup. The festival’s long-standing tradition of bringing music and good vibes to the park on the first Sunday of June continues to draw thousands of attendees each year. From the memorable performances on the Main Stage to the electrifying acts at the Can U Louhela Jam stage, the soulful sounds of the Roots stage, and the joy-filled Children’s Area, Louhela Jam 2023 was a delight to attend for folks of all ages.
Written by Peter Jerman
