Photo by Maarit Kytöharju.
Kai Amberla, executive director of Finland Festivals, is looking forward to the warm atmosphere at Tampere Jazz Happening.
Tampere Jazz Happening was named Festival of the Year 2012. How was the decision made and what were the main arguments in our favour?
The decision was made by the board of Finland Festivals, which consists of representatives from different festivals around Finland. The nomination is an acknowledgement by professionals in the festival field – and that is what makes it especially significant.
Tampere Jazz Happening was selected because it has always been at the forefront, taking risks and inviting musicians from outside the mainstream, and offering the audience something they wouldn’t know to expect. Happening has always been exceptionally successful in keeping the festival contemporary.
How would you like the nomination to have affected the festival?
I hope the nomination will increase the festival organizers’ confidence in that they are moving to the right direction. At the same time I hope that the City of Tampere will realize what a gem they have in the city in November each year.
What kind of profile do you think Tampere Jazz Happening has among Finnish festivals?
Happening provides a voice for new and surprising jazz, and it has a strong profile. The audience will show up even if they don’t know the musicians on stage. The festival has created a recognizable profile on which their audience can rely – something which all festivals dream of.
What is your personal relationship to jazz?
I am an avid listener of all kinds of jazz but I am no expert. At times I am terribly lost as to what is hip and trendy at the moment, but luckily there are festivals like Tampere Jazz Happening who can help me! I know this must sound horribly mundane but my favourite jazz artist is Miles Davis.
What are your expectations for Tampere Jazz Happening this year?
Smooth arrangements, exciting performances and good vibes – and of course the warm and cozy atmosphere that the organizers of the festival are able to create so effortlessly.