Elephantasy ’24

Elephant Stage:
Grande Mahogany at 20:30 hs
Mama Longhorn at 18:15 hs
Ramithawi at 16:30 hs
Raakasaga Palapeli at 14:45 hs
Opening Ceremony (Saint Sarah & Jalmary) at 14:00 hs

Funky Amigos dj´s
Wibes Festival dj’s

Sun Stage:
Inariveljet at 19:30 hs
Duo Joska Josafat & Joonatan Rautio at 17:30 hs
Maria Aleksandra at 15:45 hs

Circus Lounge collective (final show at 20:15 hs)
SirkusRakkausPumPum

Hosted by Bunuel

OTHER STUFF TO ENJOY:

Kids’ Area & Circus Action
Workshops
Park Bazaar
World Street Food
Husky Brewing pop-up bar

Info
Contact

Facebook event page >>

All rights reserved. Programme subject to changes.

The hottest festival act in Finland this summer – at least in the funkier scene – must indisputably be Grande Mahogany. You might run into them on festivals, such as Flow, Ruisrock, Odysseus Festival or Mitäs Mitäs Mitäs festival, but you can now enjoy their unique blend of funk, alternative rock, rhythm’n’blues and psychedelia also for free as the last act on Elephantasy’s main stage this year. As the closest comparison, musically their wah-wah infested sound is familiar to international cult artists, such as Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz, which might be one of the reasons why they have been already recognized internationally as well.

Actually Grande Mahogany is not even a new act as the self-titled debut EP was issued already five years ago. The frontman, multi-instrumentalist, composer and vocalist Jesse Essel was born in Turku but grew up also in the diverse environment of Manchester since he was 11-year old and absorbed rhythms and influences from all over the world during that time.

The final breakthrough was to be realized after the long-awaited debut album As Grande As dropped in February. The Finnish music magazine expected it to be one of the most remarkable album releases of the year, while Soundi magazine declared Grande Mahogany as ”the coolest new artist” currently around. So it is not an exaggeration to assume that they could go anywhere in the future with their music! The album was mastered by British specialist Guy Davie, who has earlier worked together with world class artists such as Kaytranada, Michael Kiwanuka and Jon Hopkins.

However, it’s good to point out that Grande Mahogany is even more awesome when enjoyed live on stage. Get ready to prove that in Alppipuisto this summer! JK

The rhythm tank of Pori, Mama Longhorn are spreading the joyful message of rhythm music, intensified by ten wonderful musicians. The starting points on the musical map of the band were afrobeat and funk, but year by year and album by album the expression of Mama Longhorn has expanded and deepened towards ever more distinctive and imaginative spheres. And now the time has come to hear their latest evolvement also at Elephantasy, where they performed also three years ago after their previous album Let It Run.

Their enchanting fourth album Extinct But Still Alive was released in January and it takes us to even more fascinating level guided by Eeva Poijärvi’s voice dripping honey and feverish, dark, playful and psychedelic moods. They have been now recognized also worldwide with several new fans from Mexico City all the way to different parts of Europe and from Istanbul to Melbourne and Sydney. The distinguished music magazine Songlines selected their album in their Top of the World category as well as on their compilation album after a full five-star review, which already are an exceptional achievement!

So it’s not a secret anymore that Mama Longhorn are one of the most vibrant and progressive names on the field of Finnish rhythm music, who are capable of guiding you every time into their own magical world. The psychedelic euphoria will be guaranteed when they perform the dreamy, beautiful trip hop spirited ”Rowing High Rowing Low” and other gems in Alppipuisto. Join in bravely! JK

Mama Longhornin esittely Funky Finlandissa >>

www.mamalonghorn.com >>

This year’s Elephantasy is not an exception regarding fresh new breezes from the other parts of the world! Ramithawi is a Venezuelan/Syrian singer-songwriter based in Helsinki & Tbilisi, whose music is an innovative hybrid of Latin American folk, Middle Eastern and punk elements.

Accompanied by Vilho Loihivuori on drums, Jani Lehtioksa on percussion, Otto Porkkala on lead guitar and Javi Sánchez on bass they deliver a repertoire of beautiful & raw songs about home, war, rage, and love. It is a fascinating combination, which truly rewards the listener.

Singing in Spanish, Arabic, Finnish, and English, Ramithawi breaks language barriers to connect with audiences on a deeper level, transcending nationality and background. Best to be enjoyed live, so make sure you will be in Alppipuisto early enough not to miss this one!

Raakasaga melts together modern alternative hip hop, jazz, reggae, blues and soul in a splendid and original way. Originally she left her mark in the local hip hop scene as a fresh Soundcloud phenomenon a few years ago. Thus her musical perspective has only expanded more with the long-awaited debut album Palapeli being released last October and being the prime example of it with its genre-breaking approach. This year we are happy to invite Raakasaga together with her Palapeli band on the Elephantasy main stage!

With her unique voice, poetic and touching lyrics and dark lively melodies as well as with the compact 4-piece live band it all just sounds so much more delicious than ever before. Some have been describing it even a new style form in the local urban rhythm music scene.

Instead of fame, Raakasaga feels it’s more important to get heard, so you can expect a lot more content in her lyrics than just a shallow verbiage, which is way too common these days. That’s why you should definitely be there to feel and hear it even if you already saw her a couple of years ago at Elephantasy. That was just a tiny warm-up, you know! JK

Listen to album on Bandcamp >>

Inariveljet were born out of the expeditions by Joose Keskitalo & Kolmas Maailmanpalo orchestra into the early folk music more than ten years ago. Mantra-like folk songs, African blues and echoes of Karelia are all fused together in their minimalistic music in an exciting but equally diverse way, which creates a very unique musical experience.

In 2024, Inariveljet continue their legacy with a renewed lineup. Three sisters, Jenni Hanikka, Mirja Hanikka and Iida Tallqvist have joined them as vocalists as well as bass player Juho Kalliolahti, known for his earlier role in the band of Litku Klemetti.

The sophomore album Eeppiset pajot was dropped this June. Expect to feel funky vibes, sharp edge and folk trance in the spirit of spelman! Soundi music magazine already proclaimed their song ”Tee hautani pian” as one of the best Finnish songs to be released in 2024. Also the video track ”Meestä aevoon” has been played actively by deejays and has the tendency to stay in your mind and ears for a long time after each listen.

Joska Josafat, known from Jätkäjätkät and the rock group Jason muuttaa taivaaseen, has been lately creating new, distinctive and inspiring soul music. Already the debut effort Valkeat kaupungit created exceptional buzz among the critics as the songs were based on the romantic and mythical poems of V.A. Koskenniemi, a famous Finnish poet active in the early 1900’s. The creative, original and unexpected combination was admired and praised by fans across the traditional genre boundaries.

This spring we were blessed with another fine album Iltalaulu merellä, which has kept Joska Josafat steadily and actively doing live shows. Funky Amigos are proud to present him at this year’s Elephantasy showcasing his sound, and who knows maybe even his next album scheduled for a fall release.

This time it will be a duo performance at Alppipuisto with the always brilliant jazz musician and saxophone virtuoso Joonatan Rautio. We are more than confident that this fits perfectly into the intimate atmosphere of Sun Stage. So it wouldn’t be a surprise if this particular show ended up being one of the numerous highlights of Elephantasy this year! JK

www.joskajosafat.com >>

Maria Aleksandra is a reggae singer and songwriter, who lives and breathes reggae music – already since 1985. Her debut album, which she has been working on in Jamaica, has been expected for quite a while now, but we have been blessed with four singles during the years. Maria’s reputation has also been rising steadily for years now, so it’s about time to present her finally at Elephantasy as well.

In her music the highly energetic performer cherishes three basic principles: A faith in the meaningfulness of life, a hope that moves us towards a just society, and love that is the reason, foundation and conclusion of everything. She will be performing with the reputed Negus Rocketeers Band, who performed last time at Elephantasy in 2017. Negus Rocketeers Band, assembled by her drummer father René “Renegade” Malmström, is packed with the most authentic reggae musicians in Finland. Maria Aleksandra sings in Finnish and occasionally in English with the styles ranging from roots reggae all the way to old school dancehall.

Circus Lounge along with their performing artists have collaborated with Funky Amigos for years and years entertaining hundreds of people every year and inviting them to learn new tricks in various circus workshops they have conducted. Elephantasy has typically finished in Alppipuisto with their impressive show combining acrobatics, juggling and a fire performance – everything that’s more than likely to make you sigh!

Circus Lounge will also conduct AcroYoga workshops at the Kids’ Area as well as bring their famous giant rainbow-coloured soap bubbles to the park, which have been a guaranteed hit among both children and adults every year.

SirkusRakkausPumPum ry from Tampere makes children’s and youth’s street art dreams come true in Finland as well as abroad. They organize vivid family events with plays and performances. SRPP is one of our partners at Elephantasy sponsoring a painting wall for all the young artists around.

At Elephantasy you will also meet two of their favorite characters: children’s musician PelleKapteeni and his shy friend Lepakko (The Bat). Programme also includes singing, dance, rock’n’roll, communal plays, painting, carnival dragons, easy circus plays and other fun for the whole family!

14:10 hs – PelleKapteeni and his secret friend – an inclusive adventure play (SirkusRakkausPumPum)
15:00 hs – AcroYoga workshop (Circus Lounge)
15:30 hs – The Dance of Carnival Dragons: guided play for families (SirkusRakkausPumPum)
16:00 hs – AcroYoga workshop for families (Circus Lounge)
16:30 hs – Guided play for children (SirkusRakkausPumPum)
17:00 hs – AcroYoga workshop for families (Circus Lounge)
17:30 hs – Circus plays for whole family (SirkusRakkausPumPum)
18:00 hs – AcroYoga workshop for families (Circus Lounge)
20:15 hs – Circus Lounge final show (main stage / amphitheatre)

Nonstop programme between 14 and 19 hs

• Guided plays
• Giant soap bubbles workshop
• Painting walls
• Hobby crafts and drawing
• Toys free to be used (inside the area)

Circus Lounge will conduct AcroYoga workshops in the Kids’ Area for both families and adults during the festival day.

The workshops enable you to practice different kind of tricks combining acrobatics and yoga with the help of professionals. AcroYoga develops balance and body control with a playful approach. You can continue with the exercises after the workshop on your own with your parents or friends. Circus Lounge are happy to guide you into this, but please note that all the children must me accompanied by an adult. The workshops start with Circus Lounge directors showing examples of the moves until all the participants will have the chance to practice the tricks together.

Nonstop AcroYoga workshop for adults between 14-20 hs

Circus Lounge is one of our long-term partners of Funky Amigos and they have conducted circus programme for Elephantasy for years already. Their aim is to provide opportunities for all ages to practice as well as to develop, support and spread street performance culture and different forms of performing arts and physical exercise.

Fabio Pires has worked actively for several years among urban and contemporary art. At Elephantasy, you will have the chance to participate in his urban art workshop suitable for both adults and kids. The workshop goes on until the paints are finished.🙂

Starting time: 17:00 hs

Fabio will be happy to help you and give advice to the young artists, when needed. The workshop is targeted to children of 8 years or older, because the younger ones are sensible to adverse effects caused by the paints.

Welcome!

Welcome to carefree Park Yoga, suitable to anyone!

The exercise, which is very lovely by nature, will refresh both your body and mind. So it’s probably the best way to start the festival day! The duration of the exercise is around 30 minutes. And all you need is laid-back clothing, no shoes even required. Park Yoga will be conducted by the experienced shakta yoga teacher Pete Ruikka.

Starting time: 14:00 hs

Park Yoga is provided by Shakta Joogakoulu. Read more at www.shakta.fi.

Komba is a physical discipline developed in Finland combining improvisation and meditation, useful in dancing as well as martial arts. Welcome to the workshop conducted by Rene Gade Braun to learn more and to practice the exercises, which in a playful way enable you to get into a very unique flow state.

Starting time: 17:30 hs

• Atelier Matti Pikkujämsä Oy, @mattipikkujamsa

• Batik Atelje, @batik_atelje 

• Ernie's Pop Up Spa, @erniespopupspa

• Green Market, @greenmarket.fi

• Hullurotsi UG, @hullurotsiug

• Laukkumies, @laukkumies

• Mummola Basaari, @mummolabasaari

• Natural Vibrations Jewelry, @natural_vibrations_jewelry

• Om Shakti Korut, @om_shakti_korut

• Phoenician Goods, @phoeniciangoods

• Siveltäjät, @siveltajat

• Tuulia Crafts, @tuulia_crafts

Search, explore, admire, try, collect, buy and stay! Welcome to the Park Bazaar of Elephantasy!