IBBF 2012 - 30th anniversary

This year’s Imatra Big Band Festival will begin on Thursday, June 28 with a 30th anniversary gala event which will be a genuine show of South Karelian musical culture. The event will naturally be opened by the Imatra Big Band and then followed by a performance by the Lappeenranta City Orchestra featuring soloists Sami Pitkämö and Johanna Försti. The gala will also include the Imatra Super Stars, comprised of Imatra’s own Osmo’s Cosmos Band joined by special musical guests and performers. 

The opening Friday of the festival will again highlight Finnish Rock and the festival will conclude on Saturday, July 7th with Twang Fest, an eclectic collection of Iron Wire, Surf and Rock oriented guitar music. Iron Wire (rautalanka) music is a uniquely Finnish style of instrumental rock music featuring electric guitars.

The opening Friday evening promises a hot atmosphere to kick off the festival with performances by the hugely popular singer / songwriter Chisu. Also celebrating their 30^th year with an anniversary tour is the famous Finnish band Yö. The night will also include a new collection of veteran artists called Bayon Face, made up of the likes of Zen Café bass guitarist Kari Nylander, Jukka Isotalus, Samuli Penttinen and Imatra guitarist Roy Heino

Other confirmed theme evenings are Big Band Monday, which promises a fabulous collection of big band music. Performers include Umo featuring  Club for Five and George Garanian’s Moscow Big Band with the New York Voices Choir. The evening will be opened by the BB Big Band, comprised of top musicians and teachers from the annual, week-long Big Band course. In addition, Wednesday night will be an unbelievable musical extravaganza. Evening shows include performers from Germany, Brassballet-Musikshow aus Hamburg, the internationally acclaimed Vocal Theatre Performance by Voca People, and Finnish favourites, Semmarit

The programme for other evenings is still under construction, but will showcase evening themes based on musical genres including Youth Rock Hits, Swing, Blues and a fantastic Grand Finale!

NEW - Imatra Concert Hall Jazz Matinés

In order to accommodate all musical tastes, Jazz matinés have been organized in conjunction with the Imatra Concert Hall (Imatran Konserttihovi). The Concert Hall provides a unique acoustic environment and picturesque setting for early evening concerts that will delight Jazz lovers especially.

More than Music

After a well-received inaugural running in 2011, the BB Run will be held for the second year. In addition, the m/s Camilla BB Cruises will set sail on the gentle waves of Lake Saimaa at least four times. Children will also be included in IBBF again this year with a number of events planned under the Junior Big Band banner. And as always, IBBF will feature the annual Big Band Finnish Championship Competition.

In honour of this year’s 30-year anniversay, celebrations and festivities extend well beyond the borders of Imatra and encompass the entire region of South Karelia. Co-operative activities are planned in conjunction with businesses, schools, the Rauha Holiday Home Fair and the Lappeenranta Sand Castle.

The interesting and colourful history of the Imatra Big Band Festival has recently been captured in the pages of a brand new book by former long-time Managing Director of IBBF, Hannu Hokkanen. Get your own copy beginning in May, 2012.

Wristbands Return

The IBBF 30th Anniversary includes a new focus on customers and guests. As the BB Club catering services transfer back to the capable hands of the IBBF Association, this gives the opportunity to expand the range of restaurant, bar and other services offered.  

In addition, co-operation with the historic Imatra State Hotel will offer further possibilities. In 2012, all VIP services can be located at the Imatra State Hotel. IBBF will then focus on top class catering operations, beverage service, fine dining and a selection of fast food.

This year, wristbands or stamps will be used during the festival to allow exit and re-entry privileges.  This will allow customers and guests to stroll around the energetic summer streets of Imatra between performances.

Evening performances begin from Sunday to Thursday at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 8 p.m. Doors open one hour before concerts begin.

The Imatra Big Band Festival Association wishes a warm welcome to all music lovers in 2012.

The entire festival programme will be announced in the spring of 2012. Follow our web pages or join us on Facebook for all the latest news and events.