London International Festival of Exploratory Music

 The Finnish Line 

 30 Oct – 02 Nov 2013 

Värttinä (30th anniversary celebration)

30 Oct 13 | 19h30 | Kings Place, Hall One

new line-up UK premiere | only UK show

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Kimmo Pohjonen: Soundbreaker (documentary film)

31 Oct 13 | 18h15 | Kings Place, St Pancras Room

only UK showing

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Maria Kalaniemi & Timo Alakotila + Karen Tweed

31 Oct 13 | 20h00 | Kings Place, Hall One

UK premiere | only UK show

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Jimi Tenor: Sähkö The Movie (documentary film)

01 Nov 13 | 18h00 | Kings Place, St Pancras Room

London premiere | only UK showing

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Jimi Tenor

01 Nov 13 | 19h30 | Kings Place, Hall One

only UK show

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Tsuumi Sound System

01 Nov 13 | 21h30 | Kings Place, Hall Two

England premiere | only UK show

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Alamaailman Vasarat + Pekko Käppi

02 Nov 13 | 19h30 | Kings Place, Hall One

UK premiere | only UK show

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Iiro Rantala

02 Nov 13 | 21h30 | Kings Place, Hall Two

only England show

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Finland’s finest musicians are the focus of this year’s London International Festival of Exploratory Music (LIFEM) at Kings Place. The four-day genre-busting explosion of Finnish fire power takes in traditional, fusion and contemporary folk, folk-rock, progressive jazz, acid jazz, avant-garde jazz, electronic and much more.

We open with the distinctive Finno-Ugric close harmonies of Värttinä. This 30th anniversary gig promises to deliver a complete review of their stylistic musical journey from 1983 to the present day.

The iconic and much-loved Jimi Tenor will be exploring his impressive back catalogue, blending electronic, classical, lounge, afro-American and cabaret music, with spontaneous slapstick and shameless glamour. There’ll also be one of Finland’s best-known jazz pianists/composers Iiro Rantala, and the energetic visionary fusion folk of Tsuumi Sound System.

In the spirit of collaboration, renowned master of free-bass button accordion Maria Kalaniemi is joined by Timo Alakotila, one of Finland’s most in-demand performers, on harmonium and piano. Support comes from English accordion queen Karen Tweed.

Six-piece Alamaailman Vasarat, which translates as ‘The Hammers of the Underworld’ draw influences from tango, klezmer, jazz, psycho-billy, cabaret, circus music, new age, progressive avant-garde and the heaviest of heavy metal. The band’s weaponry consists of saxes and clarinets, bass brass, cellos with multi-effects, pump organ, grand piano, drums & percussion and, most recently, a rare contrabass saxophone. They will be supported by visionary Finnish neo-folk music composer, singer and jouhikko player Pekko Käppi.

LIFEM also presents two London film premieres: Kimmo Pohjonen’s Soundbreaker and Jimi Tenor’s Sähkö The Movie. Both give a rare insight into the minds of two of Finland’s most creative and distinguished performers.

“LIFEM showcases an unprecedented level of original Finnish talent in the UK and presents the perfect occasion to commemorate our 30th anniversary. We feel truly privileged to be part of The Finnish Line celebrating our music in London.” Mari Kaasinen, Värttinä

“I’m delighted to be part of LIFEM celebrating Finnish music in London. This time I will revisit my catalogue all the way from the WARP years into new material from my up coming album released later this year. Very Exciting!” Jimi Tenor

“The line-up for this year’s LIFEM festival is a reflection of the breadth and creativity that can currently be seen in the jazz, folk and world music scenes of Finland. The artists included in the programme have distinctively individual forms of expression, while coming together in a joint passion for exploring new sonic territory. Together they form a pleasant musical experience of what Finland sounds like today.” Esa-Pekka Salonen

“Now in its fifth year Kings Place is incredibly proud to have supported LIFEM from the start. The festival continues to bring new audiences year-on-year with its exciting programme of groundbreaking international artists.” Peter Millican, Kings Place, Director of Programmes

“LIFEM’s fifth edition is once again full of UK premieres, England premieres, London premieres, and UK only shows. If that is not enough, it brings the very best artists from Finland, an arctic paradise that never stops to surprise and excite us.” Miguel Santos, Director, London International Festival of Exploratory Music

LIFEM Offers:

• Festival Passes  go for it 

For only £50.00, a festival pass gives access to all shows but is available in limited numbers. Available online at www.kingsplace.co.uk/lifem-offers or by calling the Box Office on 020 7520 1490.

• Day Passes  go for it 

Friday and Saturday passes, access to the 19h30 and 22h00 concerts + film (18h15) – for just £15.00. Day Passes are only available by contacting the Box Office on 020 7520 1490.

• Films  go for it 

Access to the Kimmo Pohjonen and Jimi Tenor films are free to all ticket holders but must be reserved in advance. Subject to availability. To reserve your seat please contact the Box Office on 020 7520 1490.

• Songlines Magazine  go for it 

All ticket buyers are able to pre-order the October issue of Songlines (#95) at a discounted rate of £2 (RRP £4.95), which can be collected at Kings Place during the festival. The issue comes with two CDs, including the exclusive ‘Arctic Paradise’ compilation from Music Finland, featuring exciting contemporary world music acts, in addition to the LIFEM artists and the Finnish artists performing at this year’s World Music Expo – WOMEX. Simply select ‘Songlines magazine’ when purchasing your tickets. This offer expires on Sep 1 2013.

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London International Festival of Exploratory Music (LIFEM) is run on a non-profit basis by Red Orange Arts Agency (a not-for-profit UK registered company limited by guarantee). All of the money raised to support the Festival ensures that it continues to develop and honour its core values and principles, and serve its attendees to the highest possible standards. If you want to sponsor, support, make a donation, or a grant, towards the development of LIFEM or establish any other kind of partnership with the festival, send us an email and we will respond promptly.