Wisdom and Jazz – Aili Ikonen and Seela Sella Open the Summer

Following its 70th anniversary celebrations, the Jyväskylän Kesä cultural festival is entering its new decade full of energy and enthusiasm. The theme of the 2026 Jyväskylän Kesä is wisdom, which will be explored in early July through a multifaceted discussion program as well as a multidisciplinary cultural program.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of jazz’s symbolic arrival in Finland aboard the Andania. It is therefore a historic anniversary year for Finnish jazz, and Jyväskylän Kesä is participating by hosting both Finnish and international guest performers.

We will first release the program for our opening concert and the first performers for the Park Festival. More program announcements will be coming in the following weeks!

Aili Ikonen and Seela Sella will star in the opening concert.

Jyväskylän Kesä opens on Wednesday, July 1, with a very distinguished lineup, featuring special guests Aili Ikonen and Seela Sella. This unique concert will take place in the auditorium of the University of Jyväskylä’s main building, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Hailing from Korpilahti, Jyväskylä, Aili Ikonen is a top-tier Finnish singer and songwriter, known for her sensitive and masterful interpretations. Ikonen's expressive range starts with jazz and boldly breaks through genre boundaries. The radiant artist's career includes collaborations with various jazz combos, big band productions, and Ella Fitzgerald interpretations. Ikonen is now also known as a member of the vocal group Rajaton. In 2025, Ikonen was awarded the Yrjö Award by the Finnish Jazz Federation, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the jazz field.

The collaboration between singer-songwriter Aili Ikosen and actress Seela Sella began in 2022, when Sella appeared as a guest on Ikosen’s song ”Juosta.” The idea of performing together had already begun to take shape in Ikosen’s mind back then. Now this dream is coming true, as Ikosen’s deeply introspective songs and Sella’s charismatic presence come together in a concert specially tailored for Jyväskylän Kesä!

The soloist is accompanied on stage by Aili Ikonen's trusted quintet, with whom she has collaborated for over 10 years and five albums:

Janne Toivonen (trumpet)
William Suvanne (saxophone)
Tuomas J. Turunen (keyboard)
Mikko Pellinen (bass)
Mikko Arlin (drums)

Buy tickets to the concert here!