KALA presents Finnish kantele artist Jenni Venäläinen and her trio Melkutus Party, performing electronica-folk on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, online at kalaastoria.com.
A masters in music from Arts University Sibelius Academy, Venäläinen, specializing in Carelian kantele tradition and improvisation, leads several ensembles. Venäläinen plays the 5-string to 38-string Finnish harp. Melkutus Party combines old Karelian dance tunes with electronic beats and soundscapes. Described as a hypnotic live experience filled with strong emotions, from overflowing joy to the darkest sides of life she is joined by Janne Strom on electronics and Tatu Viitala on electronic percussion. Their 2023 album, “Melkutus” (which is itself a dance) has received five and four star reviews with radio play around the world. This is their first US Tour.
KALA Performance Space is located at 1017 Marine Dr. in Astoria. 503.338.4878