Modern Finnish Folk Duo 'Vellamo' Performs September 6

SUFFIELD, CT - From the Kent Memorial Library: Hyvää iltaa. That’s “good evening” in Finnish and it will be a good evening of music when Vellamo comes to Suffield. On Wednesday night, September 6 at 6:30 p.m., the ethereal sounds of Vellamo will be heard in the sanctuary of the 2nd Baptist Church, 100 North Main Street, in Suffield. The concert is a Kent Memorial Library program, funded by The Friends of the Library. The concert is free and open to all but please reserve a seat by calling the library at 860-668- 3896 or reserve on-line at the library’s website at suffield-library.org.

Vellamo is led by the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala. Pia, whose gorgeous voice has been compared to Joan Baez and her emotional interpretation to Marlene Diestrich (quite a contrast!), is originally from the arctic region of Lapland. Joni plays a virtuosic guitar and hails from Kokkola, a western port city in Finland. He is an accomplished theater and session musician and is a founding member of the renowned Finnish progressive rock band, Moonwagon.

Vellamo combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing “retro” sensibility, creating a modern folk music experience. In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea and Vellamo’s music reflects the sea in haunting melodies which have been characterized as "baptized by trolls and Norse elves."

Vellamo has produced three music albums. This is their seventh visit to the United States. Their tour will take them from New England all the way to Pacific Northwest through 20 states and over 30 concerts. We are lucky to have them come to Suffield.

Image via Kent Memorial Library by Vellamo