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Taidetestaajat [Arts Testers] is a gigantic cultural project that over a period of three years will take every 8th grader in Finland to visit two cultural venues. The resulting encounters are sometimes wonderful, sometimes not so much, but in every case they leave a trace on audience members and organisers alike.

"The Hot Heros' most recent album, Folkjazz from Finland, paints an image of the Finnish (mental) landscape that is best appreciated through focused listening. This gives the feeling of being at a live gig, and there is an irresistible urge to applaud after each solo."

"Mainly using a guitar and an array of effects, Jarmo Saari masterfully creates atmospheres and meticulous architecture – with a taste for bombastic melodrama."

"Mostly a cappella, Signe's sound mingles folk, pop, barbershop and choral singing. The result is utterly original, uncategorisable art – unlike anything else you’ll hear this year."

"While the melodies appear timeless and uncomplicated, the performances are pure Ilmiliekki – that is, contemporary jazz with a Nordic twist."

"Rögnvaldsson’s team has grown into a thoroughbred band with a highly developed collaborative consciousness."

"The main attraction of this album is the capricious songs, reflecting ten years of evolution. Rather than focusing on solos, Herd distils the music into a collective endeavour."

"The band definitely has ideas of their own and the chops to execute them. The music has a spontaneous feel."

"When accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen invited me to join him at his sauna society in January I couldn’t resist. But I was afraid. I’ve been courageous enough to attend many Kimmo shows and survived. But here was a challenge."