Kuopio Funk Fest is a celebration of rhythm music and vinyl culture on 18-19 July

Kuopio Funk Fest is a dedicated urban festival that brings together disc jockeys, bands, dancers and partygoers for a common cause. Four different events over two days will take participants to Lake Kallavesi, a picnic, a dance workshop and record sale, and funk bands’ gigs at the Pannuhuone club.

Born in the 1960s and 1970s, funk music is still a vibrant genre whose influences can be seen in many of today’s music and dance styles. In rhythm music culture, the DJ and the original vinyl have always had a place, and their unique sound quality and physical form are appreciated.

The festival is organised Culture First and aims to bring experienced and well-known names in the field to the city, but also to provide an opportunity for new and unknown artists to come to the public’s attention. Community, equality, creativity and self-expression are values that the festival aims to promote.

On Friday 18 July, the festival starts with a pre-club at Pannuhuone Gust. Ranin, where young local band Funkkistuntti and The Blassics DJ´s, who combine arfobeat-funk-jazz sounds with instruments and vinyl, will perform.

On Saturday 19 July, the day starts with a free and age-neutral Funk Picnic in Snellman Park, where you can freely participate in street dance workshops, watch the graffiti wall being completed, listen to funk rhythms on vinyl and explore the vinyl selection of record sellers. The funk picnic will be highlighted by semi-acoustic performances from Pascal & Baya Rays from Hämeenlinna and the internationally acclaimed Jimi Tenor Band.

After the picnic, the festival will continue with a Funk Cruise, where you can listen to several DJs performing during the weekend and dance for four hours without a break.

The festival will close with a spectacular after-club with the Jimi Tenor Band and long-time rhythm music expert DJ Mista Tibbz.