Maija Kauhanen and Joonas Widenius Trio have been chosen to perform at Nordic Showcase festival, taking place in Västerås, Sweden between March 30th and April 2nd. The Finnish representatives were selected for the event with an open call for applications. The choice was made by an independent jury out of 23 Finnish acts that applied. 

Maija Kauhanen is a versatile artist, who plays kantele as her main instrument. Kauhanen, who is known from several bands, is also the lead singer and percussionist in her solo project, truly filling up the stage all by her own.

Guitarist and composer Joonas Widenius is rooted in flamenco tradition, out of which his trio creates genre-crossing musical realms. The band consists of Joonas Widenius (guitar), Hannu Rantanen (bass) and Karo Sampela (drums, udu, pandeiro). 

Nordic Showcase, organized for the first time this year, seeks attention for new Nordic folk and world music talent. The festival features top-notch showcase artists from Finland, Norway and Denmark as well as the hosting country Sweden. April 1 is also the day for the annual Swedish Folk and World Music Gala, which is held in cooperation with the festival. Additionally, the four-day event consists of seminars, workshops and business-to-business events for the international world music professionals.

More about Nordic Showcase.

The Finnish showcase acts:

Maija Kauhanen
Joonas Widenius Trio