The main concerts at Kirjurinluoto on 16th – 18th July will feature, among others, the expressive British singer SEAL, world-class superstar JOHN LEGEND, internationally acclaimed and distinctive TOM ODELL, as well as several high‑quality jazz and rhythm music ensembles. The main concerts will present world‑class pop and soul stars, earthy roots music and intense interpretations, innovative jazz creators, top‑tier jazz supergroups, and unique musical experiences.
Thursday 16 July will culminate with a performance by British singer SEAL. Known for his velvety voice and strong stage presence, he will perform songs from his iconic debut album Seal I and its follow‑up Seal II, along with hits from the rest of his catalogue. His most successful song is the evergreen hit Kiss from a Rose. Seal’s first visit to Finland was at Pori Jazz in the summer of 2016. Now, ten years later, he returns to the country and to Kirjurinluoto for the second time.
Also performing on Thursday is Dublin‑born singer and guitarist IMELDA MAY, who first became known as a talented, distinctive, and genre‑bending interpreter of rockabilly and rock’n’roll. Over the years, her music has broadened and deepened, incorporating shades of rock, soul, blues, and jazz, making her one of the most versatile contemporary voices in roots music.
Thursday will also feature ANNIE & THE CALDWELLS, a group from the Mississippi Delta whose bubbling sound blends soul, funk, gospel, and blues. Vocalist Annie Caldwell has successfully combined work and family—her spouse plays guitar, her daughters handle vocal harmonies, and her sons keep the groove in the rhythm section.
The Friday 17 July lineup includes British singer‑songwriter TOM ODELL, whose soulful pop draws influences from folk and indie rock. His biggest hit, Another Love, has become a global phenomenon, amassing over 1.3 billion streams. Also performing on Friday is SML, a new‑generation band from Los Angeles whose music boldly fuses jazz, improvised music, and indie. Their expression is both adventurous and highly skilled, moving fluidly between genres and creating a unique, recognisable sound. Friday will also feature HELMI ANTILA QUARTET, winner of the Teosto New Sounds campaign’s Pori Jazz selection, performing Antila’s jazz‑ and soul‑influenced pieces that blend rich vocal harmonies with honest, emotional lyrics.
On Saturday 18 July, audiences will be treated to a rare solo concert by JOHN LEGEND. The evening will feature intimate, reimagined versions of his greatest hits, surprising stories from his life and career, and songs from his latest album Legend. John Legend is among the select few artists who have won all four major American entertainment awards , a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony.
Saturday will also feature the quartet GONZALO RUBALCABA, CHRIS POTTER, LARRY GRENADIER & ERIC HARLAND: FIRST MEETING. Gonzalo Rubalcaba first performed at Pori Jazz in 1986, and many remember his iconic collaboration with Charlie Haden in 2005. The stage will also feature Chris Potter, a Grammy‑winning saxophonist widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled and innovative jazz musicians of his generation. The group is completed by bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland. Their music blends virtuosity, interaction, and spontaneous creativity into a unique whole.
Also performing on Saturday is the FRED HERSCH TRIO. Hersch is a long‑time jazz pianist and composer active in New York’s jazz scene. The trio includes legendary, versatile drummer PETER ERSKINE, known for his work with Weather Report, Steely Dan, and Steps Ahead. Erskine also has ties to Finland, having performed at Pori Jazz in 1985 with Steps Ahead, taught at the Sibelius Academy’s jazz program, and appeared with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Bassist DREW GRESS completes the trio on the Kirjurinluoto stag e.
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