Saturday, 06.08 / 19:00 / Main Stage @Castle
In 1998, Ilkka, Markku, and Häkä started a trio, playing acoustic country music and western swing.
In the spring of 2020, Thomas joined the band as the drummer. The music is currently more danceable with more influence from jazz, blues, rockabilly, the Great American Songbook, and Kurt Weil. The band assumed its new name: Country & Western Dekadenz.
Ilkka Merivaara, the vocalist, is better known as an actor, performing on stage and in several TV shows over the years.
Markku Kanerva, guitar, is a true guitar virtuoso. He started his career as a teenager with Wigwam, Finland’s best-known progressive music band. He has also played in the legendary Pekka Pohjola Group. Markku was awarded a Jussi statue (Finnish Oscars) for Best Music in 2009.
Häkä Virtanen, bass, is a living legend: he plays jazz, rock, pop, you name it. He is the most recorded bassist in Finland.
Thomas Rönnholm, the drummer, is a multi-talented and experienced professional percussionist. Thomas has played in various ensembles, from big bands to intimate indie bands, including Pepe & Saimaa.
Ilkka Merivaara, vocals
Markku Kanerva, guitar
Heikki ” Häkä” Virtanen, bass
Thomas Rönnholm, drums