Monday 23.02.2026 klo 19.00
Rica Bar (Kristiinankatu 5b, ) | Free entrance

Sini Lavastre is a Savonian-born singer-songwriter and pianist who moved from Turku to Hamina four years ago when she began working as the principal of the Kotka Region Music Institute. The evening will be filled with Lavastre’s own songs, which she has composed and written over the years. Her music and lyrics draw inspiration from small moments of everyday life, hopes and dreams, and the busy years of family life. Her lyrics feature both her children and her poodle. The surrounding nature and the changing seasons run hand in hand through her compositions, reflecting their deep personal significance to Lavastre. Another recurring theme in her music is everlasting love. As night falls, kisses are shared in woollen socks, and in Häävalssi tender glances are exchanged.

Lavastre has gathered a group of highly skilled musicians around her, with whom the compositions have been jointly arranged. The ensemble’s double bassist Riku Pelo is a Kotka-based opera singer who also feels at home behind the bass. On drums is Roope Kantonen, a drummer originally from Turku who has settled in Helsinki via Amsterdam. Guitarist Wiljami Salminen is a long-standing guitarist and versatile music professional from Kotka. On saxophone we hear “a son of Kotka,” Jyri Vanhala, a multi-talented musician who also enjoys playing keyboards and bass.

Sini Lavastre – vocals and piano Wiljami Salminen – guitar Riku Pelo – double bass Roope Kantonen – drums Jyri Vanhala – saxophone

At Monday Jazz Happening, the evening’s band always performs the first set starting at 7:00 PM, followed by jam sessions where music students, hobbyists, and jazz professionals come together.

Monday Jazz Happening is produced by the Turku Conservatory and Jazz City Turku Association in collaboration with Rica Bar. During the 2025–2026 academic year, Monday Jazz Happening celebrates its 20th anniversary! Free admission. Welcome to listen and make music!