Young, promising talent at Kivenlahti Midsummer Festival
The super popular Midsummer event is back with an up-and-coming soul singer Emilia Sisco as the event’s main star. She is joined by a new rock-pop group Kaila, charismatic pop artist Runo, and the indie hit AINO with her fresh takes on pop and r&b.
On Midsummer Eve on Friday 20 June 2025, the Mari field in Kivenlahti, Espoo fills with welcoming vibes and good music as Emilia Sisco, Runo, Kaila and AINO take the stage. Food stands with their delicious offerings and fun Midsummer programme are open from 16:00 to 20:00.
Emilia Sisco is inspired by soul icons
The sound and songwriting style of Emilia Sisco have stolen the hearts of soul lovers around the world. Emilia’s interpretation and ability to tell stories through music seamlessly combine soul, jazz and blues.
Emilia, inspired by icons of soul music such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Billie Holiday, brings modern notes to the traditional elements of soul and R&B. Helsingin Sanomat called Emilia’s debut album Introducing "one of the best Finnish debuts of the year".
Your Girl by Emilia Sisco (Spotify) (external link, opens in a new window)
High energy from Kaila
Kaila and its five young musicians bring their original Finnish-language songs to the Midsummer Festival. The band takes diverse inspiration from both old and newer rock and pop music.
‘The upcoming gig will be energetic, welcoming, and unforgettable for the audience. We want to make you feel good and create community spirit. For the audience, this is a unique opportunity to discover a great band just before their big breakthrough!’ says the band’s keyboard player Eero Vaija.
The band’s members come from very different musical backgrounds, which brings an interesting, distinctive edge to Kaila’s sound: drummer Pyry Brandt is a skilled jazz pianist and singer Eero Punkari is one of Finland’s top flute players. Pietari Paakkinen (bass) and Otso Hiipakka (guitar), on the other hand, were both originally trumpet players, and keyboardist Eero Vaija first played the classic piano.
However, they all have one thing in common: love of 70s and 80s rock.
‘Have you ever before heard flute in rock music? With us you will!’ Eero Vaija says.
Marakassit by Kaila (Spotify)(external link, opens in a new window)
Charismatic pop artist Runo
Runo is known for her poetic lyricism and strong stage presence. Her music moves tenderly between spoken word and pop hooks. Runo says she learned to sing before learning to speak! Music has given Runo a channel to verbalise emotions and insights that would otherwise have been difficult to put into words.
Runo’s debut album Rikos ja rangaistus came out in 2024 and she is currently working on her second album Luopumiskoulu.
‘My second album Luopumiskoulu will show a new side of me: it’s more playful, sharper and perhaps a bit cheekier than my debut,’ says Runo.
At the Kivenlahti Midsummer Festival, Runo will perform both new, unpublished songs as well as older material.
‘Kivenlahti Midsummer is one of the few events that combine sea, summer night, and good music - there is something magical about it. Come see me if you need a moment to stop, feel, and get out of everyday life. I promise to give you an experience that you won’t forget,’ Runo says, encouraging Midsummer audiences to come see the show.
Raudasta tehty by Runo (Spotify)(external link, opens in a new window)
Fresh indie artist AINO
The fourth performer at the Kivenlahti Midsummer Festival is the new indie talent AINO whose tunes combine pop and r&b. AINO’s music is lyrically emotional, but rhythmic production and melodies appeal to all kinds of listeners. In 2024, AINO published her debut song “sydän” and two other singles. Now the recent hit Särkyneen Sydämen Syndrooma completes the playlist.
‘I’m a pretty new artist, and I have always processed my own life through other people’s music and texts. In 2023, I got to know people in the music industry, ended up behind a mike, and soon I started to write my own lyrics and songs. Now the writing process is an important part of my music. I write my own thoughts and feelings - some become songs while others may never see the light of day,’ AINO explains her musical background.
The gig at Kivilahti Midsummer will be one of AINO’s first "real" gigs.
‘I’m nervous, but in a really good way!’ she says excitedly.
Särkyneen Sydämen Syndrooma by AINO (Spotify)(external link, opens in a new window)
Take the metro or bus to celebrate Midsummer
You can get to the Midsummer Festival in Espoonlahti with Kivenlahti metro (the station is 1.2 km walking distance from the venue). The nearest bus stops are 500 metres away. There is limited parking in Merivalkama and Marinsatamantie.
Entrance to the area is free of charge. The Kivenlahti Midsummer Festival is organised by the Espoonlahti cultural project.