Finnish Music Duo to Perform at Enfield Library

Vellamo is an ethereal Finnish folk pop with gorgeous vocals and memorable melodic hooks, and they will be performing at the Enfield Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.

Vellamo is the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala. Their music is characterized by haunting melodies, Pia’s ethereal lead vocals, and Joni’s virtuosic guitar stylings. They write instantly memorable songs in English as well as their native Finnish, and also perform traditional ballads from the Finnish, Celtic, and Scandinavian folk traditions. In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea.

Pia Leinonen, originally from the arctic region of Lapland, is Vellamo’s lead singer. Her voice combines her love and vast knowledge of Finnish folk music with the western singer–songwriter tradition in a unique and beautiful way.

Joni Tiala, originally from the Finnish port of Kokkola, began playing guitar at the age of 11. His eclectic musical background includes writing and performing for theater, progressive and alternative rock and Finnish and western folk.

In addition to shows in their homeland, Vellamo spends half of each year touring abroad; their adventures have led them throughout the United States and Scandinavia. In the fall of 2014 they expanded their tour base in Europe, playing shows in England, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. In early 2015 they did their first tour of New Zealand.

All programs at the Enfield Public Library are free and everyone is welcome. Please register at the Circulation Desk or call 860-763-7512. For more information, please visit www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Photo courtesy of Enfield Public Library