Helsinki Day: Laulu ottaa kantaa – Song takes a stand

How could music shake up society today? The Laulu ottaa kantaa network celebrates its tenth anniversary with a picnic in the courtyard of the Worker’s Museum. Jukka Takalo, Nanna Louhela, Alecsanteri, Miika Leivo, Mikko Perkoila and Uuna will perform songs with a message from along the years on themes such as biodiversity loss, societal pressure regarding appearance, addictions and unemployment. The talking points will share thoughts about both past and present songs that take a stand.

The event also celebrates the publication of Timo ‘Tipi’ Tuovinen‘s recent book on workers’ songs, Suomalainen työväenlaulu – Arkkiveisaajien ja mölyköörien aika. Tuovinen has studied the history of workers’ songs for decades, and his latest book is the first to present a broader range of critical, social songs from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, which set up the lords, priests and Russian oppressors as the targets of unrelenting ridicule. At the book’s launch event, Tuovinen will talk about these forgotten songs and perform them with GeriaTrio.

Since its inception, the Laulu ottaa kantaa movement has been driven by the desire to promote democracy, equality, peace, equity and sustainable development through music and music-related publications. For a decade, the network has brought together songwriters, musicians, researchers and people interested in the history and present day of songs with social messages from all over Finland.

In case of rain, the event will be moved across the street to the Helsinki Community House in Alppila.

The event is organised in cooperation with the KSL Study Centre, the Workers’ Educational Association WEA Finland and the Helsinki City Museum.

Photo: Uuna & Pilakööri Nokinenät. Foto Nyblin 1937 / The People’s Archives.