Baltic Jazz is held in one of the few old factory towns, which still have an active industry. Dalsbruk was founded in 1886 by Swedish mintmaster Daniel Faxell, and was one of Finland’s first iron factories. In 1688 the first blast furnace stodd ready for use, and thus the society was built around it. Then, as now, the municipality relied just as much on the lively harbour and the surrounding archipelago, as on the iron itself. At its peak, the industry employed nearly 2000 workers, and around the year 1900 it was one of the largest iron factories in Finland. Today ”immigration” is equally important, though it now mainly consists of tourism, which has become just as large an industry as the industry itself.
Baltic Jazz wished to honor Dalsbruk’s illustrious past and highlight the rich industrial culture that is preserved ans still active. The music sounds amidst landmarks of this history.
The Midnight Sun Club is located in the industrial area in central Dalsbruk. Here you can listen to music that is slightly different from the traditional happyjazz usually heard at Baltic Jazz. This year this is exemplyfied by Bo Kaspers Orkester and Remu & Hurriganes.
The old mechanical workshop provides a unique atmosphere for many of the concerts. The Workshop was built in 1853 and closed down some 100 years later. At the change of the millennium, it went through extensive repairs, and is now used as a culture venue. In addition to concerts, basars, theatre shows and weddings have taken place here.
The beautiful park has returned as a consert venue! In the park you can listen to excellent music whilst enjoying the fresh air and romantic ambience.
The Jazz street leads past the old shore storehouses and the guest harbour to the charcoal furnaces. The storehouses were allegedly designed by renown architect Carl Ludwig Engel, who also designed a large part of Helsinki in the 17th century. Unfortunately this claim cannot be backed up by any surviving documents. On the street you can listen to music for free, or buy handicraft items, souveniers, food and drinks.
Bio Pony is the venue for small, intimate concerts. This year it also contains the Baltic Jazz ticket office. Bio Pony is located in one of the old storehouses by the Jazz Street.
Baltic Jazz makes a false start in Kasnäs pavillion. Kasnäs has grown from a small fishermens’ village to one of the most vital centres of Dragsfjärd. Today it boasts a restaurant, spa, guest harbour, hotel and fish industry as well as a natural museum.
Söderlångvik mansion hosts intimate concerts. The mansion was built by media and culture mogul Amos Anderson, and is probably the most spectacular building in Dragsfjärd. Today it holds a museum, and impressive art collection, as well as the traditional apple yard.