Friends Stage Free Memorial Concert for Journalist-Musician Joonas Lepistö in Tampere

Friends and fellow musicians are organising a free memorial concert for Joonas Lepistö in Tampere on 30 August; it opens at 17:00 at Kulttuurikeskus Maanalainen (Itsenäisyydenkatu 2), Tamperelainen reports.

Lepistö was 44 when he died in April from a rapidly progressing cancer. Best known as an MTV Uutiset reporter who specialised in social issues, he also served on Tampere city council and the Pirkanmaa regional council in the 2000s. Music remained central to his life: he sang, played, wrote songs and helped arrange gigs for emerging artists.

Performers at the concert will include Essentia, the Joonas Lepistö solo band, Holmala, Teemu & Pojat and Kestins. The programme will feature Lepistö’s own material. Organisers said, "Joonas was a beloved friend to all of us" and wanted to celebrate the joy he shared. The event is free and for ages 18 and over.