Finnish band drafted in as late festival replacement

The Shetland Folk Festival committee has announced a last-minute addition to the visiting acts for the 36th festival with the seven-piece Tsuumi Sound System from Finland.

They will attend as a replacement act for Huun-Huur-Tu, who unfortunately had to withdraw last week due to unforeseen circumstances.

Tsuumi Sound System is one of Finland’s internationally most notable modern folk music bands. Rooted in Nordic folk traditions and

innovative modern ideas, the seven-piece ensemble draws their strength from a huge mixture of influences.

Known for their unique compositions and very intense live performances, Tsuumi Sound System has also been described as the rock band of the Finnish folk music field.

Louise Johnson of the folk festival committee said: “We are extremely disappointed to be missing out on such a high calibre world music act in Huun-Huur-Tu.

“However, we are delighted with the fact that Tsuumi Sound System are available at such short notice.

“They are a fantastic live band that was already on our radar as a potential future act.

“Finding an available replacement act at short notice has been fairly hectic, particularly for Mhari Pottinger who holds responsibility for booking our visiting acts, but she has pulled out all the stops and come up trumps.”

Festival-goers should be aware that the alteration will also lead to some minor changes in concert line-ups. The finalised concert programme is now available on the Shetland Folk Festival website www.shetlandfolkfestival.com.

Early members (those who purchased their memberships while they were available online in February) are reminded that they will be able to purchase their concert tickets from 6pm on Monday.

Some concerts are expected to sell out very quickly so the committee recommends that everyone is armed with their membership numbers and ready to make their bookings at 6pm prompt.