‘Jaakko Laitinen’

Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha were founded in 2009 by five Finnish Lapps. Their music brings together, in their distinctive style, multiple strands from traditional repertoires such as the gypsy grooves of the Balkans, Russian romances, the old classics such as the Finnish tango and humppa, as well as influences from Greece, Turkey and the Middle East. They have played over 500 gigs in 20 countries, from the United Kingdom to Kazakhstan and including Switzerland, Italy and Macedonia, as well as in Scandinavia, the Baltic Republics, Ukraine and Russia. Reputed for their electrifying presence on stage, they are regarded as Finland's most exciting group, provoking laughter, tears and dance among their audiences, from the trendiest venues to the most obscure punk clubs.