As a music lover, when I’m looking for a good live show in Helsinki, I always first check what Tavastia in the modern city center has to offer. I’m surely not the only one doing this, because it is the most legendary live music venue of Finland. Tavastia was opened already in 1970, but still nobody can compete with them today regarding the atmosphere and facilities. It’s been said that when you have had a chance as a musician to play on the Tavastia stage, you have clearly made it. And it’s still true.

Tavastia can hold only around 700 people, but I think it only makes it all much more intimate than what for example Hartwall Arena or other bigger venues are. Musically speaking, you can find all kinds of domestic as well as international artists performing at Tavastia, from rock bands to hip hop groups and groovy funkateers. Budding acts gig in the small Semifinal venue located next door, so basically everyone who is performing on the main stage has done something special to earn it. The long list includes international legends from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jamiroquai and Yusef Lateef to John Mayall as well as from De La Soul and The Roots to Alice In Chains and Nick Cave & Bad Seeds.

Tavastia is very famous of the acoustics and the PA system they provide for the best possible listening experience. There’s also the famous Saturday disco for clubbing, and Restaurant Ilves serves great food, not only for artists!