history....
In 1993, a famous finnish artist Bruno Maximus and dj Magic Sam
came to an idea to start a really crazy funk festival. The purpose was to free people`s minds in relaxed and groovy atmosphere. Bruno invented the name Funky Elephant, planned the posters and Magic Sam organized bands and dj´s.

Since then Funky Elephant has grown to an annual festival which has been celebrated in Tavastia club, Helsinki, already seven times. Every year the festival works as a melting pot for all sub categories of black rhythm music: funk, soul, hip hop, jazz, disco, latin, ska, dub etc.

Funky Elephant has proudly presented the cutting edge of finnish music scene: Nu Spirit Helsinki, Giant Robot, Eternal Erection, Paleface, Don Johnson Big Band and many more. The purpose is to get more and more foreign artists; last year jazz-funk superstar Roy Ayers paid respect to the festival and this year Markscheider Kunst from St.Petersburg.


Funky Elephant Baltic Splash
Funky Elephant Baltic Splash will bring to Tallinn the same kind of unique atmosphere that is presented in the annual Funky Elephant Festivals: carnival type of hussle, where dressed people, psychedelic video visuals and colourful decoration will free the mind for the ass to follow.

Downstairs you will find two classic Funky Elephants: Dj`s Njassa and Sambody. Njassa is an old radio voice with a funky taste of music, and usually rises feelings with his great MC talents. Sambody is only one name out of many that Sam Huber uses. He`s a vocalist of respected finnish party group called Eternal Erection.

Upstairs the major show will be given by Don Johnson Big Band and Funky Amigos plus music from legendary dj´s Magic Sam, party chick Miss E and Rhythm Doctor, who just visited the 7th Funky Elephant Festival.

Dressing code is free but a must. Dig your funkiest clothes from the closet and you will be rewarded!

The Stars of the night:
Don Johnson Big Band!
Don Johnson Big Band is a Helsinki-based four man group secretly founded in late 1997. After releasing their self-supported debut album "Support de Microphones" in April 2000, the band has quickly received both public and critical acclaim. Many have ranked Support de Microphones among the top Finnish albums of the year 2000. In 2001 the band has received mad props for their performances at some of the biggest summer festivals in Finland, including Provinssirock (Seinäjoki) and Ilosaarirock (Joensuu).

Live performances have also featured a host of visiting superstars. In Tallinn, the band will be
accompanied by the soulful voice of Sofia Chaichee and percussionist Juusonik. Chaichee has recently been noted for her work with Finnish hip-hop artist Avain, while Juusonik (from the dance orchestra Kinos) has worked with a number of Finnish bands, including the highly acclaimed Rinneradio.

The band`s influences span from jazz, dub, and trip-hop to blues, electro and funk. Their own work has sometimes been labeled "progressive hip-hop" by the Finnish media, and comparisons have been drawn to fellow Finnish bands Giant Robot and Pepé Deluxe. The name Don Johnson Big Band has sparked much debate and speculation. One interpretation suggests the band was named after a Miami Vice episode in which Miles Davis plays a drug dealer.

Don Johnson Big Band is
Johannes Laiho (piano, synthesizer)
Tommy Lindgren (vocals, rap)
Pekka Mikkonen (flute, tenor sax)
Kari Saarilahti (guitar, percussion, bass)

Pressfoto:
http://www.hut.fi/~ksaarila/djbb1_press.jpg

more information:
Sami Mannerheimo,p. +358-41-5235121
Tommy Lindgren,p. +358-40-5196777

www.spirit.ee

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