Giants of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, saxophonist Joe Lovano and blues guitar legend Buddy Guy are part of the summer 2010 Imatra Big Band Festival, among other top artists. This trio of Grammy award winners will be in Imatra for the 9-day festival that runs from July 2^nd to 10^th. The festival will also feature the Afro-beat music of Manu Dibango, pioneers of Britt-groove Brand New heavies and one of the top big bands in the world, NATO Jazz Orchestra.

Final details of the July 10 programme are still to be announced, but other confirmed evening entertainers include Eppu Normaali, the Riku Niemi Orchestra, Tuomo Prättälä 10-Person Band, Wendel Brunious New Orleans Stompers from the U.S.A., Modern Fox from Estonia, Thorbjorn Risager Blues Band from Denmark, Heikki Silvennoinen Band, Pelle Miljoona Unabomber, the Vesterinen Band, and Miss Saana & The Missionaries.

The list of artists visiting this year’s festival also includes the previously announced hit band from Germany, The Baseballs as well as domestic artists Popeda, Maija Vilkkumaa, Ladies First Big Band, Teddy & The Tigers and the Rock Jam Band. All of the above will appear at BB Club, a club tent that holds audiences of 2500. Other concerts will be held at the Vuoksi Fishing Park, aboard the cruise ship m/s Camilla, on BB Street. Details of those programmes will be ready soon. As well, further details regarding the annual IBBF Church Picnic Event to be held on July 4^th will be released when the event programme is finalised.

The annual Imatra Big Band Festival will offer an exciting range of musical talent for the 28th time this summer. The programme features local, national and international artists from a variety of musical genres, including R&B, blues, funk, rock, soul, world beat, swing, pop and easy listening.

This year's festival will be held from July 2 to July 10, 2010. Over the nine days there will be approximately 50 acts participating in roughly 40 concerts. In addition to the Big Top - BB Club - performances will be held on the cruise ship m/s Camilla, outdoors on BB Street, at the Vuoksi Fishing Park, and in restaurants around the city of Imatra. The programme will also include the Big Band competition and the New Finnish Legends of Jazz concert. And as always, the Big Band Summer Music Programme will be at the heart of the festival.