ÅlAND SUMMER JAM IS BACK

Dancer Sara Galan

Åland Summer Jam, the only major social event on the island initiated by an immigrant, now in its fourth- year, is back at Miramarparken in July 2012 with a variety of performers and  traditional musicians from West Africa.

This year's event will feature more than six acts from different Nordic countries. For the first time, the festival is also expecting two drummers from Senegal and a dancehall reggae musician from The Gambia. Both countries in West Africa.

Åland Summer Jam is a non- profit making activity that seeks to acknowledge the hardly talked about cultural diversity on Åland. Starting the festival, in a predominantly white community, wasn't an easy task. Despite all the obstacles the festival grew into an event with great impact on the island's cultural life. It has also proven to be a platform for sprouting Nordic musicians with African  background.

This year's festival will start with a warm-up day (6th July). We will be having an exhibition of African arts, cuisine and few more surprises. The warm-up is a moment to bring people into a more active interaction and also to soften up the festival and get the fans ready for the big performances the following day.

One of the main acts to grace the festival is swedish teacher/choreographer Sara Galan and her group. They are well known for delighting their audience with their brilliant fusing of different dance styles.

DO you want to help in making this year's Summer Jam a success? Do you have an advice or suggestion for us?  Please send us an email info@hejaland.ax or call Alieu Khan +358 408795270.

Welcome on the 6th -8th July, 2012