A WORD FROM THE MAN

Ilosaarirock is a festival experience that gets to you. Ilosaarirock got my attention from the time when I was a young lad and came to the festival for the first time, and continues to do so even though now it is my work. My festival experiences start from the early 90’s when me and my fiends eagerly awaited to see what big name artist would be playing in Ilosaarirock, and we were happy to see that many foreign artists found their way to Joensuu. At the end of the decade I became part of the Ilosaarirock workforce and found that it brought new dimension to the whole festival experience. I have also played with my band in the festival clubs and on one of the main stages adding yet another viewpoint to my repertoire.

Old saying states that life is fragile, and the fragility of life comes obvious even in the rock festival environment, which I see as a social adventure trail. Rock festivals are steadily gaining popularity in Finland. This summer many of them are competing to attract public to attend their festival but we, the staff, here in Ilosaarirock remain confident that there is something on offer for everyone and even the most demanding Joe public will find live music that exceeds his expectations.

The planning and preparations for this year’s Ilosaarirock started already in August 2003. Many a dark and rainy autumn evening was spent in meetings deciding the look of this summer’s festival. Also many of the hours were spent around the meeting room table and via e-mail trying to choose the artists for this summers program. But I am happy to tell you that once again we have managed to secure a diverse and interesting program that includes many Finnish and foreign bands. This summer we also introduce the fourth stage on the beach, and we called it Rentolava (relaxed stage). With adding of this fourth stage we continue to develop Ilosaarirock and push it to evolve as a festival and at the same time it gives the opportunity for us to increase the variety of live music offered during the festival.

Friday 13th of February Ilosaarirock introduces itself once again virtually for the entire world to see. I confirm that the festival still is being done as if we were the public attending it, so humbly we bow and welcome you.

Markku
Chairman of the Board and festival labourer