FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008
Contact: Susanna Helander (media 
ilosaarirock.fi)
Mike Patton – Mondo Cane to Ilosaarirock, Festival Line-up Finalised
Joensuu, Finland — Ilosaarirock Festival released today its schedule and the complete list of artists for the summer 2008. The latest addition to the already star-studded line-up is Mondo Cane, an ensemble led by Mike Patton that plays Italian popular music from the 1950s and 1960s. The promoter Panu Hattunen cannot hide his enthusiasm for Mondo Cane:
– It is rather a sizeable production, says mr. Hattunen. – Besides Mike Patton bringing a group of Italian musicians with him, the orchestra is reinforced by a number of professionals from the very cream of the Joensuu classical music scene.
– It goes without saying that Joensuu musicians are very excited to have the chance to perform with an ensemble like this. What's more, as far as we know, before this no Finnish rock festival has presented such a large orchestra performing with an international artist.
But Mondo Cane is not the only example of Ilosaarirock Festival's habit of constantly exploring new music from a variety of genres. This year's other headliners include Nightwish (FIN), Common (USA), Mogwai (UK), Ozric Tentacles (UK) and Venetian Snares (CAN). As for the Finnish bands who are fast becoming internationally successful, there are Turisas, Von Hertzen Brothers and Pepe Deluxé to be experienced. One of the specialities of Ilosaarirock Festival is the Rento Stage, situated on a lovely beach by a lake, and offering a genuine mini-festival of its own. This is the place where you should head for especially if the idea of Finnish reggae or hip hop is just too outlandish for you. Besides hosting a whole range of Finnish artists offering slightly more danceable material than what can perhaps be found elsewhere in the festival area, there is also a host of international acts performing at Rento Stage, like Joe Bataan (USA), The Heptones (JAM) and Fanfare Ciocârlia (ROM).
The clubs that take place during the Ilosaarirock Festival weekend offer something for every music lover. Just to mention some highlights, there is the legendary Hanoi Rocks at Sulo Club on Friday 11th July, Estonia's metal pride Metsatöll at Metelli Club on Saturday, and the Polish heavy reggae combo Paprika Korps at the Closing Club on Sunday.
Started in 1971, Ilosaarirock is one of the biggest rock festivals in Finland. Among the music enthusiasts it has established a unique reputation for combining a relaxed atmosphere with musical determination and professional dedication. Each year, some 80 bands play at the Festival's five stages and numerous clubs. This year the festival takes place from July 11th to 13th. Ilosaarirock Festival is a member of YOUROPE – the European Festival Association.
Ilosaarirock 2008 Line-up
Festival site: Joe Bataan (USA), Comeback Kid (CAN), Common (USA), Converge (USA), Cult of Luna (SWE), Fanfare Ciocârlia (ROM), Heaven Shall Burn (GER), The Heptones (JAM), Kashmir (DEN), Mad Caddies (USA), Mad Sin (GER), Mike Patton – Mondo Cane (USA/ITA) with Ilosaarirock Sinfonietta, Mogwai (UK), Nightwish (FIN), Oceansize (UK), Ozric Tentacles (UK), Venetian Snares (CAN), Asa ja Jätkäjätkät, Astro Can Caravan, Cause for Effect, Decended, Diablo, Discard, Eläkeläiset, Giant Räbät, Herra Ylppö & Ihmiset, Vuokko Hovatta, Ismo Alanko Teholla, Kumikameli, Lapko, Lauri Tähkä & Elonkerjuu, Medeia, Momo Cat, Morley, Pelle Miljoona Unabomber, Pepe Deluxé, Pyhimys, Raappana & Sound Explosion Band, Rhythm Funk Masters, Kauko Röyhkä & Riku Mattila, Samettivallankumous, Scandinavian Music Group, Smokesuit, Stella, Tohtori Orff & Herra Dalcroze, Tuomo, Turisas, The Valkyrians, Von Hertzen Brothers, Ypö-Viis
Clubs: 22-Pistepirkko, 51koodia, Hanoi Rocks, Kotiteollisuus, M.A. Numminen ja Pedro Hietanen, Tuomari Nurmio, Kari Peitsamo, Stam1na, Klaus Thunder & Ukkosmaine, Anal Thunder, Another Sinking Ship, Delta Force 2, Diskelmä, Distral, The Heartburns, Kohu-63, St. Hood, Rejected, Terveet Kädet, Backstabbing Bastard, Metsatöll (EST), Mokoma, Rotten Sound, Paprika Korps (POL), Risto, Vihreä Maa, YUP, Goathound, Gunswamp, The Micragirls, Sooner Or Later, Janne Laurila, Anssi 8000 & Maria Stereo, Plain Ride, JS666, Samae Koskinen ja hänen Taikabändinsä, Steel Mammoth
For more information, see www.ilosaarirock.fi/2008/english/bands.html
Tickets
Tickets for Ilosaarirock Festival 2008 are available at www.tiketti.fi. The two-day ticket costs 65 euros. The festival has been sold out in advance for several years, so act quickly to avoid disappointment.
Press Credentials
The media accreditation for Ilosaarirock Festival 2008 is underway. On-line accreditation forms are available at www.ilosaarirock.fi/2008/english/media.html.
For stories and photos from previous years, see www.ilosaarirock.fi/2008/english/festival_life.html.