Vuokko sings, time stops
At the bar area someone speculated that Vuokko Hovatta’s music is for women. That is true, but evidently it is also music for men. The tent of the third stage was packed: women and men, all ages and appearances.
And Vuokko sang, barefoot, in a beautiful dress, the audience only needed to listen. Songs by many well-known Finnish songwriters made you stop, listen and think. Although there was a complete silence during the songs, the fierce applause after each piece revealed that the audience wasn’t asleep. Concentrating and standing still felt refreshing in the middle of the festival day. Together with her skilful band, Vuokko Hovatta created a calm and peaceful atmosphere that left room for lyrics and interpretation. One of the definite highlights was the unreleased song Lumottu veli.
The announcer revealed that Vuokko was the first woman on the third stage of Ilosaarirock this year. Without dispute a good and welcome addition to the program.
Text: Milla Laaksonen
Photo: Tomi Palsa
Translation: Hanna Laaksonen