Celebrate Finnish Roots with Eeppi
Written By:
Nina Dahlblom
A Preview of new Finnish music and traditions at summer festivals in the Pacific Northwest this year.
By Nina Dahlblom
The Finnish-American artist Eeppi Ursin returns to her Nordic roots with the release of her new album My Finnish Soul Vol. 2, arriving May 15. The New York City–based musician will also bring the music directly to audiences this summer with performances at two major Finnish and Nordic cultural festivals in the Pacific Northwest.
Photo: Rachel Monteleone
The new album continues Ursin’s exploration of Finnish musical nostalgia, presenting beloved classics in intimate voice-and-piano arrangements. Among the songs are familiar favorites such as Ievan polkka, Sininen ja valkoinen, and Juokse sinä humma—pieces that have long held a place in Finnish cultural memory.
Alongside these traditional songs, the album includes three original compositions by Ursin herself. Written from the perspective of a Finn living abroad, the songs reflect themes of memory, identity, and cultural belonging. One of them, Sisu Song, draws inspiration from the Finnish concept of sisu, often described as a uniquely Finnish form of resilience, determination, and inner strength.
Photo: Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Summer Tour Begins in Astoria
Ursin’s summer tour will begin at the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, held June 19–21 in Astoria, Oregon.
For more than fifty years, the festival has celebrated the Finnish and Nordic heritage of the region, shaped by immigrants who settled along Oregon’s North Coast. During the three-day event, visitors can enjoy performances by Finnish music, dance, and theater groups while browsing booths offering traditional handicrafts, Finnish imports, and regional foods. The festival welcomes visitors of all backgrounds who are curious about Finnish and Nordic culture.
Photo: Naselle Finnish Folk Festival
Finnish Traditions in Naselle
The tour will continue in July at the Naselle Finnish American Folk Festival, July 24–26 in Naselle, Washington.
Held every two years, this very alive festival is dedicated to preserving Finnish-American culture and traditions. Music, food, historical displays, and community events fill the weekend program. Performers often include the well-known Naselle Kantele group along with local musicians and visiting artists.
Photo: Naselle Finnish Folk Festival
A Continuing Finnish Music Journey
My Finnish Soul Vol. 2 builds on Ursin’s growing body of work exploring Finnish themes inviting listeners to let the spirit of Finland sink into their hearts. The singer-songwriter has released seven solo albums to date. Her three most recent recordings form a series centered on Finnish culture and nostalgia: My Finnish Soul (2023), Eeppinen Joulu – Epic Christmas (2024), and My Finnish School (2026).
With the new album and tour, Ursin continues to connect Finnish music traditions with contemporary audiences—bringing a touch of Finnish summer, and a spirit of sisu, to stages on both sides of the Atlantic.