Stephens Auditorium is adhering to state and university guidelines related to Covid-19. Face masks are not required, but are welcomed to be worn by patrons while in the venue. Please review Cyclones Care guidelines outlined by Iowa State University before attending the event.
No proof of vaccination is required. Please stay home if you feel ill.
Learn more about our clear bag policy and and safety guidelines here.
Kardemimmit is a band of four awesome women playing the Finnish national instrument, kantele. The band members are Maija Pokela, Jutta Rahmel, Anna Wegelius and Leeni Wegelius. Kardemimmit is in charge of their own music – they compose, as well as arrange, write lyrics and produce. Alongside 15 and 38 stringed kanteles, singing has a big part in Kardemimmit’s musical universe where original pieces with a modern approach still have a strong foundation in Finnish, Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions. The Finnish reki-singing style, 19th century dancing music and Perhonjokilaakso kantele playing style, Eastern Finnish archaic improvisation and ancient runo singing are all present in Kardemimmit’s music.
The band was founded already in 2000 in the musical institute Juvenalia in the band members’ hometown Espoo. The long mutual history can be heard in their unique sound. The silvery tones of kantele flow together with the mesmerizing singing harmonies. Since 2008, Kardemimmit has been touring extensively in Europe, North America and Japan. The band has released five albums, Viira 2006, Kaisla 2009, Autio huvila (Abandoned Villa) 2012, Onni (Happiness) 2015 and Kesäyön valo (Midnight Sun) 2018. Kardemimmit music is featured in the department store of Muji Kamppi Helsinki, the largest Muji store in Europe, as a part of Muji BGM 24 album (2019). Kaisla was republished in 2012 as The Rough Guide to the Music of Scandinavia compilation’s bonus cd Introducing Kardemimmit (www.worldmusic.net/scandinavia). Kardemimmit Autio huvila was chosen as the Finnish folk album of the year 2012.
