Lutakko moves concert start times one hour earlier

Jyväskylä’s Tanssisali Lutakko, one of Finland’s most popular live music venues, will begin concerts one hour earlier, Yle reports. The venue has hosted concerts since 1990.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the evening’s final performer will start at 9 p.m. On other days, the last artist will perform at 8 p.m. Doors will open two hours before the music begins.

The first concert under the new schedule was due to take place on Friday.

Lutakko promoter Raine Pulkkinen said the change had been considered for years, following requests from audiences, artists and employees. He said the venue had received mainly positive feedback in advance.

The earlier start times are intended to make concerts more accessible to people who work during the day, allowing them to get home and go to bed earlier. Earlier schedules for age unrestricted concerts will also make it easier for children and young people to attend.

However, the change may be less convenient for people working evening shifts. It could also create difficulties for bands travelling to Jyväskylä from far away, particularly support acts whose musicians have day jobs. Equipment transport and soundchecks will also take place earlier.

Pulkkinen said earlier performance times had been common in Central Europe for a long time and could gradually become more widespread in Finland.