Wentus Blues Band marks 40 years with Kokkola festival

Wentus Blues Band will celebrate its 40th anniversary this weekend with Wentusfest, a two-day event at its rehearsal space in Kokkola, reports Yle.

The festival lineup includes international stars such as Dr. Feelgood, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Nikki Hill, alongside dozens of local musicians. Organizers expect around 2,500 attendees, matching the turnout from the band’s previous milestone celebrations.

Founded in 1986, the band is Finland’s most internationally recognized blues act, with over 3,000 performances and some 20 albums to its name. The anniversary festivities will continue with two concerts in Helsinki this October.

Current members—Juho Kinaret (vocals), Niko Riippa (guitar), Robban Hagnäs (bass), and Daniel Hjerppe (drums)—reflect on the band’s origins as schoolboys whose first fully mastered song was Eric Clapton’s Cocaine. Hagnäs, a founding member, notes the choice was as much about simplicity as influence.

The band’s latest release is Live at Fasching, a recording of a 2004 Stockholm performance featuring blues legends Carey Bell and Louisiana Red. A special vinyl reissue of the 2004 album Family Meeting will also be released during the festival weekend.