Lauluaika

HANCOCK — Nine musical acts, a full day of live performances and a celebration of cultural heritage will highlight Hancock’s Midsummer Festival as the city marks its designation as the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture for 2026.

The free concert series will take place Friday at Hancock Central High School as part of the Juhannus Suurjuhlat (Midsummer Festival), offering festival attendees and marketplace visitors a daylong showcase of music rooted in Finno-Ugric traditions.

Performances begin at 9 a.m. Eastern and will feature artists from across North America and Europe, representing multiple generations and a variety of musical traditions.

Scheduled performers include Kuparikielet, a youth folk dance band from the Finnish American Folk School; Minnesota-based Finnish dance band Lauluaika; the Northern Stars Sami Girls; Roger Hewlett and Friends of lower Michigan; Minnesota kantele player Sheila Coughlin; local Suzuki students performing with instructor Brian Wall; the Elo Trio, a family band from rural Upper Michigan; and Kannu Peal Kabi, a folk ensemble traveling from Estonia for the celebration.

While Kannu Peal Kabi may be new to many festival-goers, portions of the group’s repertoire will be familiar. Alongside traditional Estonian and Finno-Ugric music, the band performs songs by Finnish-American musician Hiski Salomaa, who lived and worked in Hancock during the early 20th century. His music remains popular among local musicians and enthusiasts of Finnish-American culture.

Festival organizers emphasize that the event is open to everyone, regardless of cultural background.

“You don’t have to be Finno-Ugric to enjoy this festival, any more than you need to be a musician to enjoy music,” said David Maki, a member of the festival planning committee. “We have some familiar faces, as well as some new international friends, all coming to share their talents and help make this a celebration to remember.”

In addition to Friday’s lineup, live music will continue throughout the weekend, including performances on Quincy Green on Saturday morning and dance bands at the traditional midsummer bonfire Friday evening.

The festival also will feature presentations, discussions and cultural demonstrations, including keynote addresses by the ambassadors of Finland and Estonia to the United States.

More information about the festival and participation opportunities is available at hancockfinnougric.com.