Pori Jazz has selected bassist, composer, and bandleader Kaisa Mäensivu as its Artist of the Year 2026. Her own band, Kaisa’s Machine, performs at festivals and clubs around the world. In addition to leading her own groups, Mäensivu has appeared alongside some of jazz’s most acclaimed artists, including guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, pianist Dave Kikoski, and trumpeter Tim Hagans.
Kaisa Mäensivu is a prolific bandleader and composer. She has performed on numerous recordings and has released four albums under her own name, two of which were nominated for Finland’s Emma Awards.
In its statement, Pori Jazz highlighted Mäensivu’s imaginative musicianship, noting that her playing is highly sought after both in Finland and internationally. Based primarily in New York, she has built an extensive international musical network.
Mäensivu first discovered Pori Jazz in the summer of 2004. Since then, the festival has remained an important and inspiring annual event for her.
”I absolutely had to see Alicia Keys in Pori in 2004. At my mother’s insistence, I also attended a concert by the outstanding guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. At the time, I could never have imagined that I would one day end up playing with him,” Mäensivu recalls.
Since 2013, Kaisa Mäensivu has performed at Pori Jazz every summer. Her international ensemble Kaisa’s Machine will appear on the Lokkilava Stage at Kirjurinluoto on the festival’s closing day, Saturday, July 18, performing music from their latest album, Moving Parts.
Mäensivu will also be part of Reiska Laine’s 80th birthday celebration ensemble, which will perform on the same Lokkilava Stage on Wednesday, July 15.
