Bonus 1 - Song & Story with Päivi Hirvonen and Veikko Muikku of Okra Playground

Chandell and Justin sit down to talk with Okra Playground’s Päivi Hirvonen and Veikko Muikku to discuss their personal journeys toward using music to share and celebrate their Finnish traditions through Okra Playground’s unique electro-folk sound with audiences all over the world. They speak on the important role that music education played in their lives, the band’s collaborative and research-based creative process, the rich musical traditions that are woven into the history of Finnish culture, and the sometimes-eerie relevance that old stories have in our modern world. Päivi and Veikko share some of their favorite experiences from their US residencies through Arts Midwest’s World Fest program, reflect on why the opportunity has been important to them, and share their advice for aspiring artists.