Park Drummer Jarmo is an undisputed legend of Helsinki’s street art and underground culture, whose gritty and selfless rhythm has enlivened the city’s streetscape for well over a decade. Holding his regular spot in Hesperia Park on the shores of Töölönlahti Bay, Jarmo is a familiar sight to countless passersby. His instruments are the park’s metal trash cans, from which he conjures an irresistible groove—in his early years with sticks gathered from the ground, and later with real drumsticks repaired with tape.
Jarmo’s relentless cultural work, spanning over a decade, received a historic honor in December 2024 when the cultural cooperative Creat awarded him the first recognition prize in its history. With the award, Jarmo was handed a pair of Vic Firth Steve Gadd signature drumsticks, and a brass plaque was affixed to his regular trash bin at Töölönlahti. Thus, Jarmo’s metallic instrument was officially transformed into a monument of public art. In his acceptance speech, Jarmo pondered aloud whether there was any sense in his endeavors at all. The answer is clear: these days, nothing makes as much sense. Groove is in the heart!
Curators’ comments: ”Jarmo is a phenomenon and a perfect example of what genuine outsider art and a selfless urge to create are all about. He commands the space with nothing but his presence and a metal trash can lid. It is a true honor to bring this beating heart of Helsinki’s streets to the festival. Attitude, rhythm, and sheer genius!”
