Festival year 1997
During the days between 12th and 20th of July in 1997 total of 607 musicians played at Pori Jazz – 293 of these musicians were Finnish. 94 groups performed at 12 venues and 110 concerts were held (51 concerts were free of charge). Herbie Hancock, Youssou N’Dour, Gary Moore and Brian Setzer were some of the musicians attracting large audience. At the time Martti Ahtisaari was the President of Finland and his son Marko performed at Pori Jazz with his band Skizm.
The attendance was 110 000 people and ticket sales went up to 60 000 tickets sold.
Pianist Lenni-Kalle Taipale was chosen as the artist of the year.
