Wellwell...
Carol & Andy:

I have been to Kihaus a couple of times, but haven't managed to reach Kaustinen yet (it's only been there for some 30 y's now, my excuse still being the distance - ca 400 km, never mind someone coming there from overseas!), so I can not compare them personally. But those who have attended both, say that there is no great difference in the (friendly) atmosphere, only that Kaustinen is 'bigger' in every respect - the variety of performers included. I know there are people who go to both, just because their favourites will appear at both as well.

I must admit not being a specialist on Finnish accordion music (harmonikka in Fin), but here are a couple of names with which to start "googleing", eg.:

The one who has influenced most 'adult' (I mean the generation who started after the war, about) players was Viljo Vesterinen (1907-1961), another would be Lasse Pihlajamaa (in his latter 80's) and third Veikko Ahvenainen, who has done much to introduce the accordion into the 'classical' scene, as well.

Of the 'modern' players, there are two musts: Maria Kalaniemi and Kimmo Pohjonen, both absolute masters that have played in various bands and on their own, and right now do it worldwide. Kimmo's recent repertoire is a bit experimental (if I may say:), combining various traditions, but you can hear his 'Finnish' playing for example on records by Pinnin pojat (a duo with Arto Järvelä of JPP; note that some of the stuff is done with tongue-heavily-in-cheek).

Helsingin kaksrivisnaiset is worth trying to get your hands (or perhaps rather ears) on, as well.

What comes to bands, I only add one name to Andy's list: Tallari, and here's a list of bands to check for some more stuff (unfortunately some do not have their pages in Eng at all, or then they are 'under construction').

terveisin (with greetings)
AKS


ps Check the lively;-) view on our market place, which is to remind btw that 'the Fair' is the theme of next summer's Kihaus.