Muses at the Tähtitorni Cafe

16.30 – Poetry Cavalcade

In this afternoon’s poetry showcase, three homegrown poets present their own works.

Anniina Louhivuori

A hare excretes planets, a walrus crosses your path during a midnight swim. A jackdaw sets a church on fire. Anniina Louhivuori, from Jyväskylä, won the national Runo-Kaarina debut poetry competition last year with her collection The Day Mary is Hanged. The title poem tells the story of an early 20th-century circus elephant that was publicly executed by hanging. The collection explores the power dynamics between humans and animals through real-life stories and myths. Louhivuori writes both poetry and prose, and her works have been published in literary magazines and anthologies. She is a professional graphic designer.

Täs Sä

With upright posture, rhythmic precision, and melodious flow, Täs Sä weaves mind and language into nature-inspired melodies. The multilayered tunes celebrate the colorful triumph of the ever-persistent present moment through the forms of rhythmic poetry and the art of song.

Alisa a.k.a. Taivaanrannanmaalari

When Alisa, also known as Taivaanrannanmaalari (“The Sky Painter”), was eight months old, she decided to form her first words—and she’s been telling stories ever since. Alisa writes about how she sees, experiences, and senses the world around her. Her texts have been described as raw, brutal, and cutting, though there’s also room for softer stories in her repertoire.

17.oo – The Mental Sports Championship

The legendary Mental Sports Championship returns with its classic triathlon featuring telepathy, telekinesis, and teleportation. The title of Oulu’s Mental Champion will be awarded to the contestant who best moves thoughts, themselves, and the competition object using the power of the mind. Come and test your secret astral skills in the universe’s one and only tele-triathlon! Winners will be awarded books, and all participants will receive ice cream!

The cafe and restrooms are wheelchair accessible via a ramp located at the back of the building. The cafe is dog-friendly and even serves a specially made, tail-waggingly approved dog ice cream for your furry companions.

More information about the venues accessibility in Finnish can be found here.