Jeanette Wrate and the Northern Lights Ensemble blend the melodies and rhythms of Finnish folk music with the improvisation and swing of contemporary jazz, to create a unique and original music. This innovative group led by jazz drummer Jeanette Wrate, grew out of a personal exploration of her Finnish and Norwegian roots. Finnish folk music which has many influences from Celtic to Eastern European music, provides a fertile ground for musical expression and interpretation. A consummate jazz drummer, Jeanette has performed with artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Witherspoon and Maiden Voyage. Ms. Wrate"s ability to translate Finnish folk music into her native musical language, modern jazz, is the integration of two rich musical traditions. The Northern Lights Ensemble includes Jeff Gauthier on violin, Craig Ochikubo on keyboard, and Anders Swanson on bass.