bands, EBB, Koiton Laulu and several films and theaters. Since 1974, Piirpauke has been Kukko's main project. The band has given hundreds of concerts in almost 40 countries in countless festivals and other venues. Studies Kukko's piano teachers: Anni Helasvuo (1960–1962), Arvi Tuomi (1969), Ossi Säily (1969–1971) (Kajaani Musik-School), Kirsi Tavastjerna (1972–1973) (Sibelius-Akademy) & Mervi Kianto (1973–1974) Sibelius-Akademy) Kukko's flute teachers: Jorma Joensuu (1965–1970), Olli Ruottinen (1969), Pekka Pöyry (1969), & Ilari Lehtinen (1972–1974) (Sibelius-Academy) Kukko's saxophone teachers: Hannu Sovelius (1969), Pekka Pöyry (1969) & Asser Sipilä (1972–1974) (Sibelius-Academy) Kukko's jazz-theory/composing teachers: Otto Donner(1969), Tapani Tamminen(1972–1973), Edward Vesala (1972–1974) Awards Suomen Jazzliiton George Award (1976) KTL:n (Kultturityöntekijäin Liitto) Award for Piirpauke (1977) Oulun läänin Artist Award (2002) Kajaani City Culture Award (2004) Golden Gospel Award (2009) Erikois-Emma (2014) Artistic leadership Ristijärven Veisuuvestivaali (2004–2010) Discography Solo albums Kajastus (1979) Moonlight Caravan with Espoo Big Band (1989) Virret (2001) Joulu (2003) Soi Kiitos (2009) Valo (2013) JouLumo (2017) As sideman With Edward Vesala Nan Madol (JAPO, 1974) Piirpauke albums External links Short biography of Sakari Kukko in English 1953 births Living people People from Kajaani Finnish male musicians Finnish flautists