Joensuu ("mouth of the river") is a city and municipality in North Karelia in eastern Finland. It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of North Karelia region. It was founded in 1848. The population of Joensuu is 73,373 (January 31, 2011). Joensuu is a lively student city with over 15,000 students enrolled at the University of Eastern Finland and a further 4,000 at the North Karelia Technical School. The largest employers are the municipal City of Joensuu, North Karelian Hospital District Federation of Municipalities, Abloy and Punamusta. The European Forest Institute, the University and many other institutes and export enterprises such as Abloy and John Deere Forestry give Joensuu an international flavour.
Each year during the three-day festival weekend some 100 bands from both Finland and abroad take to the Festival's five stages and numerous clubs. The variety of genres available is wide, from jazz to heavy metal and from reggae to the brightest stars of Finnish rock'n'roll scene. Ilosaarirock's supreme line-up, uniquely relaxed atmosphere and immaculate organising have all contributed to the fact that the festival has been sold out already in advance for an entire decade now. This pretty card was sent to me by Merja. So, come on all ye potential rock stars - Joensuu is a happening place. And, if you meet Merja there, say Hi to her on my behalf.