Beyond Store turns 20 – Seminaarinmäki fills up with skateboarding, music, and street culture
Yläkaupunki Yö is hitting big this year as Beyond Store celebrates its 20th anniversary by taking over Seminaarinmäki on Saturday, May 16. The all-ages Beyond Skate Jam is a day-long celebration of skateboarding, music, and creative expression. The event will take place in front of the university’s main building, also known as Alvarin aukio.
Skateboarding and graffiti—fun activities for everyone
The day kicks off at 12 p.m. with a sports trial led by the Jyväskylä Skateboarders community (Jyväskylän Rullalautailijat Jyru ry). There will be skateboards available to borrow for beginners, and experts will be sharing tips, so it’s easy to join in. Area is open for free skating right from the start, and throughout the day between scheduled program.
Jyväskylä Skateboarders community Jyru will bring a few pop-up park -style obstacles, which are possible, allowed, and encouraged to use also during the competition.
From 1:00-2:00 PM, TUFF will be teaching graffiti painting. This is the perfect opportunity to test your skills in a safe and guided environment.
Cash prizes for best tricks
The skateboarding competition starts at 3 p.m. Participation is free and open to everyone. In the first part of the competition, Jyru’s Open Skate Jam, participants will be awarded based on their skill level. Everyone is welcome to join this easy-going part of the event. Prizes for the first round includes different products from the event’s partners and sponsors.
Next up – Boneless’s Best Trick, where simply the best tricks wins—and in addition to products, cash prizes will be awarded.
Before the third competition, there will be a short break for freestyle, and once the microphones are finally dropped, the final competitions of the event begins: Beyond’s Best Trick – in honor of its 20th anniversary, where the final cash prizes and awards will be handed out!
Besides sponsor products, there’s 500€ to be awarded in cash prizes!
Freestyle, beatboxing, and open mic
Those who enjoy freestyle rap, will be treated to some big names, as Finnish freestyle rap champions Mc Kajo, Lurkki, and Wibe will be entertaining the crowd. During the open mic part the audience will also get a chance to show off their skills. The same goes for beatboxers—the mic is open to brave souls.
Participants may receive prizes, so this isn’t only about having fun—there’s a chance to grab something to yourself from this part of the program too.
Discs spinning without a silence
Throughout the day, the stage will feature a diverse lineup of performers, and the sound will flow naturally from DJ sets to punk and from rap to freestyle. The day kicks off with free skating and trials, led by DJ Niko Nova, who is part of the Funk Or Die (Funkkaa Taikka Kuole) collective.
In addition, local younger-generation rap/R&B artist JuusoAJR arrive to test the DJ desk’s potential by rapping his own material. DJs Jaanamirjami & KerOne will create the atmosphere with a set that’s mixed on the fly in tune with the mood. Freestyle and the background music for Beyond’s competition will be taken care of by the DJ R2ISDJ2!
Live performances will continue into the evening
After the skateboarding competitions end, the live performances will begin. At 5:15 PM, Jay L & Hena! will kick off the lineup with a hip-hop set, delivering an energetic performance: Jay L is known for his strong stage presence, while Hena! brings a sound where old-school rap meets trap and melodic elements. Next up on stage is Suntrace bringing insanely fast and colorful punk that blends emo vibes with relentless trash metal. Rapper Funkyduke, on the other hand, keeps things real and straightforward, delivering authentic rap straight outta Kuokkala. Kofi One will represents the same hoods, filling out the lineup with his versatile style blending rap, melody, and vocals. The artist has been actively releasing new music in recent years, building his own recognizable sound. Representing the new generation of rap, Jyväskylä-based VBZ‘s style combines punchy rhymes, catchy beats, and a laid-back, confident stage presence. The artist’s live performances are energetic and entertaining, keeping the audience hooked.