Ari Lahdekorpi was born in Parkano, Finland but raised in central Canada. Ari has performed across Canada and the USA both as a sideman as well as a solo artist. His primary focus is on creating simple but emotive compositions, but a passion of improvisation adds complexity to the final result. Ari continues to perform in and around Vancouver BC. Notable gigs include: – Pinetop Perkins as a sideman – Frankie Laine as a sideman – Bobby Vinton as a sideman – Mamas and the Papas as a sideman – Paul Shaffer as a sideman – Howie Mandel as a backing musician – Bob Dylan (opening act) – Joe Cocker (opening act) – Foreigner (opening act) – Unsaid – musical score – Letters from Karelia – composer of original musical score – 10 solo albums / numerous jingles, recording sessions for various artists.