ELMU, Helsinki's Live Music Association, was established in 1978 with the goal of establishing a vivid live music scene in the Finnish capital. At that time, rehearsal space for local bands was scarce and opportunities to perform live were very limited. Within weeks after launching, ELMU gained more than three thousand members. From its first office at Eerikinkatu 15, ELMU started to organize club concerts at KY and Natsa. In August 1979, ELMU opened the first nightclub of its own, Lepakko, which was situated in a former paint storage hall. Nowadays, the association's headquarters is located at Nosturi, which comprises a 900-capacity live venue, rehearsal rooms for approximately 50 local bands, office spaces and a restaurant. ELMU's primary mission is to provide versatile, low-threshold opportunities for young people to enjoy music and culture, be it as listeners or as performing artists. Our goal is to support the well-being of youngsters and to encourage their interest in musical culture. In addition to its local activities, ELMU has more than 30 years of experience in organizing trips to festivals in Sweden, Germany, Denmark and other European countries, covering a broad range of musical genres.