The press release describes Varttina as touring the United States "like a bat out of Helsinki," and we can't top that. The high- energy nine-piece combo is the most popular contemporary folk group in its native Finland, mixing modern acoustic elements with ancient Finnish rune poetry.

The group will perform at the Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St., at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $14 and available by calling 262-2201. As an added bonus, Madison's own Reptile Palace Orchestra will host a dance party after the show.