Apulanta & Popeda in Lappeenranta

Apulanta is a Finnish rock band formed in Heinola in 1991, known for punk-rooted alternative rock sung in Finnish. Songs including “Mitä kuuluu,” “Anna mulle piiskaa” and “Teit meistä kauniin,” together with albums such as Aivan kuin kaikki muutkin and Plastik, established the band’s place in Finnish rock. Apulanta has performed at major Finnish summer festivals including Ruisrock and Provinssi. In 2022, the band marked three decades of live work with a concert at Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

Popeda is a Finnish rock band formed in Tampere in 1977. Its direct rock-and-roll sound grew from punk, and longtime singer Pate Mustajärvi became the voice of songs including “Ukkometso,” “Kuuma kesä” and “Pitkä kuuma kesä.” The Haista Popeda! farewell tour travelled around Finland in 2023 and ended Pate Mustajärvi’s tenure with a final concert at Ratina Stadium. Popeda later resumed performing after Olli Herman took over as lead singer.