Retro Rock and Poptennis: Boycott Returns to Tampere Weekend Lineup

According to Tamperelainen, Tampere's music weekend on August 21–22 brings Tommi Läntinen's Boycott back to G Livelab. The city also hosts Festivaali-festivaali events, a celebrity Poptennis tournament at the Pyynikki tennis courts and shows at Blockfest and Telakka.

Boycott, the 1980s band fronted by Tommi Läntinen, returns with a changed lineup but the same stage energy, promising hits such as "Gotta Rock" and "My Sharona." Festivaali-festivaali opens Friday at 17:00 with Samuli Putro. His intimate, realist songwriting is highlighted by songs like "Olet puolisoni nyt." The programme follows this month's announcement expanding the Festivaali lineup when organisers added 12 new acts.

On Saturday the city's festival activity continues. R.E.M. for the People will play a string of R.E.M. favourites at Telakka, led by Tomi Nordlund's Michael Stipe-style vocals. Jami Faltin brings his self-styled "trapiskelmä" (trap-influenced schlager) to Blockfest at 19:50.

A Poptennis celebrity match takes place at Pyynikki starting at 10:00 on Saturday. Players include Karri Koira, Jiri-Serkku, Timo Kämäräinen, Jimi Tenor, Olavi Uusivirta, Ufo Mustonen and Ville Särmä. The final is scheduled for 15:00.

Taken together, these events give Tampere a mix of nostalgic rock, cover tributes and genre-bending local acts across multiple venues. G Livelab has been an active venue this season, hosting several high-profile shows including Ina Forsman in March.