Armed with a violin and bow, Merilyn uses her music to make a statement.

MERVI MYLLYOJA, known more widely as Merilyn, is a Finnish violinist of Karelian roots. The Helsinki-based musician, who has performed in Russia, France, Greece, North Korea and, recently, Egypt, released Ya El Medan (Where Have You Been?), a cover of an Egyptian composition that expresses her solidarity with Egyptians. In just a couple of months, the song has registered over 39,000 YouTube views and Merilyn has received hundreds of letters and emails from Egyptians, surprised but happy to have received her musical message of support.

LAST seen here back in 2008, Canadian legend Neil Young makes a triumphant return to the Helsinki stage, bringing with him his acclaimed backing band, Crazy Horse to Helsinki’s Kaisaniemi Park on Monday 5 August.

MUCH to the delight of her fans, singer-songwriter Patricia Lee “Patti” Smith performs a trio of concerts in early July in Helsinki and Tampere.

Known as the “Godmother of Punk”, Smith’s debut album Horses in 1975 saw her propelled to the forefront of the New York City punk movement, with her hugely influential blend of rock and poetry frequently taking the stage at classic venue CBGBs.

Mozambican sculptor Sergio Simione is coming to Helsinki for a joint exhibition at the Jetty Barracks Gallery in Helsinki’s Suomenlinna from 4 until 28 July. Sharing space with local artist Pauliina Aarnio, the duo seeks to investigate the meaning of humanity and human nature in our everyday lives. Developing their collaboration at a grassroots level, the duo explores how we as human creatures venture in this world.

THE annual fave, Turku’s Medieval Market is once again being held in the country’s former capital, bringing together people under the medieval banner from 27 to 30 June.