Mums/dads in Zurich (EN) | Ron Orp’s Mail

This month is full of bank holidays so we have yet another long weekend to look forward to. However, the weather forecast doesn’t sound good, so I’ve decided that I’ll go looking for sunshine and return with bags full of it in June.  I’ve included a preview for each week that I’m gone in this week‘s newsletter, so you shouldn’t miss me too much.
Give my love to the city, Ron

What is it that turns a moment, into a great story, into a legend that is as familiar to those that weren’t there as those that were? This trail to immortality is explored in Rumours and Legends, a new experimental play showing at Gessenerallee until Wednesday. Three performance artists from the UK, Spain and Austria collaborate using an elaborate game as a starting point to hunt for new legends and the creation of meaning out of the everyday. Spoken in English.
Thursday until Wednesday 22nd May, 8 pm, Gessenerallee

If you’re in Zurich and have a passion for electronic music then Audioasyl.net should be your music supplier of choice. Although based in town, they broadcast globally with daily live shows over the web and also showcase the best of the Swiss electro scene throughout clubland. This Friday they are celebrating their 10th anniversary at Friedas Büxe with the finest line-up including Mike Huckaby, Pixelpunks, Eli Verveine and Pistol Pete. I have 2 x 2 tickets to give away. E-mail me.
Friday 11 pm, Friedas Büxe

If the thought of running away to join a freewheeling, revolutionary Russian gypsy gang has a certain romantic appeal but you’ve just realised you haven’t asked anyone to take care of your indoor plants, then fear not, Bajanski Bal will satisfy the rebel in you with their wild polkas, revolutionary hymns and Russian folk songs at Stall 6 on Saturday night. Be wild! Be free! Be home by the morning to water the plants!
Saturday 10 pm, Stall 6

Just to be awkward, French Films are actually a Finnish band that plays indie rock as if they were in England in 1982. If you think you’ve had enough of skinny boys in even skinnier jeans, maybe these guys can change your mind. They’ve got the punky attitude but also the melodies to sweeten the taste; imagine if Joy Division had found a jaunty hat and learned to smile. They play at Mascotte on Tuesday.
Tuesday 7 pm, Mascotte

The Langstrasse area, in Kreis 4 and 5, is known for both its multicultural scene and its design community. As such, it plays host every year to Kreislauf 4 + 5, when about 80 stores and studios open their doors to show their works and give the public an opportunity to speak with the designers. This year the Kreislauf already begins on Friday. Under the theme: „now or never“ each venue offers a chosen object at a reduced price between 5-9 pm. If you're not around at the weekend from 24th to 26th of May, it's still worth checking out the event's website, one of the best and most complete lists of Zurich's many ateliers and designers, ranging from fashion and interior to jewellery and art - and available in English.
Kreislauf 4+5, 24-26 May: Friday 5–9 pm / Saturday 11 am–6 pm /Sunday 11 am–6 pm

Festival fever is starting to heat up even if summer is being extremely coy with us, and whilst I can’t promise the sunshine the last weekend of May is a good chance to ease yourself into a summer vibe with the Stolze Openair. It’s Zurich’s largest, free music festival and is well within the city limits. The line-up includes an eclectic mix of local and international bands with a couple of UK bands, Belleruche and We Have Band, closing out each of the two nights.
Friday 31st May & Saturday 1st June, Stolzewiese, 8033

The place where you're dancing at the weekend in Hive, is the home of Geroldchuchi during the week. They offer homemade pasta in various variations and of course you can also order the legendary Geroldburger from their take-way downstairs. On Wednesday and Thursday, the restaurant is also opened in the evening and I just love the atmosphere with the club lighting. I’m sure you’re familiar with it from one or the other night out.
Geroldchuchi, Geroldstrasse 5, 8005

Last week, the open air swimming areas along the river opened officially. It’s still too cold to swim (for me at least) but you can visit the bars wearing a jacket and get at least a little bit of summer spirit: Every Tuesday Flussbar is open at Untere Letten. The train wagon at Obere Letten serves fresh Ciabata daily, Panama Bar at Obere Letten is  a good spot for an after work beer and if it’s not raining I like the charm of Rimini. When I return in June – I’m sure we’re just a few days away from jumping into the water too.

Casual-Chic.ch, the only Swiss online-shop for men only, and the young Italian shoe label Scarosso get together in a pop-up store. Just next to the main station they sell clothes and shoes for the summer yet to come until 24th of May.  And for the ladies Scarosso also brings its female line along.  
Pop-up store until 24th May, Waisenhausstrasse 5, 8001

There are probably as many music styles as there are musicians. And when reading expressions such as "Pinoy Alternative", "Vaporwave" or "Chiptune", I only have the hint of an idea what they’re talking about. Thanks to the Genremap, it’s now easier to find your way through the jungle of musical terms and the examples are worth listening to too.