Openair music festivals have been as common as lovebites at a teenager’s party over the last few sunny weeks, but why should music get all the attention when there are other aspects of the arts that would benefit from a festival too. To this end, Poolloop will be taking over the area around Stazione Paradiso this weekend to host a media art openair festival that explores the world of hidden perceptions via experimental and leftfield artists. As part of the many installations, performances, workshops, concerts and dj sets you’ll be able to build your own dream machine, listen to an audio performance of sounds that are normally outside our hearing range and, as I’ve now come to expect from any good festival, a shamanic ritual to contact the spirits of dead scientists. The opening night party is on Thursday and open to all. For the rest of the 3-day festival you’ll need to buy a ticket.
Thursday 6 pm, Friday 4 pm, Saturday 2 pm, Stazione Paradiso, Oberer Letten

 

 

If Bob Marley is reggae’s Jesus, then Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry must surely be its John the Baptist: Perry was there first, he was instrumental in preparing the way for Marley and, if we’re being honest, he’s a little bit crazy. Since the 1950’s Perry has been a musical innovator with his unique production techniques and studio wizardry, almost single-handedly inventing the dub genre. He’ll be bringing all his madness and genius to Exil on Friday as he beams in from the mothership to entertain us earthlings.
Friday 10 pm, Exil

 

 

Gleichschritt are probably one of the best-known techno and house duo djs and producers in Switzerland. Ten years ago, when they were just starting out, they won the prestigious Best Newcomer DJ of the Year award, and now, after a decade of innovation, excitement and driving club crowds crazy, they are celebrating their 10th anniversary at Hive. Also along for the party will be Are:Age playing live as well as djing by Stereobrothers, Bardo & Salazar and Einzig & Faerber.
Friday 11 pm, Hive

 

 

They're calling it Zigiraum but I think this is just to lure and corrupt the youth of Zurich to follow the smoky, dark side. In reality Zigiraum is a free club night at Stall 6 that is half inside and half outside, allowing you to enjoy the decadent thrills of night clubbing under the decorative stars of night time (with the occasional puff if you're so inclined). Friday is the opening night with Zurich’s favourite online radio GDS.FM djing live. Other Zigiraum nights will include an eclectic mix of djs from electro to soul to reggae. Free entry.
Friday 10 pm, Stall 6

 

 

If you’re not quite sure what you want to see or hear in a live band, how about going to see the Puta Madre Brothers, who seem to cover almost every itch you may have an urge to scratch. They’re three Australians who dress up as Mexicans, singing occasionally in broken Spanish, playing a variety of exotic instruments as they rock their way through a volatile mix of spaghetti western, surf, mariachi, rock ‘n’ roll, disco and 60’s beat. Don’t expect a relaxing night at El Lokal on Saturday, but do expect to hear music that matches the heat of our hot summer nights.
Saturday 9 pm, El Lokal

 

 

To everything there is a season. Although I'm pretty sure the writers of those words weren't referring to Zurich's summer nightlife when they wrote them, it applies beautifully to the annual 30-day sound blast that is Rundfunk.fm. Starting this Friday, as it has for the past 16 years, Rundfunk will take over the radio and Internet airwaves of Zurich, and the world. This year the plethora of international djs and music makers will be broadcasting and playing live from Geroldstrasse. In addition to the music, there'll also be drinks and food on offer, as this cool corner of Zurich becomes a broadcasting beacon to the world. Free entry.
Saturday until 14th August, (Sat to Wed - 5 p m to 12 am & Thurs and Fri – 5 pm to 2 am), Geroldstrasse 15

 

 

This Saturday is actually going to be another sun-day, with blue skies and temperatures tickling the lower 30's, and so it would seem that this weekend's dance festival on the lake has pretty perfect timing. The Naturklang Festival at Ganz Yachting has four dance floors, both inside and out, and fantastic djs from across the world turning up to play non-stop for 36 hours. If you need a break from the dancing they also have food, drinks and smoothies on-site, parasols and cushions to relax and, of course, the lake is just a dive away.
Saturday from 12 pm, Ganz Yachting Tiefenbrunnen, 8008

 

 

Café Bar Plüsch is a Zurich veteran. Plüsch means plush, which describes how this venue's interior looked years back when it opened its doors 13 years ago. I've had many good times in there, and I was very happy to discover this week that they created a little patio/garden in the back. It’s very tranquil and so far, almost no one knows about it yet. Except for you, my friends, and myself.

Plüsch, Aemtlerstrasse 16, 8003. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 7.30 am to midnight, Friday 7.30 am to 1 am, Saturday 9 am to 1 am, Sunday 10 am to 7 pm

 

 

I walked past Hiltl and noticed its green dress. I walked past the pharmacy at Stadelhofen and noticed the flowers. And I walked past my neighbour’s house and noticed the wall art. What I didn’t notice was that this is all part of a larger scheme. I’m not sure if you were already in town, when Zurich placed cows all over the city, then benches and then teddy bears. The decorated facades are the latest part of this city-summer festival / open-air-exhibition called «Aufsehen». So far, I like it the best, though the benches were great as they offered seating everywhere in town. You can do your own city-art-tour by downloading their app which comes with a map (German only) or check out their website, which explains everything in English too.

 

 

 

Fashionistas around the world agree: an iconic city needs an iconic bag, as living in a metropolis requires a stylish but practical bag. Even though I love this town, I wouldn’t call it a metropolis, but I’d never say no to a good bag. The two designers Chelsea and Stefanie had a look around Zurich and created the perfect accessories for urbanites: Sputnik Zurich. It’s refined, waterproof, light, reflective and ideal if you’re out and about. 

 

 

 

« F*ck That: A Guided Meditation» is well, a guided meditation that doesn’t shy away from explicitly outing what we generally think of the world around us. Great!