Since I first saw him in American Splendor, and then the fantastic Sideways, Paul Giamatti has been one of my favourite actors. He’s now staring in Barney’s Version, a film that follows one man’s romantic roller-coaster ride over 30 years who finally meets the love of his life...at his own wedding. The movie is based on Mordecai Richler's novel and co-stars Dustin Hoffman. I have 5 x 2 tickets to give away for use at any Swiss showing of the film and also 5 copies of the book. E-mail me.
From Thursday, Corso 1, Capital 6 & all over Switzerland

With it’s location and ambiance, Seebad Enge is a fantastic venue for a party and this Friday they are having a warm-up for the Street Parade called, appropriately, Seeparade. Djs Ajele, Sabaka and Co.mini will be on hand to lead you through the evening. Entry is free, so make sure you get there on time, otherwise you’ll only have the next 48 hours to non-stop party.
Friday 6 pm, Seebad Enge

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last weeks you’ve probably noticed that the Street Parade is coming to town this weekend. Unbelievably, this year is the 20th anniversary of the parade and it seems to be in as rude health as it ever was. Around town you’ll find 100’s of djs and live acts across 7 different stages and, of course, the parade itself. If all this seems a little overwhelming, well, there is an app for that and if you need a little nudge to get you in the raving mood, I’ve found some fantastic playlists to give you a little electro fever. And, despite evidence to the contrary, it really is summertime and the sun will be shining all weekend long.
Friday to Sunday, all over town

As the Street Parade takes over the town this weekend, so Lethargy does its annual take over of Rote Fabrik. With more bands and djs than you could shake a glow stick at, Lethargy Festival is the alternative alternative to the Parade. Highlights include The 2 Bears fresh from the UK, Wildlife!, The National Fanfare of Kadebostany and Zurich-based favourites of mine, Pixelpunks.
Friday to Sunday, 11 pm, Rote Fabrik

La Boum & Room 66 offer an exclusive alternative to the main Street Parade events. From 7 pm they host their Streetescape party at Frauenbadi, which moves over to Metropol at 11 pm – when it has to be quiet in Zurich’s old (fashioned) town - just across the street. Space is limited, so if you fancy joining this party, get a ticket at the presale. Tickets cost 40 francs and include entry to both locations as well as two welcome drinks.
Saturday 7 pm, Frauenbadi
Saturday 11 pm, Metropol

Maybe you remember the parties at G5, Dachkantine or Spidergalaxy – if that was before your time in Zurich, you get a unique chance to experience how Zurich used to sound and move a few years ago: Zukunft brings back the spirit with Bronco 45 tapes, Kalabrese and Rumpelorchester live as well as djs Kay-Zee, Valentina Pomodoro, Ivo Schaeppi and Lindauer. Hip, hip, hurrah!
Saturday at midnight, Zukunft

If you haven’t had enough, then head over to Obere Letten on Sunday morning, where Zukunft moves to for its after hour. The weather should be good, so enjoy some fresh air – I’m sure your skin and lungs will be grateful for that – after being stuck indoor all night. If you’re thinking of taking a refreshing swim, just a word of warning: there is never more urine in the Limmat than during Street Parade.
Sunday 10 am, Obere Letten

The summer sound series at Kaufleuten continues on Tuesday with Navel and Fai Baba. Navel are probably one of the last grunge bands left. Or is that called post grunge today? Either way they’re brilliant. Brilliant is also the second act: Fai Baba, a Swiss newcomer. I heard them once at a small event and liked their psychedelic rock groove immediately.  I have 3x2 tickets to give away. Just send me a message to my message box.
Tuesday 8 pm, Kaufleuten

The magazine Schweizer Familie published an overview of the most beautiful outdoor pools, located at lakes and rivers all over Switzerland. Our pretty Frauenbadi is amongst the selected places of course but there are also seven more pools listed – including offers and opening times – all around the country. As the summer should pay us a visit soon, you find here options for a refreshing day trip. Or an escape route, if you want to head out of town during Street Parade.

As I’ve been talking about electronic music all newsletter long, I also want to let you know about an open air festival in the Swiss mountains. At Sigriswil (Berne) the beat will continue with the Vision festival the weekend after next, with main acts such as Sven Väth, Bodi Bill and Monika Kruse.  I have 4x2 tickets to give away. Just send me a message to my message box.
20th – 21st August, Sigriswil