Welcome to Zurich! Flux Laboratory from Geneva opened a pop-up space at Schiffbau 5, to organise a solo exhibition of French artist Cyril Le Van. The photographer is known for addressing mass consumerism through his photographs: he pictures brand shirts, sneakers, shoes, watches and bags, prints the photos on rigid canvas and staples them coarsely together, making the transfer of values visible. On the opening night today, there will be a dance performance by Jou & Louis-Clément da Costa, their piece is inspired by the universe of videogames and uses the setting of the exhibition as scenery.
Opening: Thursday 6.30 pm, Exhibition until 24 May (Mon-Fri 10 am to 5 pm), Flux Laboratory at Schiffbau 5

Every year, since 2002, the best press pictures are exhibited at Landesmuseum. The exhibition 2013 starts this Friday and will last until 30 June. I always like to attend the Swiss Press Photo exhibition; it gives me the chance to reflect on the past, on the positive and negative topics that shaped the last year. At the same time, the quality of the photos, freezing a fleeting moment in time, never ceases to impress me. I like the location at Landesmuseum as it gives me time to wander the park or along the river afterwards to dwell before returning to the present and facing the future.
Friday 10 am to 5 am, Landesmuseum (until 30 June)

Superpitcher and Mauricio Rebolledo founded their dance label, Hippie Dance, back in 2010 with the aim, according to them, of spreading love and joy and making the world a better place. And why shouldn’t we let dj’s have their shot at creating a global utopia? Then in 2012, under the name Panchanga Boys, they released their debut album and the electro club classic, Time. They’ll be djing at Zukunft on Friday and I have 2 x 2 tickets to give away. E-mail me.
Friday 12 am, Zukunft

As the last few days may have reminded you, once the sun decides to actually get on with its job of making Zurich warm, many of the green and watery corners of Zurich get full of people all looking for their own piece of the action. Well, as of Saturday, there will be a new park in town. For the first time in 120 years the exotically named Patumbah Park will be open to the public. Saturday will mark the official opening, with additional tour of the park and villa. After that, it’s down to you to discover your own corner of paradise.
Saturday, Patumbah Park, Zollikerstrasse 128, 8008

Over the last decade or so, the Nordic countries have produced way more than their fair share of great bands and music. There's maybe something to be said for 6-month long nights. The first Sounds Nordic, Sounds Good festival was organised a couple of years by the embassies of these countries and now they’re on to their third go around with a great line-up at Komplex 457. There are 4 bands this year, two headliners and two up-and-comers: the melodic rock of Johnossi, the retro pop explosion of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, the imaginary soundtracks of Helldorado and jazz-pop duo Eva and Manu.
Saturday 6 pm, Komplex 457

If you were to drive Lou Reed’s knowing drawl and urban characters out of their New York home and drop them off in the sunny hills of California, you would get yourself a Chuck Prophet. Chuck’s been around for a few years now and still writes some great American power-pop tunes, while his ramshackle guitar sound is the perfect soundtrack to a summer’s day. He plays at El Lokal on Monday night.
Monday 8 pm, El Lokal

If you’ve never seen the comedian Eddie Izzard perform before, you should be aware that the one thing he doesn’t do is tell jokes. He is performing at Hallenstadion next Saturday (27th - not this Saturday) and you will leave the place having belly laughed your way through meandering stories, kaleidoscopic improvisation and what can only be described as the hallucinogenic mumblings of a madman. And yet I guarantee, you will have laughed hard and sometimes not even be sure why. I have 1 x 2 tickets to give away. E-mail me.
Saturday 27th April, 8 pm, Hallenstadion

There are many reasons to visit restaurant Spice at Rigiblick: The view over the city is spectacular, day and night, the youngest Gault Milau and Michelin chef of Switzerland is in charge of the kitchen and the food therefore great – the dishes light and playful, the staff are professional and friendly, the ambience bright and airy. And last but not least I have one voucher for two to give away for free for dinner including wine. Let me know why Spice makes your mouth water and with a bit of luck, the voucher is yours. Just send me an e-mail.
Tuesday to Saturday 11.30 am to 2 pm & 6.30 pm to 0.30 am, Restaurant Spice at Hotel Rigiblick

You’re interested in getting a Swiss perspective on local topics but you don’t speak German or French (nor Italian or Romansch)? Don’t despair. Radio: On World Radio Switzerland you get news in English covering all fields from design to politics. Online: Swissinfo is a federal platform which explains current affairs in English. TV: The newest kid on the English-language block: Tele Basel. Always on the first Friday each month (at 7.20 pm) one programme is broadcasted in English. It’s dedicated to the Basel region but certainly gives some insights into the Swiss culture for everyone. If you don’t get Tele Basel on your TV you can stream it online. Next show: 3rd May.

Sukiya (Japanese) means place of imagination, a place of silence or reduced aesthetics, leaving room for said imagination. This is the name and the philosophy of the new concept store at Predigerplatz 42, presenting young Swiss furniture design, chosen objects and photography. I could live in that store with its beautiful interior, letting the calmness stream through my veins until I feel like a Zen monk. Unfortunately, it’s a shop and not for rent but certainly worth a visit.
Wed 1.30 pm – 7 pm, Thur 11 am – 7 pm, Sat 11 am – 5 pm, Predigerplatz 42