Tunng are folktronica pioneers from London who have been making their own synthesis of acoustic songs and digital beats for 10 years now. In the past they’ve revelled in the more experimental side of their musical nature but on their latest album they seem to have focused somewhat, and are in the mood for a more lush, mellow and comforting time. See them in the electro-pastoral pomp at Bogen F tonight. I have 2 x 2 tickets to give away. E-mail me.
Thursday 9 pm, Bogen F

The Corner College’s semester continues this week with a Practical Friday session entitled How to Land an Aircraft in an Emergency . Yes, these are the college classes you always wanted to attend. Dan Krusi has managed to install a fully featured two-seat cockpit and flight simulator in his attic, calm down ladies, and will give you some flying theory plus a landing attempt inside the cockpit. This will either be especially useful information to have the next time you’re at 30,000 feet in a storm or be a good way to impress people at a lower altitude party. Any way you look at it, it’s an evening well spent. You’ll need to register to participate.
Friday 8 pm, Nussbaumstrasse 8, 8003

The Stepkids are 3 white boys from Connecticut; so guess what kind of music they make? That's right, 70's psychedelic soul and far-out funk in a Sly Stone and P-Funk type way. It's obvious really.  They do have some pedigree, however, as the live backing band for the likes of 50-cent and Lauryn Hill. They are playing on Saturday night at  Stall 6, which always seems a perfectly good night to go get your groove on.
Saturday 10 pm, Stall 6

If, over the summer, you got hooked into the addictive and dangerous world of ping-pong and think that winter’s shorter days and chillier evenings will put an end to your top-spin heroics. Well, think again. Every Monday at Amboss Rampe you can go to the Frau Ping evenings, where you can get drinks, listen to the djs and get a taste of that sweet ping-pong on their inside tables, even as the snow falls outside. Free admission.
Every Monday 5 pm until 12 am, Amboss Rampe

Imagine if Rage Against The Machine had raged against that machine using mandolins and trombones rather than anger-induced electric guitar feedback and you’ll get s sense of what US band East Cameron Folkcore are all about. Combining folk, punk and blues, this 11-member band thinks the military-industrial-corporate complex has been very naughty of late and has some strong words to shout in its ear. The revolution will begin at Hafenkneipe on Wednesday.
Wednesday 8 pm, Hafenkneipe

A few days ago, I came across a tiny chalet at Idaplatz. It looked like a doll house with checked curtains, flowers and a bunch of flyers. Of course I couldn’t resist to pick one up. And found out that this Friday is the opening of Fein & Dein. It’ll sell seasonal (conserved) goods and beautiful old things. I’m not certain if it’s a stall or a pop up shop but I’ll definitely find out this weekend.

From Friday until 2nd November, Idaplatz

Opening Friday 5 pm, Idaplatz

Last Saturday, The New New opened its door at Rotbuchstrasse 16. It’s a second hand shop but as the name implies it functions differently to other shops of its kind. You bring in the clothes you don’t want anymore and Lucy and Michèle pay you cash for each piece that catches their eye – because it’s unique, a special style or one of its kind. They’re on a quest, similar to art dealers. If you want your outfits to have a life after you, visit them. If you’re looking for something special, pay them a visit as well.
Tuesday to Friday 11 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm, Rotbuchstrasse 16

One of the things I like about autumn is curling up on the sofa with a good book without feeling guilty for missing action outdoors. The book shops in town could probably all retire from the money I had spent if there weren’t several well-stocked libraries to keep me afloat. And this is where you come in: the libraries in town all contain an English section. My favourite is the Pestalozzi Bibliothek with several branches. The one in the middle of town (old town) and the one in Oerlikon (which is closed until 20th October) are by far the largest. A library card costs 60 francs per year and you’re allowed to pick up to 12 items at once, including films, music and of course books. Enjoy the rainy season and if you have any suggestions for my me to read after I finish «Games of Thrones», please let me know.

Home Exchange is a step up from airbnb . There you can swap your flat with one of its 46‘000 members – for free except for the membership fee. For roughly 8 euro per month you become part of the network and judging by the amount of members spread out over 144 countries the chance for a good deal seems very high. Enjoy your holiday!