The jazz festival Unerhört! 2009 takes place from 25 - 30 November at Rote Fabrik, Moods, Mehrspur, Altersheime Bürgerasyl-Pfrundhaus and Museum Rietberg. The festival starts this Thursday at the Museum Rietberg with an apero followed by the first concert with Irène Schweizer, Omri Ziegele and Ntshoko Makaya, who'll also launch their new CD at that occasion.
Thursday 8 pm, Museum Rietberg

Does art need an audience? Art & Argument brings together art experts and enthusiasts and provides a forum for discussion. This Thursday, four cultural experts in two opposing teams debate the role of the viewer of art at the gallery Freymond-Guth. Each speaker must argue their case – even if they don’t agree with it. The night ends with a vote for the more persuasive team.
Thursday 7.30 pm, Brauerstr. 51

BossHoss from Berlin grace Volkshaus with their presence. The seven look-alike cowboys cover famous rock and pop songs in their unique country and western style. I have two pairs of tickets to give away for their show this Thursday. The same night, Palkomuski invite you to one of their renowned parties at Helsinki. As the band name indicates, the five guys play a style which could be labelled gipsy-balkan-brass-beats.
e-mail for tickets
BossHoss 7.30 pm, Volkshaus

Palkomuski 9 pm, Helsinki

At the beginning of November, Mickry3 celebrated the tenth anniversary of the label with a presentation of a monograph showing the artistic works of the last ten years. The book launch was combined with an exhibition of the latest creations, which continues until 10 December at Galerie A.C. Kupper Modern (Militärstrasse 84). This Friday, the gallery hosts a soirée with video screening, music and book signing.
Friday 8 pm, Galerie A.C. Kupper Modern

Cabaret goes back to the roots of techno this Friday with a line-up including Alton Miller, who was involved in one of the world’s first techno clubs. The master of masters from Detroit is accompanied by drum poet Soultourist, as well as djs Alex Dallas and Mass Prod.
Friday 11 pm, Cabaret

Do I need to introduce The Prodigy? I don't think so! The British band plays at Hallenstadion this Monday. Unfortunately I don't have any tickets to give away for free, but the concert isn't sold out.
Monday 8 pm, Hallenstadion

Advent is starting this Tuesday, and with it comes many, many Christmas markets all over Switzerland. Though I like Gluhwein and all that stuff, I try to avoid the markets as much as possible. However, if you're still in need of some gifts, here are some urban alternatives. Bar 3000: Zurich fashion and design labels, wine tasting and easy listening with Alex Dallas this Saturday afternoon from 2 pm at Bar 3000. Wunderbar: Christmas design market at Wunderbar (Sihlquai 115) on Saturday 5 December from 2-8 pm. Mascotte: The Rimini river bar closed for the winter, so the Monday Market moved to Mascotte - the theme on 7 December is Dress to Impress, while Jingle Bells is the watchword on 21 December. Alte Börse: The last Nachtmarkt this year takes place on Sunday 20 December from 5 pm to midnight at Alte Börse. Cabaret Voltaire: The Monday Market also heads to Cabaret Voltaire but for once takes place over the weekend (18-20 December). 

During the winter, I like to occupy myself with warm and pleasant things, including a visit to Tee Gschwender. Renata, the manager, stocks more than 300 different kind of teas from all over the world, and knows everything about tea and how to celebrate its preparation. With a First Flush from Assam, a plateau in Northern India, I like to sit in the upper floor of the store. There I have a great view of passersby, and there is also free wireless. Before leaving, I buy my favourite brands and feel a little better about the cold weather to come.
gallery
Tee Gschwendner, Pelikanstrasse 5

What will your city look like in 150 years? What are your hopes, your dreams? An art project from Barcelona gathers suggestions for a time capsule that will be reopened in the year 2159. An interesting project, which should be imitated by other cities.