A flurry of gigs this week, all with great bands and all interesting for different reasons. First up, Welsh rockers, The Stereophonics are hitting the stage at the Volkshaus on Thursday.

If you fancy something a little more underground then check out «The Mystery Lights» who will be playing the Stall 6 on Saturday. Alternative rock with a punk flavour.

Finally, Kiefer Sutherland is playing a show in Zurich as part of the country festival. Yes, you read that right. The star of 24 and countless other films is playing at the Gasthaus Albisgütli on Saturday night. The gig is sure to attract the kind of people that like country music though, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Club Hive is celebrating its 14th Birthday this week and rather than acting like your average teenager and hiding in its bedroom, breaking out in acne and acting surly and rude to all, Hive is throwing a party to celebrate with a massive line up of DJ’s including Jeff Mills who has come all the way from the US to spin for you. Happy B-Day Hive.

I remember the bad old days when a cup of coffee meant a cup of instant and the only choice was take it or leave it. Things have changed massively, so much so that, for all you caffeine addicts, there is a festival of coffee this weekend. Halle 622 plays host to the second Swiss Coffee Festival, displaying all that is excellent in the world of coffee. (so no instant.)

Valentines Day is just a few days away and that special someone needs to feel loved. What better way than creating your very own Valentine card? Plantation of creativity are organising a card workshop in which you can create your very own personalised Valentine masterpiece in either acrylic or in watercolours with local artist Aleksandra Bzdzikot instructing.

A.S.S. is back and it’s getting bigger and bigger. This Sunday the American Standup Show are hosting Brian Vokey who has travelled all the way over from Maine to entertain you. Brian has been working hard, touring and writing the Comedy Central roast of Alec Baldwin. Get down there and check it out.

Do you know what an Izakaya is? No? Well, Izakaya is the Japanese word for a tavern, (the word literally translates as “stay, sake shop”) and is the place where people meet, perhaps afterwork, for good food, drinks and friendly company. Fortunately Zurich now has its very own Izakaya in the shape of Gaijin, a new Japanese restaurant near to Stauffacher. If you are expecting Ramen and Sushi you are in for a shock: The menu is very different to what you might expect but creative and delicious and the brainchild of chef Dan Shu. I can’t wait to go again.

Restauran Gaijin-Izakaya, Birmensdorferstrasse 5, 8005
+41 44 482 2200

Direct democracy, don’t ya just love it. This Sunday you may see revellers from Zurich clubs heading directly to the voting booth as there is quite a few important issues that are going to be voted on some of which could have a profound effect on life in the city. Click the buttons to find out more...