Canadian pop-punkers, Simple Plan, really do have a simple plan. They’re not looking to change the world, all they want to do is write catchy choruses and jump around the stage in time to those catchy choruses. There have been other bands with a similar plan: Blink-182, Good Charlotte, Green Day, but just because they’re not original doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Simple Plan’s catchy choruses and jump around as if for the first time. They’ll be playing at X-tra tonight (Thursday), supported by Ghost Town and The Bottom Line, and I have 2 x 2 tickets to give away. Email me.
Thursday 7.30 pm, X-tra

 

 

Like tributaries of a great river, musical genres weave their way through the cultural landscape, often never even aware of each other, but occasionally crashing together and combining to create a new sound to the ear. With the Apples and Olives Festival two strong musical currents - indie and classical – have been combined, as avant-garde indie artists from the US and Switzerland perform and reinterpret works of old and modern classical composers. The festival is split across Exil on Thursday and Moods on Friday, with both evenings allowing you to take a swim in strange, but welcoming, waters.
Thursday 8 pm, Exil & Friday 8.30 pm, Moods

 

 

 

 

 

David Bowie once crooningly asked, ‘ Don’t you wonder sometimes ‘bout sound and vision’, well, wonder no more, dear Ronster, and embrace it all at Cinamo Multiplex presents: TOTAL YOUTH in Dynamo this Saturday. Experience an evening of experimental cinema including the Institute of Incoherent Cinematography’s silent films with a live electronic soundtrack, some of the weirdest documentaries from VICE, short films shot via mobile phone for the Swiss Youth Film Festival, as well as a selection of video and film installations. All of this vision is followed up by glorious sound, with a party organised by GDS.FM supplying a mix of live acts and djs including Dadaglobal, Nemoy, Sky Captain and Piet Møbler.
Saturday 8 pm to 4 am, Dynamo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you've often wondered how to eat tacos without the sauce ending up on your shirt: La Taqueria comes with instructions (see picture above). And, even though the portions are large, it would be a real shame to waste any of their dishes, as they’re bursting with flavour. The little restaurant lies hidden next to Lindenplatz in Altstetten and is a one of the few venues in town that serve authentic Mexican food.
La Taqueria, Altstetterstrasse 140a, 8048. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11.30 am to 10 pm

 

 

If you've eaten too many tacos or you’re planning to get in shape for the summer (yes, the sun will shine again, i promise), Bootcamper offers a 10-week indoor training session where you work out at Mascotte listening to fat phat beats while looking out onto the city and the lake, dreaming of a time where less clothes are necessary. I have 2 ten-week-passes (for two sessions per week) to give away for free. Just send me an e-mail and let me know why you need it the most.
Starting next Monday until 13th May, Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6.30 am or 11.45 am, Bottcamper @ Mascotte

 

 

The Backyard is an exclusive online concept shop for individual looks, offering timeless designs and a unique fashion selection. This Saturday, Sara and Ela launch their first collection at the Collab Store and invite you to celebrate with them. Beverages are available, and be prepared for a styling contest.
Saturday, 6.30 pm, Collab Store

 

 

So you’re looking forward to a quiet night of Netflix and chilling but your TV-screen remains blank. Before getting all worked up, checking cables etc. have a look at the site «Störungen». Under 'Top 10', you’ll find recent interruptions to services including Cablecom, Facebook and WhatsApp. And the heat map should show you’re not alone. This might not help with your TV plans but at least you'll know: It’s not you, it’s them.