Postrock and indie meet pop and jazz tonight at La Catrina. Kenju were one of the Mexican bar’s monthly bands last year and because they liked it so much – and because we liked them so much - they’re coming back for one night. Singer/songwriter and guitarist Nuél Schoch and his four band members convince with a tightly woven sound that goes to the core. I hope the walls bear up – but that you give in.  
Thursday 10 pm, La Catrina

If you get that Friday night combo urge to go shopping and party, and at the end of a long week, who doesn’t? As the saying goes, you’ll need to head west. In the quarter created by Geroldstrasse, Viaduktstrasse and Escher-Wyss-Platz will be a new open air street market with stalls and stores selling everything your heart may desire, and once you’ve scratched that shopping itch it’s time to bring on the party as Hive opens their doors for the P//arty Now night with dj Till von Sein. 
Friday  5 pm, Go West Street Market, Kreis 5
Friday 11 pm, Hive

If you want to party, Zurich offers you many choices and I, of course, guide you to the best of them. But there are a few things Zurich doesn't have, one of which is an amphitheatre. And when there is a festival happening in an amphitheatre, well, you just have to be brave, cross the city limits and head for places unknown. On Friday and Saturday, 30 km outside Zurich, the Sound Circle Festival is happening in Hüntwangen. It's not difficult to get to and well worth the trip with international acts like Swedish rockers Johnossi and the great I Am Kloot from the UK headlining. As it’s been a little while since I gave away some treats, i have 2 x 2 festival passes for a lucky reader. Email me.
Friday and Saturday 2 pm, Amphitheatre, Hüntwangen

Through some twist of sporting fate, Zurich has managed to get itself four different baseball teams. With names like Barracudas, Challengers and Lions you can tell they’re no lightweights and I’m sure they’d all be happy for your support but it’s the intriguingly named Eighters I want to let you know about this week. Saturday is Eighters Day and after playing a couple of games at their home ground (vs. Luzern Eagles & Hünnenberg Unicorns), they continue their special day at Apartment 22 with an outdoor grill, The Lovejoys playing live and dj Stephen Wallace taking the party through to the early hours. 
Saturday 10 am Baseballfeld, Wartstrasse, 6331 Hünenberg
Saturday 7 pm, Apartment 22

On Saturday we should see some sun but the temperatures are not tempting to go swimming. Therefore it’s the ideal weather to head to the opening of yet another urban garden project. This time right in the middle of the Langstrasse area: Brauergarten. If you want to grow your own vegetables this season, you can join the society for a joint garden space. Talk it over while trying their harvested vegetables, potato (salad) and mint leaves (Mochito). Afterwards it’s time for the lake at Rote Fabrik, where the Casady sisters Sierra and Bianca await you as CocoRosie with surreal electronic pop songs. For this concert their coming with two guest stars, Indian Rajasthan Roots and beat boxer Tez, who ad vocal hip hop beats to the mix. Entry: 40 francs
Saturday from 11 am, Brauergarten
Saturday 7.30 pm, Rote Fabrik (at the lake)

Listening to Xavier Rudd makes me want to back my bags, find out what a billabong is and go walkabout in the bush for a couple of months. Taking the idea of the one-man band to new extremes Xavier is an Australian multi-instrumentalist and activist whose music is as organic as nature itself. Whether he’s playing a didgeridoo, tongue drum or ankle bell, or more likely all at once, this is the sound of a man at one with his music and the world. He plays at Kaufleuten on Wednesday.
Wednesday 7.45 pm, Kaufleuten

As I child I used to put syrup or yoghurt in the freezer to make my own ice cream. But the idea to actually use fresh fruits never crossed my mind. Therefore I like to share this tasty recipe from princess blog with you. It looks simple – it’s in German but I’m sure you can follow the instructions – and just the right thing for the (hopefully) coming hot summer days. To the recipe

Summer wouldn’t be summer without bbq. I’m sure you noticed that we Swiss are very keen on that tradition and that you’re allowed to grill almost everywhere. Here my three favourite spots for a bbq outdoor. Irchelpark The park is part of the university campus and has next to a small lake and lots of green also seven grills which are stocked up with everything you need: wood, tables and benches. Though you might have to share the park with some youngsters, it’s one of the most idyllic places to be. How to get there: Tram 7, 9, 10 and 14, stop Milchbuck or Uni Irchel. Allmend The river Sihl is the neglected sister or the Limmat river. But therefore you’ll find some remote spots within old trees right at the water where you’re rather undisturbed. During the day there are a lot of dogs but in the evening it’s very quiet – unless an outdoor party takes place. How to get there: Follow the river from over the road at Sihlcity and find your preferred fire place after the kiosk. Bullingerhof The ignored park in the middle of Kreis 4 is a good tip for all who own a portable grill. Or you can use the fire place next to the club house where you find a seating area as well. How to get there: Tram 2 or 3, stop Zypressenstrasse.


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