Oh la la, October is all about Frances McDormand – at least on screen at Xenix. From A like Almost Famous to (almost) Z like Wonder Boys all his films are shown throughout the month. I have 2x2 tickets to give away for Raising Arizona. In the Coen brothers film he and Holly Hunter wackily fight their way through an even wackier plot.
Contact me for tickets
Thursday to Sunday, 7.15 pm, Xenix

Tonhalle is known for classical music. When a LATE is added to its name, classic stays but electro joins. The band Ronin is known for mixing various genres into a solid groove and you might have come across them at Exil where they regularly play on Monday. The soloists of the tonhalle orchestra provide the classic touch - followed by a party with dj Lexx. A feel good night for the ears but also to the eyes with visuals by Casperøbro.
Friday 10 pm, Tonhalle

Day in, day out I find ads posted by singles on my website, looking for the one and only, a short affair or friendship. A more personal version offers the 1:1 party. Each single gal brings single guy and vice versa, gays bring gays etc.  The event is open to everyone that’s over 30 and you have to register your names beforehand on the website. Your name is then on the guest list (entry still 20 francs) and you can pass the teenagers waiting in line. See, getting older is not so bad. 
Friday 10 pm, X-tra

The Battle of Ideas is an annual festival held in London where free thinking and the exchange of different views are encouraged in the service of the big ideas of today’s world. They have recently begun a series of Battle Satellite events in various cities around the world, and Zurich gets its first one this week at Sphères. The event has two debates, the first in German and the second in English called, A human life? What’s it worth? So, if you have a point of view, would like to get one or just like to stand up and argue, this intellectual Fight Club is the place for you.
Saturday 4 pm, (English debate 6 pm), Sphères

Obey Clothing have built their brand around the art and design of Shepard Fairey, and this Saturday they will be launching their autumn range at Gonzo. It will feature some limited edition items from Blanda Eggenschwiler, a Zurich-born, New York based graphic designer. The dub heavy music will be provided by infamous LA dj Kutmah, with support by a trio of fantastic local dj talent.
Saturday 11 pm, Gonzo

It’s been 8 years since London duo Plaid brought out their last record and if you think music styles change quickly in other genres of music, within electronica that speed is magnified with both new styles and new equipment to create coming along every year. Happily, Plaid have returned after their break to play at Exil and sound as relevant as ever. Combining hypnotic pulses and beats with soft touches of folk and ambient these guys will sweep you up in their emotional, cinematic soundscapes. Perfect for a Sunday night.
Sunday 9 pm, Exil

Just like The Smiths and Manic Street Preachers before them, British Sea Power have decided that the usual rock lyric route of boy-wants/loves/leaves-girl are not for them and have set out on their own path. Songs of cultural decline, carnal desire and politics may not sound like party favourites but when combined with the soaring and ecstatic music they create, your body, mind and spirit will all get a workout. They play their only Swiss concert next week at Abart.
Wednesday 8 pm, Abart

I was invited to a sneak peek of Hotel Rivington & Sons last week and am glad to say the new bar in Prime tower is great. It’s set over 2 floors with the aged wooden bars, mirrors and bathrooms, all imported from old New York bars, giving the very modern building an added touch of character. The hotel name comes from the fact that they do have a couple of rooms to stay in but also because during prohibition in the US, bars were renamed hotels to get around the law. They have their official opening night this Friday and it will, I’m sure, become a favourite of mine.
Hotel Rivington & Sons, Hardstrasse 201, 8005

Moving into a new town can be difficult. But don’t despair; I’ll do my best to keep you informed of anything happening in this town. And also others are willing to provide you with everything you need. Just fresh from the printer - The second edition of Grüezi Newcomer! It shares addresses and administrative knowledge that’s updated every two years and is helpful for everyone that’s just relocated or who has children. Just fresh from the net - My girlfriend’s guide to Zurich is an online site dedicated to sharing lifestyle tips about Zurich with other women, like a girlfriend would.

There are three main reasons why I love the internet. First, because it contains a lot of information. Second, because it’s mostly uncensored. And third, because you find such entertaining video clips on it. Watch