For the next eleven days, Zurich becomes celebrity central as the Zurich Film Festival begins today. There are some fantastic new films being shown this year but which ones will reap the awards is still unclear. What I do know is that you can be a winner before any of official announcements are made. I have 2x2 tickets to give away for one of the films on show - Page One, a great documentary showing a year in the life of The New York Times. Email me.
22nd September to 2nd October, Citywide

It happens on the 22nd of each month but to compliment today’s ‘car free’ global day of action (I’m sure you knew today was no-car day!), a velo-demo has been organised in the city. Designed to bring attention to the need for more and better bike lanes and infrastructure around Zurich, you and your bike can join the revolutionaries at Burkliplatz, followed by a ride around town for about an hour before returning to Burkliplatz for a live concert from Coldeve. Who knew a Thursday evening could offer you the chance to take to the streets and try to change the world (or at least a bike lane in one corner of it).
Thursday 6 pm, Burkliplatz

What happens if you take two great artists, mix in some electro peeps and pops, surreal lyrics, a projector and, of course, a ukulele? The answer would be Anxieteam (anxiety+team), collaboration between Jon Burgerman and Jim Avignon. Together they create a space where art, music and performance are all entwined and, occasionally, crash together. The songs are electro lo-fi pop but the performances on stage have included the making of salads, auctioning of original artwork and handing out handmade fortune cookies. You don’t get that with Coldplay.
Friday 10 pm, Helsinki Club

Bagatelle has been opened a few months now and has settled into its Langstrasse home with ease. This Saturday, Baguette Discotheque takes over for a night of new disco, house and synth classics from the 80s. Some great local talent will be djing with Lexx and Bright Lite bringing the tunes. Entry is free.
Saturday 11 pm, Bagatelle

Around 10 years ago Tom McRae was hyped in the UK as the next big thing to come out of the singer/songwriter genre, and although his songs have always had heart and soul they never connected with the pop charts to make him as huge as he should be. This isn’t always a bad thing as it means the intimate sounds of Tom’s music can still be enjoyed, intimately, by a select group of people. He plays at Papiersaal next Tuesday, accompanied by a string quartet.
Tuesday 8.30 pm, Papiersaal

If you’re looking for a dance-punk party (and who isn’t?) then you’ll be glad to hear that Friendly Fires are playing their only Swiss gig at Abart next Wednesday. With their indie vocals, tropical beats and guitar-buzzing riffs, Friendly Fires are basically a travelling party. Summer may be trailing behind us now but this music recalls the glory days of bbq parties and sunshine.
Wednesday 8 pm, Abart

Though I know the area between Limmatplatz and Escher-Wyss-Platz inside out, I’ve never noticed the Italian restaurant Mediterraneo. Its terrace overlooks the Limmat, if you walk along the river, you’ll notice it only when you look closely (entrance is from the Hönggerstrasse though). But last week, I went there for dinner. And found a new favourite. For pizza, I’ll remain faithful to Michelangelo but the ordered beef just melted in my mouth, accompanied by fresh pasta and seasonal veggies, served by a very friendly waiter. My stomach starts to rumble just thinking about it.
Mediterraneo, Hönggerstrasse 43, 8037 Zürich

The project Picture This, introduces each month a different photographer. He or she is asked ten questions and the answers are given with pictures mostly. This month they asked Slava Montguin for example: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?” Have a look 

The UK has slowly grown it’s own brand of rap/hip-hop that is a million miles away from it’s US bigger brother. Liiines by Ghostpoet shows the road less travelled. Enjoy.