What would you do to change the world in 31 days? This question was asked of 31 New York artists, designers and musicians over 31 consecutive days. The resulting answers, as well as fantastic photo portraits of each person, have been collected into photographer Stephan Schacher’s new project 31 Days, 31 Ways, 31 Minds at Photogarage. The opening night is Thursday, with Stephen himself attending on Tuesday to discuss the project.
From Thursday, 5 pm, Photogarage

The Beats had Ginsberg, the Folkies had Dylan but the Punks had John Cooper Clarke. Born of the same energy that spawned The Sex Pistols, The Fall and Joy Division, Cooper Clarke used the pen rather than 3-chords to try and change the world. He's a poet who is disturbingly honest and direct but always hilarious. Funny Laundry has brought him over to weave his dark, funny magic at Kaufleuten this Friday. For a chance to win tickets to see this English icon in his full glory, I have 2x2 tickets to give away. Email me.
Friday 8 pm, Kaufleuten

Are you an artist, musician or performer who thinks the world would be a better place if it knew about your talent but those stupid venues and galleries just won’t open their doors to you and allow you to shine? Well, Starkart have answered your prayers. From Friday they are holding an exhibition called Mir Händs Nötig that is un-curated, un-censored and un-deniably yours. They have 250qm of space, so just bring your work along, put it where you want and wait for the world to gasp in amazement. They also have open-mics for musicians and performers.
From Friday 5 pm, Starkart

Corner College have finally relocated, refurbished and are ready to reopen their doors to us. We sell ice coffee is their 2 day celebration of this event. As you might expect, if you know Corner College, they have a number of eclectic happenings including an auction of chairs made by interior designers Kueng/Caputo, a new exhibition called Bring Dein Ding, artist talks, music by Pink Spiders and others plus drinks and food to make us all feel welcome in their new home.
Saturday 2 pm, Sunday 1 pm, Corner College, Kochstrasse 1, 8004

Les Digitales is a festival for electronic music that takes place across Switzerland in various cities and parks, and this year Zurich has been included for the first time. All the bands on offer come from both Switzerland and across Europe and are all excellent, with a touch of experimental thrown in. It’s taking place at the Basislager in Binz where you can relax on the grass or, if you get there early enough, on one of the loungers supplied. They also have a bar and simple menu to ease you into the chilled electro mood. And entry is free!
Sunday 1 pm, Basislager, Räffelstrasse 30

What happens to old pianos once they are no longer needed and are not as sweet on the ear as they used to be? I’d never really considered the question before but I’m glad to tell you that there is a piano heaven and, on Sunday at least, that place is the Rampen Bar. Simon Berz will be giving a performance on discarded pianos, DIY instruments and electronics. Whatever the music sounds like, and I’m sure it will be unique, i’m just happy there is the equivalent of a stud farm for pianos to live out their last days as they would want to.
Sunday 7 pm, Rampen Bar

Café Bar Plüsch is a Zurich veteran. It opened its doors 13 years ago and I’ve had many good times in there, but it was about time that a new lick of paint and polish was given to the old girl. That’s now happened and Plüsch will be reopening this Saturday. It’s a great place for a lazy weekend hang-out with good coffee and free wi-fi to while away the hours, and during the week is a good after work bar. Welcome back, and I look forward to the next 13 years.
Café Bar Plüsch, Aemtlerstrasse 16, Zurich 8003

In Zurich we don’t have the problem of connecting with nature but across the world, especially in major cities, it is increasingly easy for people to become disconnected. Three young film students from Germany felt this unease and made this beautiful, short film which asks the question: what if nature cares for, or even misses, us? We miss you

Hopefully with the right rhythm we can keep the hot summer days here for a while longer. Pharaohs by SBTRKT should be a good place to start. Enjoy