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Give my love to the city, Ron

As you know I love street art. Therefore I am particularly excited that today a new exhibition for urban art has opened. On show are the works that were created in 2010 at the Urban Art Studio by the best that the graffiti and street art scene has to offer. The exhibition is accompanied musically each night by various djs fitting hand in glove with the urban art on display.
Thursday 8.30 pm, Urban Art Studio

Crookers are the current djs du jour.  Having outgrown their native Milan and remixed U2, Kanye West and the huge UK hit by Kid Cudi, they are now showing Zurich what they’re made of at Komplex 457. This is your chance to see these dj’s before they become superstars. The 3rd stage of the Battle of the Djs is also playing out on the night. So if you want to see the most current and future of djing this is the place for you.
Friday 10 pm, Komplex 457

kuenschtli.ch is one of Zurich’s main sources of independent music. Whether as record label, concert organisers or artist management they bring local talent to our desperate ears.  This weekend, along with Moods, they are showcasing some of their favourites over two nights. What’s Wrong With Us?, Nick Porsche, Zachov and DeltaR are some of the new talent on offer. If you want to get a feel of Zurich independent scene this is as good an introduction as any.
Friday and Saturday 19.30 pm, Moods

Smallville is the name of a boutique record label from Hamburg. Their signature sound is that of naturalistic deep house and they’ve sent some envoys from their Smallville to ours. At Cabaret this Saturday, Christopher Rau, as well as Smallpeople, who are also made up of the owners of the label will be performing. To keep the Swiss balance Marco Repetto from Bern will be djing on the ambient floor. The evening goes on until Sunday midday, so let’s not be impolite to our Smallville guests and dance until Sunday lunch is called.
Saturday 11 pm, Cabaret

It’s been quiet around Cold War Kids but now they’re back with a new album Mine is Yours: Less dark and less indie, more pop and more melody but still with the distinctive sound of singer Nathan Willett.  It’s certainly worth heading to Abart this Sunday for their only Swiss show. In my opinion, Abart is always worth a visit, combining everything a concert venue should, it’s not too big, the sound is good and it’s dark. I have 2x2 tickets to give away for free.  Just send me an e-mail.
Sunday 7 pm, Abart

In Switzerland it’s a relatively new thing to “celebrate” Valentine ’s Day. Many find it too tacky. If you’re one of them, then the Anti-Valentine Day at Revier might suit you. It’s a launch apero of the fashion blog ElH Reports as well as a party with art performances (you can get your genitals drawn if you like) and a little show with art photography, designed to mock art and artists. Certainly sounds more interesting than your usual Valentine’s Day.
Monday 7 pm, Revier

Every three months it’s time for the Swissies to cast their vote. As usual there are topics concerning all of Switzerland (this time: army weapons at home, yes or no) and topics concerning the canton of Zurich. This time there is also a topic that concerns just the city of Zurich and only its inhabitants are allowed to vote on it. So you might like to know what that’s all about. At Sihlquai there is a mill – called Swissmill – which is still in use. They need to expand and want to raise the building from 40 to 118 metres. The city is in favour, opponents argue that the building is too tall (as it’s right at the river) and that the swimming area Untere Letten will get more shade in the late afternoon. There haven’t been any predictions how the vote will end. But you’ll find out next week, if Zurich gets another high rise or if the mill has to find another location.

Yesterday I picked up my dinner at Samses, a vegetarian restaurant at Langstrasse. I often use their take away buffet, although they also have a fair amount of tables to enjoy dinner right there. From Indian curries to roasted vegetables there is a large choice of meat free dishes. But the main reason I‘m telling you about Samses is not the good food but the friendly staff. Damn they’re nice!
Langstrasse 231, 8005 Zurich

Record labels often have a huge music lists. And because of new releases older music gets easily forgotten. Ghostly International found a creative way to present their songs to the public. A free app generates a playlist based on seven mood settings. It’s a great way to discover or rediscover music.