I’m back!
I hope you enjoyed some of the good weather we had this summer. From today onwards, Ron Orp’s Mail will arrive again weekly in your inbox every Thursday.
Give my love to the city, Ron

Summer feeling
Schmucklerski at Badenerstrasse wants to keep the summer feeling going and hosts the LateSummerFestival09 with live jazz, blues and soul until 24 September. This Thursday features Alexia Gardner, a jazz musician known for her silky-smooth voice.

Thursday 9 pm, Schmuklerski

Bike film festival
The Bicycle Film Festival returns to Zurich for the second year to highlight the urban bike movement, bringing together film, fashion, music and art as well as various cycling communities over a shared passion for bike riding. I have two pair of tickets to give away for the Bikes Rock! party at the Freitag Factory on Saturday.
e-mail for tickets
Thursday - Sunday, various locations

Museum's night
Each year Zurich's museums open their doors for a magical – I think - night with a special program. This year, all of the 38 venues have organised an event under the motto ‘fixed stars and shooting stars’, such as menus according to star signs, or the mobile planetarium which will be hosted by the Kunsthaus. 

Saturday 7 pm, various locations

East of Eden
Elia Kazan was born 100 years ago, as a tribute to his directors' life work, Filmpodium hosts a series with a selection of his films. East of Eden (1955) brings to life the intricate details of two families, based on the eponymous novel by John Steinbeck. The film, set in Salinas Valley around Word War I, was Elia Kazan's debut as a director. I like the dramatic film music and, of course, James Dean. 

Sunday 3 pm & Monday 6.15 pm, Filmpodium

Fantoche
Fantoche, the international animation festival, is dedicated to the full array of animation. The films and speeches are some of the best that Switzerland has to offer, which is why, for once, I’m recommending an event in Baden. I have one pair of tickets to give away for Sunday which sees, among other entertainment, the Best of Fantoche, with all the shorts (and ‘longs’) that have won awards throughout the festival.

e-mail for tickets
8-13 September, Baden

Starsailor
If you like Coldplay and Travis you probably also like Starsailor, though the vocals remind me also a bit of Jon Bon Jovi. The britpop band from Manchester, present their latest release All The Plans at Kaufleuten this coming Wednesday. 

Wednesday 8 pm, Kaufleuten

Good to know
The entire city seems to be under construction at the moment – in fact, 171 projects are being realized this year. As well as several streets and squares that are being redesigned, there are also some major construction sites. Zurich's bypass has been opened and all the extra traffic measures within the city have been completed. Hardbrücke needs a total make-over, the prime tower is taking shape, the new tram line to Hardturm is being built and the renovation of the viaduct is in place. Construction is always concentrated in the summer when the weather is better and traffic is at its lowest levels over the summer holidays. If you think that this year building work seems to have reached a peak, then bear in mind that a lot of projects had to be rescheduled from last year due to the European Cup (no construction sites were allowed on any major roads) and because some huge projects are taking place. On top of all this,  the Europaallee building project - the area along the main station side Sihlpost – will mean that Zurich has a whole new district right in its centre. From now, on every first Wednesday of the month, you can view the plans to this project at Sihlpost - or simply watch the progress live.

Web
xkdc – no, that's not a typo, but the name of a web comic by Randall Patrick Munroe. He is one of a small but growing group of web comic artists who is able to survive through his art and he’s also developed a cult following.

Eating
Aaah, Bederhof is probably one of my most favourite restaurants in Zurich, though I discovered it only a few weeks ago – yes, during my summer holidays. Wonderfully attentive service, good food, beautiful bar, pretty terrace and suitable for business lunches and dinners alike.