Heimathafen Neukölln, photo: Verena Eidel / CC
A classical concert in a non-classical setting is just about the right kind of Wow-effect for your brain. The old and the new merge perfectly, creating something that is new. Gone are the times where classical music seemed old, a bit stiff and hard to understand for anyone who is used to the very different scales of, let’s say, mainstream pop. Nowadays, classical music seems to make an Ancora or – dare I say this: was never gone.
The thing that is changing about it though is the setting in which the music vibrates. What other place than progressive Berlin would provide the right kind of locations that frame these melodies from another century in a way that only this century could. See five of the most unusual places to enjoy a classical music concert right after the jump. Read on…
by Yasmin | Music
The Lollapalooza festival had its second Berlin edition this past weekend and it was quite spectacular. I hadn’t been to the one last year in Tempelhof, but this year there were a few acts that I didn’t want to miss so I took Absolut up on their invitation to join them, and I’m so glad I did.
This was probably the biggest festival I have ever been to (I admit I haven’t been to that many) and being surrounded by that many celebrating people is quite the thrill. Especially at the two main stages the crowd was so massive and to see them move and cheer with the performances is really powerful.
Between concerts I checked in with Absolut as often as I could. They had a big set-up that was part of the Fun Fair of Lollapalooza, which was a big playground to hang out in and goof around between installations and vintage circus tents.
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by Frank | Music, Party, Photos
The countdown has begun: In just a few days – from September 2nd till 4th to be exact – the new Bread&Butter by Zalando is happening at Arena Berlin. The consumer trend show has the theme “NOW” this year and will be celebrating what is hot in fashion, music and food. Have a look at the program and line-up now to get an idea.
The Bread&Butter has quite a long and diverse history. It started off in Cologne in 2003, but then moved to Berlin and later Barcelona for a while where it rose to international fame, before returning to Berlin to become one of the major events of Berlin Fashion Week. But as many of you have probably noticed it stopped happening a couple of seasons ago. But this was not the end, it was a necessary period of transition and reinvention. Now it’s back, rising like a phoenix from the ashes and everything is different! What happened? And why should we care? Here’s the break-down..
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by Frank | Fashion, Food, Music, Party
photo: newthinking / CC
Oh the good old days with cigarettes, sophisticated drinks and live music. Mysterious nights with charming strangers. Red lipstick, hats and jazz in the air. Wait a minute – that’s still current!
It’s not all techno, beats and Berghain. Berlin has a lot more to offer when it comes to music. Numerous famous Exiles lived here but also many artists in the making currently reside in the capital. Often they perform at open mics – events where anyone and everyone can register to perform their special art. And sometimes, there is nothing more exciting than having a tasty drink with some good live music.
These 10 live music bars are a must for any music/night/drink-lover. Cigarettes, hats and red lipstick are optional. See our selection right after the jump. Read on…
by Yasmin | Bars, Music
photo: Konzerthaus Berlin
The weekend awaits you – fun parties, dancing to cool beats, a glass in your hand. We’re always looking forward to some exciting hours to get away from the daily working. But what about after the weekend starting the week with some gentle sounds and a small alternative program?
After a while we’re really in the mood to listen to some classical sounds and now we have the pleasure to share with you some great evenings at Konzerthaus Berlin. On the occasion of the Bach Marathon, taking place on November 28th, you have the chance to enjoy a warm-up with series of small pop- up concerts which take place from the 24th – November 27th. This is a beautiful and very special alternative to everything our city offers us in the field of all kinds of music. Get to know what is so special about it after the jump. Read on…
by Olga | Music
Wolfenbütteler Festspiele
Everyones favorite traditional German digestif Jägermeister is bringing their successful music program, the Wolfenbütteler Festspiele, to Berlin with the 4-day music festival Hubertusfest. From November 3-6 they are bringing established German bands such as Booka Shade, Jennifer Rostock, Kid Simius, Schluck den Druck and Romano together with newcomers such as Tüsn, Cosby and Chefboss to the stage at the Spreewerkstätten. Looking back at the many Jägermeister Wirtshaus Tour and Wolfenbütteler Festspiele events they have done in the past I can pretty much guarantee you that it’s going to be one hell of a blast.
One thing that makes this festival not only fun but also genuine is the support that the younger bands will receive through it. There is going to be three public nights with concerts. The first one is the Newcomer night that is free of entry. The second and third public nights will feature the more famous bands and ticket sales of these will actually co-finance the next music videos of the newcomer bands. We salute the spirit behind this, the older ones supporting the young. Cheers to that with a Jägi! After the jump you can find out more about the line-up and win tickets for the almost sold-out events!
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by Frank | Events, Music
On Friday Leni from Amy & Pink and I were two of the few lucky people who got to join a very exclusive event at Cassiopeia in Friedrichshain. In promotion of their sexy new cabriolet MX-5 the Japanese car brand Mazda organized a private concert of the Finnish band Sunrise Avenue that only 200 people were able to attend. You couldn’t actually buy tickets for this concert, you could only win them on the Mazda page or through various radio stations. I was privileged to be part of a small group of bloggers and journalists who got “smuggled in” by the girls from JuLi PR to see the so-called “concert of your life”.
It’s been actually well over 10 years that I have been inside Cassiopeia and I was pretty amazed by the whole area behind and around it that also includes a beer garden, an open air cinema called Insel and a crazy climbing tower. It was a lovely atmosphere with a wild mix of people of all different styles and it reminded me of how special the whole RAW area is.
As Friday was a pretty hot day the concert inside Cassiopeia pretty quickly developed into a musical sauna experience. But the die hard fans of Sunrise Avenue, as well as the band members were some tough cookies that made it through the heat like an easy exercise. I somehow managed to take some photos and animated GIFs from the performance and in the end I even got rewarded and caught one of the plectrums that the charismatic front man Samu Haber threw into the audience. That is certainly a souvenir to remember this concert, and for you I have the photos after the jump.
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by Frank | Music, Photos
photo: Yonca Cavus
Tonight you’ll get a taste of fresh indie pop from Hamburg live at the Fête de la Musique. The three guys from Pool have made a few rounds at several festivals in the past years including Melt!, South by Southwest, Fusion and the Reeperbahn Festival and now they are finally releasing their debut album Snacks & Supplies on April 24, 2015 which is gonna be a perfect soundtrack for the upcoming summer. The upbeat record is showing guitar pop from Germany at its best with catchy tunes and a down-to-earth attitude. The new video for the first single State of Mind is a little short film with a modern day Bonnie and Clyde story. Too bad the boys from the band are not in it because they are quite the eye candy. Let’s look at some photos of them and enjoy the video after the jump. And go check them out live on Sunday June 21, 2015 at 18:30h at the Fête de la Musique special at Dussmann!
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by Frank | Music, Videos
Rae Morris is one of these women that make me wonder why on Earth British female pop singers are so much cooler than American ones who can merely be accounted for being guilty pleasures. But the British (and Irish) women of pop just seem to be made of cool without dressing like prostitutes and acting like teenagers. Think of Bat For Lashes, Roisin Murphy, Lilly Allen, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, hell even Kylie Minogue is one cool little nugget.
Rae Morris is probably more on the left field of pop music with her gorgeous debut album Unguarded. The first comparison that comes to mind is Bat For Lashes, but Rae’s music is a little more down to Earth I think. Songs like Skin, Closer, Cold and Do You Even Know? are the type that you will instantly fall in love with because they are so memorable with great lyrics. But what makes them even more enjoyable are the stunning videos directed by the equally talented Nadia Marquard Otzen. Check them out after the jump!
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by Frank | Music, Videos
photo: Yulia Belousova
Yesterday the streetfood temple Neue Heimat celebrated their summer Season Opening. Thanks to all the great visitors the place is going to be open from Thursdays to Sundays from now on – that means finally during the week as well! This add-on was and still is celebrated with lots of highlights during the Easter weekend.
The kick-off was made by Dutch singer Qeaux Qeaux Joans who presented her second album “The Ritual” being accompanied by the Berliner Camerata.The combination of classic, pop and electronic elements paired with her voice created a great atmosphere among the audience sitting and standing around her. Just as the little orchestra helped her sometimes similar voice to Banks or Leslie Clio creating new worlds of sound. Once again food lovers could indulge at the wine or oyster bar, as well as at one of the many great food-stalls. Afterwards Natalia Escobar and Adeline provided the appropriate beats at the turntables. We definetly recommend you to stop by during the Easter weekend to enjoy the special program they have put together.
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by Alicia | Bars, Market, Music, Photos, Places
