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A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel May 2018

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2 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, The month of May is a real treat for anyone who loves the circus as this year marks the 10th anniversary of Young Stage—a circus festival where young, talented artists from all over the world present their modern cre- May 2018 Volume 6 Issue 8 ative acts in 6 consecutive shows with the hopes of landing gigs in established circuses. You can also bring the family to see the more traditional TABLE OF CONTENTS Circus Royal, experience the delightful Jeudi Cirque in the small tent at Dreispitz, or watch the young talents of Basel’s own circus school per- Feature Event: YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival Basel 4–5 forming their annual show as the Zirkus Rägeboge. Culture also knows no bounds this month, starting with the first-ever Open House Basel, where the public is invited to visit over 60 buildings and out- Events in Basel: May 2018 6–11 door spaces throughout the city to discover outstanding architecture from various time periods. You can also be enchanted when Basel hosts the bi- ennial European Festival of Youth Choirs, discover film as an art form at Fun Outings: Beyond Basel 12–13 the Bildrausch Filmfest, listen to ideas worth spreading at TEDx Basel, or be among the fantasy freaks and game addicts at the Fantasy Basel. If the warmth of spring calls you outdoors, there are many options with Markets and Fairs 14–15 Basel’s open-air pools opening this month. There is also a multitude of great sporting events, including the Dreiländerlauf (three-country run), the Basler Frauenlauf (women’s run), numerous bicycle tours, and the in- Did You Know? 16 line-skating event City Skate Basel; check out our “Get Going!” special for more information on rollerblading in and around the city. Calendar: May 2018 18–19 Numerous markets and fairs also entice you this month. Those in the market for a bicycle will surely find what they are looking for at the annual Velomärt Basel. A stroll through the quaint old-town area of the Spalen- Sports and Recreation 20–21 berg will have you meeting merchants and locals at the evening “Spalenacht” or at the Saturday-morning brunch on the Spalenberg. Find unique creations at the Blickfang designer fair, and be sure to visit the Expat Expo, an Get Going!: Inline Skating 22–23 annual fair that introduces expats to many of the products and services available in the Basel area in English. Adventure-seekers looking for a day of natural beauty will enjoy a visit to Workshops, Tours, and Education 24–25 the Haslital region of canton Bern, where they can take the breathtaking passageway through the Aare gorge, followed by a scenic funicular ride up to the Reichenbach falls, where visitors can spot the location from which Entertainment: Night on the Town 26–35 the fictitious Sherlock Holmes fell to his death. Families with young children should read on to learn all about the services and support that the Basel Children’s Trust (BCT) offers to English-speaking families. Mark Your Calendar: June 2018 back page As always, don’t miss the great line-up of concerts, musicals, theater, opera, ballet, dance parties, physical and stand-up comedy, as well as the Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! back page numerous wine-tasting events, including the Mondovino wine fair, the Swiss Wine Days 2018, and the open days at local wine cellars in the Ger- man-speaking region of Switzerland. Warm wishes for fun-filled days, Christine Basel Life Magazine Photography Contest! What Does Summer in Basel Mean to You? Your photo can be the cover of our July/August 2018 issue! Send us your best Basel summer photos for a chance to make Basel Life Magazine Staff: the cover of Basel Life Magazine! Editor-in-Chief: Requirements: Christine Pesold – The photo should have recognizably been taken in Basel Advertising & Subscription Manager / Editor: – The final size of the photo will be almost square (21 cm wide x Susanne Hiller 22 cm high)—keep that in mind when selecting a photo – The photo must be submitted as a high-resolution jpg file Design & Print: Please submit your photos (no more than 5 per respondent) to Schwabe AG [email protected] no later than May 31, 2018. For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: The Basel Life Magazine team will select a winning photo that info basellife.com will be published on the cover of our summer issue. The winner www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine will receive bragging rights (photo credit) and a few extra copies of the magazine to share with family and friends. www.basellife.com

BASEL LIFE MAGAZINE / BASEL FAMILY GmbH © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to our readers. The opinions expressed in the articles in this magazine are those of the contributing authors and do not reflect those of other members of the editorial staff and of any organizations or agencies distributing this magazine. Though we make every attempt to provide accurate information, we cannot be held respon- sible if any event is cancelled, postponed, or modified. We encourage readers to contact the event organizers or their websites to obtain the most current event information. Please note: No part of this periodical may be duplicated in any fashion, or redistributed in any written language, without permission from the executive staff at Basel Family GmbH. If you have any questions, contact Basel Family GmbH staff at: info basellife.com.

photo credit: © christophe varaklis (cover) May 2018 3 Feature Event

May 11–15 YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival Basel Turns 10!

The YOUNG STAGE interna- ed, and very creative new form of circus came with the founding of Can- tional circus festival is one of ada’s Cirque du Soleil in 1984—an interface between theater, artistry, the most important circus music, variety show, and dance. Successful circus artists these days festivals worldwide and the have to be imaginative, try out unusual objects as props, work drama- biggest in Switzerland. This turgically, and develop their own character. top-class event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year— coinciding with the anniversary “250 Years Circus,” which marks the founding of the first circus in 1768, when Briton Philip Astley engaged acrobats for artistic riding demonstrations in his London riding school. A Brief Circus History Man’s fascination with the circus actually dates back at least 5,000 years, as evidenced by depictions of artists such as jugglers and acrobats painted in rock tombs. In the ancient Roman empire, acrobatic performances entertained spectators in large arenas and amphithe- aters during breaks between chariot and horse races as well as gladiator fights. In medieval times, juggling troops amused courtiers and the general population at taverns, marketplaces, and fairs. Other acts, such as tightrope walkers, fire-eaters, acrobats, and trained animals, were added as forms of entertainment in the beginning of modern times. The fascination with circus acts led to the construction of circus buildings in Europe in the early 19th century, and by the end of that century, travelling circuses in the United States necessitated the cre- ation of the transportable circus tent—the “Chapiteau.” Circuses es- sentially disappeared during World War I, but quickly regained popular- ity after the war as the population craved carefree entertainment. During the economic crisis of the 1920s many circuses went bankrupt, and the remaining ones were destroyed during World War II. Their post- war comeback after 1945 was tenuous due to the competition with television, cinemas, and amusement parks, leading to the “big circus death” in the 1960s—the art of circus was lost. A French movement in the late 1970s can be thanked for the revival of the circus, which led to its inevitable modernization, referred to today as “Nouveau Cirque.” It is a new form of circus that favors theatrical and even dance-like productions. An artistically versatile, sophisticat-

4 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Don’t miss this year’s 10th anniversary, which will also include two free open-air circus events for the public on May 12 and 13. On May 12 at 14:30, Laurence Tremblay-Vu will perform a 20-minute high-wire act at the Mittlere Brücke. At 15 meters above ground, he will cross the 190 meters from the Grossbasel side to the Kleinbasel side of the Rhein, showing his tricks without a safety net. On May 13 from 13:00–18:00 several contemporary circus troupes and individual artists—most of them previous YOUNG STAGE participants and winners—will present their acts to the public at Messeplatz. YOUNG STAGE is well known for its world-class performances, for a contemporary show that rocks, for its hospitality, and for the professional organization. One visit to YOUNG STAGE, and it will be on your annual “must see” list! Each year the show is also broadcast on TV, including on SAT.1 (Schweiz), SRF—Swiss Radio & Television, Teleba- sel, and other TV stations. The YOUNG STAGE Festival Basel will be held at Das Zelt, a movable The YOUNG STAGE Festival show tent, similar to the one used by Cirque du Soleil, that travels For the 10th year, the YOUNG STAGE festival offers young professional around Switzerland all year, stopping for one or two weeks in each ma- artists (up to age 27) from all over the world a platform to present their jor city. Das Zelt will be set up at the Rosentalanlage in Basel (near the work to the public, to experts, and to a professional jury, showing off Messeplatz) during the month of May, presenting various shows, in- their amazing skills. The young artists get the chance to perform and cluding comedy, concerts, and theater. But the YOUNG STAGE festival win prizes, including monetary prizes, as well as engagements in well- is unquestionably the highlight of Das Zelt’s annual presentations and known circuses and variety- and TV-shows, generating many interna- takes place exclusively during their stay in Basel. tional contacts to agents, show producers, and circus directors from Visit their official website to learn more or to book your tickets online. the world over. YOUNG STAGE is one of the most relevant festivals However, the reduced-price tickets for kids can only be booked over the worldwide and is revered by the audience, the press, and professional phone on their ticket hotline at 0900-800-800 (CHF 1.19 minute) or in circles. The festival illustrates what “contemporary circus” is all about, person at Ticketcorner locations. Note that YOUNG STAGE only gets bet- inspires the audience, and provides a “Swiss springboard” to interna- ter and sells out earlier every year, so get your tickets early. You can also tional show productions for today’s young artists. check out the Das Zelt website at www.daszelt.ch to learn more about This year, festival organizers received over 600 applications by artists the various other shows that will be presented in Basel from May 11–27. from dozens of nations, from which they selected the best 14 acts with www.young-stage.com a total of 25 artists from 12 countries. They will proudly present a variety of acts, including teeterboard, dance trapeze, hand-to-hand, Kore- an cradle, duo trapeze, juggling, duo aerial silk, Cyr wheel, dance acrobatics, vertical rope, diabolo, hula hoop, and handstand duo. The young artists perform their acts in each of the six shows: the exciting Friday- night premiere at 19:30, where they perform their act for the first time in front of a live audience; a Saturday-night show (19:30); two shows on Sunday, including a matinée especially for families at 11:00 and a late- afternoon show at 18:00; a Monday-evening show (19:30), where the jury will be judging the performers; and the final show on Tuesday evening at 19:30 that ends with the presentation of the awards. This last presentation is an exciting mix of energy and emotion as it culminates in life-changing awards for many of the young artists, but be aware that because of the award presentation, it will last about an hour longer than the other shows. Tickets for the evening shows are CHF 50.40– 79.90; tickets for the matinée are CHF 39.20–63.70 for adults and CHF 19.80–40.20 for children up to age 12.

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photo credits: © pablo wünsch blanco May 2018 5 Events in Basel: May 2018

Circus Royal May 1 and 2 This big Swiss circus features a wide range of acts, from spirited acrobats and funny clowns to magnificent animal performances, including white lions. The tent will be set up at the Rosen- talanlage in Basel, right next to the Messeplatz, with an onsite zoo open to visitors. There will be an afternoon and an evening show on Tuesday and an afternoon show on Wednesday. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office at the entrance between 10:00–20:00, or via their ticket hotline at 084-884-8049. www.circusroyal.ch

Zirkus Rägeboge May 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 The young talents at Basel’s circus school, Zirkus Rägeboge, are cor- dially inviting all spectators to watch their latest program “S’bunte Läbe” (The Colorful Life) at Querfeldhalle in the Gundeldingerfeld, Dornacher- Bacon Giacometti strasse 192 in Basel. Tickets cost CHF 15 for adults and CHF 9 for kids; April 29 – September 2 family tickets are also available for families with at least two kids. This spring and summer, the Fondation Beyeler will be presenting www.zirkusschulebasel.ch/index.php/kalender two extraordinary protagonists of modern art. Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966) and Francis Bacon (1909–1992) were friends and rivals whose creative visions shaped art from the latter half of the 20th Open Day at Local Wine Cellars century to the present day. For the first time, a museum exhibition is May 1, 5, and 6 being devoted to shedding light on these two artists and their rela- Vintners from the German-speaking region of Switzerland, from the tionship to each other. Although their respective artistic oeuvres dif- Thunersee to the Austrian border, as well as the three-lake region of fer greatly at first glance and appear autonomous, the exhibition Biel and the Principality of Liechtenstein, are inviting all wine lovers to reveals commonalities and amazing parallels between them. Pre- a special event, the “Offene Weinkeller Deutschschweiz 2018” (open sented together, their lives and creative personalities will be seen in wine cellars of German-speaking Switzerland). On these days, most a new light. While the individualists Giacometti and Bacon perceived wine cellars that belong to the “Branchenverband Deutschschweizer each other like lighthouses sending signals to each other, they have Wein” (association of the wine industry in German-speaking Switzer- astonishing parallels that are made visible in this exhibition encom- land) are opening their doors starting at 11:00 to give visitors a real passing about 100 works. Both shared an unshakable belief in the “taste” of their wines—from the vineyards to the production and of importance of the human figure and the role played by the old mas- course the final product. Some cellars are even open through the night! ters they both studied, copied, and paraphrased. Both were inter- For a complete list of participating wine cellars, visit their website and ested in the problem of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional select your region of interest; there are wine-makers in Basel-Stadt as representation of space, integrating cage-like entities into their well as Baselland (www.baselbieterwein.ch). Don’t miss this opportu- works as a means of isolating figures in their surroundings. Both nity to discover what this region has to offer. occupied themselves with the fragmented and deformed body and also shared an obsession with portraiture in addition to the associ- www.offeneweinkeller.ch ated depiction of human individuality. Both characterized themselves as “realists.” And both raised the level of abstraction of the human figure to an extreme in their own way. By doing so, they called into question the antithesis of figuration and abstraction that was of such central importance for the history of modern art. This exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler includes works by Bacon on loan from major private collections and renowned museums from around the world, including the Art Institute in Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The Giacometti loans come almost entirely from the Fondation Giacometti in Paris. They include numerous original plaster sculptures from the artist’s estate that have never before been shown in public. www.fondationbeyeler.ch

6 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © bpk / nationalgalerie staatliche museen zu berlin / jörg p. anders (francis bacon, portait of isabel rawsthorne standing in a street in soho, 1967); Mid-Day Concert Tour of Theater Basel May 2 May 5 and 19 The Musikschule Basel offers lunch-time concerts for interested audi- Behind the scenes at Theater Basel the clocks keep ticking day and ences. This month’s concert is entitled “Tanz der Zugschnecken auf der night. People who come to watch a play often don’t realize how complex Reise nach Barbados,” (Dance of the snails on the journey to Barba- a theater production of this kind really is. How are performances orga- dos), with Lanet Flores on clarinet, Sylwia Zytynska on drums, Hansjür- nized? How long do rehearsals for a production last? What happens in gen Wäldele on oboe, and Nicolas Rhis on bassoon. Mittagskonzerte the wardrobe department? And what do the workshops look like where take place at the Haus Kleinbasel (Rebgasse 70). Doors open at 12:00 all the stage sets are not only designed, but also built? On the guided with snacks; the concert starts at 12:30 and lasts about 45 minutes. tours of the theater, visitors can see the everyday life of the theater Entrance is free, but donations to offset costs are graciously accepted. beyond the performances up close. Take a look at the workshops and www.musikschule-basel.ch discover the secrets of stage machinery. Public guided tours of Theater Basel are offered every first and third Saturday of the month from 14:00–15:30. Spaces are limited, so buy your tickets in advance at the Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) online ticket shop, at the box office, by phone (061-295-1133), or by May 2–6 email ([email protected]); the cost of the tour is CHF 16 for adults and CHF 10 for students. On these five days, Basel will be transformed into one large dance party. There will be indoor and outdoor events, dances, performances, dis- www.theater-basel.ch cussions, films, parades, and workshops from Wednesday evening to Sunday in various locations around town. For a complete list of times Martha Rosler & Hito Steyerl—War Games and locations for the many events, check out the program on their of- May 5 – December 2 ficial website. As this is a Switzerland-wide event, be sure to select the location Basel. This exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart (Contempo- rary Art Museum) presents works by artists Martha Rosler (New York, www.dastanzfest.ch/basel *1943) and Hito Steyerl (Munich, *1966) in a dialogue that brings inter- sections between their thematic interests and similarities in their Family Concert—In Space uses of media into focus. It is the first exhibition at a Swiss museum May 5 for both artists and the first show anywhere in which their works appear side by side. Yet the two oeuvres have a lot in common, growing With ears pricked up, go on a voyage of discovery to undreamed-of out of an unusually tenacious commitment to critical engagement with spheres and unknown galaxies of sound. Equipped with all the requi- social and political issues and shared concerns of global significance site instruments, listeners achieve a perfect take-off in their rocket, that reflect both artists’ probing critical attention to the political devel- drift through space, jump down onto the moon, and discover new stars. opments of our time. Reality, in their art, is always considered in its The musical discoveries are played by astronauts on trombone, double interplay with the audiovisual media that shape the fabric of today’s bass, percussion, and piano. The Sinfonieorchester Basel’s mini-musik world and our identities, highlighting their disruptive impact on hu- concert series is ideal for introducing families with young children to man lives, and both artists have repeatedly turned to new media for the joy of music. The concert begins at 16:00 and will be held at the their work. In addition to creating photographs and collages, Rosler Scala Basel; ticket prices start at CHF 20 (CHF 10 for children) and can was an early pioneer of video art, which lets her broadcast feminist be purchased online or at Bider & Tanner. ideas and present alternative depictions of women and modern every- www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en day life. Lately she has complemented these with a growing preoccu- pation with social media and drone technology. Steyerl’s more recent video installations—whose aesthetic is strongly informed by the visu- als disseminated through online platforms like YouTube—are partly based on computer animations and are among the most advanced work done by visual artists in this medium today. The exhibition reaf- firms the museum’s commitment to showing art that does not shy away from contention in asserting the need to foster democratic structures, civic values, and tolerance. https://kunstmuseumbasel.ch

Music Concert and Children’s Workshop May 6 Begegnung mit Musik (Encounter with Music) is the name of this concert series that invites the public to enjoy a chamber music concert in a cozy setting at the Museum Kleines Klingental. Each concert is ac- Open House Basel companied by a music workshop for children and families. The children May 5–6 listen to the beginning of the concert, experience the sound of the At the first Open House Basel, doors will open throughout the city to chamber music, and then join a workshop for a playful approach to show visitors the outstanding architecture from various time periods. music and musical instruments. Ensemble Fiacorda, consisting of two There will be free guided tours of over 60 buildings and outdoor spaces. violins, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn, will be Simply log into “My Tour” and put together your personal favorites, playing works by Joseph Haydn, Caspar Diethelm, Franz Schubert, Fe- from Roche’s new tower and Basel University’s library to the Kulturho- lix Mendelssohn, and Johann Strauss Sohn at 17:00. All are invited to tel Guggenheim and the Blaues und Weisses Haus, Basel. A lot of new an apéro after the concert to meet the musicians. Tickets can be pur- and unknown impressions are awaiting the visitors; no matter what chased at Bider & Tanner and cost CHF 30 for adults (CHF 15 if accom- your background, everyone is invited! panied by children); persons up to age 18 are free. https://openhouse-basel.org www.netzwerk-kammermusik.ch/1/Begegung-mit-Musik

Fantasy Basel—The Swiss Comic Con May 10–12 Basel is hosting Switzerland’s biggest comic convention for games, movies, e-spots, comics, walking acts, art, gaming design, anime, film props, science fiction, virtual reality, and cosplay fans. Fantasy Basel is a mixture of adventure world, exhibition, and party that combines the spirit of the time, lifestyle, and future. It is the place to be for fantasy freaks, digital geeks, and game addicts! Spread over more than 60,000 m2 at the Messe Basel, Fantasy Basel combines high tech, art, design, and passion. Creative minds and consumers can spend three days in a real and imaginary world, celebrating the fascination of cre- ativity and imagination. For the 2018 edition, celebrities from film, TV, and gaming will be live on site for autograph sessions and photos. En- rico Marini, who is working on two Batman comic books and has designed this year’s poster, will be guest of honor at this year’s Fantasy Basel! The fair will take place at the Messe Basel from 10:00–19:00 daily; Golden Ticket holders get in at 9:30. Tickets can be purchased through www.starticket.ch; day passes cost CHF 35 in advance and CHF 40 at the box office (box office opens at 10:30), CHF 25 for youths ages 10–16 (CHF 30 at the box office), and free for kids under age 10 European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel when accompanied by a parent (kids under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult). Silver Tickets allow entry for all 3 days (CHF 85), and May 9–13 3-day Golden Tickets with VIP service are CHF 235; these special tick- Every other year in May, 18 children’s and youth choirs from all over ets are limited and only available for advance purchase. Europe meet up in Basel for the “Europäisches Jugendchor Festi- www.fantasybasel.ch val.” More than 1,000 singers sing and live in the region for these 5 days, and experts in choral music from all over the world gather to share their knowledge. The choirs, which are among the best children’s and youth choirs in Europe and have been chosen by a jury of experts long in advance, present their extraordinary skills to an international audience. The event is distinguished not only by the high level of performances, but also by the chance to meet other like- aged singers. Foreign music cultures, ancient chorales, groovy as well as contemporary music—the diversity is fascinating. Most choirs mainly perform music from their own cultural area. Be sure not to miss this very special event. More than 20,000 people will attend the over 30 concerts that will take place in various locations around Basel-Stadt and Baselland. A particular highlight will be the outdoor performances on Saturday, May 12, from 14:00–17:00 on stages set up at Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, Rathaushof, Rüme- linsplatz, and Theaterplatz. There are also several “sing-along” events, where the audience is encouraged to learn and join in fun choral songs from all over the world. Visit their English/German website for a wonderful video about this festival, as well as a complete list of the locations and times of the concerts. You can down- Children’s Theater—The Little Witch load the flyer and program booklet (EJCF 2018 Flyer) by clicking on May 12, 13, 16, 23, 26, 27, and 30 “Service” and then on “Downloads.” Also, Basel’s music schools are looking for host families who would like to get involved in this adven- The funny story of “Die kleine Hexe” (The Little Witch), suitable for fam- ture; contact them if you think that you would like to be a host. Tick- ilies with kids ages 4 and up, will be presented by the Basler Kinder ets can be purchased through Bider & Tanner or Ticketcorner. Theater in Basel dialect. The little witch wants nothing more than to fly around with the big witches at their main witch festival. But when trying www.ejcf.ch to sneak into the witches’ night, she is discovered. Will the little witch come home unharmed? Don’t miss this bewitching fairytale with fantastic sets; tickets are CHF 15 for kids ages 4–16, CHF 20 for adults, or Kostprobe Concert 4 CHF 10 and CHF 15 with the Familienpass. May 10 www.baslerkindertheater.ch The series of concerts entitled “Kostprobe” (Tasting) has become a popular meeting place for music lovers. Come to the Ackermannshof in Basel at 12:30 to experience interesting insights into the rehearsals of Maria Lassnig the Kammerorchester Basel (Basel Chamber Orchestra). On this day, May 12 – August 26 Julia Schröder will be conducting the Kammerorchester Basel’s re- Deeply felt emotions are at the core of the art of Maria Lassnig (1919– hearsal of “Baroque Twitter”, that will be performed in Muri, Riehen, 2014). Works she labeled “body awareness” art seek to render physical and Göppingen. The concert is followed by a light lunch of soup, bread, sensations and trace the nuances of her perception of her own body. and drinks, at which time the musicians can engage in personal dis- Humorous and serious, driven by profound yearnings and relentlessly cussions and exchanges with the audience. Tickets for Kostprobe con- rigorous, the Austrian artist captured her sense of mental and physical certs are CHF 30, which includes the lunch. self on paper, transmuting not what she saw but how she felt her own www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch existence into images. Even as she honed her introspective attention to

8 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © guido schärli (european festival of youth choirs); her body, Lassnig re- Open Day at Freies Gymnasium Basel mained in constant touch May 15 with the outside world. The Freies Gymnasium Basel is a Swiss private school that has Ger- Her portraits grow out of man as its main language but welcomes expats. They are offering all a searching study of real- levels under one roof, from Kindergarten to Matura, as well as a wide ity, although her sensitive range of extracurricular programs. On this day from 8:00–15:00, you observations of animals are welcome to sit in on their classes, meet their staff in person, and and humans reach far be- visit their facilities from the cafeteria to the gyms and playgrounds; no yond mere representation registration necessary. You can reach the school by public transport of the visible, engaging (tram 14 to Karl Barth-Platz or bus 36 to Ulmenweg). with her subjects to bring out their essence and www.fg-basel.ch probe their uniqueness. Alongside Louise Bour- geois, Joan Mitchell, and Open Rehearsal of Sinfonieorchester Basel Agnes Martin, Lassnig is May 16 widely recognized as one Sinfonieorchester Basel’s open rehearsals are back! For the third time of the 20th century’s fore- this season, they will open their dress rehearsals for an interested au- most women artists. Four dience. Find out how a professional orchestra works and enjoy 30 min- years after her death, the utes of free music at 12:00 at the Musical Theater Basel. The rehearsal Kunstmuseum Basel, col- is for the “Alpensinfonie” concert; admission is free of charge. laborating with the Alber- www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en tina in Vienna, honors the artist with a retrospective of her works on paper that brings together about 80 of Lassnig’s most affecting drawings and watercolors. Several Raphaela Vogel—Ultra Naked sheets that have never been on public display turn out to be key works. May 18 – August 12 Seen side by side with more familiar pieces, they shed new light on her concept of body awareness and provide fresh insight into the Austrian The pulsating videos by Raphaela Vogel (*1988) often feature the artist artist’s multifaceted and pioneering oeuvre. herself as she negotiates both her body and technology; the footage is then projected from weighty, ready-made objects poised in precarious https://kunstmuseumbasel.ch balance. The German artist’s new monumental installation at the Kunst halle in Basel, which is composed of videos, massive steel elements, International Museum’s Day and splayed animal skins, expands her vocabulary and unfurls a dysto- pian world. There will be a public vernissage of this exhibit on May 17 May 13 from 19:00–22:00. The International Museum’s Day is a great opportunity to discover this www.kunsthallebasel.ch country’s diverse and rich museum landscape. Switzerland has more than 1,000 extremely diverse museums. Even if you only discover a few, you will have many opportunities to plunge into a museum adventure— Puppet Theater—The Little Witch to enjoy and/or understand art, experience tradition, appreciate natu- May 23, 26, 27, and 30 ral phenomena, or revive history. On International Museum’s Day, which The Basler Mario- is sponsored by the International Council of Museums, museums nettentheater pres- around the world are inviting the public to visit their collections. The ents delightful sto- theme of this year’s event is “Taggen, sharen, liken—das hyperver- ries for children and netzte Museum” (Tag, share, like—hyperconnected museums). Hyper- families in the clas- connectivity is a term invented in 2001 to designate the multiple means sic style of large- of communication we have today, such as face-to-face contact, e-mail, scale marionettes. instant messaging, telephone, or the Internet. This global network of Their latest produc- connections becomes more complex, diverse, and integrated each day. tion is the classic In today’s hyperconnected world, museums have joined the trend, children’s story “Die which is the reason for this year’s theme. There are well over 100 par- kleine Hexe” (The ticipating museums in Switzerland, several of which are in Basel-Stadt Little Witch). The and Baselland. Go to the website to get a complete list of the participat- little witch lives with ing museums and the special exhibitions, tours, and other activities her friend, the raven they are planning for this day. Abraxas, in a small www.museums.ch/ins-museum/museumstag/museumstag.html house in the middle of the witch forest. She would like to dance around the fire with the big witches during Walpurgis Night, but at only 127 years, she is clearly too young for that. So she wants to practice Sonntagsmatinée secretly, and not even Abraxas can stop her. But her naughty deed is May 13 discovered, and she is punished. She quickly realizes that only a bad The Chamber Orchestra of the Munich Philharmonic, with violinist Lo- witch is considered a “good witch,” and this displeases her. She has renz Nasturica-Herschcowici and pianist Anastasia Voltchok, will be learned a lot in the past year, including a few spells that the other playing works by Frédéric Chopin and Astor Piazzolla in a late Sunday- witches will think about for a long time. The show is for families with morning concert on Mother’s Day. The concert will take place at the children starting at age 6; it starts at 15:00, lasts 90 minutes (which Martinskirche at 11:00. Tickets cost CHF 46–63; entrance is free for includes intermission), and is in Basel dialect. Tickets can be purchased kids up to age 12. online, at Bider & Tanner, or at the theater box office. www.konzerte-basel.ch http://bmtheater.ch

Jazz Concert at the Tinguely Museum Brunch on the Spalenberg May 25 May 26 From 16:00–18:00 on the last Friday of every month, top jazz perform- The quaint historical area of the Spalenberg, just up from Hotel Basel, ers are giving concerts in the space dedicated to the current exhibition invites the public once again for a large open brunch. The idea is to dis- at the Tinguely Museum, providing a musical highlight and a point of cover the neighborhood, peek into the shops, chat with the people, and focus. The concert on May 25 will feature the Bert Joris 4tet and is free have some fun. The brunch will take place from 10:00–14:00, but the with admission to the museum. shops will remain open until 17:00. Wherever you see a red carpet, you www.roche-n-jazz.ch will find a snack and you can assemble your breakfast as you wish. The large maps available on site will help you to find your way around the diverse options. Participating shops can be found near the Hotel Basel, around the Rümelinsplatz, and up to Nadelberg; check the website for a list of participating shops and their offers. Enjoy diverse foods from the traditional “Konfischnitteli” (bread with jam) to Rösti and salmon on buns with Prosecco—there will be nothing missing! Discover new places and the diversity of Spalenberg and let yourself be inspired! www.spalenberg.com

Fifth Basler Board Game Day—BasGame 2018 May 26 Whether you are curious about the world of modern board games or are already an expert gamer who loves endless strategic hours, you will enjoy the BasGame. This is a wonderful opportunity to try new games and meet new people! Come in, select one of the TEDxBasel 2018 available games or ask for suggestions May 26 from the friendly staff, and start playing TEDxBasel is the premier English-language event in the Basel cal- right there. Easy, comfortable, and fun! endar for sharing incredible ideas with the Basel community. In- This annual event will be held this year spired by the world-renowned annual TED conferences held in Van- at the Volkshaus in Basel from 10:00– couver, British Columbia, TEDxBasel is a locally and independently 20:00; advance tickets cost CHF 10 for organized event that over the past three years has featured diverse adults (CHF 15 at the door, cash only), talks and performances, such as the visualization of human data CHF 5 for teens up to age 16, and free trails, language lessons from the happiest place on Earth, and an for kids under age 9; they can be pur- interactive virtual-reality performance. chased online. For the fourth annual TEDxBasel conference, which is shaping up to www.basgame.ch be the biggest one yet, the theme will be “Borders & Frontiers.” It will feature 10 inspiring speakers and talented performers with Open-Air Theater—Pippi Longstocking “ideas worth spreading” from the fields of design, science, sports, May 26, 27, and 30 technology, leadership, and more. Two of the speakers joining this year’s TEDxBasel lineup include Gabriela Friel, an 11-year-old who The red-braided sailor’s daughter, Pippi Langstrumpf, lives together is inspiring others through her love of unicycling, and University of with her horse Kleiner Onkel and the monkey Herr Nilsson in the Villa Basel assistant professor Prisca Liberali, whose ground-breaking Kunterbunt. Thanks to her superhuman strength, attacks by nasty bur- research at the Friedrich Miescher Institute on organoids and the glars, caring teachers, and stupid police officers can’t hurt them, and self-organization of these stem-cell systems will potentially provide her suitcase full of gold gives her the independence she enjoys. Her insights into development and diseases as never before. best friends are the well cared-for neighbors, Annika and Thomas. This production by the Arlecchino Theater is an edited version of Astrid Perhaps you fancy yourself a potential TEDxBasel speaker? In addi- Lindgren’s story, “Pippi Longstocking,” translated into dialect. The pro- tion to the live talks, the conference will again feature a pop-up talk, duction is suitable for families with children starting at age 4 and will an original TEDxBasel initiative that was launched for the 2016 con- be performed in the picturesque rose garden of the toy museum in ference. With your ticket registration you have the unique opportu- Riehen. The show will consist of two 45-minute acts, with a short break nity to sign up to give a short 3-minute pop-up talk sharing your own in between. Call 061-331-6856 in uncertain weather; if a performance ideas. The best talk will be selected by fellow audience members to needs to be canceled, purchased tickets can be transferred to another go onstage and be presented alongside the official roster of TEDx- show or refunded. Basel speakers. www.theater-arlecchino.ch If a day of joining other Baslers and expats for experiencing and sharing ideas sounds appealing, then mark May 26 in your diary! TEDxBasel runs from 13:00–18:00 at the Musical Theater Basel. Picnic Concert—Gilles Apap Meets Vincent Brunel Tickets are now on sale and are CHF 35 for those ages 26 and under; May 27 CHF 60 for general admission; CHF 80 for general admission plus a The Sinfonieorchester Basel surprises us with a special 125th-anni- specially selected book; or CHF 240 for a premium ticket that in- versary program. The world-renowned violinist Gilles Apap, together cludes back-stage access, a sponsorship towards the TEDxBasel with members of the orchestra, interprets Mozart’s Violin Concerto event operation, and more. Visit their website for more information No. 5 in his own special way—interspersed with jazz and folk elements. and to buy tickets. Expect a true firework of sounds when he meets the orchestra’s Vin- www.tedxbasel.com cent Brunel and his folk band Eyrinn! The concert will be held on the stairs of the courtyard in front of the Museum der Kulturen Basel from

10 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com 11:00–12:00; entrance is free and no tickets are required—simply show up with a blanket or chair and a picnic lunch and drinks. In the event of bad weather, the event will be moved indoors, to the Hedi Keller-Saal of the museum, without any picnic. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch

Basel, our beloved smallish, big city, offers an interesting mix of Bildrausch Filmfest Basel modern architecture; historical buildings; and quaint cobblestone May 30 – June 6 streets riddled with artistic sculptures, curious statues, colorful Bildrausch is an intimate and innovative international film festival that murals, historical fountains, intricately detailed mailboxes, and will take place in the heart of Basel for the seventh year. The emphasis other such works of art. A short walk through any part of town is on films as an art form, with a focus on cinematic quality, on the will have you discovering interesting and artistic gems at every pleasure of visual expression, and the art of telling stories in a new corner. way. The festival will include a series of special screenings that are How well do you know Basel? Check out the “Where in Basel?” complemented by an eclectic supporting program of conversations picture in each issue and if you recognize the location you have a with filmmakers, panel discussions, lectures, workshops, artistic inter- chance to win a fabulous price. If you think you know where this ventions, and concerts. The direct exchange between filmmakers and month’s picture was taken, send us an email at [email protected] the audience is a key feature on the festival’s agenda. This includes the with the subject title “Where in Basel?” by Friday, May 4. Among “Filmmakers’ Dinner,” where directors and spectators sit together to the respondents, we will raffle off pairs of tickets for the May 5 share a meal and join in lively conversations. The Stadtkino Basel is the Groove Now concert and the May 9 and June 7 Jazzfestival Basel festival center, serving as the main screening venue, information center, concerts. We will then post the solution on our Facebook page festival lounge, and as a space for meet-and-greets. Only a few steps (www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine). away from the Stadtkino is the second screening venue, the kult.kino Good Luck! atelier. The international competition “Cutting Edge” is at the heart of the Bildrausch festival, with about a dozen carefully selected works. An Solution to last month’s “Where in Basel?”: The image showed the love international jury will award a prize of CHF 3,000 to the best film at the locks on the gate of the little chapel on Mittlere Brücke. Congratulations festival, as well as the Bildrausch ring to its creator. Visit their German/ to all winners of our concert tickets! English website to learn more about the films that will be presented; you can purchase tickets for individual films (CHF 17/CHF 13), day passes for four entries (CHF 56/CHF 40), or festival passes (CHF 110/ CHF 90). Bring your own 3D glasses or purchase them on site for CHF 4. Advance tickets are available online or at the Stadtkino box office; day passes and festival passes are available only at the Stadtkino box office; and single tickets for all screenings can be purchased at both the Stadtkino Basel and the kult.kino atelier. The bar at Stadtkino Basel and the front yard open one hour prior to the start of the screening. DJs will play until 02:00 (04:00 on Saturday). www.stadtkinobasel.ch www.bildrausch-basel.ch

SPALENACHT May 31 On this Friday night from 18:30–22:00, the neighborhood near the his- toric Spalentor will be celebrating “SPALENACHT.” Stores in the area will be open late, and some of them will offer special events. In addition, musicians and other artists will be wandering the streets to enter- tain visitors, and you can also visit the Spalentor itself. This event will take place rain or shine. www.spalenvorstadt.ch/spalenacht.php 061 421 4109 and

GO Ahead With English Happiness ENGLISH FOR CHILDREN

Pre-school: Structured, nurturing program in is Reading. English for children 3 - 5 years old who are not Where you find the best stories. yet in kindergarten.

English classes: for speakers of English who attend local schools and for children who

want to learn English. Orell Füssli Please contact us to schedule a visit: Freie Strasse 17 www.aheadwithenglish.com CH-4001 Basel Tel. 061 264 26 26 We are located in Therwil and in Riehen www.orellfüssli.ch

photo credits: © tedxbasel; © board game basel association (bas game); © susanne hiller (where in basel?) May 2018 11

OF_Inserat_Basel_90x60.indd 1 26.01.18 10:06 Fun Outings: Beyond Basel

An Adventurous Day Trip to Haslital a time on a 7-minute ride up the 244 meters to the waterfalls. From the Meiringen, Berner Oberland top station, visitors have spectacular views of the waterfalls and the Hasli valley below, as well as of the ledge where the famous fight is The Haslital is one of the largest valleys in the central Alps, stretching supposed to have taken place. To reach the ledge, however, you must from the Grimsel Pass to the Lake of Brienz. The flat valley floor of the first go up and then down again on the other side of the waterfall. The lower Haslital is separated from the upper valley by a transverse rock waterfalls have a total drop of 250 meters, but it is the 90-meter high formation. Over thousands of years, the Aare river has eroded a path Upper Reichenbach Falls (in front of the funicular station) that are the through this rock formation, resulting in a gorge that is 1.4 kilometers most spectacular. Young families can enjoy the view with a small stroll long and up to 200 meters deep. This year marks the 130th anniversary before taking the funicular back down, but avid hikers or families with of the construction of a system of safe paths and tunnels that allow older children can use this as the starting point for one of the many hik- visitors to walk through the gorge and experience nature in a very spe- ing trails in the valley. From here, a rather strenuous series of stairs cial way. A great day outing to this area for visitors of any age starts allows hikers to reach the Zwirgi Hotel (25 minutes), from where you with a walk through the natural beauty of the gorge, followed by a scenic funicular ride up to the nearby Reichenbach waterfall, and for the Sherlock Holmes fans, a trip to the Sherlock Holmes museum in the town of Meiringen. The Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge): The path through the gorge is an easy walk and is mostly 1–2 meters wide; it includes 1 kilometer of board- walk built on steel girders that are anchored to the cliff walls, 400 meters of tunnels or galleries, and 250 meters of gravel or asphalt paths. Visitors can hike through the gorge from either the west or east en- trances. The one-way trek takes about 40 minutes, and you can return to the starting point by going back the same way or by hiking the trail over the Lammi pass, which takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, visitors can take the Meiringen Innertkirchen Bahn to make one part of the round trip by train; the walk to the beginning of the gorge path takes about 10 minutes from the Aareschlucht West train stop or 5 minutes from the Aareschlucht Ost train stop (this walk is not suitable for wheel- chairs). The most beautiful parts of the gorge are accessible by wheelchair and stroller only from the west entrance (Meiringen side), up until the middle of the path. The west entrance already opened on March 30, whereas the east entrance opens a little later, this year on May 10. The west entrance of Aareschlucht can be reached by car in about 2 hours and has a restaurant for a family-friendly meal before heading off to the Reichenbach waterfalls. Entrance costs CHF 9 for adults, CHF 5 for kids ages 6–16, and free for kids under age 6. Con- sider buying a combi-ticket for CHF 16/CHF 11 that includes entrance to the Aareschlucht as well as a return trip on the Reichenbach falls funicular. www.aareschlucht.ch The Reichenbach Funicular and Waterfall: About 10 minutes by car from the west entrance of the Aareschlucht is the base station of the Reichen- bach funicular. The Reichenbach falls are not the highest, strongest, or most spectacular waterfalls in Switzerland, but they are among the most famous because they inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to use this location as the place where Sherlock Holmes and his biggest adver- sary, Professor Moriarty, fell to their deaths after an epic struggle in 1891. The nostalgic wooden wagon of the funicular carries 24 visitors at

12 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com can hike down the mountain along various routes or take “Monster pices and in the presence of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London Trottibikes” (large all-terrain scooters) down to the valley floor. Return and Dame Jean Conan Doyle, daughter of the author of the Sherlock tickets on the funicular are CHF 12 for adults, CHF 8 for kids ages 6–16, Holmes detective stories, in the English church in Meiringen. The mu- and CHF 22 for families. One-way tickets are also available if you want seum, which was designed by the English architect couple John and to hike, as are combi-tickets with the Aareschlucht (see left), the Sher- Silvia Reid, houses authentic exhibition pieces of Sir Arthur Conan lock Holmes Museum at CHF 13 for adults and CHF 8 for kids ages Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, and the Victorian era. One unique feature is 6–16, or the Monster Trotti scooters at CHF 24 for adults and CHF 20 for the faithful reconstruction of Sherlock Holmes’ and Dr. Watson’s living kids ages 6–16. www.reichenbachfall.ch room in 221B Baker Street, London, according to descriptions that can Sherlock Holmes Museum. Located in the town of Meiringen, just 5 min- be found in the stories. The museum is open daily in the afternoons; utes by car from the Aareschlucht (west entrance) or 10 minutes from entrance costs CHF 4 for adults and CHF 3 for kids ages 6–16 (free with the Reichenbach funicular, the museum was opened in May 1991, on the Swiss Museum Pass). www.sherlockholmes.ch the 100th anniversary of the death of Sherlock Holmes, under the aus-

photo credits: © kwo david birri (reichenbach funicular and waterfall); © aareschlucht ag (aare gorge); © david birri photography (sherlock holmes statue and museum) May 2018 13 Markets and Fairs

Mondovino Wine Fair for students; kids under age 12 are free; a 3-day pass costs CHF 23. You May 1–6 can buy your tickets at the door or in the Blickfang online shop. Coop’s Mondovino wine fair will be presenting over 300 wines from all www.blickfang.com over the world from their very own collection at the Basel Messe. In the inviting atmosphere of the newly designed wine fair, you will have the opportunity to savor wines and receive knowledgeable information from wine-loving professionals. This year’s guest region is Valais—the largest wine-growing canton in Switzerland. The terroirs and altitudes along the Rhone are as varied as they are numerous, which explains the immense quality potential of this region. Thanks to the favorable climate, well over 20 varieties of grapes can mature perfectly here, including old varieties such as Petite Arvine, Heida, Amigne, Cornalin, or Humagne. The guest wine producer this year is Masi Agricola. The family business is considered one of the best Amarone producers in the world. The traditional house, which is now in their seventh generation, is headed by “Mister Amarone,” Sandro Boscaini and his children Ales- sandra and Raffaele. Despite impressive production figures, the Boscaini family knows how to set standards that are otherwise only found in small wineries. On May 1, from 17:00–20:00, well-known wine journalist and wine curator Peter Keller will present his selection of “Women Power Wines”, and on May 2, from 17:00–20:00, visitors will Velomärt Basel (Bicycle Market) learn all about the wines of Masi Agricola from their own brand ambas- May 5 sador, Michel Pistorio. If you buy more than 12 bottles of wine or spend more than CHF 1,000, you will receive a 20% discount. Modovino wine The Velomärt Basel is the oldest and largest bicycle market in Switzer- fair hours are Tuesday from 19:00–22:00, Wednesday to Friday from land, with over 1,000 new and used bikes changing hands on this one 17:00–22:00, Saturday from 14:00–22:00, and Sunday from 14:00–18:00. day. It takes place in the Rundhofhalle 2 of the Basel Messe (enter via Entrance is free with a Coop Supercard, otherwise CHF 10. main entrance of the Rundhofhalle under the large clock). If you would like to buy a bike, come between the hours of 10:00–16:00; bikes can be www.mondovino.ch paid for in cash, by Postcard, or by Maestro card. You can get advice from neutral specialists in the field of bicycles. If you want to sell a bike, you can now register it online for the simplified “Online Check-In." Simply go to their website, open a user account, fill in your details and the details of the bike you want to sell, print out the bike ticket (keep the receipt), fold it, and affix it to your bike as shown in their short online info video. Bring the bike (and your photo I.D.) to the selling location on Friday, May 4, between 17:30–19:00 or on Saturday, May 5, between 10:00–12:00. This new system not only makes it easier for buyers who can just pay for the bike and leave (no more paperwork to fill out), but also for sellers who can follow the progress of their sale online throughout the day and have the money deposited directly into their account (if desired) to avoid returning for pick-up. If your bike does not sell, return on Saturday between 14:00–16:30 to fetch your unsold bike. The Ve- lomärt is a non-profit organization, and 10% of the sale price of your bike will be retained and used for promoting bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the Basel region. www.velomaert-basel.ch

Blickfang Basel 2017 May 4–6 Blickfang is an international design exhibition for interior design, fashion, and jewelry. The unique charm of Blickfang has always been based on the chance to meet the creators behind the various products and to buy everything directly at the booths. Design-orientated consumers, designers, and tradespeople can come together to sample the newest and most innovative trends. The interaction is also important for the designers, who get the unique opportunity to sell their products directly, eliminating the middleman, and to get a first-hand look at how their products are accepted on the open market. For this 7th edition of Blickfang in Basel, visit with about 200 designers from the fields of fur- niture, lighting, fashion, kids’ design, and jewelry and see the latest creations of famous designers and promising young talents! Located in Halle 3 of the Messe Basel (Sperrstrasse, corner Riehenring), the fair will run from 14:00–21:00 on Friday, 11:00–20:00 on Saturday, and 11:00–18:00 on Sunday. Admission costs CHF 15 for adults and CHF 13

14 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Neighborhood Flea Market in Gundeli Expat Expo May 5 May 27 From 10:00–17:00, you will find flea-market stalls from private sellers This year marks the 12th year all throughout the Gundeli neighborhood. Go from building to building of the annual Expat Expo, a fo- to discover precious finds while getting unique views into courtyards rum aimed at enhancing the and gardens. Colorful balloons will be hanging at the different partici- lives of the English-speaking pating locations. Print the map and start the treasure hunt! residents of Switzerland. The Basel edition will feature over http://quartierflohmibasel.ch 100 exhibitors who will provide information on schools, Repair Market daycare centers, language May 6 schools, children’s activities, expat organizations, legal and The Repair Market is a one-of-a-kind market from 11:00–14:00, where financial services, religious you can get small items repaired. If you have small appliances, chairs, organizations, foods, specialty items, and much more. There will be clothing, computers, or toys that are broken, don’t throw them away but cheese and whisky tastings, a complimentary glass of prosecco in the bring them to this market, where volunteers will be on hand to try and foyer, and the 2MUCHFUN team will be on hand with face painting, bal- repair them. This initiative is not only great for the environment, but a loon sculpting, and a free bouncy castle for the kids. There will be sev- nice way to meet people and chat over some cake and coffee. Alterna- eral prizes and gifts to raffle off, and you can enter the free Expat-Expo tively, if you are good at crafts and enjoy working with wood, metal, fab- door-prize drawing to win one of several gift certificates from Globus. ric, needles and thread, and/or soldering irons, perhaps you would like The Expo will run from 11:00–17:00 at the Congress Center of the to volunteer some time on that day to help repair items. You can sign up Messe Basel. Entrance is free and all are welcome! For more info go to for this task on their website. The Repair Market will be located this their website. month at the Markthalle, just a short walk from the Basel SBB. www.expat-expo.info/Basel.html www.reparier-bar.ch

Children’s Second-Hand Clothes Market May 27 The Markthalle in Basel, a short walk from the Basel SBB, will be the location for this market that will specialize in the sale of beautiful second-hand clothes and shoes for babies, toddlers, and children. The sale will take place from 11:00–17:00; clothing sizes will range from 50 to 152 and shoe sizes will range from 20 to 37 for girls and boys. If you have no-longer-needed children’s clothing to sell, you can bring them to the Markthalle the evening before from 17:30–18:30. www.altemarkthalle.ch

Flohmarkt auf dem Dach (Flea Market on the Roof) May 27 This flea market and collectors’ fair is the largest in northwest Switzer- land, with about 200 stands and 10,000 visitors. It will be held on the roof of the Interio in Pratteln from 8:30–16:00. The venue is completely Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace covered, so it is great in any weather. Here you can find agriculture, May 10–13 antiques, appliances, arts and crafts, bicycles, camping, clothes, coins, The 37th edition of this fair about everything organic (food, wine, cloth- collectibles, electronics, games, garden, household, jewelry, motorcy- ing, etc.) will take place at the Parc des Expositions near Colmar in cle clothing, musical instruments, sports, stamps, tools, watches, and Alsace, France. Spread over several halls, this fair will encompass ag- so much more. riculture, entertainment, environment, gardening, health, lectures, www.flohmarkt-schweiz.ch music, tastings, and workshops for young and old. Open from 10:00– 19:30 (19:00 on Sunday); entrance fee is € 7 per person, € 5 for students, € 18 for a 4-day pass, and kids under age 14 are free. Wine tastings cost an additional € 5. There is also free childcare for children ages 3 and up from 10:30–18:00. You can find more information and a complete schedule of events on their French-only website. www.foireecobioalsace.fr

Library Flea Market May 25 The Stadtbibliothek (city library) at Breite is holding a big flea market where they will be liquidating books, CDs, DVDs, games, and toys, each for CHF 1, while supplies last. Come in anytime during their opening hours from 14:00–18:30 and browse. www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch photo credits: © mondovino weinmessen; © blickfang; © pro velo beider basel (velomärt); © association éco bio alsace (foire éco bio d'alsace) May 2018 15 Did You Know?

at QUBA, the Bachletten community center. The kids dance out all their energy while the parents enjoy a drink and a chat, or join in. An annual BCT membership costs just CHF 85 and includes: • Free playgroups and discounted entry to events • Regular newsletters, packed with articles, information, craft ideas, book reviews, and more • Discounted prenatal classes, first aid courses, and other information sessions • Membership of the JUKIBU international library • A member discount program. For more information on becoming a member or to find out what is going on at BCT, check out their website and their Facebook page (www. facebook.com/BaselChildrensTrust). www.baselchildrenstrust.ch

The Basel Children’s Trust (BCT)—Supporting English- Speaking Families in Basel Giving birth and raising children away from family and friends is not easy. Knowing how important it is to have a good support network and access to helpful information during the early days of parenting is what drives the BCT. The BCT is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that provides help, support, and information to expectant parents and families with young children living in the Basel area. Founded in 1992, the BCT began as a way of supporting expectant parents through pregnancy and birth in Basel. While that’s still very much at the heart of the organization, the BCT now offers much more. For expectant and new parents, the BCT facilitates invaluable pre- and post-natal support. As well as the Bumps and Babes group, BCT members can access discounted prenatal classes provided by an English National Childbirth Trust educator. Classes include: • Group or individual prenatal/childbirth education New Playground at the Lange Erlen • Relax, Stretch, and Breathe—prenatal yoga and discussion sessions The Lange Erlen is a wonderful park on the banks of the river Wiese in for mothers-to-be Kleinbasel. It is home to a vast green space with plenty of open areas, • Mother and Baby Yoga—postnatal yoga for mothers and babies, in- forested trails, a restaurant, a merry-go-round, a coin-operated small cluding baby massage scooter-car circuit, and thanks to the generous donations of members, • Postnatal support and information a free animal park where visitors can enjoy a variety of animals, pony rides (Sundays from 14:45–16:00), a snack-bar, and the “Erlebnishof” • Baby-sling or baby-wearing courses (learning center). On May 1, they will be opening a new playground, • Cloth nappy information and trial service. “Die Spielaue,” a very organic playground equipped with plenty of Once past those crazy newborn days, the BCT playgroups provide fun wooded and other structures to climb on, hide in, swing from, or slide and friendships for kids and parents alike. They are located in different down, as well as streams for great splashy fun. The new playground parts of Basel, so there’s something for everyone. The playgroups in- follows the theme of the animal park with structures that resemble a corporate free play, activities, and a circle time, where kids and parents beaver dam, an ant hill, and a storch's nest. A visit to the Lange Erlen sing favourite nursery rhymes together. Non-members are welcome to park is good, affordable fun for the whole family all year round. try a playgroup for two weeks before becoming members. While playgroups are great for making friends, sometimes you just want to be able to connect with people who live close enough to drop in for a coffee or meet at the park. Neighborhood Connections groups bring the BCT to you. There are no rules to how these groups are run. Some are coffee mornings, some organise weekend catch-ups, and others meet up for dinner or drinks. Taking time away from the family is a great way to unwind. BCT Mums’ and Dads’ Nights Out, and the Working Mums group give members a chance to meet new people, catch up with friends over drinks and dinner, or pursue an activity such as yoga. There are certain times of the year when home feels really far away. The BCT helps English-speaking expats celebrate their cultures by hosting annual Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, and Christmas parties. More frequent events include the popular “Nature Detectives” walks in the Basel area—buggy-friendly family walks that get adults and children to go out and explore all the nature that Basel and Baselland have to offer. Last but not least, the BCT organises quarterly Bip-Bop discos Memories Are Worth Preserving

16 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © karin waldhauser (basel children's trust); © christine pesold (new playground) English speakers welcome!

Open day

at FG Basel FG Basel everything under one roof All school levels from kindergarten to matura

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

Experience classes at the leading private school in Basel from 8.00 am – 3.00 pm. Take a tour of our facilities from our own canteen to classrooms, gym halls and playgrounds.

No registration necessary.

Visit our homepage for more information about the open day: www.fg-basel.ch

FG Basel A fast • recognises and fosters individual strengths track from • opens a direct pathway to matura 5th grade to • is situated in a fully-equipped school building with matura modern facilities • offers a day school structure to support working parents • imparts values and traditions within a family atmosphere

education made to measure since 1889

May 2018 www.basellife.com

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Basel’s English Dentist Ongoing Events in May Important Numbers: Kinderspital, MAY 1 2 3 4 5 Zirkus Rägeboge / Dance Festival SOS: 112 Spitalstrasse 33, Basel Circus Royal Circus Royal Zirkus Rägeboge Zirkus Rägeboge Open Day Wine Cellars / Family Concert Bacon Giacometti Police: 117 061-704-1212 Zirkus Rägeboge Mid-Day Concert Dance Festival Dance Festival Open House Basel / Tour Theater Basel Dr. Garry Bonsall Fondation Beyeler, Riehen Fire Department: 118 Afterhours Pharmacy, Open Day at Local Wine Cellars Dance Festival Mondovino Wine Fair Mondovino Wine Fair Mondovino Wine Fair / Blickfang Basel A Hand in Need: 143 Petersgraben 3, Basel April 29 – September 2 Mondovino Wine Fair Mondovino Wine Fair Touring Club Schweiz Bike Tour Blickfang Basel 2018 Bicycle Market / Flea Market Gundeli Dental Surgeon Ambulance: 144 061-263-7575 JFB—Swiss Jazzfestival—Lucia Cadotsch Storytelling in German (multilingual) Talk—The History of Electronic Dance Music Tour—Bruce Nauman. Disappearing Acts Storytelling / Bookbinding Workshop Martha Rosler & Hito Steyerl—War Games Poison Center: 145 Emergency Dentist/Doctor, JFB—Bobby McFerrin & Circlesongs JFB—Danilo Rea Duo “Italian Dreams” Family Tour of Telebasel JFB—Eddie Henderson Quartet City Tour Children / Tour Zoo Ape House Child / Teen Hotline: 147 24 hour/365 Days Service Magamat Dance Theater—Beytna JFB—Philip Cathérine & Martin Wind Duo Collegium Musicum—“French Connections” Ms. Jeanne’s Story Time Special: Toys Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart 061-261-1515 A New Randy Hansen Experience Musical—Beauty and the Beast West Coast Blues Guitar Summit JFB—John Scofield “Country for Old Men” Gentle, hi-tech, holistic family dental May 5 – December 2 Emergency Veterinarian, AFTER HOURS—Chillen im Museum L’Enoteca Liechti Wine Tasting West Coast Blues Guitar Summit care and implants — in English 24 Hour/365 Days Service The King’s Singers L’Enoteca Liechti Wine Tasting Maria Lassnig 090-099-3399 Hairspray / Mary Page Marlowe Kunstmuseum Basel St. Alban Vorstadt 78 May 12 – August 26 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 (St. Alban Vorstadt, between Aeschenplatz, Zirkus Rägeboge Pro Velo Guided Bike Tour Tour—RE-SET European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival St. Alban Tor and Kunstmuseum) Raphaela Vogel—Ultra Naked Open Day at Local Wine Cellars Rising Star—Sabine Weyer JFB—Ladysmith Black Mambazo English Book Discussion Basel Kostprobe Concert 4 European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel Open-Air Circus Kunsthalle in Basel Dance Festival / Open House Basel Glenn Miller Orchestra Storytelling in Arabic and German Fantasy Basel—The Swiss Comic Con Fantasy Basel—The Swiss Comic Con European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel Schedule 24/7 online at Music Concert and Kids’ Workshop International Ocean Film Tour JFB—Eric Bibb “Migration Blues” Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Fantasy Basel—The Swiss Comic Con May 18 – August 12 Blickfang Basel 2018 / Repair Market Best of the 90s Party Bicycle Outing for Families Chamber Music Night Children’s Theater—The Little Witch www.DrBonsall.ch Mondovino Wine Fair Ballet—Death in Venice The Opera Band—The Cast Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Wildlife Photographer of the Year Call today: 061 271 06 04 Basler Frauenlauf (Women’s Run) U.S. Girls Czar Fest 2018 Nature Detectives Walk Naturhistorisches Museum Basel City Skate Basel The Threepenny Opera Opening of St.Jakob Gartenbad Until June 3 Workshop—Ointments & Oils in Roman Times The Opera Band—The Cast JFB—Marius Neset 4tet & Basel Sinfonietta Czar Fest 2018 Bruce Naumann—Disappearing Acts Ballet—Death in Venice Arc-en-Ciel Concert

Schaulager Basel 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Until August 26 YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival YOUNG STAGE Circus Festival Children’s Theater—The Little Witch Touring Club Schweiz Bike Tour Anniversary Wine Tasting at Mövenpick Tour of Theater Basel Open-Air Circus Monday Night Skate Open Day Freies Gymnasium Basel Open Rehearsal of Sinfonieorchester Basel Vernissage Raphaela Vogel—Ultra Naked English Comedy—Omid Djalili Aquathlon Basel European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel JFB—HSLU Big Band & Sheila Jordan Pro Velo Guided Bike Tour Storytelling in German (multilingual) Symphony Concert—Alpensinfonie Opera—The Rake’s Progress Opening of Eglisee Gartenbad Available on Amazon Children’s Theater—The Little Witch JFB—Schärli–Moreira–Feigenwinter JFB—Wesseltoft / Sauer & van’t Hof JFB—Chico Freeman & Heiri Känzig Anniversary Wine Tasting at Mövenpick Bookbinding workshop for children International Museum’s Day Scott Hamilton Quartet Mary Page Marlowe HAIR—American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Ballet—Death in Venice Sonntagsmatinée Ryan McGarvey Concert—Cosmosholliger Anniversary Wine Tasting at Mövenpick Talent programs Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Symphony Concert—Alpensinfonie Coaching Bilingualism Opening of Naturbad Riehen Sessions Tour—Bruce Nauman. Disappearing Acts The Threepenny Opera Chancha Via Circuito

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Special Working Tour—Bacon Giacometti Opera—The Gambler Tour—Bruce Nauman. Disappearing Acts Children’s Theater—The Little Witch Cave Exploration Jazz Concert at Tinguely Museum Children’s Theater—The Little Witch needs hild techniques Tour—Wildlife Photographer of the Year Tour—Tinguely Museum Puppet Theater—The Little Witch Anniversary Wine Tasting at Mövenpick Library Flea Market Puppet Theater—The Little Witch Your C Visit of Spalentor Opera—The Rake’s Progress Pro Velo Guided Bike Tour Opera—The Rake’s Progress Ballet—Death in Venice Brunch on Spalenberg Jimmy Cliff Reading Café in the JUKIBU Circus Thursday Anniversary Wine Tasting at Mövenpick TEDxBasel 2018 Opera—The Gambler Philipp Frankhauser—I’ll be Around Tour Swiss Wine Days 2018 Board Game Day—BasGame 2018 Swiss Wine Days 2018 Starbugs Comedy—Jump! Open-Air Theater—Pippi Longstocking Language Tour of the Ape House at Basel Zoo Dayschool certificates Cave Exploration Storytelling in English with the BCT Small classes Wine Tasting at Mövenpick / Dance Night Opera—The Gambler / Concert—Kontraste Kindergarten/Primary School ART CENTRO in Basel 27 28 29 30 31 Calendar Key: Theodorskirchplatz 7, Tel. 061 683 96 01 (for more info refer to this section) August 6-10 Children’s Theater—The Little Witch Monday Night Skate Toddler Tales Children’s Theater—The Little Witch Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Puppet Theater—The Little Witch James Carter’s Electric Outlet Roger Waters Puppet Theater—The Little Witch SPALENACHT Feature Events Secondary School (all levels) 5 ateliers of creative expression Open-Air Theater—Pippi Longstocking Roger Waters Open-Air Theater—Pippi Longstocking Pro Velo Guided Bike Tour Events in Basel St. Alban-Vorstadt 32, Tel. 061 278 98 88 including painting on canvas, Picnic Concert Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Touring Club Schweiz Bike Tour Markets & Fairs Expat Expo Storytelling in German (multilingual) Concert—Magnetsturm Sports and Recreation www.minervaschulen.ch water color in plein air, Children’s Second-Hand Clothes Market Mary Page Marlowe Get Going pastels and collage. Flea Market on the Roof Opera—The Rake’s Progress Workshops, Tours, and Education Dreiländerlauf (Three Country Run) Entertainment old Warteck brewery, Burgweg 15 Tour—Bruce Nauman. Disappearing Acts Opera—The Rake’s Progress www.kohlene.com/workshops Concert—Kontraste

SIS Swiss International School Basel’s SWISS Bilingual Experience English Speaking Dentist Bilingual Day School Dr. med. med. dent. Christoph Villiger MD DDS Independent Strong Network and Value-Centred Member of: from Preschool through to College Approach FMH Swiss Medical Association Swiss Dental Association National Our educational concept lies at the heart of our social, pedagogical, Day School and International Community didactical and entrepreneurial approach. Recognition As Quality Voucher: This benefits all students attending SIS Basel - where they live and in Dentistry Continuity from Performance through learn in German and English, day by day. Kindergarten to 2 FREE Fluoride Diversity Matters! College Treatments

International 061 281 60 05 Education – After a Dental Hygienist Cleaning SIS Swiss International School, Erlenstrasse 15, 4058 Basel, Tel. +41 61 683 71 40 Local Insight Holbeinstrasse 81 and/or Dental Consultation [email protected], www.swissinternationalschool.ch 4051 Basel www.zahnarztpraxis- 1. ______2.______villiger.ch Valid until 31.12.2018, only at Dental Practice Villiger

Ad Basel Life Magazine 0116.indd 1 20.01.2016 15:03:51 Sports and Recreation

Dreiländerlauf (Three Country Run) tram is free for participants on the day of the event. Simply write to May 27 [email protected] to request your free transportation ticket, which will then be e-mailed to you for printing at home. These free tickets are This year marks the 28th edition of the annual Dreiländerlauf, a special valid only for the participant in both directions; accompanying persons running event that covers territory in Switzerland (Basel), France (St. must pay their own ticket. Louis, Huningue), and Germany (Weil am Rhein). All runs start and end at the Marktplatz. The complete run is a half-marathon of 21.1 km, Start Numbers: Number bibs will be handed out on the day itself at the passes through the three countries, and crosses over the Rhein four Rathaus at Marktplatz, starting at 8:30. They can also be picked up the day before at Ochsner Sport on the first floor of the Stücki shopping times. There are 12 age categories (6 for men and 6 for women). Addi- center from 10:00–15:00. The bibs are equipped with data chips that tionally, a shorter run of 10.3 km for runners relatively new to the sport will calculate the time. follows a well-marked course through the inner city. This run has 14 age categories (7 for men and 7 for women); the youngest category Prizes: Each participant who reaches the finish line will receive a com- is for teens born 2001–2002. Younger runners born 2003–2010 can par- petitor t-shirt that they can pick up in the inner courtyard of the Rathaus ticipate in a student run of 2.3 km with eight categories, including four by simply redeeming the coupon attached to the start number. Addi- for boys and four for girls. tionally, the first three finishers in each category will receive a special prize. You need to be present to receive prizes as they will not be mailed Registration: You can register online until May 25 at 11:00 at their offi- to you. The award ceremony will start at 13:00 in Marktplatz or, in case cial website, www.3laenderlauf.org. You can also register by post until of really bad weather, at the Turnhalle Rittergasse. May 15 (postmark). Late registration can be done in person on the first floor of the Ochsner Sport store at the Stücki shopping center on May 26 Changing Rooms: Changing rooms will be available for men and women from 10:00–15:00 (no late fees) or on the day itself at the Rathaus (city at the Rittergasse-Schulhaus starting at 9:00. You can also get a free hall), starting at 8:30 (CHF 10 late fee applies). Registration fees are massage at this location from the Swiss Massage Team either before CHF 45 for the half-marathon, CHF 35 for the 10.3-km run, and CHF 10 or after the race. for the 2.3-km run. CHF 2 from every registration will be given to the Valuables: If you have valuables with you that you don’t want to run Lions’ Club to help sponsor their bilingual summer camps. with, you can leave them in the inner courtyard of the Rathaus until Getting There: Thanks to support from the TNW (CH), RVL (DE), and 14:00, using your start number as your identifier. Distribus (F), travel to and from the Dreiländerlauf on train, bus, and www.3laenderlauf.org

Basler Frauenlauf (Women’s Run) new this year for the really ambitious runners—the Frauenlaufcup. For May 6 all women who run all three Frauenläufe (in Basel on May 6, at the Bodensee [Lake Constance] on June 2, and in Winterthur on June 24), Following the success of last year’s first-ever Frauenlauf Basel, this their average time over the three races will be calculated, and the fast- international women’s race will be held in Basel for the second time, est woman each from the 5-km category and the 10-km category will and it promises to be an exciting day with 5.35- and 10.7-km runs for win a cup. So get some friends together, bring your daughters, and help women and a diverse supporting program. “Ohne Frauen läuft nichts!” make this another fabulous event on the Basel calendar! Note that this (Nothing runs without women) is the motto of this run, which is what event will be directly following the City Skate Basel that will also take scientific investigations have shown. Women often are the decision place at Marktplatz and will follow the same route through town and makers of the family, and it is important for women to be physically ac- along the Rhein for a great day of family fitness fun; see the Get Going! tive to remain healthy. With all the demands on a woman’s time, her inline skating special (page 22) for for more information. physical fitness often falls by the wayside, and this day is meant to www.basler-frauenlauf.ch change that. Irrespective of fitness level, women of all ages are invited to come and complete the full 10.7-km or half trek. The day starts at 8:00 at the Marktplatz with an exciting program around the theme of Bicycle Outing for Families lifestyle, sport, and fashion. Women can race, run, jog, walk, or some May 10 combination of these along the scenic route from Marktplatz, along the This is an all-day cycling tour for kids and their parents, relatives, and Rhein and back, once (5.35 km) or twice (10.7 km). For the 10.7-km run, acquaintances led by Ooink Ooink Productions. Meeting place is at the the warm-up will start at 11:40 and the run will start at 11:50. For the Landhof at 9:30, and the expected return is at 18:00. Participants will 5.35-km run, the warm-up will start at 12:50 and the run will start at need a bicycle in good condition (good brakes and tires), a bicycle hel- 13:00 (13:05 for those Nordic Walking the 5.35-km trek). met, I.D., raincoats, something to grill, a snack, and plenty to drink. Bi- You can register directly online until May 2 at 24:00; cost is CHF 53 for cycles can also be borrowed from the Landhof with prior reservation. In the 5.35-km run and CHF 57 for the 10.7-km run (CHF 38/42 for women addition, participants are encouraged to bring a swimsuit, something to under age 19). The registration fee includes the run, medal and certifi- play with, and CHF 5 for emergencies. Anyone interested in joining a cate, a goodie bag worth CHF 15, warm-up, refreshments at the finish, spaghetti dinner after the tour can bring CHF 6. The outing will take showers, changing rooms, a place to leave valuables, and a commemo- place irrespective of the weather, so bring appropriate clothing. rative t-shirt (indicate your size when you register). There is something www.ooinkooink.ch

20 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Nature Detectives Walk Eglisee (May 19 – September 9): This park has a large swimming pool May 12 for swimmers and divers, a family pool for water play, a large kiddie pool, a beach volleyball field, a playground, and a restaurant. Note that Looking for family-friendly walking trails in Basel, or a fun way to dis- this park also has a pool section just for women, babies, and toddlers. cover parks, forests, and animals of Basel with your small children? Then join the Basel Children’s Trust (BCT) for their monthly "Nature Naturbad Riehen (May 13 – September 10): This park resembles a natural Detectives" walks. The walks take place on the second Saturday of each lake or river, but the latest technology and a special water treatment month at 10:00 (unless otherwise specified). They are open to all ages, plant ensure a consistently high water quality with a visual depth of at stroller friendly, reachable by public transportation, free of charge, and last two meters. For families with small children, there is large toddlers’ are open to BCT members and non-members alike. This month, the wading pool with fun water games; a large pool with four slides; a special Nature Detectives will visit 24 Stops, the Rehberger Weg. For more in- non-swimmers’ area with beach, slide, and a float; as well as a separate formation, contact them through their website. diving pool. There are also play areas and a nice café that will be serving Mother’s Day brunch on May 13 from 9:00–13:00 (reserve online). Guests www.baselchildrenstrust.ch are welcome to join the free Aqua-Rhythm offered every Monday evening (18:30–19:20) starting on June 11. www.naturbadriehen.ch Aquathlon Basel You can also find several outdoor pools in neighboring France (St. Louis) May 19 and Germany (Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, and Grenzach-Whylen), as well The Erdgas Aquathlon Basel, a combined swimming/running race, will as in surrounding Baselland, including Aesch-Pfeffingen, Arlesheim, be taking place for the 15th time this May. There are 10 different cate- Bettingen, Binningen, Bottmingen, Dornach, Gelterkinden, Laufen, Li- gories, from kids born in 2012 who will swim 0.5 km and run 1 km, to estal, Pratteln, Reinach, Rheinfelden, and Sissach. For a complete list adults who will swim 0.8 km and run 5 km. Organized by the Sport De- with descriptions of their offerings, check out the July-August 2017 is- partment Basel-Stadt, the community of Münchenstein, and the Basler sue of Basel Life Magazine in our archives at www.basellife.com. Kantonspolizei, the Aquathlon will take place at the Sportbad St. Jakob, beginning with the youngest participants who start at 13:00. Registra- tion costs CHF 30 for kids up to age 13 and CHF 40 for those over age 13. Aqua-Jogging Outdoors You can register online until May 18 at 19:00. All participants must col- Starts End of May lect the start number at least one hour before their race begins. The Water aerobics with a vest in deep water is a great way to increase your start number will be painted on each participant, who must also wear fitness level in a gentle way. The lightness of the body in water helps to their timer chip on their ankle. promote movement, and one’s buoyancy in water builds muscles without www.aquathlon-basel.ch overloading the tendons and ligaments and without the harmful impact on the spine and joints. The hydrostatic pressure also promotes venous Outdoor Swimming Pools and lymphatic return and brings you back to a sense of wellbeing. The classes are for men and women of all ages and are also ideal for over- There are three main outdoor swimming pools (Gartenbäder) in the Ba- weight persons. They will be held on Monday and Saturday mornings in sel area—St. Jakob, Eglisee, and Bachgraben—and one in Riehen (Natur- the 24ºC heated outdoor pool at St. Jakob. To sign up, visit the Gsünder bad). If you have yet to discover them, they are large parks equipped with Basel website, click on “Alle Kurse & Veranstaltungen” on the lower right several pools for serious swimmers, non-swimmers, children, and div- side of the page, then scroll all the way down to “Aqua-Jogging outdoor.” ers, as well as slides, playgrounds, beach volleyball, table tennis, restau- rants, and much more. They are wonderful places for families to spend a www.gsuenderbasel.ch lazy warm day. You can pay as you go (CHF 7.50 for adults, CHF 3.00 for kids ages 6–16, CHF 4 for students up to age 25) or buy a 10-ticket book- Guided Bicycle Tours let or season pass. The Familienpass and Colour Key are accepted for big If you enjoy cycling, there are many gorgeous opportunities to explore discounts at these pools. www.badi-info.ch/bs/basel.html Switzerland on bike or e-bike this season. For more comprehensive St. Jakob (May 12 – September 9): This is a large park with a teaching information, check out the cycling specials in the April and May 2017 pool, a family pool, a play pool with slides, a kiddie pool, a 10-m diving issues of Basel Life Magazine. (If you no longer have your copies, you board, two beach volleyball fields, a playground, two kiosks, and a res- can find them in the archives at www.basellife.com.) If you would like taurant. There is also an outdoor heated pool with swimming lanes that to join a guided group bike tour in and around the Basel area, several is open from April 28 to September 23. organizations offer such tours in the warmer months. Bachgraben (June 2 – September 9): This park has a large swimming The Touring Club Schweiz (TCS) organizes group bicycle tours for avid pool, a teaching pool, a play pool with a large slide, a kiddie pool, a cyclists in different regions of Switzerland; to see a list of tours that beach volleyball field, a 6-meter climbing wall, table tennis, a kiosk, depart from the Basel area, visit www.velotouren-bs.ch/tcs-velogruppe/ and a restaurant. Note that this facility will open later this year due to jahresprogramm-tcs. They offer several tours per month from May to renovations to several of the pools. October; each ranging from 50–80 km. For these tours, you meet in the morning, travel through a dozen or so towns, have lunch along the way (bring money and I.D.) before returning to Basel. All tours are free and no registration is necessary, but you can contact the tour leader in advance if you like; information for each tour and its respective guide is provided on their website. ProVelo beider Basel offers weekly group bicycle tours (18 times) throughout the warmer months. These evening tours take place on different weekdays. Simply show up at Petersplatz with a sturdy bike at 18:20 (near the Kollegiengebäude), where the tour leader will give information on the evening’s ride. Distances will vary between 25–40 km, and the tours will be in the three-country region (bring valid I.D. for any border crossings). There is no cost and no preregistration. You can download the flyer with all information and dates at www.provelo-beiderbasel.ch/ rsFiles/Datei/FlyerAbendtouren_2018.pdf. photo credits: © organisationskomittee dreiländerlauf; © kanton basel-stadt / juri weiss (outdoor swimming pools) May 2018 21 Get Going!

Inline Skating Inline skating is a fun and popular sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great form of conditioning without being a high-impact sport. It can also make for fun family outings, where more ground can be covered in a short time than on foot. Like all sports, however, it is associated with some danger, and it is therefore important that you learn proper skating, turning, and braking techniques and that you wear sufficient protection. Below are some of the rules you should keep in mind as well as information on classes, events, and places where you can enjoy this sport. What You Will Need for Inline Skating In addition to the obvious pair of skates, it is recommended that you wear protective clothing, such as a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads; these are, however, not required by law. Also recommended, especially for more inexperienced riders, are wrist guards, which not only provide support to the wrists when falling on the hands but also protect the Skate, Rhône Skate, and Mittelland Skate. There are also 13 regional palms from the otherwise inevitable scrapes. If you plan to skate at inline-skating routes and many local routes, including the Erlen Skate. night, you are required to display working front and rear lights after The Erlen Skate is a 12-km local route (route 222) that takes skaters dusk, and you should also wear reflective clothing. from the Badischer Bahnhof in Basel, past Eglisee, through the beautiful Lange Erlen recreational area with the animal park, continuing on to Weil am Rhein, Germany, and back through Riehen. The path is easy with no elevations. For more information on this route as well as a detailed map of all routes, you can visit the informative English, German, and French website. www.schweizmobil.ch/en/skating-in-switzerland.html Inline Skating Events If in addition to inline skating on your own or with friends and family, you would like to join a larger group of people for a group skate, there are several options for you. Where to Skate In Switzerland, inline skates are considered quasi-vehicles. As a result, City Skate Basel, May 6. The Swiss Skate Tour organizes annual inline- skating is permitted on bicycle paths, hiking trails, and sidewalks as skating events throughout Switzerland, including the City Skate Basel. long as it doesn’t interfere with bicycle or pedestrian traffic. Skaters The start of the skate at 10:00 (before the Frauenlauf Basel) will be at must always give the right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks as well the Marktplatz; skaters will roll up Freie Strasse, along St. Alban- as to cyclists on bicycle paths. Skating is also permitted on public Rheinweg, over the Schwarzwaldbrücke, along the Rhein, and then streets in areas of light traffic, such as residential neighborhoods, over the Mittlere Brücke back to the finish line at Marktplatz. Skaters roads where the speed limit is a maximum 30 km/hour, or secondary can select from various distances (from 5.35 km for one round to roads in the country. 32.2 km for 6 rounds), categories, and speeds—choose either “Speed” or “Fun & Enjoy.” There is also a mini- and kids’ course that starts at To inline skate on a more adventurous course, Trend Sport Basel near Theodorskirchplatz at 11:20, in which the kids will skate to the Markt- the Rhein (Uferstrasse 80) is a great place to go. Here skaters can find platz (950 m) together with the mascot Rollliii. You can register online ramps, jumps, half pipes, rails, and other obstacles that appeal equal- until five days before the race; registration is CHF 10 for minis, CHF 15 ly to skateboarders, scooters, and BMX bikers. They are open seven for kids, CHF 35 for juniors, CHF 35 for “Fun & Enjoy,” CHF 70 for short days a week and entrance costs CHF 6. You can buy multiple-entry distance, and CHF 80 for long distance. You can also late-register until passes for discounted prices, or memberships (yearly, seasonal, and one hour before the skate at Marktplatz for an additional CHF 5 or quarterly) for the serious skaters. CHF 10 late fee, depending on category. There will be cash prizes for Switzerland also has designated inline-skating routes that are indicated 1st (CHF 200), 2nd (CHF 100), and 3rd (CHF 50) place finishers in the by a red skate sign. There are three national routes reserved for inline long category. Note that all traffic on the route will be stopped from skaters only, for a combined 600 km of paths; these include the Rhein 9:30–14:30 on skate day. www.swiss-skate-tour.ch/en/city-skate-basel

English Speaking Counseling Services for Adolescents, Adults and Couples.

Tara Gaffney, MS, LPCC Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Steinenbachgasslein 49, 4051 Basel +41 78 646 97 44 www.lifetransitionscounselingllc.com

“Everything can always be different” – Alfred Adler

22 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com jog, or even wheelchair. SlowUps are free of charge and a great way to engage a family or group who all want to participate using different modes. Upcoming SlowUps near Basel include one through the wine routes of Alsace on June 3 (www.slowup-alsace.fr), the Hochrhein Slow- Up that weaves back and forth over the Rhein bridges between Switzer- land and Germany on June 17, the Jura SlowUp in Délémont on June 24 that will appeal as much to the gourmet as to the sport-buff, and the local Basel-Dreiland SlowUp on September 16. www.slowup.ch Local Skate Clubs Inline skaters can enjoy regular trainings, outings, and events by be- longing to local inline-skating clubs. There is a club in Basel-Stadt and one in Baselland who train year-round; indoors in the winter months and outdoors in the warmer months.

Monday Night Skate, May 14 and 28. Every second Monday evening from Speed-inliner-basilisk is a Basel-based inline speed-skating club. Their May to September, you can come to Theodorskirchplatz near the Wett main purpose is to actively practice, support, and promote inline speed steinbrücke in Basel and join hundreds of other skaters on a predeter- skating. They offer regular trainings, usually on Monday and Wednes- mined guided route. These are well-organized events for fairly good day evenings, as well as competitive and non-competitive inline-skate inline skaters that are led and escorted by motorcades, with busier outings and events. The winter indoor trainings are held in various halls roads temporarily closed for the safe passage of the skaters. Monday around Basel, and the outdoor summer trainings start at Lange Erlen. Night Skate begins at 20:00 and ends around 22:30, with warm-up Beginners to experienced skaters are welcome to join; simply contact starting at 19:00. In case of bad weather, the decision to cancel will be them for an obligation-free trial. www.speed-inliner-basilisk.ch made at 18:00; notification by SMS. Beware that these Monday-night Rollsportclub Liestal is an association that promotes inline skating. The skates are not intended for beginners! For more info, visit their website club is open to amateurs as well as elite athletes, having fostered several and be sure to click on Basel (this site is in German, French, and Eng- Swiss, European, and world champions. The club offers three weekly lish). www.nightskate.ch trainings for different age groups in inline speed skating. In the summer, SlowUp. SlowUps are events organized in different cities around Swit- training takes place outdoors on the Frenkenbündtenplatz in Liestal. In zerland, as well as nearby Germany and France, in which approximate- the winter, they offer training once a week on inline skates in the Schauen- ly 30 km of relatively flat roads in a scenic area are closed to motorized burghalle, as well as a polysportive training on sneakers in the sports hall traffic for one day per year. This offers great opportunities for partici- of the Kaserne in Liestal. Additionally, the club organizes training trips, a pants to enjoy the route, or parts thereof, by non-motorized means, training camp, trial classes, and club outings. For more information or to including inline skates, bicycle, scooter, skateboard, wave board, walk, join a trial, contact them at [email protected]. www.rsc-liestal.ch

Learn German All Levels: A1–C2 www.nsh.ch

Intensive courses: 3× or 5× per week in the morning

Standard courses: 2× per week in the evening

photo credits: © swiss skate tour; © christophe varaklis; © christine pesold May 2018 23 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel

Ms. Jeanne’s Story Time Special: Toys Toys Toys May 5 Ms. Jeanne’s Story Time is an English program of stories, songs, rhymes, and activities for kids ages 3–6 (younger siblings welcome in the company of their parents). The program takes place from 11:00– 12:00 at the Spielzeugmuseum in Riehen and the theme this month will be “toys,” inspired by the permanent exhibit of the museum. www.spielzeugmuseumriehen.ch

Tour—Bruce Nauman. Disappearing Acts Tour of the Ape House at the Basel Zoo May 5 and 26 May 4, 13, 22, and 27 During this German-language tour orga- Schaulager and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York nized by the PEB, families with children present the first comprehensive retrospective of American artist ages 6 and up will learn about the various Bruce Nauman (*1941) in over two decades. The large-scale exhibi- species of monkeys and apes and their tion expands upon the significant holdings of MoMA and the Eman- different social systems at the Affenhaus uel Hoffmann Foundation, allowing visitors the opportunity to expe- (ape house) of the Basel Zoo. Watch how rience Nauman’s command of a wide range of media, from drawing, small marmoset fathers and sons carry printmaking, photography, and neon to performance, video, film, the young ones around or how the huge sculpture, and installations. There will be English-language guided male gorilla defends his harem of several tours of this exhibit on May 4 and May 22 at 12:30 as well as on females. The tour runs from 17:00–18:00 May 13 and May 27 at 16:00; cost of the tours is included in the ad- and costs CHF 35 for the whole family; mission to the museum. zoo entry is extra. You can register online www.schaulager.org on the PEB website under “Familien- kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 26 (May 5) or workshop number 29 (May 26). Talk—Energy Flash: The History of Electronic Dance Music www.peb-basel.ch May 3 Electronic music has strongly influenced club culture over the past decades and is now characterized by a great diversity of styles. With his Workshop—Ointments and Oils in Ancient Times book “Energy Flash,” first published in 1998, the British cultural journal- May 6 ist and author Simon Reynolds presented the first chronicle of this move- Fragrant ointments and scented oils have always been very popular. In ment. On this evening, Reynolds speaks about his extensive research this family workshop at Augusta Raurica, participants will take a tour of within subcultures and in nightclubs, about interviews with major figures, the herb garden of the Roman house and learn about the basic materi- and about current trends in the club scene. This English-language talk als used in ointments. They can then produce their own ointments in the will take place at the Schaudepot of the Vitra Design Museum, just across atelier according to ancient recipes that they can take home. This Eng- the border in Weil am Rhein, Germany, at 18:30; admission is free. lish-language workshop is from 13:00–14:30 and is best for families www.design-museum.de with kids ages 6 and up; price is CHF 16 for adults and CHF 8 for kids. www.augustaraurica.ch Family Tour of Telebasel May 3 Tour—RE-SET This German-language tour organized by the Programm für Elternbil- May 8 dung (PEB, Program for Parent Education) is for families with children From 13:00–13:30, there will be an English-language tour of the ex- ages 12 and up; it allows you to learn about the history of the local TV hibit “RE-SET: Appropriation and Transformation in Music and Art since station Telebasel and to experience how television is made. You will 1900.” In this exhibit at the Museum Tinguely, the Paul Sacher Founda- learn about editing; visit the editing suites, recording booth, and studio; tion highlights the importance of references to earlier compositions and see the director in action while watching a live recording. The tour and their creative appropriation and adaption in 20th-century music is from 17:00–18:15 and costs CHF 20 for the whole family. You can reg- with scores, recordings, documentary films, and photos (from Bartók, ister online on the PEB website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on Stravinsky, and Varèse to Berio, Kagel, and Rihm). Museum Tinguely “Anmelden” for workshop number 24. complements this interdisciplinary project with the presentation of www.peb-basel.ch works by contemporary artists, such as Saâdane Afif, Pierre Bismuth, and Bethan Huws, reflecting Marcel Duchamp’s iconic idea of the ready made. The cost of the tour is included in the entrance fee to the mu- City Tour for Children seum; admission costs CHF 18 for adults, reduced admission is CHF 12, May 5 and kids up to age 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. The PEB will be taking families with children ages 6 and up on an Eng- www.tinguely.ch lish-language tour through Basel. They will tell age-appropriate history, show many wondrous animals and masks, whisper not to irritate the dragon, and maybe even let participants dangle their feet in a foun- English Book Discussion Basel tain? The tour will take place from 14:00–15:30 and costs CHF 35 for May 9 the whole family. You can register online on the PEB website under If you are interested in reading and discussing mainly contemporary “Familienkurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 25. English literature, why not join Book Discussion Basel. The meetings www.peb-basel.ch take place once a month on a Wednesday evening, when participants

24 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com discuss the chosen book that they should read in advance. They meet Tour—Tinguely Museum from 19:00–20:30 at Treffpunkt Breite, next to Hotel Breite, Zürcher May 22 strasse 149 in Basel (tram 3 or bus 36 to stop “Breite”). Participants are The Tinguely Museum will be hosting an English-language tour of the asked to contribute a token fee of CHF 5 at each meeting. The discus- museum’s permanent collection from 13:00–13:30. No registration is sion on May 9 will be about the book “The Dark Flood Rises” by Margaret required, and the cost is included in the entrance ticket; entrance costs Drabble. If you are interested in learning more about this group or would CHF 18 for adults, reduced admission is CHF 12, and kids up to age 16 like to participate, visit their website and contact the organizer. are free when accompanied by an adult. https://bookdiscussionbasel.jimdo.com www.tinguely.ch

Tour—Bacon Giacometti Cave Exploration May 20 May 24 and May 26 This spring and summer, the Fondation Beyeler will be presenting two This German-language workshop to learn all about caves, organized by extraordinary protagonists of modern art: Alberto Giacometti and Fran- the PEB, is designed for one parent and one child (age 6 and older). It cis Bacon. Although their respective artistic oeuvres differ greatly at consists of two sessions; the first is an obligatory theoretical introduc- first glance and appear autonomous, the exhibition reveals common- tion on Thursday evening from 18:00–19:00 to prepare for the actual alities and amazing parallels between them. While the individualists exploration by learning about the cave and its difficult areas using maps Giacometti and Bacon perceived each other like lighthouses sending and photos. The second session takes place on Saturday morning from signals to each other, they have astonishing parallels that are made 9:00–12:00 or Saturday afternoon from 14:00–17:00. On this day, par- visible in this exhibition encompassing about 100 works. There will be ticipants will walk, and sometimes crawl, through the two-part cave an English-language tour of this exhibit from 14:00–15:00. Admission and do a careful study of the bat cave (no worries, the bats are only to the museum is CHF 25 for adults (CHF 50 for the whole family with present in the winter months); brave children can even crawl through Familienpass) and, until December 31, free for everyone up to age 25. the wind holes. The workshop costs CHF 35 for one parent and one The tour costs an additional CHF 7. Note that there will be a French- child. You can register online on the PEB website under “Familien- language tour of this exhibit on May 27. kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 28. www.fondationbeyeler.ch www.peb-basel.ch

Toddler Tales May 29 Toddler Tales is designed for young listeners as they discover the wonderful world of books and the fun of language in half an hour of interactive exploration of classic stories. Storyteller Jeanne Darling will engage her listeners through singing, rhyming, and dancing. Toddler Tales takes place from 10:15–10:45 at the Basel West library (Allschwil- erstrasse 90) every fourth Tuesday of the month and is ideal for children ages 9 months to 4 years. Participation is free of charge and no Tour—Wildlife Photographer of the Year registration is required. May 20 www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch “Wildlife Photographer of the Year,” which is organized by the Natural History Museum in London, is one of the world’s largest and most pres- Jukibu Intercultural Library Events tigious contests for nature photography. Each year, the pictures set new Jukibu is a multi-cultural library that houses books for children and standards for animal and nature photography. Until June 3, the Naturhis- adolescents in over 50 languages, their largest collection being Eng- torisches Museum Basel (Natural History Museum) will show the best lish-language books. Below is the schedule of some of the foreign-lan- photographs of nature selected in the contest. Breathtaking landscapes, guage events organized at the library in May. Please visit their website astonishing animal portraits, and dramatic nature adventures will allow for a detailed list of activities and opening hours or to become a mem- you to immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of nature. On this Sun- ber at www.jukibu.ch. You can also check out their Facebook page at day, there will be an English-language tour of this temporary exhibit www.facebook.com/jukibu. from 15:30–16:30, which is included in the entrance fee. www.nmbs.ch Date and Time Event Suitable for… May 2, 16, & 30, Storytelling in German Parents with Visit of the Spalentor 15:30–17:00 (multilingual) toddlers May 5, 10:30–11:30 Storytelling in French Children and May 20 and German their parents The PEB will be taking families with kids ages 8 and up on a German- May 5 & 19, 10:00–15:00 Bookbinding workshop Children ages language tour of the Spalentor, one of Basel’s original city gates. Together for children 9–12 you will climb up the steep stairs and explore one of the city’s important May 9, 15:00–16:00 Storytelling in Arabic Children and landmarks. The effort of the climb will be rewarded with wonderful views and German at KLARA their parents over the rooftops of Basel’s old town and the hills of the Jura, Black For- (Clarastrasse 13) est, and Vosges. Take a breather on each floor for a chance to explore the May 23, 15:30–17:30 Reading Café in the JUKIBU* (short stories & poems in history of the building and its defenses, as well as the highest outdoor various languages) toilet in Basel. The tour is from 14:00–15:00 and costs CHF 35 for the May 26, 10:30–11:30 Storytelling in English Parents with whole family. You can register online on their website under “Familien- with the BCT toddlers kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 30. *Part of Switzerland’s first “Vorlesetag” (read-aloud day)! www.peb-basel.ch www.sikjm.ch/1-schweizer-vorlesetag-am-23-mai-2018-news photo credits: © tom bisig, basel (bruce nauman); © zoo basel (tour of ape house); © estate of francis bacon, prolitteris zürich (francis bacon, three studies for portraits (including self portrait), 1969) May 2018 25

Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town

Jazzfestival Basel Until May 16 This year, Basel hosts the 28th edition of the Offbeat Jazz Festival Basel, which will bring another fabulous line-up of dozens of jazz bands of international reputation playing at various locations around Basel. Tickets can be purchased online through Starticket or in person at the BaslerZeitung (BaZ) in Aeschenplatz, Bider & Tanner, Stadtcasino Basel, Manor, post offices, the BVB in Barfüsserplatz, Coop City, Plattfon Records, and M Parc Dreispitz and Claramarkt. Visit their website to learn more about the artists at www.jazzfestivalbasel.ch, or go to www.starticket.ch to buy your tickets.

DATE BAND FESTIVAL SERIES / THEME LOCATION / TIME / PRICE May 1 Swiss Jazzfestival—Lucia Cadotsch and more Jazz-Matinée Jazzcampus Basel, 11:30–14:00 CHF 26 May 1 Bobby McFerrin & Circlesongs Vocal Gala Night Musical Theater Basel, 20:00 CHF 37–129 May 2 Danilo Rea Duo “Italian Dreams” Vino e Jazz Delinat Weindepot (Dreispitz), 20:15 CHF 39–79 May 3 Philip Cathérine & Martin Wind Duo Vino e Jazz Delinat Weindepot (Dreispitz), 20:15 CHF 47 May 4 Eddie Henderson Quartet In cooperation with bird’s eye jazz club bird’s eye jazz club, 20:30 & 21:45 CHF 12 (purchase through the club) May 5 John Scofield “Country for Old Men” Groovin’ Guitar Volkshaus Basel, 20:15 CHF 39–79 May 6 Marius Neset 4tet & Basel Sinfonietta— Jazz Meets Classic Volkshaus Basel, 19:00 “Snowmelt” CHF 35–75 May 8 Ladysmith Black Mambazo “Singing for Freedom” Martinskirche Basel, 20:15 A-Cappella Nonett South Africa CHF 28–89 May 9 Eric Bibb “Migration Blues” Solo & Duets Volkshaus Basel, 20:15 CHF 37–72 May 14 HSLU Big Band & Sheila Jordan HSLU & Jazzcampus & Euromusic Jazzcampus, 19:00 “Remembering George Gruntz & Charlie Parker” Tickets at the box office May 14 Schärli–Moreira–Feigenwinter A cooperation with Kulturscheune Liestal Kulturscheune Liestal, 20:30 CHF 38/18 (purchase at box office) May 15 Bugge Wesseltoft Solo Piano “Everybody Loves Jazz in Church Dorfkirche Riehen, 20:00 Angels” / Heinz Sauer & Jasper van’t Hof CHF 25–59 May 16 Chico Freeman & Heiri Känzig “The Arrival” Jazz in Church—The Art of Duo Dorfkirche Riehen, 20:00 CHF 20–49

Bobby McFerrin & “Circlesongs” Magamat Dance Theater—Beytna May 1 May 2 Probably the highlight of this year’s A female chef is in charge of the monumental rolling table that struc- Offbeat Jazzfestival Basel will be tures the stage in “Beytna.” She is the only woman in this production Bobby McFerrin and his a-cappella and acts as an omnipresent, calming influence amid the turbulent oc- formation Circlesongs on the stage of currences that gradually unfold. The long table is a clear indication of the Musical Theater Basel. The the theme—it’s all about eating and cooking. Four dance soloists from American jazz vocalist and conductor, completely different cultural circles and continents have clearly en- Robert Keith “Bobby” McFerrin Jr., is gaged in research on their respective traditions and personal experi- probably best known for his biggest ences. The result is a multifaceted piece of dance theater in which the hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” which emotions occasionally come to a boil, but which demonstrates that that won him “Song of the Year” and “Re- which unites us ultimately prevails. “Beytna” invites you to a festival for cord of the Year” back in 1989. He all the senses, combining dance, music, language, film, and—not to be performs and records regularly as an forgotten—cuisine in the most wonderful way. This performance will be unaccompanied solo vocal artist, but presented at the Reithalle of Kaserne at 20:00 as a part of the dance has also worked sporadically with festival Steps; tickets are CHF 45, CHF 25 for Kulturpass holders, and Chick Corea, Nigel Kennedy, Béla CHF 15 for holders of the STUcard, Colourkey, and Kulturlegi. Fleck, Wynton Marsalis, and Jack DeJohnette; in addition, he focuses www.kaserne-basel.ch his talents on conducting. McFerrin will come to Europe this spring to present his latest project with singers Joey Blake, Dave Worm, and others, performing solos, duos, and ensemble in a big event of vocal art. A New Randy Hansen Experience Circlesongs are polyphonic, improvised choral pieces that are not only May 2 sung by the group on stage, but are celebrated in the entire hall with Forty years after his death, Jimi Hendrix is still leaving an impact on the the participation of the audience. Short phrases in endless loops form music world. The recent release of “Valleys of Neptune”—a collection of the basis to which McFerrin improvises, supported by background sing- previously unreleased studio recordings—rocketed Hendrix to number 4 ers who provide solos or call-and-response parts. This way, stylisti- on the Billboard 200 Chart, making it the highest-charting album of his cally exciting and varied music develops, guaranteeing a rousing shared career. While the legend of this true “guitar hero” lives on, no one cele- experience between artist and audience. McFerrin has a unique cha- brates it more than the remarkable Randy Hansen. For over 30 years, risma and enthusiasm and is his own orchestra on stage, singing Hansen has been building a reputation as the foremost Hendrix tribute (almost) everything from jazz standards and Bach to Ave Maria and artist worldwide. As one of the few players officially recognized by the Beatles’ songs. Don’t miss this very special opportunity to be a part of Hendrix family, he has been successfully doing his act since the 1970s, McFerrins’s new project; tickets are CHF 37–129 but will go fast. stunning audiences worldwide as he channels the spirit of Hendrix and www.offbeat-concert.ch perfectly recreates the stage presence and skill of the legendary guitarist.

26 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com

Aside from his loyal fan base, Hansen’s guitar work is respected through- Collegium Musicum Concert—”French Connections” out the music business. He has played alongside some of the greats, in- May 4 cluding Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers, Herbie Hancock, Collegium Musicum Basel, with conductor Kevin Griffiths and pianist and original Jimi Hendrix Experience members Noel Redding and Mitch Pierre Laurent Aimard, will be performing Claude Debussy’s “Chil- Mitchell. Randy Hansen will be coming to the Z7 in Pratteln; the concert dren’s Corner,” Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major, M 83, and starts at 21:00 (doors open at 20:00) and tickets cost CHF 29.50. Georges Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 in C major. This concert will take place www.z-7.ch at the Musical Theater in Basel starting at 19:30, with a pre-concert at 18:15. Tickets are CHF 54–80 (CHF 15 for kids and students) and can be Die Schöne und das Biest (Beauty and the Beast) purchased at Bider & Tanner. May 3 www.collegiummusicumbasel.ch One of Disney’s greatest successes, “The Beauty Groove Now Presents: and the Beast” has be- West Coast Blues Guitar Summit Win two tickets in our witched audiences world- Where in Basel? contest May 4 and 5 wide and is coming once again to Basel. This Ger- In May, Groove Now welcomes a true dream line-up to the stage of the man-language version of Atlantis—Michael “Junior” Watson and "Little Charlie" Baty, two leg- the musical captures the endary guitar heroes from the U.S. West Coast who are among the magical story of the beau- world’s best as far as rocking and jumping blues guitar skills are con- tiful Belle and the en- cerned, along with Californian Mitch Kashmar, a fantastic singer and chanted, unfeeling prince, modern master of the harmonica who belongs to the top 10 of his craft. who has been turned into Watson was among the original founding members of the famous a beast and may only be Mighty Flyers before joining Canned Heat as their lead guitarist for released from his curse many years. Baty, together with Rick Estrin, founded Little Charlie & by the love of a human be- The Nightcats in 1976. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience, ing. The soulful original right here in Basel, this extraordinary combination of Junior Watson, music, weightless dance Little Charlie, and Mitch Kashmar play authentic West Coast Blues in scenes, brilliant solos, the way it can usually only be experienced in its home! Groove Now will and opulent, colorful cos- be presenting the West Coast Blues Guitar Summit on two consecutive tumes bring this wonder- evenings. The concerts start at 20:30; doors open at 20:00 on Friday ful fairy tale to life. Don’t and 19:30 on Saturday. Tickets are CHF 49 on Friday and CHF 59 on miss this unforgettable experience at the Musical Theater in Basel. Saturday and can be purchased through www.starticket.ch. Shows are 2 hours and 45 minutes long and are not suitable for kids www.groovenow.ch under age 6. Tickets are CHF 49.90–99.90; CHF 10 less for kids up to age 14. L’Enoteca Liechti Wine Tasting www.actnews.ch May 4 and 5 L’Enoteca Liechti Weine will be hosting a spring tasting at Galerie Graf AFTER HOURS—Chillen im Museum & Schelble, Spalenvorstadt 14 in Basel, from 16:00–20:00 on Friday and May 3 from 14:00–18:00 on Saturday. The event is free and no pre-registration If you are interested in seeing the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel’s is required. exhibit “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” in the evening, here is your http://liechti-weine.ch chance. You can visit this special exhibit at your leisure from 18:00– 23:00 for free, followed by a relaxing drink with friends at the museum bar (drinks are extra). John Scofield—“Country for Old Men” www.nmb.bs.ch May 5 Guitarist John Scofield may justifiably be considered one of the forma- tive figures of jazz in the last 30 years. Even before his time with Miles The King’s Singers Davis that made him world famous, he played with greats like Chet May 3 Baker and Charles Mingus. Since then, he has ventured into a variety of 1968 is the birth year of the King’s Singers, whose flawless intonation, new formations, sounds, and orchestral projects. In his most recent al- impeccable vocal harmony, and perfect articulation of the text is the bum, “Country for Old Men,” Scofield blurs the line between jazz and secret of their success that they have been able to effortlessly preserve country music. He states that while he is not a country-music guitarist, despite the many generational changes. The British vocal sextet shines he has liked country music since he started to play guitar. He feels that with ease in all genres of music, from Renaissance to contemporary the gap between country music and jazz music mainly exists because music, from jazz classics to arrangements of pop songs and folk country musicians were white Southerners and jazz musicians were tunes—a combination without genre boundaries. Their program “Gold” black Southerners enslaved by the whites. For his country interpreta- is a journey through the music that has marked their careers and which tions, Scofield’s main focus is on the vocals of the original recordings. He will take them to new unexplored realms. As a fusion of old and new, especially loves the “Deep Country of the Southern states” of musicians serious and serene, known and unknown, “Gold” is the culmination of like Hank Williams or George Jones, which he has heard all his life. The half a century of King’s Singers and their devotion to music—coupled fact that country music often combines happy tunes with rather sad lyr- with a look ahead at the next 50 years. The King’s Singers will perform ics is one of the most fascinating aspects of this music for Scofield. Don’t at 20:00 at the Burghof, just across the border in Lörrach, Germany; miss this "Groovin' Guitar" night of the Jazz Festival Basel 2018. The con- tickets are € 32–42. cert will take place at the Volkshaus Basel; tickets are CHF 39–79. www.burghof.com www.offbeat-concert.ch photo credits: © bobby mcferrin; © jef kratochvil (beauty and the beast) May 2018 27

Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Hairspray—Das Broadway Musical May 5 The Broadway success “Hairspray” is touring Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in a German-language production. The hit musical is a fast-paced, witty, and effervescent celebration of self-confidence, a rousingly charming memento story. The action takes place in Baltimore in the early 1960s: With a good deal of courage, hair spray in volumi- nous hair, and irrepressible joy of dancing, the plump Tracy becomes the star of a TV show in which otherwise only thin girls succeed. Her parents Wilbur and Edna—whose own self-confidence is as small as their physical wealth—could not be more proud. Tracy even uses her new-found celebrity for a campaign against racial segregation in her TV show. But soon enemies and envious people pull the strings. Above all, producer Velma and her daughter Amber spin their intrigues, especially since Amber’s friend Link Larkin can’t keep his eyes off Tracy. Will Tracy be able to win the title of “Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962” despite her opponents? “Hairspray” is a real blockbuster—enthusiastic audiences around the world have been watching overweight heroine the hearts of the audience. Letts’ moving play holds up a gently resistant Tracy to see if she can fulfill her dream of becoming a TV star. Eight alternative to the current social norms of what a successful or unsuc- Tony Awards, 23 other top international awards, more than 2,500 Broad- cessful life, what fulfillment or failure might be. This play, directed by way performances, and a Hollywood adaptation with John Travolta have prize-winning Danish director Elisa Kragerup, will be performed in Ger- made “Hairspray” one of the most successful musicals of all time. The man with English surtitles at the Theater Basel; tickets are CHF 28–60. new German staging of “Hairspray,” which relies on wit, tempo, bright colors, adventurous hairstyles, and tons of hairspray will be performed www.theater-basel.ch at the Musical Theater in Basel; tickets are CHF 56.50–101.90. www.ticketcorner.ch Marius Neset 4tet & Basel Sinfonietta—“Snowmelt” May 6 Hardly any young European jazz musician has attracted more international attention and awe among the press and audiences in recent years than Norwegian saxophonist Marius Neset. Witnesses of his acclaimed performances at the Jazzfest Berlin, the Jazz Week in Burghau- sen, the JazzBaltica Festival (in a duo with Michael Wollny), and most recently at the Cologne Philharmonic, noted “What Marius Neset does on the saxophone is nothing but the step in a new dimension of this instrument” (Süddeutsche Zeitung). The equally impressed British media count Neset as one of the greatest discoveries of jazz, with “the power of a Michael Breckers and the sophistication of Jan Garbarek” (The Guardian). Neset loves a challenge and seeks musical borderline experiences, which according to the American magazine Downbeat makes him one of the most exciting jazz artists. This prestigious jazz magazine recently included him as the only musician living in Europe in their “25 for the future” list. Undoubtedly, present and future belong to the Norwegian exceptional talent, as evidenced by his most ambitious orchestral jazz project, which was written between 2012 and 2015. With one of the best classical chamber ensembles in the world, he goes in search of the point where everything makes sense. For the listener, the Theater—Mary Page Marlowe search for this point is just as exciting as worth- May 5, 15, and 30 while—something new is revealed and unrav- The Pulitzer Prize-winning contemporary American playwright and ac- eled every time one listens to the album tor Tracy Letts has written a new, epic play chronicling the moving life of “Snowmelt,” whose orchestral score one woman, Mary Page Marlowe, from a baby through her youth in the encompasses a memorable 239 1950s and 1960s, starting a family, achieving a career, both taking and sheets of music. And yet, the plain wasting first and second chances, going through crises, and starting number of sheets of music says over again, up until the autumn of her life, aged almost 70, in the pres- little about the progressive ent day. Letts weaves a gentle and touching biographical tapestry out of character of “Snowmelt,” the moments of hope, turning points, and fragmented memories of his about this carefully thought- heroine, acknowledging the poetic fragility, vicissitudes, and everyday out, detailed, fiery, and con- qualities of human life. When seen in retrospect, the 19-year-old Mary’s trasting musical work. The dreams of the future and the reality of her life at age 36 or 50 are sepa- Offbeat Jazzfestival Basel will rated by gaping chasms that seem unbridgeable, painful, and baffling. be presenting this exceptional However, it is in these intervening spaces that life happens, with all its example of crossover projects with defeats, beginnings, moments of joy and guilt, responsibility, resigna- the Marius Neset 4tet & the Basel Sin- tion, and reconciliation. Letts is remarkably successful in managing to fonietta at the Volkshaus Basel at 19:00; present a complete life through the episodes shown and the much larg- tickets are CHF 35–75. er gaps in between, so that his Mary Page Marlowe is able to win over www.offbeat-concert.ch

28 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com

Ballet—Death in Venice May 6, 10, 19, and 25 The protagonist of this ballet, Gustav Aschenbach, is overcome by the urgent desire to question his thoughts, his feelings, and his entire life. After the death of his young wife he feels compelled to test new things, to transcend society’s accepted boundaries, and to give in to his burning need to act upon his unfulfilled erotic fantasies. Richard Wherlock cho- reographs a narrative ballet based on Thomas Mann’s autobiographi- cally influenced novella of an artist that was written between June 1911 and July 1912. It is strongly influenced by the author’s own experiences, including the Mann family’s holidays in Venice and the news of the death of the composer Gustav Mahler, whom Mann had chosen as the model Rider” tells the story of Swiss sailor Yvan Bourgnon, who embarked on for his description of the character of Aschenbach. Like in Mann’s “Death a 220-day solo trip around the world in his cockpit-less catamaran, in Venice,” the ballet shows the clash of irreconcilable opposites. We without any protection against the elements, no crew, and 55,000 kilo- observe how Aschenbach, who acts rationally and strives for perfection, meters of open water ahead. On his journey, Bourgnon faced storms, encounters a world of emotion that holds a magical attraction for him: pirates, and polluted seas. In “Paradigm Lost,” Hawaiian kite-surfer; death and desire, beauty and decay, sobriety and rapture lie so close windsurfer; and big-wave, tow-in, and stand-up paddle surfer, Kai Len- together and form the matrix for the choreographic realization of the ny, shows us the ultimate watersports action in a variety of disciplines story. The richly colored music by Dmitri Shostakovich reflects the com- and in the best spots worldwide! “Dolphin Man” tells the story of leg- plexity of emotion that the protagonist experiences during his trip to endary free-diver Jacques Mayol, who was the first to break the magi- Venice. Shostakovich’s multi-layered compositions also reflect the 20th cal 100-meter threshold on a single breath in 1976. He is the epitome century in a very special way and allow the spirit of the time and its at- of a restless soul who, despite his deep bond with the sea and the dol- mosphere to be grasped and felt. The ballet will be performed at the phins, searched the ocean for what humankind denied him. “Vamizi” Theater Basel and the music will be played live by the Sinfonieorchester takes us into the fascinating world of coral reefs and shows what we Basel. Tickets are CHF 70–118 for adults and CHF 30–61 for youths. can protect. Off the coast of Mozambique, a pristine and dazzling trea- www.theater-basel.ch sure chest awaits—one of the planet’s oldest coral reefs. But with the warning signs of global warming, this paradise of biodiversity is under threat. In “Water II,” Morgan Maassen plunges under the water with his Rising Star—Sabine Weyer high-contrast, slow-motion camera to show us the world, the waves, May 7 and the sea from a new perspective. And finally, “The Big Wave Proj- Luxembourg pianist Sabine Weyer will be playing works by Johann Se- ect—A Band of Brothers” will take you to Nazaré, a small fishing village bastian Bach / Ferrucio Busoni, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Se- on the Atlantic coast of Portugal that has become synonymous with bastian Bach / Alexander Siloti, and Franz Schubert at the Unionsaal of gargantuan, mountainous waves. Get onboard as the world’s three best the Volkshaus Basel. The concert starts at 19:30 and tickets are CHF 30 and most daring surfers take you for a wild ride. The International for adults and CHF 15 for students. Ocean Film Tour will stop at the Volkshaus Basel on May 7; tickets are CHF 26 and can be purchased online. www.konzerte-basel.ch www.oceanfilmtour.com Glenn Miller Orchestra May 7 Ladysmith Black Mambazo The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Wil Salden, is on May 8 a major European tour with their new CD and the new program “Jukebox Another highlight of this year’s Jazzfestival Basel will be the presenta- Saturday Night.” The theme is not only a program, but also a beautiful tion of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, winner of five Grammy awards and song recorded by Glenn Miller in 1942 and will be the common thread in numerous South African awards. Their wonderful vocal harmonies and the concert, because as Glenn Miller has already done, Salden will pro- impressive high-caliber dances have entertained audiences for de- ceed according to the motto “something old, something new, something cades. In the 1970s, Ladysmith Black Mambazo established themselves borrowed, and something blue.” That is why compositions by Peter as the most successful a cappella formation in South Africa. Their in- Tchaikovsky, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin will also be included. ternational breakthrough came in the late 1980s through their record- Salden and his musicians are the guarantors of the authentic swing ings on Paul Simon’s famous “Graceland” album, which sold over sound of the traditional big band, and the vocal group The Moonlight Ser- 16 million copies worldwide and basically started what we now know as enaders, which consists of musicians, a singer, and Salden as conductor, world music. For South African president Nelson Mandela, Ladysmith will lead the audience back to the time of the jukeboxes of the 1930s and Black Mambazo was a cultural institution. They accompanied him to 1940s, with titles such as “What a Wonderful World,” “Blue Moon,” “Ev- Oslo when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and he subse- erybody Loves my Baby,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood,” and many quently invited them to sing at his presidential inauguration in 1994, as more. The Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform at 20:00 at the Burghof, well as at his later birthday celebrations. They reached platinum three just across the border in Lörrach, Germany; tickets are € 32–44. times with “The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo: The Star and the www.burghof.com Wiseman,” selling over one million copies in the U.K. alone. In addition to Paul Simon and South African artists such as Lucky Dube, Vusi Mahlasela, and Hugh Masekela, they worked with Peter Gabriel, Stevie International Ocean Film Tour Wonder, Dolly Parton, Cat Stevens, Zap Mama, Taj Mahal, and Michael May 7 Jackson. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the energy for your- The International Ocean Film Tour shows the best sea documentaries self as Ladysmith Black Mambazo perform under the festival title, of the year and immersive water sports action. This year’s tour, Volume “Singing for Freedom—A Cappella Nonett South Africa.” The fabulous 5, takes you out to sea with visually stunning stories, inspiring people, acoustics of the Martinskirche in Basel make it a beautiful and appro- and spectacular shots! The exclusive film program includes six docu- priate setting for this concert; tickets are CHF 28–89. mentaries with a total running time of about two hours. “The Ocean www.offbeat-concert.ch photo credits: © cofo concert büro oliver forst (hairspray); © sandra then (mary page marlowe); © lisbeth holton (marius neset); © mattias klum / tierra grande (international ocean film tour) May 2018 29

Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Unlimited,” was released in February 2018. The band will be playing at Eric Bibb—“Migration Blues” Win tickets in our the Rossstall 1 of the Kaserne; tickets can be purchased at the evening May 9 Where in Basel? contest box office or through Starticket for CHF 20, with a CHF 5 discount for Eric Bibb’s velvety voice holders of the STUcard, Colourkey, and Kulturlegi. infatuates anyone who www.kaserne-basel.ch has heard this exceptional musician live. He is an absolute mas- Chamber Music Night ter in building tension May 11 and holding it for an The Kammerorchester Basel will be presenting the third in this sea- entire evening. His son’s “Nachtklang” series entitled “Experimental II.” The concert will positive charisma is take place at Ackermannshof in Basel (St. Johanns-Vorstadt 19–21), irresistible, especially starting at 22:00. Come to hear violoncellist Christoph Dangel, double on stage, and he brings bassist Stefan Preyer, DJ Janiv Oron, and drummer and percussionist together folk, blues, Alex Wäber play with guests from the Kammerorchester Basel. Tickets gospel, and songwrit- can be purchased online and are CHF 20 for adults (concert only) and ing in a sensitive and free for kids up to age 14 with accompanying parent (ticket necessary). very unique way. Eric The neighboring restaurant “Zur Mägd” will be offering a three-course Bibb was influenced meal before the concert, which can be booked up to three days in ad- by blues and folk mu- vance for CHF 54 (meal and concert). sic in his youth and has worked with such great musicians as Ray Charles, John Mayall, Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, and Taj Ma- www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch hal throughout his career. In his new work, he takes on a theme that is currently moving people—the plight of refugees and the underlying causes of flight are important to him. About his latest album, “Migra- tion Blues,” Bibb has stated, “With this album, I would like to encourage all of us to open our minds and our hearts wide open to the ongoing plight of refugees everywhere. As history shows, we are all descended from people who have had to move on.” Songs like “Di- ego’s Blues” are about the simple life in the Delta, and others like “Delta Getaway” and “Four Years, no Rain,” speak of flight and expul- sion—from the 1920s, when out of economic need, people from the poor southern states emigrated to the richer north of the United States in search of a livable existence, to today’s boat people men- tioned in “Prayin’ for Shore.” The entire CD is very restrained and sensitively arranged with acoustic string instruments, making Bibb’s voice and finger-picking technique very poignant. Join Bibb (vocals, guitar, banjo) and Michael Jerome Browne (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Cajun triangle) on this very spiritual journey at the Volkshaus Basel as one of the many highlights of Jazzfestival Basel 2018; tickets are CHF 37–72. The Opera Band—The Cast www.offbeat-concert.ch May 11 and 12 Six young vocalists from the United States, Canada, Chile, and Germa- ny present classical music today as it once was—exciting, amusing, “Best of the 90s” Party up-to-date, intoxicating, somewhat ironic, refreshing, and incredibly May 9 sensual. The opera band, The Cast, stages old works with charm, fresh ideas, and trained opera voices and simply removes the stiff, formal This disco is for those who love to dance, listen to good music with like- setting that normally surrounds classical music. The result is vocals minded people, get together with friends, or meet interesting new peo- and classical music at a world-class level, combined with the atmo- ple. The Offene Kirche Elisabethen (Elisabethen Church) near Bank sphere of a pop concert. The audiences are fascinated by the unusual verein hosts a dance party from 20:00–02:00 several times per year to and surprising arrangements of the traditional opera repertoire and raise money for charitable causes; this year’s beneficiary is Cartons du become part of the concert, part of the atmosphere, part of their pas- Coeur, an organization that provides basic food necessities to people on sion for music. Come and see how well these opera and operetta mas- the poverty line. The “Best of the 90s” party will include music from dif- terpieces work without the usual fancy dress—both on stage and in the ferent decades, but with an emphasis on the hits from the 1990s. Tick- audience. Whether you are young or old, like classical music, or prefer ets cost CHF 25; it is advisable to buy them in advance through Ticket- pop concerts to the opera hall, The Cast will captivate you and make corner as this event sells out quickly. every evening a thrilling firework of enthusiasm and joy. They will be www.ueparties.ch performing for two nights at the Theater Fauteuil, just up from Markt- platz; tickets are CHF 29–49. U.S. Girls www.fauteuil.ch May 10 The American-Canadian musician Meghan Remy, a.k.a. U.S. Girls, has Czar Fest 2018 been releasing unconventional pop records with feminist and political messages since 2007. Starting as a noise-pop project in the United May 11 and 12 States, Remy is now based in Toronto, where she creates clever pop After two successful editions, Czar Fest returns in May 2018 for a third songs that flirt with R’n’B and glam rock. Her sixth album “In a Poem round. The 2-day festival will see a total of 12 amazing rock and metal

30 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com

bands setting the Kaserne stage alight, and the organizers have some tensive record collection. He tried out several instruments, including special treats in store. As part of the third edition, the Basel cult festi- drums, piano, mouth-organ, and clarinet, before he was even 10 years val will present a unique rock-art exhibition and promises to surprise old. But when he started playing the saxophone at age 16, there was no visitors with some new features and attractions. The confirmed bands turning back. In 1976 he moved to New York, where he got a 6-week gig include Tryptikon, Reverend Beat-Man and The New Wave, Krane, and through Roy Eldridge, who also helped him work with Hank Jones. Ham- Total Annihilation. Visit their website for a complete list of the bands ilton admired Eldridge as a mentor who could be extremely critical— and to listen to teaser clips of their music. Audiences can look forward something Hamilton always appreciated. In 1977, Hamilton founded his to newcomers and cult bands at the Rossstall 1 & 2 at Kaserne. Doors own quartet. He made recordings with Woody Herman, Gerry Mulligan, open at 18:00; tickets can be purchased at the evening box office or Warren Vaché, and others. He was based in London for a few years, but through Starticket for CHF 20, with a CHF 5 discount for holders of the now travels the world from his base in Italy. With the powerful and in- STUcard, Colourkey, and Kulturlegi. imitable sonorous sound from his tenor saxophone, but also through his www.kaserne-basel.ch sensitive and extremely melodious swinging play, he always enchants and delights his followers. The Scott Hamilton quartet, including André Weiss on piano, Joel Locher on bass, and Patrick Manzecchi on drums Arc-en-Ciel Concert will be playing at the Q4 jazz club (lower level of Hotel Schützen) in May 12 Rheinfelden, only a short walk from the Rheinfelden train station. Public The Arc-en-Ciel concerts take place in various cultural venues in the car parking is available in front of the hotel. Tickets are CHF 45 for adults Basel region and create connections between the audience and the and CHF 10 for students (with I.D.); reserve them at [email protected] Sinfonieorchester Basel. All are welcome to enjoy the music as well as or for dinner and concert at 061-836-2525. to stay for a small social gathering after the concert and enjoy a drink www.jazzclubq4.ch while getting to know the musicians. This month's concert will take place at the Pfarreiheim Oberwil at 19:30, and members of the Sinfo- nieorchester Basel will be playing works by Brahms and Dvorˇák. Ad- mission is free, but they ask you to sign up on the orchestra’s website. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch

Chancha Via Circuito May 13 Traditional Latin American folklore meets contemporary electronica: The Argentine trio Chancha Via Circuito belongs to a new generation of South American musicians who blend ethnic sounds with electronic beats. Chancha Via Circuito is the project of producer Pedro Canale, who started with digital cumbia in 2005 and discovered new worlds of sound and experimented while journeying through South America. Ar- gentine folklore and Columbian or Peruvian cumbia are combined with electronica, acoustic instruments, and vocals to create a brand-new sound. Chancha Via Circuito will be supported by the Basel band Soni- do Resistencia at the Rossstall 1 of the Kaserne; tickets can be purchased at the evening box office or through Starticket for CHF 18, with a CHF 5 discount for holders of the STUcard, Colourkey, and Kulturlegi. The Threepenny Opera www.kaserne-basel.ch May 11 and 13

Scott Hamilton Quartet “See the shark with teeth like razors. All can read his open face.” With the legendary “Ballad of Mac the Knife” and 21 other songs, the May 14 “Die Dreigroschenoper” (The Threepenny Opera) started a new American saxophonist Scott Hamilton became well acquainted with jazz genre of musical theater. Written for 22 instruments played by a and the great jazz legends from early childhood through his father’s ex- 9-piece salon orchestra, and sung by actors, the music combines elements from tango, jazz, and fairground music. Kurt Weill created a musical language that used the tools of entertainment to practice social criticism. Bertolt Brecht’s dashing adaptation of the “Beggar’s Opera” contrasts two prototypes of a capitalist order—Macheath, known as Mac the Knife, the charismatic boss of a London gangster organization, and Jonathan Peachum, proprietor of the company The Beggar’s Friend. According to Brecht, “The bourgeoisie’s liking for robbers is based on an error: that a robber is not a bourgeois. This error has spawned a further error: that a bourgeois is not a robber.” We watch “the beggars begging, the thieves thieving, and the whores whoring.” Brecht demonstrates the criminal nature of bourgeois society and the urgent need for it to change. This cross-art- form collaboration produced by the theater and opera departments of Theater Basel will be bringing this musical theater to the Grosse Bühne of Theater Basel; tickets are CHF 67–137 for adults and CHF 36–71 for youths. www.theater-basel.ch

photo credits: © patricia de gorostarzu (eric bibb); © robert douglass (opera band); © scott hamilton; © sandra then (threepenny opera) May 2018 31

Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Ryan McGarvey Freeman and Känzig share the passion for the gravitational center of May 15 the jazz tradition, albeit under the condition of its changeability, and although they have the ability for strong grooves they prefer the me- Ryan McGarvey is a star on the rise. In just the past few years he was lodic. “The Arrival” is the first CD of this magical duo, which can be selected by Eric Clapton from more than 4,000 artists worldwide to understood as an arrival into an intimate room as well as in the center perform at his 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, and was of jazz—jazz in the present tense. In their transatlantic dialogue, Free- chosen in the Guitar Player Magazine’s annual readers’ choice award man and Känzig mainly deal with each other’s own compositions and for “Best New Talent” in 2013. 2014 proved to be another epic year for common findings. After long careers, the two are at a point where they McGarvey as he was voted the winner of “Best Guitarist” in the Euro- no longer have to prove anything to anyone. Their joint venture ex- pean Blues Awards. McGarvey is constantly on tour internationally and presses a nice freedom and voluntariness, invigorating this music be- records whenever time permits. His incendiary, yet dynamic guitar yond all fashions and trends in every moment. There is a lot of space playing leaves crowds around the world marveling and wanting more. and room to breathe, both for the musicians and for the listener. Free- With strong songs, award-winning vocals, fierce guitar playing, an un- man and Känzig will be playing at the Dorfkirche in Riehen under the stoppable work ethic, and an undying love for the blues-flavored hard theme “Jazz in Church—The Art of Duo.” Tickets for this concert are rock he pours from his soul, McGarvey has been compared to the best CHF 20–49 and can be purchased through www.starticket.ch. in the business. Although already a seasoned professional, McGarvey has a bright future ahead of him that has only just begun. Catch him at www.offbeat-concert.ch the Z7 in Pratteln; the concert starts at 20:00 (doors open at 19:00), and tickets are CHF 35. Symphony Concert—Alpensinfonie www.z-7.ch May 16 and 17 The Sinfonieorchester Basel’s concert focuses on Richard Strauss’ “Al- Concert—Cosmosholliger pensinfonie.” At age 15, Strauss went on a hike in the foothills of the May 16 Bavarian Alps, setting out before dawn so that he could watch the sun- Founded around the turn of the millennium, the Swiss Chamber Solo- rise from one of the peaks. On the way down, however, he was caught ists is a chamber ensemble that brings together leading performers in a thunderstorm, and it took him until evening to reach a farm where from all over Switzerland, along with acclaimed guest artists from he could spend the night. The next day he improvised a piano piece abroad, to perform sophisticated programs of chamber music. This about his experience with, as he said, “gigantic tone painting and other “Cosmosholliger” concert will feature works by Heinz Holliger, Rudolf Wagnerian frippery,” initially planning for a four-movement work enti- Kelterborn, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Jan Dismas Zelenka. The tled “The Antichrist, an Alpine Symphony.” The second piece of the eve- concert will be held at the Gare du Nord, located on the left side of the ning, Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra “DoReMi” by Péter Eöt- Badischer Bahnhof in Basel, starting at 20:00. Tickets costs CHF 35 for vös, which is dedicated to the violinist Midori, is also about migration in adults, CHF 10 for students or holders of the Colourkey, and can be the broadest sense of the term. To this Hungarian composer, do, re, purchased through www.garedunord.ch. and mi, the first three notes of the familiar tonic sol-fa, are not just a www.swisschamberconcerts.ch pun on the soloist’s name, they also represent the musical distinction between West and East. Western European melodies generally end on do, whereas in Eastern Europe they end on mi. Eötvös has composed a Chico Freeman & Heiri Känzig—“The Arrival” piece that moves between these two spheres. The concert with the Sin- May 16 fonieorchester Basel and Midori begins at 19:30 and will be held at the Chicago saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, eminent improviser, and com- Musical Theater Basel; tickets start at CHF 50 (CHF 35 for students) poser Chico Freeman will perform together with New York-born Swiss and can be purchased online or at Bider & Tanner. double-bass virtuoso Heiri Känzig as part of the Jazzfestival Basel. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en

HAIR—The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical May 16 Even 50 years after its premiere, the legendary hippie musical has lost none of its energy. “The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” premiered in 1966 as an Off-Broadway production and is still regarded as a milestone in music theater. In “Hair,” the hippie movement of the 1960s seeks a new way of life—a society beyond war, racial segregation, and author- ity. An era under the sign of “Aquarius”—make love, not war! In the musical “Hair,” viewers not only experience a brilliant show of dance, music, and colorful costumes, but also participate in an entertaining and dramatic history lesson. The story is illustrated by more than 30 songs—an overwhelming number for musicals back then. The lyrics of James Rado and Gerome Ragni, as well as the music of Galt MacDermot have shaped the pop culture of their time, and songs like “Aquarius,” “Hair,” “Hare Krishna,” and “Let the Sunshine in” are still legendary. The musical will be performed at the Theater Spirgarten in Zürich with songs and lyrics in English (with German explanations); tickets are CHF 51.40–91.90. www.actnews.ch

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Opera—The Gambler May 21, 23, and 26 Dostoyevsky’s partly autobiographical novel about an obsessive gambler is heightened musically in Sergei Prokofiev’s opera “The Gambler.” With its relentless driving energy, Prokofiev’s composition portrays a society in the grip of a fever, putting itself at stake by renouncing all its responsibilities. Luck is conspicuous by its absence—both in gambling and in love. The plot is set in the fic- tional spa town of Roulettenburg, where appearances rule the day. A down-at-heel general is speculating on an inheritance from his wealthy great aunt in Moscow. However, instead of dying, “Ba- bulenka” arrives hale and hearty in Roulettenburg and gambles away all her money in no time. Meanwhile, the private tutor Alexei also loses a small fortune in the hope of impressing his adored Polina. But Alexei only gets more deeply addicted... The young Russian director Vasily Barkhatov returns to Basel with the Swiss premiere of “The Gambler,” which will be performed at the The- ater Basel in Russian with German and English surtitles; tickets are CHF 67–137 for adults and CHF 36–71 for youths. www.theater-basel.ch

Anniversary Wine Tasting at Mövenpick sky’s opera is a narrative allegory about true values beyond fame and May 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 wealth. Featuring colorful figures—such as the bearded lady Baba the Turk, a fairground sensation—the opera paints a vivid picture of a society Experience the wines from their current flyer at the Mövenpick Wein- in danger of losing its moral compass. The opera will be performed at the keller (Haltingerstrasse 101) in Basel and take the unique opportunity Theater Basel in English with German and English surtitles; tickets are to taste numerous wines for free and discover your very own favorites. CHF 30–102 for adults and CHF 22 for students. They are happy to assist you at any time in English and give you expert advice. Wines are open for tasting on Thursdays and Fridays until 20:00, www.theater-basel.ch as well as on Saturdays until 16:00; no registration necessary. www.moevenpick-wein.com Jimmy Cliff May 22 English Comedy—Omid Djalili Next to Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff is probably the world’s most important May 18 reggae artist. He never rested on his laurels and experimented again The International Comedy Club will be welcoming U.K. and Iranian co- and again with soul, samba, rock, and pop. The song “The Harder They median Omid Djalili to the stage in a one-man comedy show called Come” (1972), as well as the eponymous album and movie, made Cliff “Schmuck for a Night.” As a stand-up and acclaimed actor, Djalili’s immortal, and with songs like “You Can Get it if You Really Want,” “Sit- credits range from Hollywood movies and television to live productions ting in Limbo,” and “Many Rivers to Cross,” he wrote music history. Cliff on the West End stage. He has appeared on TV in the U.K. and United was first and foremost a great songwriter, as Bob Dylan confirmed States and has starred in films such as the Golden Globe- and Oscar- when he said that Cliff’s antiwar song “Vietnam” was the best protest nominated “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” “Mr Nice,” “Gladiator,” Sex and song he’d ever heard. Cliff is probably best known for his cover of the the City 2,” “The Mummy,” and “The Infidel.” In addition to his work in song “I Can See Clearly Now,” recorded in 1993 for the movie “Cool films, theater, documentaries, and TV series, he is also a stand-up co- Runnings.” The “King of Reggae” turns 70 years old this year and on median who has won rave reviews. As a part of his “Schmuck for a May 22, he will play his only concert in Switzerland before the summer

Night” European tour 2018, he will be performing one night at the festivals at the Volkshaus in Zürich; tickets are CHF 76.90–111.90. RhyPark in Basel at 20:00; doors open at 19:30 and tickets are CHF 65. www.ticketcorner.ch www.internationalcomedyclub.ch

Opera—The Rake’s Progress Join local artist Natalie Corman for an May 18, 22, 24, 27, and 30 Open Atelier and Exhibit The American director Lydia Steier, whose production of Karlheinz Stock- Sunday, May 6th, 10:00–17:00 hausen’s “Donnerstag aus ‘Licht’” at Theater Basel proved to be a sensa- Kornfeldstrasse 14, 4125 Riehen (Tram 6) tion and was voted “Production of the Year 2016” in the annual critics‘ poll in Opernwelt (Opera World) magazine, now tackles another milestone of 20th century music theater in Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress.” In contrast to the avant-garde works of his earlier creative periods, in “The Rake’s Progress” Stravinsky reaches back to the musical language of the 18th century. The opera follows the career trajectory of the spendthrift Tom Rakewell, who strives for riches and a life of luxury with no regard for the consequences. Seduced by the Devil, Tom abandons the faithfully devoted Anne Trulove to embark on a meteoric rise and even faster fall— ending in a psychiatric ward. Inspired by the series “A Rake’s Progress” by the British painter and engraver William Hogarth (1697–1764), Stravin- www.corman.ch photo credits: © frank serr (hair); © priska ketterer (the gambler) May 2018 33

Entertainment:Sports and Recreation Night on the Town (continued)

Philipp Fankhauser—“I’ll Be Around” Tour imagination, wit, and cunning, so that they can’t stop being amazed and May 24 laughing. There is always something completely unexpected going on in this non-verbal physical comedy that is sure to please the whole family. In his new tour, blues guitarist Philipp Fankhauser presents a mature and Sympathetic, they flirt with the audience as they outsmart themselves. very relaxed testament to good, old handcraft as well as to his endlessly Don’t miss this precise, fast-moving, and immensely funny show at Das talented band—somewhat retro, but also modern and up to date. Zelt at the Rosentalanlage; tickets are CHF 28–58; kids pay half price. Fankhauser recorded and toured Europe with Margie Evans in the late 1980s. Blues legend Johnny Copeland took him under his wings in the www.daszelt.ch early 1990s and toured with him for three years. Multiple Grammy winner Dennis Walker produced four albums that reached gold and platinum sta- Dance Night tus in Switzerland with him between 1995 and 2010 and wrote many suc- May 26 cessful songs for Fankhauser, including “Try my Love.” In December 2017, Fankhauser released his 15th album, “I’ll Be Around—The Malaco Ses- “Tanznacht40” dance parties are for those who have at least 40 years sions,” an authentic piece of work. Fankhauser will be performing in Das under their belts. The event will take place at Halle 7 (Dornacherstras- Zelt at the Rosentalanlage at 20:00; tickets are CHF 48–68. se 192, Basel) with DJ Fosi and will run from 21:00–03:00. Friends, couples, and singles are welcome; admission is CHF 15. www.daszelt.ch www.tanznacht40.ch

Concert—Kontraste May 26 and 27 Neues Orchester Basel has been promoting talented young local musicians for 35 years. This concert entitled “Kontraste” will be an homage to the contrasts that shape our lives, our perceptions, and our personalities. They will be playing Gioacchino Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri” overture, Arvo Pärt’s “Mirror in the Mirror,” Igor Stravinsky’s “Pulci- nella” ballet suite, and Wolfgang Amadé Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter.” There will be two concerts: one at the Reformierte Kirche Arlesheim (Stollenrain 20) on May 26 at 19:30, and one at the Elisa- bethenkirche in Basel on May 27 at 17:00. Tickets are CHF 20–55 for adults and free for anyone under age 18; they can be purchased at Bid- er & Tanner or online through www.ticketino.com. www.neuesorchesterbasel.ch

Jeudi Cirque (Circus Thursday) James Carter’s Electric Outlet May 24 May 28 Set up at the Dreispitz, Station Circus features various circus acts Saxophonist James Carter will be presenting audiences with James throughout the year. Jeudi Cirque is circus on a high level that performs Carter’s Electric Outlet, a new configuration with whom he has found a on one Thursday evening per month. Local and international artists per- new groove to explore. Shifting his sax into a keen array of electronics form excerpts of their latest programs for the enjoyment of their audi- and pedals just might be the perfect outlet for Carter to tap into that ence. The show will start at 20:00, and the circus bar is open before and “frustrated guitarist” that he often describes himself to be. An excel- after the show to enhance the circus ambience. Tickets are CHF 25, lent selection of tunes from Eddie Harris, Gene Ammons, Al Jarreau, CHF 18 for students, and can be purchased through www.starticket.ch. Stevie Wonder, Minnie Ripperton, and others provides Carter’s Electric Outlet with the impetus to sizzle, slide, and pop. Adding energy to the www.stationcircus.ch group are fellow Detroit artists, Gerard Gibbs on electronic keyboards, Ralphe Armstrong on electric bass, and Alex White on drums. In many Schweizer Weintage ’18 (Swiss Wine Days 2018) ways, weaving together divergent impulses is at the heart of Carter’s May 24 and 25 music. Like the late tenor-sax titan Ben Webster, he is given to furious, high-velocity solos, but is just as likely to wax sentimentally, using his The Markthalle will be the location to taste, discover, and learn more big, bruising tone to tenderly caress a comely melody. Be sure to catch about the Swiss wine industry and exciting developments in Swiss vine- James Carter’s Electric Outlet at the Q4 jazz club (lower level of Hotel yards. The Schweizer Weintage will be coming back for the 5th year for Schützen) in Rheinfelden, only a short walk from the Rheinfelden train 2 days during which visitors can taste wines in a serene setting directly station. Public car parking is available in front of the hotel. Tickets are from 39 winegrowers from all 6 wine regions of Switzerland. You can CHF 45 for adults and CHF 10 for students (with I.D.); reserve them at enjoy the wine on its own or paired with culinary delicacies from one of [email protected] or for dinner and concert at 061-836-2525. the various food stands on site. This event will be held from 17:00–21:00 on both Thursday and Friday; entrance costs CHF 10. www.jazzclubq4.ch http://altemarkthalle.ch/events/ Roger Waters May 28 & 29 Starbugs Comedy—Jump! With this tour, Roger Waters once again confirms his outstanding, sus- May 25 tained role in the history of rock music and as the creator of unsur- This trio, the most successful Swiss comedy show, have dazzled audi- passed, memorable presentations. The founder and visionary of Pink ences from New York to Tokyo with a unique blend of dance, acrobatics, Floyd is one of the most successful artists of all time with more than and non-verbal comedy. In their new show entitled “Jump,” Starbugs 250 million albums sold. The “Us + Them” tour is the last chance to Comedy leave the well-known spheres behind with their captivating, experience the Pink Floyd classics live and authentically. Waters pres- amazing dynamics. The three cool guys draw their audience in with ents the ultimate masterpieces of Pink Floyd in an epic show that rede-

34 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com

fines audiovisual standards. The tour, which focuses on the creative fifth concert of the season is entitled “Magnetsturm” (Magnet storm). genius of Pink Floyd, finally comes to Switzerland, with groundbreak- They will perform select pieces from George Crumb’s “Macrocosm,” a ing songs from the four Pink-Floyd classics “Dark Side of the Moon,” series of fantasy pieces on the zodiac. Two other works performed on “The Wall,” “Animals” and “Wish You Were Here.” Waters will also play this evening include Leo Arcangelo Corelli’s “Follia” and Terry Riley’s titles from his latest CD, “Is This the Life You Really Want?”, which led “In C”—a work that is considered the first minimal composition, con- the charts in Switzerland. A second concert at the Hallenstadion in sisting of 53 short, numbered musical phrases with a detailed instruc- Zürich had to be added to accommodate the incredible demand for tion from the composer that each phrase can be repeated as often as tickets, which start at CHF 141.90. desired by the musician himself. Finally, they will be performing the www.ticketcorner.ch world premiere of a commissioned work by Thomas Demenga, who has demonstrated his interest in stellar constellations with his earlier piece, “Coniunctio.” The concert will take place at the Gare du Nord, Concert—Magnetsturm located on the left side of the Badischer Bahnhof in Basel, at 20:00. May 31 Tickets costs CHF 35 for adults, CHF 20 for students, and can be pur- Camerata Variabile is a Basel-based ensemble that consists of inter- chased through www.garedunord.ch. national musicians who dedicate themselves to chamber music. Their http://camerata-variabile.ch/konzert5.html

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- with an emphasis on German & English, Section Elémentaire Quartier Gellert - and an opening to the outside world Engelgasse 103 - 4052 Basel via cultural, artistic, musical and sportive Tel. +41 61 311 07 30 activities. Section Maternelle et Crèche Site du Gundeldinger Feld Dornacherstrasse 192 - 4053 Basel 2 locations in Basel city Tel. +41 61 271 75 72 www.efdb.ch

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SOLA Basel Relay Race June 2 Zoo Night June 20 SlowUp Alsace June 3 B2RUN (Swiss Company Run) June 22 Circus Knie June 7–20 Guided Nature Walking Tours in Villars June 22–24 Imagine Festival June 8 & 9 Basel for Newcomers Tour June 23 Watersports Day on the Rhein June 10 Summerblues in Basel June 29 Art Basel June 14–17 Wake Up and Run June 29

Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! Who Where When Tickets Katy Perry Hallenstadion, Zürich June 1 www.ticketcorner.ch John Cleese—Last Time to See Me Before I Die Theater 11, Zürich June 10 www.goodnews.ch Nickelback Hallenstadion, Zürich June 12 www.ticketcorner.ch Foo Fighters Stade de Suisse, Bern June 13 www.ticketcorner.ch Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson Volkshaus, Zürich June 14 www.ticketcorner.ch Kris Kristofferson Musical theater Basel June 17 www.ticketcorner.ch Bryan Adams Hallenstadion, Zürich June 20 www.ticketcorner.ch Jeff Beck Tour 2018 Z7, Pratteln June 21 www.abc-production.ch Rock the Ring (Simple Minds, Uriah Heep, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and more) Autobahnkreisel, Hinwil June 22 www.rockthering.ch Rock the Ring (Santana, UB40, Level 42, Nazareth, and more) Autobahnkreisel, Hinwil June 23 www.rockthering.ch Lenny Kravitz—Raise Vibration Tour 2018 Hallenstadion, Zürich June 27 www.abc-production.ch Billy Idol Hallenstadion, Zürich July 6 www.abc-production.ch Ed Sheeran Letzigrund Stadion, Zürich August 3 & 4 www.ticketcorner.ch Justin Timberlake Hallenstadion, Zürich August 16 www.ticketcorner.ch Cirque du Soleil—TOTEM Grand Chapiteau, Zürich September 5 – October 14 www.ticketcorner.ch Grease—Das Musical Musical Theater, Basel September 18–23 www.ticketcorner.ch Brit Floyd—The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show Musical Theater, Basel November 1 www.ticketcorner.ch Let it Be Musical Theater, Basel November 6–11 www.ticketcorner.ch Cro Samsung Hall, Zürich November 22 www.starticket.ch The Simon & Garfunkel Story Musical Theater, Basel December 4 www.ticketcorner.ch Jethro Tull Samsung Hall, Zürich December 8 www.ticketcorner.ch