> INSIDE: YOUNG STAGE CIRCUS • BREAST CANCER SCREENING • AUGUSTA RAURICA • BASEL’S MARKETS

Volume 3 Issue 8 CHF 5/€5

A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel May 2015

Basel’s Basilisk The Story Behind the Myth... LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Basel Life Readers: With the temperature heating up in Basel, you may try to cool down with a sip at one of Basel’s many drinking fountains—only to notice a threatening-look- May 2015 Volume 3 Issue 8 ing bird-like creature staring down at you. In this month’s issue of Basel Life Magazine, you can learn all about these Basilisks, Basel’s mythical beasts. TABLE OF CONTENTS Culture knows no bounds this month in Basel. In addition to the usual plethora of shows and music concerts of all kinds—from jazz and blues to pop and clas- Events in Basel: May 2015 4-8 sic rock—Basel welcomes the Bildrausch Film Festival, the Videocity.ch art fair, and Fantasy Basel for fantasy freaks, digital geeks, and game addicts. Also, many of Basel’s museums will be featuring special activities and attractions in Basel Traditions: Basel’s Basilisks 9 association with International Museums’ Day, in addition to their usual wealth of permanent and temporary exhibits. Fun Outings: Beyond Basel 10-11 May also brings an abundance of attractions suitable for the whole family, from a horse-and-buggy competition and a classic car fair to various circuses, pup- pet and children’s theaters, Sunday matinées, family concerts, magic and clown Markets and Fairs 12-13 shows, family musicals, and a sheep-shearing event. Also be sure to check out the full list of workshops, tours, and activities offered at the Roman ruins of Augusta Raurica this season. Special Report: Augusta Raurica 14-15 If the warmth of spring entices you to spend your time outdoors, there are many options. You can enjoy a lazy day at one of Basel’s outdoor swimming pools, take a day-long family bike ride, challenge yourself with an evening bike race, join Calendar: May 2015 16-17 a field hockey or cricket club, sign up for the annual three-country run, or go white-water rafting just minutes from Basel. Workshops, Tours, and Education 18-21 For those who are looking to get out of Basel for the day we also offer numer- ous suggestions. In May, you’ll have a chance to get to know some of the local wineries, go back in time with a visit to a Medieval Festival, or experience the Sports and Recreation 22-25 magical atmosphere of a night visit to one of Alsace’s most spectacular castles. A bit further afield, you can soak in the colorful sights and smells of spring on Mainau Island in Lake Constance, one of Germany’s most beautiful attractions. Information Desk: Breast Cancer Screening 26 Spring also marks the start of market season, and Basel has no shortage of regular markets to buy local fresh produce or find that special antique lamp. So why not clip out our overview of Basel’s great markets to refer to all year? Fi- Swissness in a Nutshell: Punctuality 27 nally, flip to our Information Desk to learn about Basel’s breast cancer screen- ing program and how you can participate. Entertainment: Night on the Town 28-31 Warmest wishes for fun-filled days, Christine Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! 31 Christine Pesold Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Mark Your Calendar: June 2015 back page

COVER: When most people hear the word “basilisk,” they think of the mythological Basel Life Magazine Staff: creature. But there are actually real-life basilisks, and if you are lucky, you can spot Editor-in-Chief: one right here in Basel, in the tropical building of Basel University’s botanical gar- Christine Pesold den! The plumed basilisk—also known as green basilisk, double-crested basilisk, Jesus Christ lizard, and scientifically Advertising & Subscription Manager / Editor: as Basiliscus plumifrons—is a lizard Susanne Hiller native to Central America. They are Art Director: bright green in color with blueish Jon Hoefer spots on the back and typically reach about 80 cm in length (most of it tail). Graphic Designer: The name derives from the crests, Tammy Demelier of which males have three on their head, back, and tail, whereas the For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: females only have one on the head. [email protected] So if you happen to visit the botani- www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine cal garden, see if you can spot their www.basellife.com basilisk among the foliage!

BASEL LIFE MAGAZINE / BASEL FAMILY GmbH © Copyright 2015. 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: [email protected].

2 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © susanne hiller (cover), © bruno erny May 2015 3 Events in Basel: May 2015

Opium Frank Stella Exhibit Until January 24, 2016 May 9 – August 30 The Museum der Kulturen Basel is hosting an exhibition about The Museum für Gegenwartskunst (Museum of Contemporary Art) in the history of opium, from its cultivation and trade to the tools and Basel will be featuring an exhibit on the works of American painter objects for the production and consumption of the drug. Cultic Frank Stella. In 1958, then barely over 20 years old, he conceived his symbol, popular drug of intoxication, source of inspiration for poets striped paintings, taking abstraction in art to a new level of radical- and writers, reason for war, brown fairy, Holy Smoke, Satan’s plant, ism. A year later, his stripe paintings in black caused a sensation in poison—opium has been awarded many attributes and names. The New York. Stella not only reduced the palette to a minimum, he also experience of opium intoxication is also addressed, as described in eschewed any hint of spatial depth and undid the distinction between the literature by opium consumers. The exhibition illustrates how figure and ground. His art avoided any illusionism and emphasized perceptions and opinions of this sticky brown mass have changed the flatness of the canvas and its object-like qualities. In 1960, Stella over time and shows opium in its many dimensions—repulsive, fear- started to turn his paintings into geometric objects in earnest, paint- inducing, mythical, fictional, poetic, fascinating, and inspiring. There ing stripes on U- or V-shaped canvases; his palette remained very are a number of German-language talks and tours related to the restrained. Over the 10 years that followed, these spectacular shaped exhibit; for a complete list, visit their website. canvases with their minimalism evolved into colorful geometric con- www.mkb.ch stellations constructed using a compass, which in turn gave way, in the 1970s, to collages in space made of painted aluminum. The Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) second part of this exhibition exploring Frank Stella’s early oeuvre is Zirkus Rägeboge Badischer Bahnhof. The program on this Sunday is “Frühlungsser- May 7-10 dedicated to the so-called working drawings, ostensibly casual drafts on pieces of notepaper or stationery. Spontaneous sketches visualize Until May 3 enade Nr.1” (Spring Serenade No.1) by Johannes Brahms. These On these four days, Basel will be transformed into one large dance Sunday matinées start at 11:00 and form a thematic link to the sym- nascent pictorial ideas that he elaborates on in several different ver- The young talents at Basel’s circus school, Zirkus Rägeboge, are party. The Tanzfest starts on Thursday evening at the Roxy in Birs- phony concerts that take place the following week at the Stadt-Casino sions. Lists of potential titles appear next to schematic layouts that cordially inviting all spectators to watch their latest program “Räge- felden. The party takes to the streets on Friday starting at 16:00 on the Basel. Free childcare is provided during the concert; however, you note the paints to be used in the realization on canvas. The drawings bogestadt” at Querfeldhalle in the Gundeldingerfeld, at Dornacher- Freie Strasse. There will be indoor and outdoor events, dances, per- must register your child for this option at least one week before the thus offer illuminating insight into Stella’s creative method. strasse 192 in Basel. Entrance costs CHF 15 for adults and CHF 9 for formances, discussions, and workshops from Friday to Sunday. For a event at 061-683-1313. Complete your Sunday matinée with a brunch www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch kids—visit their website for a list of show times. complete list of times and locations for the various events check out afterwards at the Bar du Nord. Tickets for the concert are CHF 30 for the program on the official site. As this is a Switzerland-wide event, www.zirkusschulebasel.ch/ZSB1/kalender adults, CHF 8 for kids, and free for kids under 6; discounts with the be sure to select the location Basel. Familienpass. Mother’s Day Matinée Concert www.dastanzfest.ch May 10 Welcome Kids! www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch Treat mom to a Mother’s Day matinée at the Stadt-Casino in May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 Paul Gauguin in the Evening Basel. Mezzo-soprano Romina Tomasoni, under the direction of The Brasserie No. 2 at the Volkshaus Basel will be giving parents May 8 Simon Gaudenz, will be performing pieces by Respighi, Mozart, and a needed break on several Saturday afternoons from 12:00-16:00. Haydn. Concert will be in the Musiksaal at 11:00; tickets are CHF 46- This spring, the Fondation Beyeler is hosting a dazzling exhibit of Whether you want to have lunch, enjoy a glass of wine, read a news- 63 (free for children under 12) and can be purchased online. paper, have a conversation with friends, or enjoy the Jazz Brunch works by French artist Paul Gauguin, one of the most fascinating www.konzerte-basel.ch (May 30 only), your kids will be actively minded with a variety of artists in history. There are around 50 masterpieces on exhibit, on activities, including painting, arts and crafts, drawing, and knitting. loan from museums and private collectors from around the world, Call 061-690-9310 to reserve a table. making this exhibit one of the great European cultural highlights of 2015. To accommodate the expected record numbers of visitors, they http://volkshaus-basel.ch will be extending the museum hours until 21:00 on this day. They are expecting long lines at the ticket counter, so it may be best to buy your Children’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin tickets in advance online. Entrance is free for those up to age 25. Sheep-Shearing Event May 2-31 www.fondationbeyeler.ch May 6 The Basler Kindertheater is pre- At this annual event at Lange Erlen Tierpark you can watch the senting Jonas Göttin’s retelling of shearing of a special kind of sheep from the Wallis region of Switz- Horse-and-Buggy Competition the classic Brother Grimm’s fairy erland from 15:00-16:30. The wool of these animals has a special May 8-10 tale, “Rumpelstiltskin.” A miller texture, length, and reddish color and is used not only for regular wants his daughter to marry the For the fifth time in Basel, interested spectators will be privy to a clothing, but particularly for making special garments for patients king and promises that she can tournament reliving an art of years gone by—a horse and buggy event with rheumatoid arthritis. spin straw into gold. She manages (Fahrturnier Schänzli). In this equestrian sport, which can only be de- the task with the help of an odd www.erlen-verein.ch/aktuell/index.php scribed as driving with a coach, participants will compete in various categories with either one to four horses in different configurations little man, whose name she must DAS ZELT (The Tent) guess to keep her first-born child. (in a row, in tandem, random, or in a one/two configuration) pulling Puppet Theater—Schiff Ahoi May 15-31 Given his odd name, how does the coach. Entries will be judged she manage? The presentations will be every Wednesday, Saturday, May 6 on dressage, style, clothing, DAS ZELT—Chapiteau PostFinance is a movable show tent, similar to and Sunday, except during school holidays. This version, presented in The Basler Marionettentheater will be presenting a play about friend- traditional construction, finish- the one used by Cirque du Soleil, which travels around Switzerland Basel dialect, will enchant the whole family and is suitable for kids ship. The storyteller Lise tells how her brother Jens finds a message ing and comfort of the carriage, all year, stopping for one to two weeks in each major city. They pres- ages 4 and up. Tickets are CHF 15 for kids, CHF 20 for adults; CHF 9 in a bottle and then sets out to find the treasure. But what does he training (e.g., ability to park and ent a variety of shows and concerts, with a different lineup in each and CHF 13 for Familienpass holders. return with? Kids will be fascinated by this theater piece that includes reverse), obstacle course, and city. DAS ZELT will be set up at the Rosentalanlage near the Messe a derby. Located just behind Basel during the latter half of May, presenting various shows, includ- www.baslerkindertheater.ch the sea, a sailboat, a seagull, an Ocean Fairy, as well as an evil and a loving sea monster. Families with kids starting at age 5 can enjoy this St.Jakob Sporthalle, the tourna- ing Young Stage (May 16-19), Dîner Spectacle (May 20), Zauberduolino magical story and the lost art of large-marionette theater. The show ment grounds can be reached by (May 24), Clown Dimitri (May 26), Comedy Club 15—Kabarett, Parodie Sunday Matinée Concert—Promenade starts at 15:00, lasts 50 minutes (no intermission), and is in Basel a short walk from the number 14 & Musik (May 27), Rock Circus (May 29), Philipp Fankhauser (May 30), May 3 dialect. Tickets can be purchase online, at Bider & Tanner, or at the tram (stop St.Jakob), or you can and many more. Visit their website for details on the shows that will theater box office. park in the St.Jakob parkhaus. be presented in Basel and neighboring cities. “Promenades” is a new chamber-music series that is a collabora- tion between the Sinfonieorchester Basel and Gare du Nord, at the http://bmtheater.ch www.fahrturnier-schaenzli.ch www.daszelt.ch

4 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © mkb, derek li wan po (photo), © philippe weissbrodt (dance), © fahrturnier schaenzli, © das zelt May 2015 5 Events in Basel: May 2015 (continued)

Young Stage Circus Festival Basel Family Concert May 16-19 May 23 The Young Stage festival is an international circus festival that offers As part of the mini.musik series, the Sinfonieorchester Basel pres- young professional artists from all over the world a platform to pres- ents “Bei der Feuerwehr” (At the Fire Station). A tree on the road ent their work to the public, to experts, and to a professional jury, needs to be cleared away, a cat needs help getting down from a tree, showing them what “contemporary circus” means. This year, festival a hornet’s nest must be removed—call 118! Ding-a-ling, the firefight- organizers received 291 applications by artists from 47 nations, from ers are rushing to the fire, blue lights blaring, rolling out their fire which they selected the best 14 acts with a total of 25 artists from hoses. All of these ideas will be playfully represented by the trumpet, 15 countries, including such countries as Belgium, Brazil, Colum- horn, trombone, and tuba playing the music of Bach, Albinoni, Hol- bia, Greece, Japan, Monaco, and Uruguay. They will proudly present a borne, and Bernstein. This concert series offers musical and playful variety of acrobatic, balance, and juggling acts, including such disci- productions for kids ages 4 and up. Children can really feel involved in Clown Dimitri plines as handstand dance, flying pole, teeterboard, aerial straps, and what is happening and will also get a chance to try the instruments at German wheel. The young artists perform their acts in each of the the end of the concert. Concert starts at 16:00 at the Grosser Festsaal May 26 five shows: the Saturday-night premiere, a matinee and a late-after- of the Stadt-Casino. Tickets can be purchased online or at Bider & Dimitri is a Swiss clown of few words who charms his audience with noon show on Sunday, a show on Monday night during which they are Tanner and cost CHF 20.80 for adults and CHF 10.60 for kids; families his theatrical, acrobatic, and musical numbers. At 80 years of age, judged by a large panel of judges and recruiters, and the final show on with 2 adults and 2 kids pay CHF 51.40, plus CHF 7.60 for each Clown Dimitri is still considered one of the world’s best clowns who Tuesday evening that ends with the presentation of the awards. There additional child. not only makes his public laugh, but with his poetic mind and gener- are monetary prizes as well as engagements in well-known circuses www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch ous heart, also deeply touches his audience. This very special show and variety- and TV-shows, generating many international contacts entitled “Die Highlights aus 55 Jahren” (The highlights of the past 55 to agents, show producers, and circus directors. The festival is the years) will consist of excerpts from three of his best shows: “Porteur,” “Swiss springboard” to a successful artistic career. Visit their official Der Zauberlehrling—Das Familienmusical “Theatro,” and “Ritratto.” Clown Dimitri will be performing at 20:00 website to learn more or to book your tickets online. Note that kids May 24 in DAS ZELT (the tent set up at the Rosentalanlage near the Messe get reduced-price tickets, but only when booking over the phone on Basel). The show starts at 20:00; tickets range from CHF 40.20-60.60 their ticket hotline at 0900 800 800 (CHF 1.19 minute) or in person at Something terrible has happened in the for adults and CHF 19.80-40.20 for kids. school of magic! Someone has stolen Ticketcorner locations. www.ticketcorner.ch Merlin’s spell book. The sorcerer’s ap- www.young-stage.com prentice Serafin is the prime suspect, as he is known to pull such pranks. Howev- Der Hühnerdieb (The Chicken Thief) International Museum’s Day Puppet Theater—Pinocchio er, with the help of the magical mirror, May 27-31 he finds out that the witch Pantalia is May 17 May 20 and 31 Bear, rabbit, rooster, and chickens live together in a house in the actually behind this evil deed. To prove On this day, museums around the world are inviting the public for The Basler Marionettentheater will be presenting the classic story of country. Their cozy breakfast is suddenly interrupted—a fox jumps his innocence, Serafin sets out to find International Museum’s Day, which is sponsored by the International Pinocchio, the wooden figure that comes to life one night when a fairy out of the bushes, grabs the beautiful white chicken, and runs away the witch, which takes him on an exciting adventure where he Council of Museums. This year’s theme for this special day is “Living breathes life into him. Families with kids starting at age 5 can enjoy with it! The animals think that he will eat it and give chase. But are meets gnomes, dancing brooms, a sneaky rat, and a potion brewing traditions in the museum—Yesterday Today Tomorrow.” The Interna- this magical story and the lost art of large-marionette theater. The things with the fox and the chicken really as they appear? With pup- and battles a nasty cat. This family musical is based on a book written tional Museum’s Day highlights the role of museums for a sustain- show starts at 15:00, lasts 85 minutes (including intermission), and is petry and live music, Christian Schuppli and Michael Studer tell a by Kamil Krejci and is set to music written by Adrian Stern. The show able society. This year’s theme encourages public awareness of the in Basel dialect. Tickets can be purchased online, at Bider & Tanner, humorous story about snap judgments and deceptive appearance at will take place at 11:00 in DAS ZELT (the tent set up at the Rosentalan- living traditions. There are well over 100 participating museums in or at the theater box office. the Vorstadt-Theater. This puppet theater is for kids ages 4 and up lage near the Basel Messe) and is ideal for kids ages 5 and up; tickets Switzerland, several of which are in Basel Stadt and Baselland. Go to and their caregivers, and costs CHF 10-25; reductions for families and http://bmtheater.ch range from CHF 31-36.10 for adults, and CHF 20.80-25.90 for kids. the website to get a complete list of the participating museums and matinée presentations. For tickets, simply fill out their online form the special exhibitions, tours, and other activities they are planning www.ticketcorner.ch under “Tickets” and indicate the number of tickets and the date and for this day. Videocity.bs time requested. www.museums.ch/ins-museum/museumstag/museumstag.html May 20–June 21 www.vorstadt-theater.ch Zauberduolino Basel plays an important role in Swiss video art and boasts a dynamic, prolific, and globally present video art scene. Sixteen stores, lobbies, May 24 Station Circus Bildrausch Filmfest Basel and entrance halls of businesses and cultural institutions in Basel’s This children’s magic show will please young and old alike. Winner May 27-31 May 20-28: city center will be showcasing the works of video artists from all over of the Swiss Talent Award in 2013, this dynamic duo of Dominic and Set up at the Dreispitz, Station Circus features various circus acts Switzerland. The works were chosen in such a way as to generate a Nico are among the shooting stars in the magic scene and are now Bildrausch is the name of this intimate and innovative international film throughout the year. relationship between them and their location. The images comment presenting a colorful program that is designed especially for kids, festival that will take place in the heart of Basel for the fifth year. It is a festival for discoveries, with poetry and sumptuous imagery, with May 20-24: upon the contents of the location and create visual connections with with a fascinating mix of magic, theatrical comedy routines, and fun the surroundings. Thanks to art, the familiar world of everyday life animation, where the inexplicable and non-tangible will capture the the courage for controversy, and a lot of room for meetings and dis- David Dimitri, known can be seen in a new way. At the same time, this everyday world pres- children’s imagination. The active participation of the children will be cussions. Taking place at the Stadtkino Basel and kult.kino worldwide for his ents unexpected points of friction for the pieces, lends more weight what makes the tricks succeed, and the support of the magicians’ atelier, Bildrausch will blur the boundaries between art- unique tightrope abil- to the artistic statements or enables new approaches. Life, interwo- animal assistants “Frou Wyss and house cinema and art, between filmmakers and audience. ity, will captivate the ven with the artistic imagination as reflected in the video monitors, Mr. Brun,” the world’s fastest rab- The international competition “Cutting Edge” is at the heart audience with his is integral to the reception of the works of art and thus allows new bits, and “Paul,” the mindreading of the Bildrausch Filmfestival, with about a dozen care- breathtaking, poetic, and up-to-date interpretations. Window shoppers can expect many chicken, will bring humor to this fully selected works. An international jury will award a and funny act. The surprises along their way, so take “a video walk through Basel’s city magical and poetic world. Show CHF 3,000 prize to the best film at the festival, as well as shows on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will start at 20:00, and center.” The installations can be seen from the street from 9:00- will take place at 10:00 in DAS the Bildrausch ring to its creator. Visit their website to the shows on Saturday and Sunday will start at 15:00. 24:00 daily. Visit the official website for a list of the 16 participating ZELT (the tent set up at the learn more about the films that will be presented; May 28: stores and cultural institutions and to download the folder with a map Rosentalanlage near the you can purchase tickets for individual films Jeudi Cirque is circus on a high level that performs on one Thursday to follow to view them all. Viodecity.bs is a cooperative project Basel Messe) and is ideal (CHF 17 /CHF 13), day passes (CHF 40 / CHF 30), evening per month. Local and international artists perform excerpts between Pro Innerstadt Basel and curator Andrea Domesle. The for kids ages 4 and up; tick- or festival passes (CHF 90 / CHF 70). Bring your of their latest creations to the enjoyment of their audience. The show Vernissage for videocity.bs will be held on Tuesday, May 19, at 18:30 ets range from CHF 31-36.10 own 3D glasses or purchase them on site for will start at 20:00, and the Circus Bar is open before and after the in the Restaurant unternehmen mitte in the center of Basel. The for adults, and CHF 20.80- CHF 4. show to enhance the circus ambience. exhibition is until June 21, 2015. 25.90 for kids. www.stadtkinobasel.ch www.stationcircus.ch http://videocitybs.ch www.ticketcorner.ch www.bildrausch-basel.ch

6 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © young stage, © david dimitri, © zauberduolino, © clown dimitri May 2015 7 Events in Basel: May 2015 (continued) Basel Traditions by Susanne Hiller

Jazz Concert at the Tinguely Museum will be playing works by Rossini and Schubert at 17:00. Tickets can be May 29 purchased at Bider & Tanner; kids are free. Basel’s From 16:00-18:00 on the last Friday of every month, top jazz perform- www.netzwerk-kammermusik.ch/1/Begegung-mit-Musik ers are giving concerts in the space dedicated to the current exhibi- Basilisks tion at the Tinguely Museum, providing a musical highlight and a point of focus. Roche ’n’ Jazz continues the company’s tradition of cultural When you walk through commitment and aims to encourage people to discuss and explore the streets of Basel or along the many and varied aspects of modern art and modern music in a the Rhein, you are sure to relaxed atmosphere. Concert is free with admission to the museum. come across depictions of www.tinguely.ch basilisks in various shapes and sizes. But what does Jazz Brunch the basilisk have to do with May 30 Basel? And why are there On the last Saturday of each month, the No. 2 Brasserie at Volkshaus so many basilisk fountains? Basel presents a rich breakfast from Marc Arnold’s kitchen, accom- panied by live jazz from Eric Gilson and guests. Breakfast starts at zerland and Germany, one is located in the back yard of the “Haus zum 10:30 and reservations are recommended at 061-690-9310. What Is a Basilisk? Basilisk” at Schützenmattstrasse, and one found a new home in Rip- http://volkshaus-basel.ch The basilisk is a mythological figure first mentioned by Greek philoso- pertschwand near the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne). Family Concert pher Demokrit and pictured as a hybrid with the head of a rooster car- rying a crown on its head and the body of a serpent. It is sometimes Music Concert and Children’s Workshop May 31 The Basilisk Fountains also referred to as the king of serpents, and its name actually is derived May 31 The Kammerorchester Basel (Chamber Orchestra Basel) and mem- from the Greek word for “little king.” During the Middle Ages, it was The most common way to encounter a basilisk in Basel is on one of the Begegnung mit Musik (Encounter with Music) is the name of this con- bers of the Theater Basel will be presenting Igor Stravinsky and also pictured with legs, feathers, and wings (a form also referred to as numerous “Basiliskenbrunnen” that can be found throughout the city. cert series that invites the public to enjoy a chamber music concert Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz’s “Die Geschichte vom Soldaten” (A Sol- cockatrice) and considered highly dangerous, with toxic breath and the These fountains were first designed in 1884. In contrast to earlier foun- in a cozy setting at the Museum Kleines Klingental. Each concert is dier’s Tale). The story of the soldiers, a poetic-musical dance about ability to petrify and kill its victims by simply looking at them. Accord- tains that had valves, these fountains have a constant water flow—quite accompanied by a music workshop for children and families. The chil- looking for the important things in life, will be brought to life at Acker- ing to medieval legends, basilisks hatched from eggs laid by a cock a novelty at the time, when running water was still scarce and people dren listen to the beginning of the concert, experience the sound of mannshof in Basel at 11:00. The concert is ideal for families with kids that was at least 7 years old and then brooded by a toad or serpent in a had to get their household water from public fountains. Initially, the the chamber music, and then join a workshop for a playful approach ages 12 and up; tickets are CHF 25 for adults, CHF 10 for kids, and dung heap. In fact, in Basel in 1474, an old cock was tried in a court of city had ordered a simpler version of these fountains that featured the to music and musical instruments. Ensemble Fiacorda, consisting of CHF 45 for families and can be purchased through www.reservix.de. law for laying an egg from which a basilisk might hatch—the cock was same type of water bowl and pedestal as the basilisk fountains, but had a violin, a viola, a cello, a contrabass, a clarinet, a bassoon, and a horn www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch sentenced to death and beheaded, and the egg destroyed. a simple round column from which the water spouted. (You can still find some of these older models in the city as well; for example, in the zoo Basel and the Basilisk and at Lange Erlen.) However, the citizens of Basel found the design too plain. Therefore, the city announced a competition for a new model, Despite the similarity in pronunciation, it is unlikely that the name of which was won by Wilhelm Bubeck with his basilisk design. the city has anything to do with the mythological animal. The first men- Bubeck’s design featured the decorated, cast-iron bowl on top of an tion of the city’s name dates back to 237 or 238 A.D., when Roman doc- urn-shaped pedestal that you can still see today—including the small uments mentioned a settlement called Basilea—a military fortification bowl at the bottom from which animals can drink. The basilisk sits on to prevent an invasion of Germanic tribes from the north and located the bowl’s rim, holding the city’s coat of arms and spouting water from on the hill where the Münster stands today. Nevertheless, legend has its beak. Over time, about 50 of these fountains were placed through- it that a basilisk once lived in a cave underneath the Gerberberglein in out the city (the first two on Marktplatz in 1892), of which 28 are still the center of Basel. (This legend is commemorated in an inscription by working today. The oldest one, put into service in 1896, is located at the Gerberbrunnen [fountain] on that site.) The first known illustration Totentanz in Grossbasel. Additional basilisk fountains have been given of a basilisk in Basel dates from 1448, when it was shown holding the as presents by the city of Basel to other cities, including Zürich, Neuen- city’s coat of arms. Since then, basilisks have spread throughout Basel. burg (D), Huningue (F), Vienna, and Shanghai. The most prominent ones of these were four large sculptures placed By the way, most of the fountains are atop pillars on both ends placed so that the basilisk is facing to- of the newly constructed wards the Rhein (except when this would Wettsteinbrücke in 1880. mean that the basilisk also faces a church). Each of these figures was more The most notable exception is the fountain than 3 meters high and weighed on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhein, directly more than 5 tons. When the opposite the Münster. This deviation is quite bridge had to be widened to ac- intentional, according to the IWB (Industrielle commodate the increasing traffic, Werke Basel), which maintains all the public the statues were removed from fountains in Basel. Not only does this place- their pedestals and sold to the ment avoid the basilisk facing the church— highest bidders. However, when it also makes for a much more picturesque the bridge again had to be ren- photo opportunity for tourists! ovated in 1992-1995, one of the original statues that had been relocated In addition to the fountains, basilisks are found in to Lange Erlen Park was placed on a new many contexts in Basel—in the name of a hotel, a pedestal on the Grossbasel side of the radio station, a travel agency, a hairdresser, a key bridge and now acts again as a guard- service, and a car dealership, just to name a few. ian of the bridge. The other three original And you can even see a real, live basilisk (a type of lizard) in the statues also still exist. One was brought back tropical greenhouse at the Botanical Garden of the University! to Lange Erlen after an odyssey through Swit- (And no, it is not dangerous and its look cannot petrify you.) Sources: www.baselinsider.ch; www.basilisk-basel.ch; 8 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © ralf nijholt, © basel tourismus www.altbasel.ch May 2015 9 Fun Outings: Beyond Basel

Mainau Island / Lake Constance, Germany Spring is a time for flowers, and there is no better place to experi- dens, Insel Mainau offers an arboretum, a tropical greenhouse, the ence an exorbitant variety of beautiful, colorful, and even rare flow- biggest butterfly house in Germany, a palm house that hosts a special ers than Insel Mainau, the “flowering Island” on Lake Constance (also exhibit of 3,000 orchids each spring, a castle, a 13th century baroque known as Bodensee). Having once belonged to the palace and chapel, a gallery for hosting special exhib- Order of Teutonic Knights, it later became the private its, a children’s playground, a mini garden railway, a Medieval Spectaculum® estate of grand dukes, princes, and counts, most recent- farm and petting zoo, pony rides, as well as a variety of ly the Bernadotte family that is related to the Swedish cafés and restaurants. Weil am Rhein, Germany monarchs. It now belongs to the Lennart Bernadotte- May 9 and 10 The island is open from sunrise until sunset; entrance Stiftung, a foundation created by their descendants. is € 18 for adults, € 10.50 for students (with I.D.), € 37 If you are fascinated by the Middle Ages, this festival is for you! Me- The 111-acre (45-hectare) island is home to 500 species ® for families, and free for children under 13. Allow your- dieval Spectaculum is the largest traveling medieval culture festival of deciduous and coniferous trees, many of which are self several hours to walk the whole island, so plan on in the world. They travel throughout Germany from late April to early exotic and valuable, and attracts more than a million making this a whole-day excursion. Mainau lies out- October. This year, they will set up their camp just across the border visitors each year. Starting in March, the Mainau really side of Konstanz, Germany, just off the shores of Lake in Weil am Rhein, Germany, twice—on the second weekend in May comes to life with the unforgettable sights and smells of the millions Constance, about 2 hours from Basel. If you go there by car, you can and on the first weekend in July. About 2,500 participants in up to of flowers that grace the island. Spring is the season for tulips, with park in the large parking lot (€ 4) and walk across a bridge over to the 1,000 tents, booths, and installations will transport their guests into over 100,000 tulips that bloom from March until May. This is followed island. If you want to go to by train to Konstanz, buy the Mainau combi- the imaginative world of the Middle Ages. This is a unique festival by 200 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, the blooming of 30,000 ticket, which includes train ticket, ferry ticket, and admission ticket atmosphere with a fantastic and diverse entertainment and many ar- rose bushes of 1,200 different varieties, fuchsias and other summer from the Deutsche Bahn (www.bahn.de/baden-wuerttemberg). tisans, merchants, knights, mercenaries, archers, squires, princes, flowers, and ending with the late blooming of the over 250 varieties noble ladies, servants, maids, craftsmen, traders, musicians, jesters, of dahlias in September and October. In addition to the flower gar- www.mainau.de/veranstaltungskalender.html jugglers, artists, scholars, and many more performers in medieval garb and armor, taking guests back to the 13th century. There will be stage shows, music concerts, breath-taking knight battles, fire- Banntag Open Day at Local Wine Cellars shows, a huge medieval market, and much more. For times, costs, Second week of May May 1-3 and participants, go to their (German only) website. “Banntag” is an old tradition typically celebrated in this region of Swit- Vintners from the German-speaking region of Switzerland, from Thun- www.spectaculum.de zerland on the Ascension holiday or another day in May that originally ersee to the Austrian border, are inviting all wine lovers to a special served to ensure that the borders of the community were still intact and event; the “Offene Weinkeller Deutschschweiz 2015.” On the first week- that no border markers had been moved by neighboring communities end of May, most wine cellars that belong to the “Branchenverband Night at the Haut Königsbourg Castle to “steal” some of the land. To this end, the men from the community, Deutschschweizer Wein” (association of the wine industry in German- Orschwiller, Alsace, France armed with their guns, would walk around the perimeter of the com- speaking Switzerland) are opening their doors from 11:00 to give visi- May 16 munity to check on all of the border markers. Today the Banntag has tors a real “taste” of their wines—from the Once a year, the Château du Haut Königsbourg opens its doors at become a social event for the whole community, with citizens walk- vineyards, to the production, and of course night. Starting at dusk, when the plains of the Alsace, the Vosges ing along sections of the borders in different groups and then meeting the final product. For a complete list of par- mountains, and the Black Forest disappear into darkness, the castle again for a picnic accompanied by music, a speech of the community’s ticipating wine cellars, visit their website emerges from the shadows, with strategically placed lighting care- mayor, and some updates on important events in the community. Some (www.weinbranche.ch) and select your re- fully illuminating its stone walls, sculptures, and iron details. From communities, however, still celebrate a more traditional version of the gion of interest. There are 2 such locations 19:00-01:00 (last entrance at 00:15), you can enjoy guided tours or Banntag, where only men may participate and they still may carry some in Basel Stadt and over 25 locations in Ba- a self-guided visit to the castle with tremendous views of the starry old guns that will be fired occasionally. In Liestal, Banntag will be held selland alone (www.baselbieterwein.ch). night and the Alsatian valley. Entrance is free of charge. Practical tip: on May 11 and is even an official holiday! Banntag will be celebrated on Don’t miss this opportunity to discover what The Bas-Rhin County Council is providing a free shuttle all evening May 9 in Sissach, and May 14 in Pratteln and Allschwil. So if you live in this region has to offer. long between the castle and the train station (SNCF) in Sélestat. Baselland, don’t be worried if you hear shooting on this day, there is no act of aggression involved! http://offeneweinkeller.ch www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr

10 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © dietrich varaklis, susanne hiller (mainau island), © offene weinkeller, © spectaculum May 2015 11 Markets & Fairs

Fantasy Basel FamExpo Flohmarkt auf dem Dach (Flea market on the roof) May 14-16 May 29-31 May 31 Basel is hosting Switzerland’s newest event FamExpo is a fair all about the needs of babies, kids, and families in This largest flea market and collectors’ fair in northwest Switzerland for game, movie, and comic fans. Fantasy Switzerland. From 10:00-18:00 daily, 140 exhibitors will present their will be held on the roof of the Interio in Pratteln. Here you can find an- Basel is a mixture of adventure world, exhi- products and services as well as offer loads of information, discus- tiques, appliances, crafts, stamps, camping, computers, film, photo, bition, and party that combines the spirit of sions, and a wide range of entertainment sure to please young and radio, garden, household, HiFi, video, TV, children's clothes, children's the time, lifestyle, and future. It is the place old, including concerts and pony rides. This fair will take place in the games, arts, crafts, agriculture, motorcycle clothing, musical instru- to be for fantasy freaks, digital geeks, and Eulachhalle in Winterthur; entrance costs CHF 15, kids under age 18 ments, music equipment, optical equipment, plants, collectibles, jew- game addicts! Fantasy Basel combines high are free. elry, watches, games, sports, bicycles, tools, and so much more. tech, art, design, and passion. Creative minds www.famexpo.ch www.flohmarktaufdemdach.ch and consumers can spend three days in a real and imaginary world, celebrating the fascina- tion of creativity and imagination. The fair will take place at the Messe Basel. Tickets can be Overview of Basel’s Regular Markets purchased through www.starticket.ch; day If you are looking to buy local produce and other prod- passes cost CHF 35 (CHF 25 for youths ages ucts, you will enjoy the various markets that you can 10-16), two-day passes are CHF 60, and 3-day regularly visit in Basel’s city center and some other Golden Tickets with VIP service are CHF 210. areas of the city. The list below includes the farmers’ www.fantasybasel.ch and other markets that are regularly held in Basel. To promote the sale of regional products, the organizers Flea Market in Pratteln Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace have designed a new label or sticker, the “Regio-Label,” with which vendors can mark locally produced fruits, May 2 May 14-17 vegetables, cheese, honey, or other products. This flea market, small antiques market, and children’s flea market The 34th edition of this fair about everything organic (food, wine, takes place at Schmittiplatz in Pratteln from 10:00-16:00. There are clothing, etc.) will take place at the Parc des Expositions near Colmar What Goods Where When also baked goods, farmers’ stands, and food stands. You can get there in Alsace, France. Spread over several halls, this fair will encompass by car (there is some parking available) or take tram 14 to the end of tastings, lectures, workshops, music, gardening, and entertainment Farmers’ Market Regional vegetables, fruit, flowers, Marktplatz Monday-Thursday: the line (Pratteln Endstation) and walk in the direction “Schloss;” you for young and old. Open from 10:00-19:30 (19:00 on Sunday); en- plants, spices, baked goods, etc. 7:00-14:00 should already see the market. trance fee is € 6 per person, kids under age 14 are free. Wine tasting Friday and Saturday: www.flohmi-schmittiplatz-pratteln.ch costs an additional € 5. There is also free childcare for children ages 7:00-18:00 3 and up from 10:30-18:00. You can find more informa- New Wares’ Market Hand-crafted items, clothing, food, Barfüsserplatz Thursday, 7:00-20:00 tion and a complete schedule of events on their French- fragrances, jewelry, leather, etc. (except on public holidays Large Indoor Flea Market only website. or during Herbstmesse, May 3 www.foireecobioalsace.fr and Christmas market) Markthalle in Basel will be hold- Flea Market All kinds of interesting finds Barfüsserplatz Every second and fourth ing a large indoor flea market from Wednesday of the month, 11:00-17:00. Whether you are looking Summer Festival at the Aktienmühle 7:00-19:00 for some interesting finds or simply May 16 (except on public holidays browsing for vintage designs, this The sixth edition of the “Mühlenfest” invites everyone— or during Herbstmesse flea market is not only for aficionados singles, families, and children of all ages from the neigh- but will cater to the whole family as and Christmas market) borhood or all over town—for a day of fun with a café bar there will also be a large brunch, street food vendors, and numerous Flea Market Anything from antiques to kids’ Petersplatz Saturday, 7:30-16:00 in the garden, ice cream by Acero Basel, bread baking over open fire, (free) play opportunities for the kids. clothes; children can sell their own (except on public holidays potato-sack races, game stands, and more. The event starts at 14:00 toys and books in the center of the and during Herbstmesse) www.altemarkthalle.ch and includes a circus show (Mägic Henä!) at 14:30, info stands, and a square game room for kids and families. They will also offer an open grill and Auto Moto Klassik 2015 bar service starting at 18:00, as well as live open-air music by “Frey- Farmers’ Market Baked goods, regional produce, Oppenheim Platz (behind Friday, 10:00-20:00 lax Orkestra” starting at 20:00. This event is part of the Swiss-wide international specialties, etc. SBB) May 9 and 10 Mühlentag (Swiss mill day) that always takes place on the Saturday Farmers’ Market Local produce, honey, baked Matthäusplatz Saturday, 8:00-13:00 Following successful events in 2013 and 2014, the greatest vintage- after Ascension and where around 100 mills throughout the country goods, etc. (Kleinbasel) cars and -parts market in the Basel region, the 14th Auto-Moto Clas- open their doors to visitors. (For more information, check their web- Farmers’ Market Regional produce, baked goods, Vogesenplatz (by St. Saturday, 9:00-14:00 sic, will be back again at the Pantheon Basel, the forum for classic site at www.muehlenfreunde.ch/de/millday/index.html). cars at Hofackerstrasse 72 in Muttenz. Insiders, enthusiasts, profes- meat, cheese, flowers, plants, etc. Johann train station) http://aktienmuehle.ch sionals, and newcomers meet on the second weekend in May to talk Farmers’ Market Regional produce, sausage, cheese, Tellplatz (Gundeldingen) Saturday, 8:00-13:00 about and swap cars and car parts. The focus is on automotive nos- baked goods, flowers, etc. talgia, with a manageable range of vehicles and accessories. Here Kids’ Flea Market at Kaserne Farmers’ Market Produce, breads, freshly ground Markthalle Monday-Wednesday, you can find anything from Oldtimers and Youngtimers with two or coffee, foodstands (near the SBB) 8:00-20:00 four wheels to rare spare parts, rare installation instructions, gems May 20 Thursday and Friday, from petrol pumps to radiator mascots or enamel signs, literature, Kaserne is the location for this spring flea market hosted by Robi- 8:00-21:00 models, mechanical parts, art objects, special tools and equipment, Spiel-Aktionen from 13:30-17:00. It is dedicated to the selling of kids’ maintenance products, gearboxes, engines, bodies, tops and interi- second-hand clothes, books, games, videos, toys, sports equipment, Saturday, 10:00-16:00 ors, travel racegear of yesteryear, and much more. Entrance to this and so on. You can go there to buy or sell; no registration necessary. Flea Market and All kinds of interesting finds, vintage Markthalle Sunday, 11:00-17:00 fair is included in the CHF 12 entrance fee to the museum. Stand fee is CHF 5 (maximum 2 meters). Brunch design, brunch, and play for families (near the SBB) www.pantheonbasel.ch www.robi-spiel-aktionen.ch

12 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © fantasy basel, © aktienmuehle (frohmarkt), © jon hoefer (marktplatz) May 2015 13 Special Report: Augusta Raurica Augusta Raurica Augst, Baselland

The archeological ruins of this Roman settlement, only 20 minutes Events, Workshops & Activities Dates and Times Description Price from Basel, provide a glimpse into life as it was in Roman times. In addition to the ruins that are freely accessible, the site also houses a museum that displays the artifacts discovered here (CHF 8 for adults, May 10 & 14 Create your own Roman writing instruments. Many writ- CHF 16 for adults Wachstafel & Griffel June 14 ing instruments have been discovered in Augusta Raurica. CHF 8 for kids CHF 6 for kids ages 6-17); an amphitheater with occasional concerts, (Wax tablet and bronze pencil) July 12 Learn about the types they used, how they were made, Prices include museum plays, and other events; as well as an animal park that is open year- (May be available in English) August 9 who made them, and what they wrote on them. Then entrance; reservations round to the public. During the warmer months, they host a variety of September 20 move to the workshop and create your own; kids ages 5 recommended. events, workshops, and activities for families to get hands-on experi- October 7 and up can create a wax writing tablet, and kids starting ence while learning about life in Roman times. (13:00-14:30) at age 8 can forge their own stylus to take home. To download a PDF of their various events, go to their website, click on “Besuchen,” and then on “Die Saison 2015” on the right side of May 24 Fragrant ointments and scented oils have always been CHF 16 for adults the page. Some of these programs can also be booked for groups and Salben und Öle in der Antike June 28 very popular. Take a tour of the herb garden of the Ro- CHF 8 for kids children’s birthday parties and may also be available in English or (Ointments and oils in antiquity) July 15 man house and learn about the basic materials used in Prices include museum (May be available in English) French. To find out more, contact them at 061-552-2222 September 13 ointments. Then go off to the atelier to produce your own entrance; reservations or at [email protected]. (13:00-14:30) ointments according to ancient recipes that you can take recommended. Augusta Raurica can be reached by car or public home. Best for school-aged kids and older. transport; take bus 81 from Aeschenplatz, direc- tion Reigoldswil/Liestal to the stop called May 31 Pottery in Roman times is the theme of this workshop. As CHF 16 for adults Augst. From there it is a 10-minute Geschirr-Geschichten June 21 in a dig for 2,000-year-old pieces, you will learn to piece CHF 8 for kids walk to the museum. (Crockery stories) July 8, 19 & 24 together shards of broken pottery, to consider the vessel Prices include museum (May be available in English) www.augustaraurica.ch August 1, 7, 12 & as a whole, and think about the uses that the reconstruct- entrance; reservations 23 ed piece had for the Romans. Learn about how the pottery recommended. Wear October 9 & 11 was turned in Roman times and create your own bowl out clothes that can be (13:00-14:30) of clay. Best for school-aged kids and older. dirtied.

May 3 From wheat to Roman bread. How was bread made 2,000 CHF 16 for adults Brotbacken June 7 years ago? Step by step, children and their parents will CHF 8 for kids (Bread baking) July 5, 22, & 29 learn how to make breads as they did in Roman times: Prices include museum (May be available in English) Events, Workshops & Activities Dates and Times Description Price August 2 & 14 from milling the grain on the stone, kneading the dough entrance; reservations September 6 and forming it into your own creative shapes, to baking recommended. October 4, 16 & 18 it in the oven and taking your delicious creations home. May 15 These are 1-hour tours held at 13:00, additionally at 14:30 CHF 16 for adults (13:00-14:30 & Best for school-aged kids and older. Family Tours July 10, 26 & 31 on Sundays and holidays. In the authentically recreated CHF 8 for kids 15:00-16:30) (May be available in English) August 5 & 16 Roman house, families will experience and learn what Prices include museum September 27 daily life was like for families in Roman times. Tour is entrance; reservations October 14 & 25 good for families with kids ages 5 and up. recommended. Every Sunday until Leave the iPods, Nintendos, and Game Boys at home! On Cost is free, donations Römischer Spielnachmittag September 27 Sunday afternoons, families are shown how to play games are accepted! (Roman game afternoon) (except Aug. 30) and use devices like in Roman times, under expert in- Every Sunday This 50-minute tour will take you on a voyage of discov- CHF 16 for adults structions in the large amphitheater (in the Roman House Augusta Raurica kurz und from May 3 – ery through the former center of Augusta Raurica. You CHF 8 for kids in the event of rain). Join in anytime between 13:00-16:00. bündig September 27 will visit the largest silver treasure of late antiquity in Prices include museum (Public tours) (14:00 & 15:00) the museum, experience daily life in Roman times in the entrance; reservations (May be available in English) authentically recreated Roman house, learn about the not necessary. July 13-16 This 4-day course gives participants a true archeological For kids ages 10 and ancient games and shows in the impressive theater, and Publikumsgrabung July 27-30 experience. Under expert tuition, participants will exca- up. Kids ages 12 and up hear about public life in a Roman town on a walk through (Public excavation) August 10-13 vate, measure, document, and interpret their discoveries. don’t need to be ac- the ancient forum to the city hall. 9:00-14:00 The varied support program provides an exclusive look companied by an adult. (for 4 days) behind the scenes at Augusta Raurica. Check their website for individual and family May 24 What exactly is archeology? Researchers explain original CHF 10 for adults costs. Registration is Forschung live! June 28 discoveries using modern research methods. There will CHF 5 for kids necessary. (Research live!) July 26 be discussions of current projects and presentations of Registration is recom- October 4 the latest findings at Augusta Raurica. A minimum age of mended. (13:30-14:15) 16 is recommended; topics are different at each session. May 17 Come for a free day of fun and spend the day like a Ro- Cost is free, no Internationaler Museumstag (10:00-17:00) man. Leave the electronics at home, don a tunic, and try registration necessary. (International Museum’s Day) to eat lying down or play Roman games. May 1 & 25 Fragrances immediately and directly affect our well-be- CHF 16 for adults Göttliche Düfte July 17 ing. Burning incense as a sacrifice to the gods to keep evil CHF 8 for kids (Divine fragrances) October 3 away or simply spread personal well-being was a com- Prices include museum August 29 Every year, Augusta Raurica comes to life on the last CHF 18 for adults (May be available in English) (13:00-14:30) mon practice in ancient times. In this 1.5-hour workshop entrance; reservations Römerfest (10:00-19:00) weekend of August, with over 700 actors and contributors CHF 13 for kids you will learn which perfumes were used in ceremonies, recommended. (Roman Festival) & August 30 recreating life in Roman times with shows, craftsman- Special prices for 2-day where they came from, and how they were used. Create (10:00-17:00) ship, theater, performances, and so much more. Look for tickets and families your own homemade mixture with herbs and resins to a full description of this special event in the July/August take home. issue of Basel Life Magazine.

14 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © susanne schenker (augusta raurica) May 2015 15 May 2015 www.basellife.com

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY APR 26 27 28 29 30 MAY 1 2 Zirkus Rägeboge Zirkus Rägeboge Important Numbers: Open Day at Local Wine Cellars Welcome Kids! Calendar Key: (for more info refer to this section) The Lion King Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin SOS: 112 Poison Center: 145 Afterhours Pharmacy: Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba Open Day at Local Wine Cellars Basel Events Police: 117 Child/Teen Helpline: 147 Petersgraben 3, Basel Flea Market in Pratteln Fun Outings: Beyond Basel Markets and Fairs Fire Department: 118 Kinderspital: 061 263 7575 The Lion King Carmen Cortés Sports and Recreation A Hand in Need 143 Spitalstrasse 33, Basel Gerardo Núñez 5tet, Las Migas Workshops, Tours, and Education Ambulance: 144 061 704 1212 Opera—Médée Entertainment

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (May 9 continued) Zirkus Rägeboge Monday Night Skate Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Dance Festival Paul Gauguin in the Evening Welcome Kids! Kids’ Workshop at Contemporary Art Museum Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Joe Lovano & The Village Rhythm Band Family Play at play4you Sheep-Shearing Event Cinema Africa! Horse-and-Buggy Competition Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Tour of Basel for Families Sunday Matinée Concert Ballet—Juditha Triumphans Workshop at the EBM Puppet Theater—Schiff Ahoi The Lion King Dance Festival Horse-and-Buggy Competition Pottery Workshop Open Day at Local Wine Cellars The Lion King Storytelling in German Tigran Hamasyan & The Yerevan State Dance Choreography Workshop Dance Festival KidsHotel Large Indoor Flea Market Opera—Médée The Lion King Chamber Choir Bookbinding Workshop for Kids Medieval Spectaculum Storytelling in Russian/German Storytelling in German at Markthalle Tuck & Patti Opera—Così fan Tutte Storytelling in Bulgarian/German Auto Moto Klassik 2015 The Lion King The Lion King Ballet—Juditha Triumphans The Lion King Outdoor Pools Open Viktoria Tolstoy & Jacob Karlzon Taksim Trio Symphony Concert—Cléopâtre Jacky Terrasson & Stephane Belmondo TEDx Basel Opera—Médée Rabih Abou-Khalil New Group Blues Now! Kirk Fletcher Band Tour of the Basel Zoo Jazz at the Castle Opera—Così fan Tutte Opera—Daphne Singing Workshop International Ocean Film Tour

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Family Play at play4you Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Fantasy Basel Fantasy Basel Welcome Kids! Ongoing Events in May Horse-and-Buggy Competition Bookworms —English/German Kids Lab Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Dance Festival The Lion King Open Mic Night Bicycling Outing for Families The Lion King Young Stage Circus Opium Mother’s Day Matinée Concert Rodriguez The Lion King Schwingertage Swiss Wrestling Ballet—Juditha Triumphans Night at the Haut Königsbourg Castle Museum der Kulturen Basel Medieval Spectaculum The Australian Pink Floyd Show Opera—Daphne The Lion King Fantasy Basel Auto Moto Klassik 2015 Rodriguez Opera—Così fan Tutte Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Until January 24, 2016 Tour—“Broken Relationships” English Comedy Summer Festival at Aktienmühle Family Day - Paul Gauguin Schwingertage Swiss Wrestling Science for Families / Kids Lab The Lion King Frank Stella Exhibit The Lion King / Dianne Reeves & Band Opera—Così fan Tutte Museum für Ballet—Juditha Triumphans Dance Night Gegenwartskunst, Basel 5 Seconds of Summer May 9­—August 30, 2015 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Young Stage Circus Young Stage Circus Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Station Circus Station Circus Welcome Kids! Videocity.bs Young Stage Circus Monday Night Skate Family Play at play4you Station Circus The Lion King Bookbinding Workshop for Kids Station Circus International Museum’s Day Singing Workshop The Lion King Puppet Theater—Pinocchio The Lion King Family Concert Basel’s City Center Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Ballet—Juditha Triumphans Kids’ Flea Market at Kaserne Concert - Sergei Nakariakov The Lion King May 20—June 21, 2015 Dreiländerlauf (3-Country Run) Pat Martino Trio Kids Lab Opera—Daphne Soul On Top Basel Tour with Spalentor Visit Frankenstein Model Ship Family Sunday Storytelling in Italian/German Paul Gauguin Exhibit Tour—Paul Gauguin Exhibit The Lion King Fondation Beyeler, Riehen The Lion King Dîner Spectacle Until June 28, 2015 Opera—Médée

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SUN MAY 31 Station Circus Opera—Così fan Tutte Clown Dimitri Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Station Circus Der Hühnerdieb (The Chicken Thief) Welcome Kids! Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Zauberduolino Frankenstein Family Play at play4you Der Hühnerdieb (The Chicken Thief) Der Hühnerdieb (The Chicken Thief) Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Kid’s Theater—Rumpelstiltskin Puppet Theater—Pinocchio Family Musical—Zauberlehrling Bookworms —English Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Jazz Concert at Tinguely Der Hühnerdieb (The Chicken Thief) Der Hühnerdieb (The Chicken Thief) The Lion King The Lion King The Lion King Talk—Designing Identities FamExpo Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Cheese Tasting The Lion King Bookbinding Workshop for Kids Jazz Brunch Music Concert & Kid’s Workshop Swiss Wine Days The Lion King FamExpo Family Concert Swiss Wine Days Pottery Workshop FamExpo Rock Circus Parent–Child Inline Skating Class Flohmarkt auf dem Dach Storytelling in English with BCT Bebbi Sprint The Lion King The Lion King Philipp Fankhauser Opera—Così fan Tutte Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel

TEDxBasel Tour of Basel for Families Family Day at the Paul Gauguin Exhibit May 9 May 9 May 10 In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a forum designed to help com- The PEB invites families with kids ages 9 and up for a very special tour The Fondation Beyeler will be hosting a day for families filled with munities and individuals spark conversation and connection through inspir- of Basel. Even those who know Basel well will learn something new. tours in various languages, workshops, and museum games de- ing and thought-provoking discussion. The theme this year is “Past, Present, Listen to insider information and hear lots of interesting curiosities, signed around the exhibit of French artist Paul Gauguin. The exhibit and Future.” Our world can be viewed in so many different ways depending incredible and funny stories found in chronicles, archives, and from features the world-famous paintings he created in Tahiti, depicting on which lens we look through. Whether we look primarily forwards or back- witnesses. The tour (in German) is from 14:00-15:30 and costs CHF 35 his ideal of an unspoiled exotic world, as well as his multifaceted self- wards; whether we’re scientists, artists, or economists; whether we’ve had for the whole family. Meeting point is at the Tinguely Fountain. You can portraits and the visionary, spiritual paintings from his time in Brittany. our coffee this morning or seen the latest news. We are endlessly predicting register online on their website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on Family day will be from 10:00-18:00 and costs regular entrance fee for and planning for the future, but how did we get where we are today and what “Anmelden” for workshop number 60. adults; those up to age 25 are free. can we learn about our past that will help us prepare for the future? Where www.peb-basel.ch www.fondationbeyeler.ch do we have left to go and what is there still to discover? You are invited to ex- plore your past, present, and future at TEDxBasel. There will be an exciting line-up of speakers who will share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas Saturday Pottery Workshop Science for Families on a wide variety of topics. The event will take place at Naturhistorisches May 9 and 30 May 10 Museum Basel at 14:00. For more information, go to their website. Freizeit-Töpferei Moll is hosting The University of Basel has a German-language program designed to www.tedxbasel.com 3-hour Saturday workshops for a stimulate families’ interest in science. Café Scientifique takes place parent and child (ages 6-12) to learn one Sunday per month from 15:00-17:00, with specialists in various the basics of working with clay and fields of research giving talks in a relaxed café atmosphere. There is Workshop at the EBM will be answered in words and movement by the dance director–cho- colors. Workshops are from 10:00- no fee and no registration required. Simply show up at the Universität 13:00 and cost CHF 70 (CHF 60 with Basel, Totengässlein 3 in Basel. This month’s topic is “Biobanking. May 5 reographer Guillaume Guilherme during this workshop. In an initial, theoretical session, participants will learn about the role of a cho- Familienpass), which includes materials Boombranche mit Chancen und Gefahren” (Biobanking. Booming in- We use electricity everywhere, every day, and without giving it much reographer before getting down to the practical side of things. This and firing in the kiln. The workshop on May 8 dustry with opportunities and threats). The so-called biobanks don’t thought. We use it to illuminate our homes and offices, operate our choreography workshop is part of Das Tanzfest, a Swiss-wide dance will be held in the Basel atelier, whereas the workshop on May 30 store cash, but rather large amounts of frozen cell materials, such devices, and power our machines. But what actually is electricity? How festival that includes various events throughout Switzerland from May will take place at the Liestal atelier. Registration is necessary at as human blood, tissue, or DNA samples. Along with background in- does it enter our homes and affect our lives? To answer these questions, 8-10. The workshop will take place from 14:00-16:00 at the Studio 061-691-4666 or [email protected]. formation on the respective donors, biobanks allow the comparison Basel’s energy company, the EBM located in Münchenstein, offers Semiramis (Spalentorweg 20, Basel) www.toepferschule-moll.ch of individuals with respect to their genetic profile and specific dis- educational workshops and experiments for primary- and secondary- and entrance is free with a Tanzfest- ease processes. What promises great benefits from a medical point school-aged kids to learn about the world of energy. On May 5, kids Pass, otherwise CHF 15 on the spot; of view, simultaneously involves significant risk. What does the Swiss ages 7 and up are invited to the EBM for a workshop to build their own online reservation required. KidsHotel Human Research Act permit? And what remains taboo? “Solar-Seilbahn” (solar cable car) from 14:00-17:00. The workshop is May 9/10 http://cafe.unibas.ch/cafe/programm/ free for Familienpass holders but kids should bring their own snack. www.kaserne-basel.ch To register your child call 061-691-0945 (phones are only staffed in Would you like to have a well-deserved night off while your children the morning). Tour of the Basel Zoo (ages 5-10) have an unforgettable experience? Quartiertreffpunkt Kids Lab BURG is inviting you to drop off your kids at around 15:00 on Satur- www.ebm.ch/de/node/803 May 9 May 10, 13, and 20 day afternoon, and pick them up at 12:00 on Sunday. Here they can The Program für Elternbildung (PEB; Program for Parent Educa- participate in workshops and ateliers and have an unforgettable over- The University of Basel orga- Cinema Africa! tion) invites families to this special tour of the Basel Zoo that will be night stay in a different kind of “hotel.” Cost is CHF 60 per child, which nizes three workshops per May 7 full of surprises. The tour (in German) is from 17:00-18:00 and costs includes meals, sleepover, workshops, and materials (CHF 50 with month (in German) where CHF 25 for the whole family (zoo entrance not included). You can reg- the Familienpass). For more information or to register, contact them children ages 6-13 can ex- In conjunction with the “Making ister online on their website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on at 061-691-0180 or [email protected]. plore a topic related to the Africa” exhibit, the Vitra Design “Anmelden” for workshop number 59. month’s Café Scientifique. Museum will be hosting an eve- www.quartiertreffpunktebasel.ch www.peb-basel.ch Children can attend the Kids ning featuring three films ex- Lab on Sunday, which takes emplifying the current African Tour of “Broken Relationships” place at the same time as cinema scene —“Coz ov moni,” Singing Workshop the adult Café Scientifique “Pumzi,” and “Afronauts.” “Coz May 10 May 9 talk (15:00-17:00), or on one The "Museum of Broken ov moni” (“Cause of Money”, the following two Wednes- The English Seminar Choir is introducing a singing workshop for any Relationships" takes 2010) bills itself as the first Pidgin English musical in the history of days from 14:00-16:00. friends or family who would be interested in some vocal exercises and its visitors on a journey film and the first album by the Ghanaian rap duo Fokn Bois. In her This month’s topic is entitled “Samen-Power” (The power of seeds). singing with Michel and the choir. The workshop will be on Saturday, through more than 100 short science-fiction film “Pumzi” (2009), the Kenyan filmmaker Whether it is a flower, hazel, or gigantic Sequoia tree—they are all May 9; visit their website for additional details. separations from all Wanuri Kahiu portrays a future society in which water has become created from small, inconspicuous seeds. Learn about the wondrous around the world. The the most scarce and precious commodity. Inspired by real-life events, www.esc-basel.ch properties of plant seeds: How do they survive being eaten or how winner of the Kenneth- “Afronauts” (2014) by Frances Bodomo tells the story of the Zambian can they overcome long distances and long droughts to grow into Space Academy and its attempt to beat the American space mission Hudson-Award for the Kids’ Workshop at the Museum of powerful plants? Apollo 11 to the moon in July 1969. Following the screenings, Amelie most innovative mu- Contemporary Art Klein, curator of the exhibition “Making Africa,” talks with filmmaker seum in Europe is composed of evocative objects, which remained http://cafe.unibas.ch/kidslab/programm Frances Bodomo about developments in contemporary African cin- May 9 as silent witnesses of love lost. The moving assortment became the building blocks of a museum capable of communicating the collective ema. The film night will be hosted in cooperation with and held at the “KÜK—die KinderÜberraschungsKiste” (children’s surprise box) is Bookworms Program—English/German Stadtkino Basel; admission is CHF 17. the name of the workshop at the Museum für Gegenwartskunst, de- and personal emotional heritage. The "Museum of Broken Relation- May 12 www.design-museum.de signed specifically for curious kids ages 7-12. Everything that awaits ships," founded in Zagreb in 2006, arrives in Basel after travelling to you in the museum will be contained in the box. It is always excit- Berlin, Cape Town, San Francisco, Singapore, London, and Paris. Like Bibliothek Basel West is hosting a book group for babies and toddlers ing, the contents of the box are always different, but will not yet be everywhere it will be completed with objects and stories of the local ages 9 months to 4 years and their caregivers with nursery rhymes, Dance Choreography Workshop revealed. The workshop is from 14:00-17:00 and costs CHF 15, population. The premise on which the exhibition was built is based on finger plays, action stories, singing, and picture books in English and May 8 CHF 10 for Familienpass holders. Bring your own snack; registration universally understandable feelings—love and loss. The tour will be in German. Participation is free of charge and no registration is required. English at the Museum für Wohnkultur, starting at 12:30. From 10:00-10:30 at Allschwilerstrasse 90 in Basel. How do you plan, develop, and organize a dance performance, and is a must at 061-206-6300, or at [email protected]. what does a choreographer actually do? These questions and more www.mgkbasel.ch www.hmb.ch www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch

18 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © TEDx, © pierre-christophe gam, © kaserne-basel, © hmb.ch, © cafe.unibas.ch May 2015 19 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel (continued)

Open Mic Night Parent–Child Inline Skating Class May 13 Starts May 30 If you think that you may have some singer-songwriter talent, come to The PEB is holding a class for one parent and one child to learn inline skating together. The the Open Mic night and give it a go. You will need to perform three of class aims to teach basic techniques and safe riding on three consecutive Saturday mornings your own songs (maximum 15 minutes, no covers) and be a maximum (May 30, June 6, and June 13) from 10:00-12:00 at Park im Grünen in Münchenstein (by the of 2 persons per group. Open Mic starts at 20:30; to participate, regis- Seegarten restaurant). The total cost for the three Saturdays for each pair is CHF 120 (CHF 144 ter online at kultur@parterre.net. If you would like to watch, entrance if you live outside of canton BS). Full protective gear is required. You can register online on their is free, but donations are accepted. website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 62. www.parterre.net www.peb-basel.ch

Model Ship Family Sunday Jukibu Intercultural Library Events: May 2015 May 17 Jukibu is a multi-cultural library that houses books for children and adolescents in over 50 languages, their largest “Ships Ahoy” in Park in Grünen (formerly Grün 80)! From 10:00-16:00, collection being English-language books. Below is the May schedule of the foreign-language events organized at the Modell-Schiffbau-Club Basel (Model Ship Building Club Basel) the library. Please visit their website for a detailed list of activities or to become a member at www.jukibu.ch. You is inviting families to the park where they can view the club’s most can also check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jukibu. beautiful ship models, learn about ship navigation, and even receive a captain’s diploma! On shore, fish fingers will be served at a cost of Date Time Event Suitable for… CHF 6.50 per plate, and there will also be a bouncy castle to blow off May 3 12:00-13:00 Storytelling in German at the Markthalle* Parents with children some steam. May 6 15:30-17:00 Storytelling in German Parents with toddlers www.seegarten-gruen80.ch/park/veranstaltungen.html May 8 16:30-17:30 Storytelling in Bulgarian and German Parents with children

Tour of the Paul Gauguin Exhibit May 8, 22, and 29 17:00-19:00 Bookbinding workshop for children Children ages 9-12 May 17 May 9 12:00-13:00 Storytelling in Russian and German Parents with children Basel Tour with Spalentor Visit From 15:00-16:00, the Fondation Beyeler will be giving a public tour in May 20 15:30-16:30 Storytelling in Italian and German Parents with children English of the temporary exhibit featuring around 50 masterpieces by May 20 May 30 10:30-11:30 Storytelling in English with the BCT Parents with toddlers French artist Paul Gauguin. This very exciting exhibit will feature the On this tour organized by the PEB, families with kids ages 9 and up world-famous paintings he created in Tahiti, depicting his ideal of an will be guided through the winding streets and alleys of Basel to the * Markthalle, Viaduktstrasse, near Basel SBB unspoiled exotic world, as well as his multifaceted self-portraits and Spalentor. Once there, climb the many stairs and be rewarded with the visionary, spiritual paintings from his time in Brittany. Admission a breathtaking panoramic view of Basel and the surrounding area. to the exhibit is CHF 28 for adults (CHF 56 for the whole family with The tour (in German) is from 14:00-15:30 and costs CHF 40 for the Familienpass), CHF 12 for students under age 30. The tour costs an whole family. Meeting point is at the Tinguely Fountain. You can reg- additional CHF 8. ister online on their website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on www.fondationbeyeler.ch “Anmelden” for workshop number 61. www.peb-basel.ch Singing Workshop May 18 Bookworms Program—English If you would like to sing a variety of songs from various cultures in a May 26 group setting, then come to the Igelsaal in Kannenfeld Park to sing Bibliothek Basel West is hosting a book group for babies and toddlers under the direction of voice teacher Alain Briccola. Times are as fol- ages 9 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Join a morning of nurs- lows: 16:30-17:45 for singers over age 60, 18:00-19:15 for singers ery rhymes and stories that are all read, spoken, and sung in English. over age 40, and 19:30-21:00 for singers under age 40. No registra- Participation is free of charge and no registration is required. From tion is necessary, simply show up and bring a CHF 5 participation fee. 10:00-10:30 at Allschwilerstrasse 90 in Basel. www.kannenfeld.ch www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch

Talk—Designing Identities. Africa’s Postcolonial Shift in Design and Architecture May 28 In the initial decades of independence in many African nations, the applied arts and everyday culture served as a prominent vehicle for the construction of new, often pan-African identities, thus becoming part of the social experiment of African reinvention. The Cameroonian postcolonial theorist Achille Mbem- be and the architect and author Manuel Herz discuss the role of design and architecture from the 1950s through the 1970s. The historic past is also probed for its present-day relevance: Can looking back at this era provide inspiration for current and future design trends? How can design and architecture trace and reflect certain political processes or even help shape them and thus con- tribute to social change? This English-language talk will take place at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, at 18:00; admission is free and no registration is required. www.design-museum.de

20 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © jon hoefer (spalentor), © design-museum.de May 2015 21 Sports and Recreation

Outdoor Swimming Pools medals, and all finalists will be given a diploma indicating their per- formance and rank. There will also be other competitions, including There are three main outdoor swim parks (Gartenbäder) in Basel: You can also find several outdoor pools in neighboring France (St. Louis) javelin throw, shot put, and long jump, as well as a 20m sprint, 60m St. Jakob, Eglisee, and Bachgraben. If you have yet to discover them, and Germany (Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, and Grenzach-Whylen), as well obstacle course, and group 40m relay race for kids born 2001-2005 (5 they are large parks equipped with several pools for serious swimmers, as in surrounding Baselland, including Aesch-Pfeffingen, Arlesheim, balls) and kids born 2006 and younger (3 balls). Medal winners will non-swimmers, children, and divers, as well as slides, playgrounds, Bettingen, Binningen, Bottmingen, Dornach, Gelterkinden, Laufen, qualify for the Schweizermeisterschaft (Swiss Championships) U20/ beach volleyball, table tennis, restaurants, and much more. They are Liestal, Pratteln, Reinach, Rheinfelden, and Sissach. For a complete U23 in Basel on August 29, 2015. wonderful places for families to spend a lazy warm day. The regular list of these pools and what they have to offer, check out the May 2014 season starts on May 9 and ends on September 13. St. Jakob with its issue of Basel Family Magazine in our archives at www.basellife.com. www.oldboysbasel.ch heated outdoor pool already opened on April 25 and will stay open until September 27, weather permitting. You can pay as you go (CHF 7 for Basel Dragons Junior Cricket Club adults, CHF 3 for kids 6-16, CHF 4 for students up to age 25), buy a 10-ticket booklet, or a season pass. The Familienpass is accepted for Interested in cricket? The Basel Dragons, one of big discounts at these pools. Switzerland’s leading junior cricket clubs, offer training for boys and girls ages 7-17 who are in- www.jfs.bs.ch/fuer-sportlerinnen-und-sportler/sportanlagen/gar- terested in learning to play or furthering their tenbaeder.html cricket skills in a fun and structured environ- There is also a Naturbad (nature swimming pool) in Riehen that is idyl- ment with ECB-qualified coaches. Through- lically situated on the edge of a country-park meadow with lots of sun Soul On Top out the year, the U11, U13, and U15 teams and open views of Riehen Dorf and Dinkelberg. It resembles a natural May 17 play competitive matches and participate in lake or river, but the latest technology and a special water treatment tournaments throughout Switzerland and Soul on Top is an international breakdance competition. This year, 32 plant ensure a consistently high water quality with a visual depth of at Europe. Spring/summer outdoor training dance groups, each with 5 dancers, will compete against each other last two meters. For families with small children, there is large tod- starts in April at Rankhof stadium in Basel, in a K.O. system over five rounds. Six internationally renowned jury dlers’ wading pool with fun water games; a special non-swimmers’ and fall/winter indoor training starts in members will select the winner of each individual encounter, allowing area with beach, slide, and a float; as well as a separate diving pool. October at Bäumlihof Gymnasium in them to move to the next round. Soul on Top is being held for the 8th Basel. Training is usually on Saturday www.naturbadriehen.ch time, with participants coming from Switzerland and all over Europe. mornings from 10:00-12:00/12:30, but The competition will be held at the Reithalle at Kaserne in Kleinbasel. check the website for more details. All are welcome to witness this exciting competition; tickets are CHF Monday Night Skate Bicycling Outing for Families For further information and details 18 for adults and CHF 12 for kids under 9. May 4 and 18 May 14 on how to join the club, please www.soulontop.ch contact club secretary Jacqueline at If you are a fairly good in-line skater (roller-blader) and would like to This is an all-day bicycling tour for kids and their parents, relatives, or visit their website. participate in a long skate with a large group of people, this might be and acquaintances led by Ooink Ooink Productions. Meeting place is [email protected] for you! Every second Monday evening, you can come to Theodorskirch- at the Landhof at 9:30 and expected return is at 18:00. Participants Bebbi Sprint www.baseldragonsjcc.com platz and join hundreds of other skaters on a predetermined guided will need a bicycle in good condition (good brakes and tires), a bicycle May 31 route. The skate begins at 20:00 and ends around 21:45, warm-up starts helmet, ID, raincoats, something to grill, a snack, and plenty to drink. Bebbi Sprint is a sprint challenge for all children up to age 14 in the Field Hockey Beginner’s Course at 19:00. Be sure to wear the proper safety equipment! These skates Bicycles can also be borrowed from the Landhof with prior reservation. Basel region that has existed for over 40 years. The Old Boys Basel If your child is interested in field hockey, the Basler HC is offering are not intended for beginners! In case of bad weather, the decision to In addition, participants are encouraged to bring a swimsuit, some- athletic club has been hosting the event for the past few years as a a 6-week special beginner’s course led by the Swiss National Train- cancel will be made at 18:00; notification by SMS. For more info, visit thing to play with, and CHF 5 for emergencies. Anyone interested in tri-national competition at the Stadion Schützenmatte in Basel. Run- er Christian Stengler for boys and girls ages 7-11. The course takes their website and be sure to click on “Basel” (this site is in German, joining a spaghetti dinner upon return at 18:00 can bring CHF 6. The ning distances will be 50m for kids up to age 9, 60m for kids ages place on Thursdays from 18:00-19:15 and runs from May 7–June 11. French, and English). outing will take place irrespective of the weather, so bring appropriate 10-13, and 80m for kids age 14; boys and girls compete separately. For more details and to sign up please contact www.nightskate.ch clothing. For questions, contact Mirko Ulbi at 061-683-9211 up until the The competitions start at 12:00. Participation is free and registra- [email protected] or . Basler HC is a field-hockey club offering train- preceding Wednesday. tion is accepted from 10:30 on the same day up to 60 minutes before [email protected] ing to juniors from age 6. Training is at Rankhof, with training times www.ooinkooink.ch/landhof/auffahrt.pdf the respective competition starts. They are organizing a professional Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race depending on the age group. Please contact Jens Stomps at warm-up as well as activities between races. The competitions will junioren@ or 079-400-8414, or check their website for the exact training May 5 begin with an elimination round, with the eight fastest runners in each bhc.ch times and any further information. Senior players of all ages are also There is still one Tuesday evening bicycle race left of the five hosted Schwingertage (Swiss Wrestling Days) category qualifying for the finals. All participating children will re- welcome. by Swiss Cycling beider Basel. It starts at 19:00 in Möhlin, around 20 May 14 and 16 ceive a gift and a snack, and the day will end with the presentation of minutes from Basel. Races are held on a 3.4-km loop, and distances the awards at 16:30. The three winners in each age group will receive www.bhc.ch Want to enjoy a truly Swiss depend on the age category, ranging from 10.2 km for kids born 2001- sports tradition? Then you 2004 (2000 for girls) to 44.2 km for elite cyclists. To learn all the perti- should head out to the Basel- nent information, go to their website and click “Dienstag Abendrennen städtische Schwingertage— 2015 in Möhlin” to download a flyer. a competition of Swiss-style www.cycling-beiderbasel.ch wrestling, or “Schwingen.” The event takes place at Sand- grube Basel, a school located Familien Spieltreff (Family Play-Meet) near Badischer Bahnhof at Schwarzwaldallee 161. The regular event May 5, 12, 19, and 26 is on Thursday, May 14. It starts at 8:00 and the final bout is expected Every Tuesday evening from 17:00-19:00 (except during the public to take place around 17:30. The junior event will be held on Saturday, school holidays), kids, teens, and families can come to play4you to May 16, starting at 9:00. In contrast to traditional wrestling, this Swiss discover and do a variety of activities, such as juggling, trick yo-yo, version takes place outdoors, in round arenas filled with sawdust, with stacking, diabolo, kiwido, and more, as well as numerous classic and the generally big and burly wrestlers traditionally dressed in long pants modern games. Most games are self-explanatory, but there is al- and shirts as well as burlap shorts that the wrestlers grab to hold on ways a friendly staff on hand to show, explain, and even play with you. to their opponent. It’s truly a unique sport to watch! For more informa- Entrance costs CHF 8 for kids, CHF 12 for adults, and CHF 25 for tion about Schwingen and the competitions, check out our July/August families; discounts with Familienpass. In der Ziegelei, Atelier T25 in 2013 issue of Basel Family Magazine, which you can find in the Archive Oberwil, Hohestrasse 134. at www.basellife.com. www.play4you.ch/agenda www.schwingen-bs.ch

22 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © schwingen-bs, © jd pictures (soul on top) May 2015 23 Sports and Recreation (continued)

Dreiländerlauf (Three-Country Run) White-Water Rafting FC BASEL SCHEDULE MAY 2015 May 17 Huningue, France This year marks the 25th anniversary of the annual Did you know that you can go FC Basel 1893 (Fussball / Soccer) Dreiländerlauf, a special running event that covers white-water rafting only 5 min- Red: Home Game @ St. Jakob Stadion territory in Switzerland, France, and Germany. All runs utes from Basel in Huningue, start and end at the Marktplatz. The complete run is a France? Just across the French half-marathon of 21.1 km, passes through the three border, near the Novartis countries, and crosses over the Rhein four times. This campus, they have an artifi- Date Time Home Team Guests run is for conditioned runners, and there are 10 differ- cially constructed water canal Sat., May 2 20:00 FC Basel 1893 Grasshoppers Club ent age categories (5 for men and 5 for women). There that offers rafting, canoeing, is also a shorter run of 10.1 km for runners relatively kayaking, hot dog, stand-up Sun., May 10 16:00 FC Zürich FC Basel 1893 new to the sport, which follows a well-marked course paddle, and hydrospeed; in through the inner city. This run has 12 different age essence, there is water fun Sun., May 17 16:00 FC Basel 1893 BSC Young Boys categories (6 for men and 6 for women); the young- for the whole family. The river est category is for teens born in 1998-1999. Younger is considered medium-diffi- Wed., May 20 20:30 FC Aarau FC Basel 1893 runners born between 2000-2007 can participate in a cult level (class II); there are Mon., May 25 16:00 FC Thun FC Basel 1893 student run of 3.2 km with eight categories, including some areas of free passage, four for boys and four for girls. some with irregular waves, medium currents, weak whirlpools, as Fri., May 29 20:30 FC Basel 1893 FC St. Gallen well as rapids and some easy obstacles. You need to wear a bathing Registration: You can register online until May 15 at 11:00 at their offi- Start Numbers: Number bibs will be handed out on the day itself at the suit or shorts, or a wet suit if you prefer. Life jackets, helmets, and cial website, www.3laenderlauf.org. You can also register by post until Rathaus at Marktplatz, starting at 8:30. They can also be picked up the water shoes are obligatory; glasses, contact lenses, or lace-up shoes Prices range from CHF 75 to CHF 20 for May 4. Late registration can be done in person in the lobby of the Best day before in the lobby of the Best Western hotel at the Stücki shopping are not recommended. All equipment can be rented on site. Kids have adults in regular seating. Children Western hotel at the Stücki shopping center on May 16 from 10:00- center from 10:00-15:00. The bibs are equipped with data chips that to be age 9 to participate and age 12 to rent equipment; kids ages ages 6-16 receive a discount of 25% 15:00 (no late fees) or on the day itself at the Rathaus, starting at 8:30 will calculate the time. Be sure to return these at the end of the race to 15 and under need to be accompanied by an adult; adolescents age in the regular seating areas. There (late fee applies). Registration fees are CHF 45 for the half-marathon, avoid a CHF 40 charge. 18 and under require written parental consent. You can also use the is a special area for families and CHF 35 for the 10.1-km run, and CHF 10 for the 2.3-km run. CHF 2 from Prizes: Each participant will receive a prize. The first three in each cat- waters with your own equipment for an hourly or daily rate. They have young adults (up to age 22) with every registration will automatically be given to the Lions’ Club to help egory will receive a special prize. You need to be present to receive special summer courses for kids ages 9-15; register two kids and slightly lower prices. For more in- sponsor their bilingual summer camps. prizes as they will not be mailed to you. The award ceremony will start get the third 50% off. Open every day from June to August, as well as formation on seats and pricing, visit Getting There: Thanks to the BLT/TNW, travel to and from the Dreilän- at 13:00 in Marktplatz or, in case of bad weather, at the Turnhalle on weekends during the months of May and September. Colour Key their website: derlauf on train, bus, and tram is free on the day of the event. Simply go Rittergasse. cards are accepted for discounts. www.fcb.ch/de-ch/stadion/ to the official website (www.3laenderlauf.org), click on “Willkommen,” Changing Rooms: Changing rooms will be available for men and women www.ville-huningue.fr/fr/sports-eau-vive/ stadionplan-preise#preise. then on “Mehr dazu...” at the bottom of the page. The following page at the Rittergasse-Schulhaus starting at 9:00. provides all the necessary information in German, French, and English.

www.3laenderlauf.org

Bicycling Classes for Children Cycling Classes for If you or your children would like to learn safe cycling, the organiza- Adult Beginners tion Pro Velo Beider Basel offers several types of classes to choose Starting first week of May from. The beginners’ classes are held at practice locations that mimic Gsünder Basel is offer- miniature cities (Verkehrsgärten), whereas the intermediate classes ing classes for adults who take students onto the streets of Basel. have never learned to ride A-Kurse: These classes are for kids ages 6 and up accompanied by a bicycle. In a safe environ- an adult. Here, kids learn about safe cycling in the Verkehrsgärten ment, students will learn (traffic gardens) of the Basel-Stadt police. The kids will learn basic the balance and coordina- skills, such as getting on and off the bike, turning correctly, and build- tion needed for riding and ing confidence. Classes last from 2.0-2.5 hours at different times of turning, as well as road the day and cost CHF 30 per child–adult pair (CHF 40 if there is more safety. These classes will than one child per adult). There are three classes on May 9, June 6, be taught in High German, and September 26, but because they fill up quickly you should register so they are particularly suitable for foreigners. You can bring your own now on their website. www.provelo-beiderbasel.ch. bicycle and helmet or you can borrow them on site. Classes are 2 or 3 B-Kurse: These classes are for kids ages 7 and up accompanied by hours once per week for 5 consecutive weeks. You can enroll for either an adult. In these 3-hour classes, the kids go on actual city streets the Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evening classes from 18:00-20:00, and learn the rules of the road, proper riding etiquette, correct turns, for the Wednesday-morning class from 9:00-11:00, or for the Sun- and how to manage roundabouts. There are classes in Basel on May day-morning class from 11:00-14:00. Classes on Mondays, Wednes- 9, June 6, and September 26; in Liestal on May 30; Arlesheim on June days, and Sundays take place at the Verkehrsgarten Erlenmatt, 13; Rheinfelden on June 20; Riehen on June 27 and September 5; whereas those on Tuesdays and Thursdays are at the Verkehrsgarten Muttenz on August 22; and Laufen on August 29. Register early as Wasgenring. The cost for each 5-week class is CHF 65, which in- classes fill up quickly. www.provelo-beiderbasel.ch cludes a catered snack break. Weekday courses will start the first C-Kurse: These classes teach adults and kids starting at age 12 to week of May and the Sunday class starts on June 14. To register for a ride on the streets of Basel; from navigating difficult intersections to “Velofahrkurs” (bicycle riding class), call 061-551-0120 or go to their merging on the main roads, bike paths, and low-traffic roads. There website, click on “Ganzes Kursprogramm Online” on the right side of will be a day-time C-Kurs in Basel on October 24, and a night-time C- the page, then scroll down to “Velofahrkurse.” Kurs on November 4; register at www.provelo-beiderbasel.ch. www.gsuenderbasel.ch

24 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © 3laenderlauf.org, © ville-huningue.fr May 2015 25 Information Desk Breast Cancer Screening in Basel Worldwide, breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer and the main cause of cancer deaths in women; it is particularly common in women ages 50-70 years. In Switzerland, each year about 5,400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, most of them over 50 years of age, and more than 1,350 die from the disease. The chances of survival and recovery from breast cancer are considerably greater if it is diagnosed early and treated appropriately. International studies have shown that an X-ray breast examination (mammography) is the most reliable method for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Mammograms can detect even very small tumors, long before they can be felt by hand or diagnosed as a result of other symptoms. In order to help women detect breast cancer as early as possible, the Basel breast cancer screening program was started in August 2014. Ten other cantons, including Early detection through Jura, have similar screening programs. (In all other cantons, talk to your health- mammography care provider if you would like to have a mammography.) In this quality-controlled Early breast cancer detection – program, the Krebsliga beider Basel (Basel Cancer League) offers all women ages improved chances of recovery 50-69 who live in Basel-Stadt the opportunity to have a screening mammography ev- ery two years. This service is available to all women, regardless of their nationality or residential status. It goes without saying that participation is voluntary. Here is some more information on the program to help you make an informed decision about whether you want to participate or not.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mammography phy performed. Your basic health insurance will cover the costs of the screening, except for an excess of 10% (ie, approximately The biggest advantage of mammography is that it allows early detec- CHF 20) that you will have to pay and which is not charged as part of tion of even very small tumors that have usually not yet spread. This the annual excess. increases the chances of survival and recovery and allows for less aggressive and more effective treatment with fewer side effects and When scheduling your screening, you should allow about 20-30 min- better quality of life. Early detection and an improved range of treat- utes for the appointment, even though the actual procedure only ments have helped to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer. takes a few minutes. Also, if you still have regular periods you should arrange the appointment for the first few days after your period, Among the potential disadvantages of mammography programs are when your breasts are less sensitive. over-diagnosis (identification and potentially stressful treatment of a malignant tumor that would not have affected the woman’s life), When you go to your appointment, please bring the filled-in health false positives (abnormalities that show up on the mammogram questionnaire that you received with the invitation. Also, you should even though no breast cancer is present), false negatives (a normal wear a top that is easy to remove and should not apply any deodorant, mammography result even though breast cancer is present), and ex- talcum powder, body lotion, or perfume to your breasts or armpits. posure to radiation. Also, if a tumor is detected at a stage where the For the X-ray to be as clear as course of the disease can no longer be influenced, the woman has to possible, each breast is pressed live longer with the knowledge of her breast cancer. between two plates for a few sec- onds. The procedure may feel un- pleasant, but it only lasts a short All women ages 50-69 living in Basel-Stadt will receive while. The X-rays are checked a written invitation every two years to independently by at least two make an appointment for a screening mammography. radiologists. You and the physi- cian of your choice—if indicated on your health questionnaire—will then be informed of the result in writing within eight working days. Most mammograms do not reveal Participating in Basel’s Breast Cancer Screening Program anything unusual. If the X-rays show any potential abnormalities, All women ages 50-69 living in Basel-Stadt will receive a written your physician will schedule further tests to establish the nature invitation every two years to make an appointment for a screen- of the changes seen, such as ultra-sound checks or more specific ing mammography. (Women age 70 and up may also take part in X-ray exams. In most cases, the changes seen are benign and you the screening program at their own request or on the recommen- will be re-invited to have another screening mammography in two dation of a physician.) To participate, you simply need to reply to years’ time. the invitation and schedule an appointment. You can call the pro- A comprehensive information brochure is available in many languag- gram center of the Krebsliga beider Basel directly at 061-319-9170 es, including English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, or you can make an appointment online by going to their website and Turkish, and can be downloaded free of charge from www.klbb. (www.mammografiescreeningbasel.ch), clicking on “Anmeldung”, ch/de/mammografie_screening_kanton_basel_stadt/dokumente_ then on “Anmeldung online”, and finally on “Terminverwaltung” andere_sprachen/ to enter your information. You can also call one of the participat- ing radiology institutes where you wish to have the mammogra- www.mammografiescreeningbasel.ch

26 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © mammografie-screening kanton basel-stadt, © bergli books May 2015 27 Entertainment: Night on the Town

Ballet—Juditha Triumphans Jazz auf der Burg (Jazz at the Castle) Jazzfestival Basel May 4, 6, 10, 15, and 18 May 9 Until May 10 Theater Basel presents Vivaldi’s oratorio “Judith Triumphans,” which For the 16th year, Volksbank Dreiländereck is presenting Jazz auf The 25th edition of the Offbeat Jazz Festival Basel is already in full swing, with a takes its story from the book of Judith in the Old Testament, as a nar- der Burg, with a varied program of three bands that bring a touch of fabulous line-up of jazz bands of international reputation playing at various locations rative ballet choreographed by Richard Wherlock. The male and fe- New Orleans to the Burg Rötteln in Lörrach. Starting at 18:00, guests around Basel. Tickets for the last 10 concerts can be purchased online or in per- male dancers mingle with the all-female singers on the stage and will be greeted on the castle grounds by the Mumol Dixie Stompers. son at the BaslerZeitung (BaZ) in Aeschenplatz, Bider & Tanner, Stadt-Casino Basel, tell—in words and dance—the story of the beautiful Jewish widow At 18:30, the Lazy River Jazz Band will treat guests to Dixieland and Manor, Migros, post offices, and the SBB ticket counters. Visit their website to learn Judith and how she courageously and selflessly enters the military classical New Orleans Jazz, and Trevor Richards New Orleans All- more about the artists at www.offbeat-concert.ch, or go to www.starticket.ch to camp of Holofernes and decapitates the enemy as he lies in a drunk- stars will be on the festival stage at 20:00. The powerful voice of spe- buy your tickets. en stupor in his sleeping quarters. This collaboration between Ballett cial guest singer Denise Gordon will be the highlight of the evening. Basel, La Cetra Barockorchester Basel, and La Cetra Vokalensemble Another special attraction is the night session where all the bands of DATE BAND FESTIVAL SERIES / THEME LOCATION TIME PRICE Basel will be staged at the Theater Basel. Tickets range from CHF 50- the evening jam together in the covered beer garden on site. Tickets 115, reduced prices for children and students. are € 25-29 (€ 21 for kids) and can be bought at the Kartenhaus des May 1 Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba African Night Kaserne Basel 20:00 CHF 45-68 www.theater-basel.ch Burghof Lörrach, at the Touristinformation Weil am Rhein, by phone May 2 Carmen Cortés / Gerardo Núñez 5tet, Noche Iberica y Flamenca Kaserne Basel 20:00 CHF 31-75 at +49-7621-94089-11, or online at www.burghof.com. Las Migas Symphony Concert—Cléopâtre May 3 Taksim Trio East Meets West I Kaserne Basel 18:30 CHF 25-55 International Ocean Film Tour (Kombiticket) CHF 35-80 May 6 May 9 May 3 Rabih Abou-Khalil New Group East Meets West II Kaserne Basel 20:30 CHF 25-55 The spectacular suicide of Cleopatra fascinated the art world in the The International Ocean Film Tour Vol- (Kombiticket) CHF 35-80 19th century, including then-25-year-old Hector Berlioz, who com- posed a dramatic, stirring piece full of ingenious ideas to submit in a ume 2 shows the best water-sports May 4 Joe Lovano & The Village Rhythm Cross-Culture Stadt-Casino Basel 20:15 CHF 37-75 competition for the best musical illustration of the tragic story. His “La and environmental films of the year. In Band Festsaal mort de Cléopâtre” (The death of Cleopatra) forms the centerpiece the high-seas adventure “And Then We May 6 Tuck & Patti Jazz in Church Dorfkirche Riehen 20:00 CHF 29-69 of this concert of the Sinfonieorchester Basel, with Vasselina Kasa- Swam,” two British adventurers dare to try to get from Australia to Mauritius in a May 7 Tigran Hamasyan & The Yerevan Jazz in Church Dorfkirche Riehen 20:00 CHF 29-59 rova, one of the most remarkable singers of our time, performing as rowing boat without previous experience. State Chamber Choir soloist. The program additionally includes the “Concert Romanesc” by György Ligeti and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F major, The environmental documentation “(R)evolution” accompanies the May 8 Jacky Terrasson & Stephane Vino e Jazz Delinat Weindepot 20:15 CHF 53 Op. 90. The concert will be held in the Musiksaal of the Stadt-Casino biologist and filmmaker Rob Stewart in his search for the reasons for Belmondo Basel Basel and starts at 19:30. Tickets are CHF 31.00-91.90 (discounts for the destruction of our ecosystem, the consequences, and what you May 9 Viktoria Tolstoy & Jacob Karlzon Vino e Jazz Delinat Weindepot 20:15 CHF 53 students) and can be purchased at Bilder & Tanner or online. can do about it. The surf film “Attractive Distractions,” the cave-diving Basel documentary “The Crystal Labyrinth,” and many more will make this www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch May 10 Dianne Reeves & Band The First Lady of Jazz Stadt-Casino Basel 20:15 CHF 33-90 film program filled with adventure, action, and underwater world the Musiksaal ultimate treat for those who love the sea. The program starts at 20:00 Opera—Daphne in the Hans-Huber-Saal of the Stadt-Casino Basel and has a total May 8, 13, and 23 length of 120 minutes. The Lion King offer deep insight into the emotional turmoil of his characters. His Mé- Theater Basel will be presenting this lyrical bucolic tragedy by master www.oceanfilmtour.com Until August 16 dée is a proud, strong woman with a very complex personality. For a long time she refuses to believe anything bad about her husband—up composer Richard Strauss. Former childhood friends Leukippos and Get ready for the musical event of the year as until the moment when, deeply wounded, she decides to seek ven- Daphne meet at the beginning of the ritual feast of Dionysos. Leu- Disney‘s original Broadway musical “The Lion 5 Seconds of Summer geance. The opera will be performed in French, with German and Eng- kippos desires the young woman but she shies away from him. The King” comes to Switzerland for the first time. May 10 lish surtitles. The production is directed by Nicolas Brieger, who has god Apollo appears and, in disguise, succeeds in seducing the girl. Immerse yourself into the colorful world of celebrated success as director on both the drama and opera stages. What follows is the archetypal confrontation between god and man, The pop-punk group from Australia will be at the Hallenstadion in Africa and in a touching story that moves the Tickets are CHF 50-115; discounts for children and students. in which Leukippos meets his death. Daphne is overwhelmed with Zürich to present their debut album “5 Seconds of Summer” on their hearts of people like no other. You will be grief. Apollo finally asks Zeus, father of the gods, for forgiveness and “Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour 2015.” With hits like “She Looks www.theater-basel.ch enchanted by captivating African rhythms, the beloved returns, transformed into a laurel tree. The opera will be So Perfect” and “Do Not Stop,” their young, sassy rock music is sure the warm spell of the Serengeti, and time- performed in German, with German and English surtitles. Tickets are to capture their audience. There are only a few tickets left, so act less hits like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Opera—Così fan Tutte CHF 67-153; discounts for children and students. quickly! Elton John and Tim Rice. Experience the musical world success in its May 3, 7, 14, 16, 25, and 31 www.theater-basel.ch www.ticketcorner.ch magnificent original English-version production at the Musical Theater Basel. Tickets range from CHF 48-148. Are women capable of being faithful? No, of that Don Alfonso is sure, and he has nothing but scorn for his friends Guglielmo and Ferrando, who www.thelionking.ch Blues Now! Kirk Fletcher Band are both convinced that their fiancées will always be true to May 8 www.ticketcorner.ch them. Alfonso remains persistent, however, and bets that it will not take long before both women allow themselves to Kirk “Eli” Fletcher was born in Bellflower (CA) in 1975. He started to play the guitar Opera—Médée be seduced. The gentlemen’s wager begins and Guglielmo in his father’s church at age eight, and inspired by Albert Collins and Bobby “Blue” May 2, 5, 9, and 17 and Ferrando don the disguises in which they are to court Bland as a teenager, he discovered the Blues. After years of study and travel with the ladies. What starts out as an amusing game soon be- legends like Lynwood Slim, Kim Wilson, and Charlie Musselwhite as well as a stint This tragic opera in five acts by Marc-Antoine comes deadly serious as all the protagonists begin to doubt as the lead guitarist for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, he has distinguished himself Charpentier will be performed on the Grosse their partners, and the existential question of the constancy since 1999 with first-class CDs under his own name. “Kirk Fletcher is without ques- Bühne of the Theater Basel. Medea is one of the of relationships becomes manifest. Mozart’s famous drama tion one of the best blues guitarists in the world,” says colleague Joe Bonamassa most scintillating and complex female charac- giocoso about the timeless question of whether marital fi- with envy. And the magazine “Blues in Britain” confirmed: “No doubt, Fletcher is a ters in the world of literature, inspiring many art- delity is possible will be presented at the Theater Basel, monster guitarist, a huge talent with the potential for absolute Blues Star.” Blues ists to interpret her story. Charpentier’s “tragédie accompanied by the Sinfonieorchester Basel under the di- Now! will be bringing the Kirk Fletcher Band to the Volkshaus in Basel for one night. en musique,” which, quite undeservedly, slipped rection of Ryusuke Numajiri. The opera will be performed The concert starts at 20:15, doors open at 19:30, and tickets cost CHF 60.60 for seats into obscurity until the 20th century, paints psy- in Italian, with German and English surtitles. Tickets are and CHF 40.20 for standing room; bar service is available in the concert room. chologically accurate and moving portraits of the CHF 50-115; discounts for children and students. protagonists. The composer’s exceedingly colorful http://volkshaus-basel.ch orchestral scoring and very expressive vocal lines www.theater-basel.ch

28 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © jazz festival basel, © disney, © médée, ©kirk fletcher band May 2015 29 Entertainment: Night on the Town (continued)

Dianne Reeves & Band his life’s observations and hilarious stories with plenty of audience previously heard with these instruments. The concert will take place Schweizer Weintage (Swiss Wine Days) May 10 participation. Amos has charmed and entertained audiences all over at the Musiksaal of the Stadt-Casino Basel and will start at 19:30, with May 28 and 29 the world with his natural, assured delivery and his honest, original a pre-show at 18:15 consisting of “Rhapsody in Blue” by the Wind- Offbeat Concert present the First Lady The Markthalle will be the location for interested parties to taste, material. He is filled with an almost child-like joy and exuberance and stärke 7 Ensemble of the Musikschule Basel Musik Akademie. Tickets of vocal jazz, Dianne Reeves—the first discover, and learn more about the Swiss wine industry and excit- can find the funny in some of the most unexpected places. Tickets are are CHF 54-80 and can be purchased at Bider & Tanner, Stadt-Casino singer who has consecutively won three ing developments in the Swiss vineyards. Following a successful first CHF 45 and can be purchased at Ticketcorner in person or online. Basel, Basler Zeitung (BaZ) at Aeschenplatz, SBB Basel, as well as Grammys. She is the only jazz singer event, the Schweizer Weintage will be coming back for two days during many of Basel’s ticket outlets. The pre-concert is free and entry for who had great successes in the movie www.internationalcomedyclub.ch which visitors will be able to taste wines directly from many smaller youths up to age 16 is free for unsold seats starting 10 minutes before music business in Hollywood and was companies in a serene setting, enjoying the wine on its own or paired the main concert begins. immensely influenced by Sarah Vaughan Dance Night with culinary delicacies from one of the various food stands on site. and Billie Holiday. Reeves combines the www.collegiummusicumbasel.ch May 16 http://altemarkthalle.ch/events/ American vocal tradition with influences of world music in a conge- nial way. She is grooving on stage, her scat is stunning, her ballads “Tanznacht40” dance parties are for those who have at least 40 Frankenstein—The Demon of Switzerland years under their belts. This event will take place at the Querfeld- Rock Circus are simply beautiful—in short, she is a true stage performer! Don’t May 23 and 25 miss this timeless program entitled “World Vocal Jazz” at the Stadt- Halle (Halle 8), Dornacherstrasse 192, Basel; the party will run from May 29 Hardly anyone knows that Casino in Basel, which marks the end of the 25th anniversary edition of 21:00-03:00; admission is CHF 15. Friends, couples, and singles are the story of Frankenstein’s As part of the impressive line-up of shows that will be presented this the Jazzfestival Basel. Tickets are CHF 33-90 and can be purchased welcome. monster has its origins in month at DAS ZELT, which is set up at the Rosentalanlage by the online. www.tanznacht40.ch Switzerland. It was on Lake Messe Basel, the artistic show Rock Circus will be sure to entertain www.starticket.ch Geneva that Mary Shelley with its world-class acrobats combined with the biggest hits in rock Pat Martino Trio created the scientist Vic- music. Acrobats from around the world will perform acts that will thrill, amaze, and entertain you to the music of a professional band Rodriguez May 18 tor Frankenstein who, with the help of Basel alche- playing well known rock tunes like “T.N.T,” “The Wall,” and “Stairway May 12 and 13 Legendary guitarist Pat Martino will be bringing his trio, which also mist Paracelcus, becomes to Heaven.” This one-of-a-kind show will start at 20:00, tickets range includes Hammond B3 organist Pat Bianchi and drummer Carmen Illustrated by the award-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar the creator of a nameless, from CHF 60.60-90.90. Intorre Jr., to the Jazzclub Q4. The club is located inside the hotel Man” by Malik Bendjelloul, the incredible story of the singer and gui- giant, monstrous superhu- www.ticketcorner.ch Schützen, Bahnhofstrasse 19 in Rheinfelden, 20 minutes from Basel tarist Sixto Rodriguez, who was born in Detroit in 1942, went around man in need of love. The by car or train. The concert starts at 20:15 and tickets are CHF 45; to the world. His first two albums in the early 1970s were not met with creator and his creature reserve, send them an email at [email protected] or call them at any interest in the United States. However, he became a superstar in meet once again in the Philipp Fankhauser 061-836-2525. South Africa—at the time culturally isolated because of their apart- Alps, and this story has no May 30 heid policies—where he was known as Elvis Presley, completely www.jazzclubq4.ch happy ending. Movie director Philipp Stölzl will be staging “Franken- Philipp Fankhauser was born in unbeknownst to him. At the end of the 1990s, he was “rediscov- stein” in German, his first play, for Theater Basel at the Schauspiel- Thun, Switzerland, and emigrated ered,” followed by triumphant tours in South Africa and elsewhere Dîner Spectacle haus, Steinentorstrasse 7 in Basel. Tickets cost CHF 41-60 (CHF 23- to the United States in search of the to celebrate his great songs, including the anthem “Sugar Man,” a 32 for students). Blues. Having trained under Blues folksy jewel of the 1970s and protest song in the style of Bob Dylan. May 20 www.theater-basel.ch legend Johnny Copeland, his CDs Following two sold-out shows in Zürich last March, Rodriguez is A dinner spectacle is a treat for all the sens- have reached gold and platinum sta- back in Switzerland for two shows. This time he will perform at the es with an amalgamation of music, comedy, tus, selling over 120,000 copies. He returned to Switzerland 10 Cheese Tasting Kongresshaus in Zürich, with a second show on May 13 added after magic, acrobatics, and culinary delights pro- years ago and is now one of the most famous and successful musi- tickets for the May 12 show sold out quickly. Experience the sensation vided by the Swiss National Culinary Team. May 26 cians in Switzerland. He will be in Basel for one night to play songs yourself! Tickets are CHF 66.70-121.90. The audience will be entertained with five If you are a fan of cheese, or just want to learn/experience more, from his latest album, “Home.” He will be performing at DAS ZELT www.ticketcorner.ch acts, including A-live, a musical group that can Victor Saudan will be hosting an evening of tasting French cheese with Hendrix Ackle on piano and Hammond B3 organ, Marco Jen- “play” all instruments using only their mouths; at the Kochraum of the Markthalle from 18:15-21:15. The evening carelli on guitar, Angus Thomas on bass, and Richard Spooner on Marc Haller, an Austrian magician and come- drums. The show starts at 20:00, but the bar and lounge area open The Australian Pink Floyd Show costs CHF 35 and must be reserved up to one week in advance at dian who won the Swiss Talent Award in 2014; [email protected]. 2 hours before. Tickets range from CHF 50.40-89.90. May 12 Mya Audrey, singer-songwriter who will amaze http://altemarkthalle.ch/events www.ticketcorner.ch The world’s most successful Pink Floyd tribute band comes to the you with her jazzy, poetic, and magical voice St. Jakobshalle. Having sold over four million tickets to concerts in and piano playing; the magician duo Zauberduo 35 countries, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is hailed as one of the Domenico, winners of the Swiss Talent Award in 2013; and Marina Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! most in-demand touring ensembles currently operating—The Times Skulditskaya, with her acrobatic talents on the “ring.” This feast for Who Where When Tickets the senses will be complimented by a 4-course gourmet meal orches- described them as “the gold standard.” This act is so good, they were Mark Knopfler Hallenstadion, Zürich June 1 www.ticketcorner.ch even engaged by David Gilmour to perform at his 50th birthday cel- trated by the junior chef team that took the world title in November AC/DC ebration! The show will give equal time to the three albums “The Dark 2014 (www.swissculinarynationalteams.ch). The event will take place Letzigrund Stadion, Zürich June 5 & 7 www.ticketcorner.ch Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “The Division Bell.” in DAS ZELT (the tent set up next to Messeplatz at Rosentalanlage), Jackson Browne Volkshaus, Zürich June 6 www.ticketcorner.ch starting at 18:00. Tickets cost CHF 170.90 (CHF 205.90 with drinks) Through the unwavering meticulousness in their quest to reproduce One Republic Hallenstadion, Zürich June 12 www.ticketcorner.ch the sound of Pink Floyd as closely as possible, the Australians man- and can be purchased online. Counting Crows Volkshaus, Zürich June 30 www.starticket.ch age the seemingly impossible—the true resurrection of the greatest www.daszelt.ch rock music ever written. Show starts at 20:00 and tickets range from Katie Melua / We Invented Paris Summer Stage, Basel July 10 www.actnews.ch CHF 67.80-100.90. George Benson KKL Konzertsaal, Luzern July 11 www.ticketcorner.ch Collegium Musicum Basel Presents Sergei www.ticketcorner.ch Nakariakov Lionel Richie Marktplatz, Lörrach July 15 www.stimmen.com May 22 Bob Dylan Marktplatz, Lörrach July 16 www.stimmen.com English Comedy Tchaikovsky’s “Rococo Variations,” which were stylistically inspired Dave Matthews Band Hallenstadion, Zürich October 15 www.ticketcorner.ch May 14 by the music of the 18th century, are an homage to the great exam- Deep Purple Hallenstadion, Zürich November 9 www.ticketcorner.ch English comic Stephen K. Amos will be at the Kuppel in Basel at 20:00 ple of Mozart and a challenge for every solo cellist. However, Sergei Simply Red St. Jakobshalle, Basel November 11 www.ticketcorner.ch (doors open at 19:00) to present his act, “Welcome to my world.” The Nakariakov is not a cellist, but a virtuoso master of the trumpet and maestro of feel-good comedy is back on tour with his new show. Fresh flugelhorn who triggers enthusiasm around the world for his perfor- Thriller—Live Musical Theater, Basel November 17-22 www.ticketcorner.ch from sell-out tours of the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, Amos hits mances. Thanks to the reworking of Tchaikovsky’s compositions by Imagine Dragons Hallenstadion, Zürich November 24 www.ticketcorner.ch the road for his 2015 European tour. Expect a jam-packed hour full of his father Mikhail, Sergei Nakariakov plays pieces that were never

30 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com photo credits: © jerris madison (dianne reeves), © marc haller, © frankenstein, © philipp fankhauser May 2015 31 Contact us for more information about subscribing or advertising: [email protected] www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel www.basellife.com

The impressive ampitheater of Augusta Raurica in Augst near Basel. (photo credit: © susanne schenker) Mark Your Calendar! June 2015 Highlights > Environment Days June 4-7

> Wildwuchs Festival June 4-14

> Circus Knie June 11-24

> Imagine Festival June 12 and 13

> Expat Expo June 14

> Art Basel June 18-21

> B2RUN (Swiss Company Run) June 26