INSIDE: YOUTH CHOIR FEST • STREET FOOD FEST • TEDX • SINFONIEORCHESTER BASEL • CITY SKATE • 3LÄNDERLAUF

Volume 4 Issue 8 CHF 5 5

A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel May 2016

Circus is in the Air At academia we •Educate the whole individual: academically,socially, physically and emotionally •Nurturestudents to reach their full potential and pursue A cAsuAl excellence in everything they do ApproAch •Foster alove of learning and creativity to luxury •Develop compassionate global ambassadors •Emphasize team work and problem solving

Preschool / Primary / Pre-College (K-8) •Bilingual Education (German/English) •Integrated Cambridge International Curriculum and Basel Stadt Curriculum

College (9-12) AsK For A pErsoNAl AppoINtMENt. •High Quality Exam Preparation phoNE +41 79 352 42 12 · FrEIE strAssE 34, •Entry into Swiss and International Universities 4001 BAsEl · www. jANEtBArgEzI.coM Phone+41 61 260 20 80 www.academia-international.ch

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

Dear Readers, The Basel Life team would like to thank you for taking the time to share your fabulous feedback over the years. It has always been a welcome confir­ May 2016 Volume 4 Issue 8 mation that we have succeeded in our goal of sharing our passion and knowledge of Basel with you. From its humble beginnings almost four TABLE OF CONTENTS years ago, Basel Life Magazine has always endeavored to provide its read­ ers with timely information on events and activities in and around Basel, cultural and historical background information on important Swiss/Basel Events in Basel: May 2016 4–7 traditions and customs, practical tips for everyday life, as well as a wealth of other information, all at the cost of the printed material. However, the Fun Outings: Beyond Basel 8–9 magazine has grown tremendously over the years, both in content and size, with a commensurate increase in production costs. This necessitates a slight increase in the sale price of the individual copies of the magazine, Markets and Fairs 10–11 from CHF 5 to CHF 6, beginning with our September 2016 issue. However, there is good news for our subscribers: the price for the monthly subscrip­ Basel Life Magazine Sports and Recreation 12–15 tions of will remain unchanged. You can easily subscribe by going to the website (www.basellife.com), clicking on “Subscriptions,” and filling in your address and contact details. Calendar: May 2016 16–17 Looking at the month of May, Basel will be bursting with great festivals, including the fabulous Young Stage Circus Festival, the bien­ nial European Inside Basel: Sinfonieorchester Basel 18–19 Festival of Youth Choirs, a dance festival, street food festival, and the Bild­ rausch Filmfest. In addition, the month brings other terrific events, such as TEDx and Fantasy Basel, the game and comic convention. Feeling fit? Workshops, Tours, and Education 20–22 Take a family bicycle ride, join the City Skate, take the Aquathlon chal­ lenge, participate in the Dreiländerlauf (three-country run), or give parkour a try. Further afield, learn how you can enjoy the great Swiss adventure of Information Desk: Dental Care in Switzerland 23 sleeping in the straw on a farm, visit the new FIFA World Football ­Museum—a must for all soccer fans—or experience a berry festival in Germany's Black Special Report: Augusta Raurica Summer Schedule 24–25 Forest. In this issue you will also learn about dental care in Switzerland; get a list of Augusta Raurica’s schedule of tours, workshops, and events for the Did you Know? 26 year; and take a closer look at the past, present, and future of Basel’s extra­ ordinary Sinfonieorchester. As always, don’t miss the great line-up of Entertainment: Night on the Town 27–31 ­musicals, theater, opera, ballet, dance theater, wine tastings, comedy, dinner spectacles, and concerts of all kinds that will be gracing our city this month. Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! back page Looking forward to your continued support,

Mark Your Calendar: June 2016 back page Your Basel Life Team

COVER: From May 20 to June 3 you will notice a large Basel Life Magazine Staff: white tent on the Rosentalanlage, with a big sign above, “DAS ZELT.” This is not your typical circus tent, however, Editor-in-Chief: because the tent serves as a mobile circus/theater/­ Christine Pesold music venue, with a different performance every night. Advertising & Subscription Manager / Editor: The idea for DAS ZELT was the brain child of two men— Susanne Hiller Basel native Adrian Steiner, who as a 12-year-old founded Basel’s Quartiercircus Bruederholz with his Design & Print: brothers and grew up to be a bicycle artist and later a Schwabe AG lawyer, and David Dimitri, a tight-rope walker and son of For more information about subscribing or advertising – please contact us: the famous Swiss Clown Dimitri. They first went on tour in German-speaking Switzerland in 2003, with just a few acts. Since then, the scope of the info basellife.com enterprise has continuously expanded, and they now travel with 3 tents simultaneously, www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine presenting a huge variety of acts in 23 locations throughout Switzerland, including the www.basellife.com fabulous Young Stage circus festival that only takes place in Basel.​

BASEL LIFE MAGAZINE / BASEL FAMILY GmbH © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to our readers. The opinions expressed in the articles in this magazine are those of the contributing authors and do not reflect those of other members of the editorial staff and of any organizations or agencies distributing this magazine. Though we make every attempt to provide accurate information, we cannot be held respon- sible if any event is cancelled, postponed, or modified. We encourage readers to contact the event organizers or their websites to obtain the most current event information. Please note: No part of this periodical may be duplicated in any fashion, or redistributed in any written language, without permission from the executive staff at Basel Family GmbH. If you have any questions, contact Basel Family GmbH staff at: info basellife.com.

photo credit: © pablo wünsch blanco (cover), © das zelt May 2016 3 Events in Basel: May 2016

European Festival of Youth Choirs Basel May 4–8 Every other year in May, 18 children’s and youth choirs from all over Europe meet up in Basel for the “Europäisches Jugendchor Festival.” More than 1,000 singers sing and live in the region for these 5 days. The festival is known as an established event in the region. Experts in choral music gather from all over the world to share their knowledge. The choirs, which are among the best children’s and youth choirs in Europe and have been chosen by a jury of experts long in advance, present their extraordinary skills to an international audience. The event is distinguished not only by the high level of perfor­ mances, but also by the chance to meet other like-aged singers. Foreign music cul­ tures, ancient chorales, groovy as well as contemporary music—the diversity is more than fascinating. The choirs mainly perform music from their own cultural area. Be sure not to miss this very special event. More than 20,000 people will attend the over 30 concerts that will take place in various locations around Basel and Baselland. A par­ ticular highlight of the festival is the street performance on Saturday, May 7, from 14:00–17:00 on five different stages set up at Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, Rathaushof, Rümelinsplatz, and Theaterplatz. There will also be several “sing-along” events, where the audience is encouraged to learn fun choral songs from all over the world and join in. Visit their English/German website for a wonderful video about this festival, as well as a complete list of the location and times of the concerts. You can download the flyer and program booklet by clicking on “Service” and then on “Downloads.” Also, Basel’s music schools are looking for host families who would like to get involved in this adven­ ture; contact them if you think that you would like to be a host. Tickets can be purchased through Kulturhaus Bider & Tanner or Ticketcorner. www.ejcf.ch

Zirkus Rägeboge Jean Dubuffet’s “Coucou Bazar” Until May 1 May 1, 4, and 8 The young talents at Basel’s circus school, Zirkus Rägeboge, are cordially As part of the Fondation Beyeler’s special exhibit on the oeuvre of inviting all spectators to watch their latest program “Götterpfeile zum French artist Jean Dubuffet, visitors will be treated to the spectacular Glück” (God’s arrows for luck) at Querfeldhalle in the Gundeldinger­ stage piece “Coucou Bazar,” in which Dubuffet combined painting, feld, Dornacherstrasse 192 in Basel. The final two shows start at 11:00 sculpture, theatre, dance, and music into a unique multimedia work of and 15:00; tickets are CHF 15 for adults and CHF 9 for kids. art. In the original “animated painting,” various costumed figures inter­ www.zirkusschulebasel.ch/index.php/kalender acted continuously with each other and with the scenery, so that the presentation took on the form of a metamorphical figural landscape. Altogether, 60 of these costumes and set pieces are on display at the Open Day at Local Wine Cellars Fondation Beyeler—only rarely have the elements of “Coucou Bazar” April 30-May 1 been exhibited in public on this scale. The complete stage show was Vintners from the German-speaking region of Switzerland, from the produced just three times—in New York and Paris in 1973, as well as in Thunersee to the Austrian border, as well as from the three-lake region Turin in 1978. This last staging was documented in a film that can also of Biel and the Principality of Liechtensein, are inviting all wine lovers be seen as part of this exhibition. For conservation reasons, “Coucou to a special event—the “Offene Weinkeller Deutschschweiz 2016.” On Bazar” can no longer be enacted in its entirety. For the last three times this weekend, most wine cellars that belong to the “Branchenverband before the exhibit ends on May 8, professional performers bring to life Deutschschweizer Wein” (association of the wine industry in German- the only two costumes that may still be animated on Wednesday, May 4, speaking Switzerland) are opening their doors from 11:00 to give visi­ at 15:00 and 17:00, as well as on Sunday, May 1 and 8, at 14:00 and tors a real “taste” of their wines—from the vineyards to the production 16:00. This event is included in the museum admission price. and of course the final product. Some cellars are even open through www.fondationbeyeler.ch the night! For a complete list of participating wine cellars, visit their website and select your region of interest; there are wine-makers in Children’s Theater—The Wizard of Oz Basel-Stadt as well as Baselland (www.baselbieterwein.ch). Don’t miss this opportunity to discover what this region has to offer. May 1, 4, 7, and 8 www.offeneweinkeller.ch The classic story of “The Wizard of Oz,” in which Dorothy experiences many adventures in the mysterious place Circus Royal called Oz on her quest to find her way Until May 8 back home, comes to life on the stage This big Swiss circus features a wide range of acts, from spirited acrobats of the Theater Arlecchino in Basel and funny clowns to magnificent animal performances, including white (Walkeweg 122) every Wednesday, Sat­ lions. The tent will be set up at the Rosentalanlage in Basel, right besi­ de urday, and Sunday at 14:30 (doors open the Messeplatz. There will be afternoon and evening shows each day, at 14:00) until May 8. The production is ideal for families with children and the onsite zoo is open to visitors from 10:00–18:00. Tickets can be ages 4 and up and is played and sung in Swiss dialect. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office at the entrance between 10:00– purchased directly online and are CHF 20 for adults, CHF 15 for children; 20:00, or via their ticket hotline at 084-884-8049. CHF 5 reduction per person with the Familienpass. www.circusroyal.ch www.theater-arlecchino.ch

4 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Family Concert—The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra May 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28, and 29 May 14 The Basler Kindertheater How can you find your way round an orchestra, with all its different will be presenting the clas­ ­instruments? Benjamin Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the sic story “Der gestiefelte ­Orchestra,” composed for young audiences, offers one of the most Kater” (Puss in Boots),” the original ways. It opens with a theme by Henry Purcell, followed by a Brothers Grimm’s story of a series of variations played by the individual orchestral instruments. miller and his three sons. The violins hunt the clarinets, the oboes sing, the violas mourn. Not When the miller dies, the until the finale are all the instruments united in a mighty fugue. The three sons split the inheri­ musical program will be accompanied by the theatrical clown-musician tance: the eldest inherits Jürg Kienberger, who has won several awards for his humorous per­ the mill, the second the formances. This very special concert for families will take place at the donkey, and the youngest feels cheated to inherit only the cat—until the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel at 14:30; tickets are CHF 36.10 for adventure begins! Families with kids starting at age 4 can enjoy this adults, CHF 15.70 for kids, or CHF 81.90 for families with two adults magical story, which is played and sung in Basel dialect; tickets are and two kids (CHF 10.60 for each additional child). CHF 20 for adults, CHF 15 for kids ages 4–16, CHF 5 reduction per www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch ­person with the Familienpass. www.baslerkindertheater.ch Jeudi Cirque (Circus Thursday) May 19 I Like Jazz. Drawings by Haëm Set up at the Dreispitz, Station May 4 – June 19 Circus features various circus The caricaturist, illustrator, and globetrotter Haëm, alias Hans Meury acts throughout the year. (1929–2007), worked for international magazines, such as “Punch,” Jeudi Cirque is circus on a “The New Yorker,” and “Nebelspalter”. He was born in Basel and be­ high level that takes place came a great jazz fan in his youth. With easy and expressive lines, Haëm with varying artists on one sketched the new and dynamic music, which promised awakening and Thursday evening per month. renewal, as well as its expert performers. He bequeathed his estate to Local and international art­ the Cartoonmuseum Basel, and the museum is recognizing this dona­ ists perform excerpts of their tion by presenting a showcase exhibition that focuses on Haëm’s comic latest creations for the enjoy­ ink drawings of great jazz musicians of the 1950s. ment of their audience. The show will start at 20:00, and the circus bar is open before and after the show to enhance the circus ambience. www.cartoonmuseum.ch www.stationcircus.ch

Sonntagsmatinée May 8 The Camarata Zürich, with violoncellist Thomas Demenga, will be play­ ing works by Rossini and Boccherini, as well as waltzes and dances by Mozart, Schubert, Dvo ák, and Tschaikowsky, in a late Sunday-morning concert on Mother’s Day. The concert will be at the Stadtcasino Basel at 11:00. Tickets cost CHF 46–63; entrance is free for kids up to age 12. www.konzerte-basel.ch

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Volkshaus May 8 Treat mom to a Mother’s Day brunch at the Brasserie No.2 of Volkshaus Basel from 11:00–15:00; buffet until 14:00. There will be hot and cold delicacies and a supervised children’s corner for a little relaxation time. The price is CHF 65 for adults, CHF 30 for kids ages 6–12, and free for kids under 6 (drinks extra). Reserve your table at 061-690-9310 or at [email protected]. www.volkshaus-basel.ch Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) Sheep-Shearing Event May 12–16 May 11 On these four days, Basel will be transformed into one large dance At this annual event at Lange Erlen Tierpark you can watch the shear­ party. There will be indoor and outdoor events, dances, performanc­ ing of a special kind of sheep from the Wallis region of Switzerland es, discussions, and workshops in various locations around Basel. from 15:00–16:30. The wool of these animals has a special texture, For a complete list of times and locations for the many events, length, and reddish color and garments made from it supposedly are check out the program on their official website. As this is a Swit­ very warm and especially popular among patients with rheumatoid zerland-wide event, be sure to select the location Basel. ­arthritis. www.dastanzfest.ch www.erlen-verein.ch/aktuell/index.php photo credit: © lukas wehrli (ejcf), © guido schärli (ejcf), © theater arlecchino, © basler kindertheater, © station circus, © roberto conciatori (tanzfest) May 2016 5 Events in Basel: May 2016 (continued)

Horse-and-Buggy Parade May 22 On this Sunday, you can watch a parade of historical or replicated horse-drawn carriages and buggies wind their way through town. They will start at Messeplatz at 10:00 and stop for an apéro at Münsterplatz at 11:00. They will then continue to t he Museum für Pferdestärken (Museum of Horse Power), also known as Kutschenmuseum (Carriage Museum), in the Me­ rian Gärten Brüglingen, behind St. Jakob Park, where they are expected to arrive at 13:00 for a lunch. They will then return to their starting point, leaving the Young Stage Circus Festival Basel Kutschenmuseum around 15:00. So you will have plenty of opportuni­ ties to see these beautiful carriages with their proud horses and their May 20–23 handlers and passengers in period attire. The Young Stage festival is an international circus festival that www.fahrturnier-schaenzli.ch ­offers young professional artists from all over the world a platform to present their work to the public, to experts, and to a profes­ sional jury, showing them what “contemporary circus" means. This Bildrausch Filmfest Basel year, festival organizers received 431 applications by artists from May 25–29 54 nations, from which they selected the best 14 acts with a total of Bildrausch is the name of this intimate and innovative international 40 artists from 9 countries, including Ukraine, Canada, France, film festival that will take place in the heart of Basel for the sixth year. ­Columbia, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, USA, and Belgium. The emphasis is on films as an art form, with a focus on cinematic They will proudly present a variety of acts, including juggling, aer­ quality, on the pleasure of visual expression, and the art of telling sto­ ial hoop or straps, balancing acrobatics, Chinese pole, diabolo, duo ries in a new way. There will also be an eclectic supporting program trapeze, and teeterboard. The young artists perform their acts in that consists of conversations with filmmakers, panel discussions, each of the five shows: the Friday-night premiere, a Saturday-night ­lectures, workshops, artistic interventions, and concerts. show, a matinée and a late-afternoon show on Sunday, and the final show on Monday evening that ends with the presentation of the The Stadtkino Basel is the festival center, serving as the main screen­ awards. Prizes include monetary prizes as well as engagements in ing venue, information center, festival lounge, and space for meet-and- well-known circuses and variety- and TV-shows, generating many greets. Only a few steps away from the Stadtkino is the second screen­ international contacts to agents, show producers, and circus direc­ ing venue, the kult.kino atelier. The international competition “Cutting tors. The festival is a springboard to a successful artistic career. Edge” is at the heart of the Bild­rausch Filmfestival, with about a dozen Visit their official website to learn more or to book your tickets carefully ­selected works. ­online. The shows will take place at Das Zelt (the tent set up at An international jury will Rosentalanlage). Note that kids get reduced-price tickets, but only award a prize of CHF 3,000 when booking over the phone on their ticket hotline at 0900-800-800 to the best film at the festi­ (CHF 1.19 minute) or in person at Ticketcorner locations. Tickets val, as well as the Bild­ sell out earlier every year, so put this on your annual “Must See” rausch ring to its creator. list and get your tickets early. Visit their German/English website to learn more www.young-stage.com about the films that will be presented. You can pur­ chase tickets for individual films (CHF 17 / CHF 13), day passes (CHF 40 / CHF 30), or festival passes International Museum Day (CHF 90 / CHF 70). Bring your own 3D glasses or purchase them on site for CHF 4. Advance tickets (from May 20) and day or festival passes are May 22 only available at the box office of Stadtkino Basel. Single tickets for all The International Museum Day is a great opportunity to discover the screenings are available at both Stadtkino Basel and kult.kino atelier. diverse and rich museum landscape of Switzerland. Switzerland has The bar at Stadtkino Basel and the front yard open one hour prior to the more than 1,000 museums, each completely different from the other. start of the screening. Even if you only discover a few, you will have many ways to plunge into www.stadtkinobasel.ch, www.bildrausch-basel.ch a museum adventure—to enjoy and/or understand art, experience ­tradition, appreciate natural phenomena, or revive history. On Interna­ tional Museum Day, which is sponsored by the International Council of SPALENACHT Museums, museums around the world are inviting the public to visit their collections. This year, the International Museum Day will cele­ May 27 brate the theme of museums and cultural landscapes, highlighting the On this evening from 18:30–22:00, the neighborhood near the historic link between museums and cultural heritage. There are well over Spalentor will be celebrating the "Spale Nacht." Stores in the area will 100 participating museums in Switzerland, several of which are in be open late, and some of them will offer special events. In addition, ­Basel-Stadt and Baselland. Go to the website to get a complete list of musicians and other artists will be wandering the streets to entertain the participating museums and the special exhibitions, tours, and other visitors, and you can also visit the Spalentor itself. This event will take activities they are planning for this day. place rain or shine. www.www.museums.ch/en/museums/museumday-map.html www.spalenvorstadt.ch/spalenacht.php

6 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Promenade Concert—Mahler Piano Quartet May 29 A quartet of pianist, violinist, viola player, and cellist—all members of the Sinfonieorchester Basel—will be playing works by Gustav Mahler and César Franck as a part of their Promenade concert series. The International concert, which is ideally suited for families with kids ages 5 and up, will take place at the Gare du Nord at 11:00. There is free childcare during the concert. Older children are welcome to join the concert, even if just School for one movement. There is also the possibility to brunch at Bar du Nord from 10:00–14:00. Tickets are CHF 20 for adults, CHF 10 for kids, free for kids under age 6, and CHF 35 for families with two adults and Rheinfelden two kids. Register in advance for childcare and brunch at 061-683-1313. Tickets can be purchased through www.kulturticket.ch. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch

Bee Day at Tierpark Lange Erlen May 29 The Bienenzüchterverein Basel (Beekeeper’s Society) is inviting the public to Lange Erlen Tierpark from 10:00–14:00 to learn about bees and the production of honey. In the Bienenhaus (bee house) in the Er­ lebnishof of the park, you get to see at close range how a honeycomb is expertly removed and spun to recover the honey. There will be lots of interesting information about bees and the beekeeping profession, as well as fine honeys to taste. Admission to the park and to this event is free. There will also be a fine Z’morge (breakfast) in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy. www.erlen-verein.ch

Zauberduolino ■ English-medium day school: May 29 Kindergarten and Primary sections This family-friendly magic show will please young and old alike. Winner ■ Internationally recognised programmes of the Swiss Talent Award in 2013, this dynamic duo of Dominic and and qualifications Nico are among the shooting stars in the magic scene and are now pre­ senting a colorful program that is designed especially for kids, with a ■ German second language fascinating mix of magic, theatrical of instruction comedy routines, and fun animation, ■ Individual coaching and mentoring where the inexplicable and non-tan­ gible will capture the children’s ■ Part time options available imagination. The active parti­cipation of the children will be what makes the tricks succeed, and the support Global of the magicians’ animal assis­ tants—“Frou Wyss and Mr. Brun,” and the world’s fastest rabbits; “Paul,” local the stunt chicken; and even a White Tiger from Las Vegas—will bring humor to this magical and poetic world. The show will take place at Passion for 10:00 in Das Zelt (the tent set up at the Rosentalanlage) and is ideal for kids ages 4 and up; tickets are CHF 25.90–36.10 for adults and CHF 15.70–25.90 for kids. learning and success www.daszelt.ch For more information, please contact us on: Tel: +41 61 831 06 06 | [email protected] Punkt 12—Open Orchestra Rehearsal www.isrh.ch May 31 If you would like to listen to the Sinfonieorchester Basel rehearse over your lunch hour, then this program is for you. The public is invited to sit in on a half-hour practice workshop starting at 12:00, normally on the Tuesday preceding a symphony orchestra concert. The event is free and no ticket or pre-registration is necessary; simply come to the Musik­ saal at the Stadtcasino Basel and listen in. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch photo credit: © pablo wünsch blanco (young stage), © susanne hiller, © nicholas winter (bildrausch basel), © zauberduolino May 2016 7 Fun Outings: Beyond Basel

Agrotourismus (Agricultural Tourism) Switzerland Agricultural tourism allows people to get in touch with nature and enjoy a true Swiss experience by visiting a Swiss farm. For a perfect adven­ ture for families or for anyone who loves nature, the organization Agro­ tourismus invites you to stay at over 150 different participating farms throughout Switzerland for a variety of different adventures: You can enjoy the traditional “Schlaf im Stroh” (sleeping in straw), where, as the name implies, you literally sleep for one or more nights on the straw in their barn! Each farm offers different experiences, from milk­ ing cows, plucking eggs from the hen house, or walking goats through the pasture while enjoying fresh mountain air and breathtaking views, to horse-back riding, gold-panning, agriculture, and much more. You choose your site based on location and what type of adventure you are looking for. The price for this unbeatable experience starts at about CHF 25 per person per night, and that includes an old-fashioned farm- fresh breakfast to fuel you up for a day filled with adventure. For those who find sleeping on straw a bit too extreme, many of the participating

FIFA World Football Museum May Culinary Festivals in the Black Forest Zürich The Southwest of Germany is an area that is rich in tradition, with For all you football (soccer) fans out there, a visit to the newly opened ­traditional dress, cuisine, beer, wine, music, culture, and festivals of all FIFA World Football Museum in Zürich is a must! The museum collects, kinds. It is also a very fertile land with an abundance of seasonal fruits exhibits, and preserves significant artifacts, documents, and photo­ and vegetables that are celebrated locally in the most interesting ways. graphs of international football and its governing body. They aim to When a harvest is plentiful, there will by definition be festivals to cele­ connect and inspire people with relics from football’s heritage, show­ brate these wonderful bounties, from wild garlic (Bärlauch) in March casing how the sport has grown from its humble beginnings to become and asparagus in April to flowers and grapes in the fall. In the month of a global culture and the un­ May, several events celebrate the cherries and strawberries. disputed number-one sport in the world, uniting nations Kaiserstühler Kirschenfest (Cherry Festival) and bringing continents to­ May 20–23 gether. The evolving collec­ In Königschaffhausen, the cherry is revered and celebrated in every tion has over 1,000 pieces, way, with parties, bands, street entertainment, and of course plenty of including memorabilia, texts, cherries, cherry pies, Black Forest cake, cherry preserves, cherry and pictures from the FIFA schnapps and liquors, and every other imaginable way in which cher­ archives. Take a tour ries can be consumed. If you are a fan of cherries, cultural festivals, through every World Cup and visiting quaint towns, check out the 60th edition of the Kirschen­ since the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay in 1930, with individu­ fest. Königschaffhausen is located one hour by car from Basel. al showcases for each edition filled with items from that tournament. www.kaiserstuehler-kirschenfest.de Located next to those is the display of the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Foot­ ball inspires people from all backgrounds, all over the world. The Oberkircher Erdbeerfest (Strawberry Festival) ­museum pays tribute to this unique ability by offering guests the chance to encounter remarkable individuals and to discover their personal May 28 and 29 football stories. The museum is This weekend in downtown Oberkirch is all about the strawberry—the located in the heart of Zürich “queen of fruits.” The strawberry festival is held here every year and is easily accessible by pub­ ­because Oberkirch has the reputation of being the leading producer lic transport (there is no car and market for strawberries, with an annual harvest of about 5,000 tons. parking). Take the train to the At the numerous stalls of “Zürich Hauptbahnhof” (main this festival, you can buy station), then a 5-minute train strawberries directly ride to “Zürich Enge,” followed from the producers, as by a 1-minute walk to the well as many associated ­museum. If you take the train to Zürich, you can benefit from a 10% delicacies. The other discount on the price of your train ticket and entry to the museum by “fruit of spring,” aspara­ buying a “SBB RailAway” combi ticket at the train station, at ticket ma­ gus, will crash the party chines, or online at www.railaway.ch. The museum is open Tuesday to and will also be featured Saturday from 10:00–19:00 and Sunday from 9:00–18:00; closed in many delicious local dishes. The festival will be rounded out with plen­ ­Mondays. Entrance costs CHF 24 for adults, CHF 14 for kids ages 7–15, ty of entertainment on the stage, as well as many attractions in the and free for kids under 6. There are also student discounts and family town’s streets and alleys. Oberkirch is located about 90 minutes from tickets, all of which can be purchased online in advance. Basel by car. www.FIFAmuseum.com www.oberkirch.de

8 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Markets and Fairs

locations also offer modest holiday homes with guest rooms, group ac­ commodations, tents, campgrounds, and even tipis. You can visit their German/English/French website to find out more about this opportu­ nity. To choose your ideal setting, you can also view their German/­ English/French directory online or order their catalogues for free at www.agrotourismus.ch/en/service/brochures. Here you will find in­ formation on the region, elevation, number of places and types of ac­ commodations, cost per night, and distance from public transportation, as well as the list of activities that each farm offers. The contact infor­ mation will allow you to contact the farmers directly to check for avail­ ability and make your own arrangements. While the best season for sleeping in the straw is from spring until late autumn, many of these locations also offer winter ­accommodations. www.agrotourismus.ch/en/sleep-on-straw-group-­ accommodation-and-more

Basel, our beloved smallish, big city, offers an interesting mix of modern architecture; historical buildings; and quaint cobblestone streets riddled with artistic sculptures, curious statues, colorful murals, historical fountains, intricately detailed mailboxes, and other such works of art. A short walk through any part of town will have you discovering interesting and artistic gems at every corner. How well do you know Basel? Check out the “Where in Basel?” picture in each issue and be the first to write us where in the city the picture was taken to win a fabulous prize. If you think you know where this month’s picture was taken, send us an email at [email protected] with the subject title “Where in Basel?” As soon as we receive the correct answer, we will post the solution on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine) and contact you regarding your prize. This month, we are giving away two tickets to the June 1 Sinfonieorchester Basel concert—one of the last ones with current Solution to last month’s “Where in Basel?”: The photo showed the head principal conductor Dennis Russell Davies before he ends his ­tenure. of the Lällekönig on the wall of the eponymous restaurant at Schifflände 1. Congratulations to Laurel L. and Kalman W. for being the first to send in Good Luck! the correct answer!

Guided tours in Basel. Experience history first-hand.

For further information or booking please go to www.basel.com/guidedtours.

photo credit: © agrotourismus schweiz, © fifa museum, © stadt oberkirch, © christine pesold May 2016 9 Markets and Fairs

Blickfang Basel 2016 Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace April 29 – May 1 May 5–8 Blickfang is an international design exhibition for interior design, fashion, The 35th edition of this fair about and jewelry. The unique charm of Blickfang has always been based on the everything organic (food, wine, chance to meet the creators behind the various products and to buy ev­ clothing, etc.) will take place at erything directly at the booths. Design-orientated consumers, designers, the Parc des Expositions near and tradespeople can come together to sample the newest and most Colmar in Alsace, France. Spread ­innovative trends. The interaction is also important for the designers who over several halls, this fair will get the unique opportunity to sell their products directly, eliminating the encompass tastings, lectures, middleman, and to get a first-hand look at how their products are received workshops, music, gardening, on the open market. For this seventh edition of Blickfang in Basel, visit environment, health, agriculture, with about 100 exhibitors from the fields of furniture, lighting, fashion, and entertainment for young kids’ design, and jewelry and see the latest creations of famous designers and old. Open from 10:00–22:00 and promising young talents! This year’s Blickfang will highlight designer (18:00 on Sunday); entrance fee products for men, with a focus on essentials that are style-conscious, is € 6 per person, kids under thoughtful, and of high quality. There will also be a section entitled “Blick­ age 14 are free. Wine tasting fang Vélo,” which celebrates style on two wheels, from elegant bikes to costs an additional € 5. There is chic accessories that will make cycling a real pleasure. Located in Halle 3 also free childcare for children of the Messe Basel (Sperrstrasse, corner Riehenring), the fair will run ages 3 and up from 10:30–18:00. from 14:00–22:00 on Friday, 11:00–20:00 on Saturday, and 11:00–19:00 on You can find more information and Sunday. Admission costs CHF 15 for adults and CHF 12 for students; kids a complete schedule of events under age 12 are free; a 3-day pass costs CHF 23. You can buy your tickets on their French-only website. at the door, in the Blickfang online shop, or in advance at Ramstein Optik www.foireecobioalsace.fr (Sattelgasse 4) or Thalia (Freie Strasse 32). www.blickfang.com Summer Festival at the Aktienmühle May 7 The seventh edition of the “Mühlenfest” invites everyone—singles, families, and children of all ages from the neighborhood or all over town—for a day of fun with a café bar in the garden, ice cream by Acero Basel, bread baking over open fire, potato-sack races, game stands, and more. The event starts at 14:00 and includes a comic performance by Duo ComicCasa at 15:00, info stands, and a game room for kids and families. There will be a good-bye apéro before they close for renova­ tions until September 2016, as well as an open grill and bar service starting at 17:00. Don’t miss the live rockabilly-folk performance of Dead Brother’s OpenAir&Live starting at 20:30. This event is part of the Switzerland-wide Mühlentag (Swiss mill day) that always takes place on the Saturday after Ascension, where around 120 mills throughout the country open their doors to visitors. www.aktienmuehle.ch

Fantasy Basel—The Swiss Comic Con Flea Market in Pratteln May 5–7 May 7 Basel is hosting Switzerland’s ever-growing convention for game, This flea market, small antiques market, and children’s flea market movie, e-spots, comic, and cosplay fans. Fantasy Basel is a mixture takes place at Schmittiplatz in Pratteln from 8:00–16:00. There are also of adventure world, exhibition, and party that combines the spirit of baked goods, farmers’ stands, and food stands. You can get there by car the time, lifestyle, and future. It is the place to be for fantasy freaks, (there is some parking available) or take tram 14 to the end of the line digital geeks, and game addicts! Fantasy Basel combines high (Pratteln Endstation) and walk in the direction “Schloss;” you should tech, art, design, and passion. Creative minds and consumers can already see the market. spend three days in a real and imaginary world, celebrating the fascination of creativity and imagination. For the 2016 edition, ce­ www.flohmi-schmittiplatz-pratteln.ch lebrities from the movie and TV scene, as well as YouTube stars will be live on site for autograph sessions and photos. The fair will take Children’s Flea Market at Kannenfeldpark place at the Messe Basel from 10:00–19:00 daily; Golden Ticket holders get in at 9:30. Tickets can be purchased through www.star- May 11 ticket.ch; day passes cost CHF 35 in advance (CHF 40 at the box Kannenfeldpark will be the location of this giant flea market for chil­ office), CHF 25 for youths ages 10–16 (CHF 30 at the box office), and dren’s items, such as second-hand clothes, books, games, videos, toys, free for kids under 10 when accompanied by a parent. Silver Tick­ sports equipment, and so on. Everyone is welcome to sell their own ets allow entry for all 3 days (CHF 85), and 3-day Golden Tickets items for a stand fee of CHF 5, which will be collected on the spot. You with VIP service are CHF 235; these special tickets are limited and need to provide your own stand (2m2 table or blanket) and no pre-reg­ only available for advance purchase. istration is required. The flea market is from 12:00–17:00 and will take www.fantasybasel.ch place in any weather. www.nachbarnetz.ch

10 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com eco.festival Basel May 27–29 This fair, formerly known simply as “Natur,” is Switzerland’s largest event focusing on sustainable devel­ opment and lifestyle, with an em­ phasis on sustainable consumption. The motto of eco.festival is to expe­ rience sustainability in a fun way. During these three days, there will be market stalls, culinary delights, innovative ideas, educational exhibits, cultural performances, musical accents, discussions, debates, games, plants, animal shows, and a va­ Street Food Festival riety of other events. It promises to be a colorful, exciting, and multi- May 20–22 faceted national festival about sustainability—an “eco.festival.” Young Street food is commonly found in the United States and Asia, where and old are invited to the city center to learn, think, share ideas, eat, street vendors cook, serve, and sell their specialties right from and drink. The event, which will take place on Barfüsserplatz and The­ their food carts in the streets of New York, Bangkok, and Tokyo, but aterplatz, is free to the public and there will be something for everyone. has also spread to European cities such as Berlin. For a couple of www.eco.ch days each year, this trend also comes to a few cities in Switzerland, including Basel for the first time last fall. It was such a raging suc­ Flohmarkt auf dem Dach (Fleamarket on the roof) cess that the organizers have decided to make this a biannual May 29 event, with one Street Food Festival in the spring and one in the fall. Everyone who loves international cuisine and a non-stop feast This flea market and collectors’ fair is the largest in northwest Switzer­ should make their way to the Messeplatz at the Messe Basel on land, with about 200 stands and 10,000 visitors. It will be held on the Friday from 17:00–24:00, Saturday from 11:00–24:00, or Sunday roof of the Interio in Pratteln from 8:30–16:00. The venue is completely from 11:00–19:00. The great variety of dishes will be unique, inex­ covered, so it is great in any weather. Here you can find agriculture, pensive, and prepared with love by amateur chefs and professional antiques, appliances, arts and crafts, bicycles, camping, clothes, coins, caterers alike. Explore international foods, music, drinks, and fun collectibles, electronics, games, garden, household, jewelry, motorcy­ in a lively environment. cle clothing, musical instruments, sports, stamps, tools, watches, and so much more. www.streetfood-festivals.ch www.flohmarktaufdemdach.ch

R E S T O A F C A

K D

C

E

A M

L

Y B

School pick-up and 1 9 5 6 drop-off at Basel Badische Bahnhof Quality Christian Schooling since 1956 Mulhouse D Kandern F

Basel Zurich

CH

bfacademy.com photo credit: © fantasy basel, © foire éco bio d'alsace, © eco.ch, © stephen oliver May 2016 11 Sports and Recreation

Schwingertage (Swiss Wrestling Days) May 5 Want to enjoy a truly Swiss sports tradition? Then you should head out to the Baselstädtische Schwingertage—a competition of Swiss-style wrestling, or “Schwingen.” This year marks the 97th edition of this event, which will take place at Sportstadion Rankhof (Grenzacherstrasse 405, Basel). The Schwing­ ers will compete from 8:15 until mid-afternoon, which will be followed by awards ceremonies and crowning of the Schwinger “king.” Standing-room tickets cost CHF 11 and seats range from CHF 15–25; entrance is discounted after 12:00. In contrast to traditional wrestling, this Swiss version takes place outdoors, in round arenas filled with sawdust, with the generally big and burly wrestlers traditionally dressed in long pants and shirts as well as burlap shorts that the wrestlers grab to hold on to their opponent. It's truly a unique sport to watch! For more information about Schwingen and the competitions, check out our July/August 2013 issue of Basel Family Magazine, which you can find in the Archive at www.basellife.com. www.schwingen-bs.ch

Forest Run Familien Spieltreff (Family Play-Meet) May 1 May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 If a fun run through forests and meadows sounds enjoyable, why not do Every Tuesday evening from 17:00–19:00 (except during the public the Blauen Berglauf in Hofstetten? Runners can choose from the 5-, school holidays), kids, teens, and families can come to play4you to en­ 10-, and 15-km runs through the village, fields, and forest. For kids joy a variety of activities, such as juggling, trick yo-yo, stacking, diabolo, under age 14 only, there is also a 600-m run through the small village. kiwido, and more, as well as numerous classic and modern games. All routes are marked by colored arrows on the ground, and runners Most games are self-explanatory, but there is always a friendly staff on will be guided by marshals at every fork in the road. The children’s run hand to show, explain, and even play with you. Entrance costs CHF 8 for starts at 11:00, whereas the longer runs start at 14:00. The costs are kids, CHF 12 for adults, and CHF 25 for families; discounts with Familien­ CHF 10 for kids under age 14, CHF 18 for youths under age 18, and pass. In der Ziegelei, Atelier T25 in Oberwil, Hohestrasse 134. CHF 30 for adults. On-the-spot registration is available for an addi­ www.play4you.ch/agenda tional CHF 5 on the day itself between 9:00–9:30 for the kids’ run, as well as from 11:30–13:00 for the longer runs. Registration, as well as start and finish, is at the Mehrzweckgebäude Mammut, at Büneweg 2 Bicycle Outing for Families in Hofstetten, which can be reached by car from Basel in 25 minutes; May 5 there is a parking lot near the start of the race. You can also reach ­Hofstetten by taking tram 10 to Rodersdorf and then the Postauto This is an all-day bicycling tour for kids and their parents, relatives, bus 68 to the stop called “Ettingerstrasse.” and acquaintances led by Ooink Ooink Productions. Meeting place is at the Landhof (Riehenstrase 78a, Basel) at 9:30, and the expected return www.blauenberglauf.ch is at 18:00. Participants will need a bicycle in good condition (good brakes and tires) and a ­bicycle helmet. This event is free, but anyone interested in joining a spaghetti dinner upon return at 18:00 should bring CHF 6. The outing will take place irrespective of the weather, so bring appropriate clothing. For questions, contact Mirko Ulbi at 061-683-9211 or [email protected] up until the preceding Wednesday. www.ooinkooink.ch

Skateboard School May 14 and 28 If you would like your kids to learn to skateboard, you can sign them up for skateboard school, which takes place two Saturdays per month for kids ages 5 and up. Classes are held every sec­ ond Saturday from 13:00–14:30 or from 14:00– 15:30. Kids are divided into groups from begin­ Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race ners to experienced and learn balance, May 3 coordination, strength, jumps, tricks, and tech­ There is still one Tuesday-evening bicycle race left of the five hosted by niques to improve crash safety. There is a mini­ Swiss Cycling beider Basel. It starts at 19:00 in Möhlin, around 20 minutes mum of 4 kids and a maximum of 30 kids per from Basel. Races are held on a 3.4-km loop, and distances depend on lesson, and each lesson costs CHF 25. You can the age category, ranging from 10.2 km for kids born 2002–2005 (2001 also ask for private lessons for CHF 60 per 60 for girls) to 44.2 km for elite cyclists. To learn all the pertinent informa­ minutes (maximum 3 students). For more infor­ tion, go to their website and click on “Veranstaltungen” to download the mation and to register, contact Corey Tschudin at official flyer for the “Di-Abendrennen.” [email protected]. www.cyclingbeiderbasel.ch www.skateboardschool.ch

12 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Bebbi-Sprint Aquathlon May 21 May 21 Bebbi-Sprint is a sprint Erdgas Aquathlon Basel, a combined swimming/running race will be challenge for all chil­ taking place for the 13th year this May. There are seven different cate­ dren up to age 14 in the gories, starting with kids born in 2010 who will swim 0.5 km and run Basel region that has 1 km, to adults with a 0.8-km swim followed by a 5-km run. Organized existed for over 40 years. by the SV Basel-Triathlon/Wildcats, the Aquathlon will take place at the The Old Boys Basel athletic club Sportbad St. Jakob, starting with the youngest participants at 13:00. has been hosting the event for the Registration costs CHF 25 for kids up to age 13 and CHF 35 for those past few years as a tri-national com­ over age 13. You can register online until May 20 at 21:00. All partici­ petition at the Stadion Schützenmatte pants must collect their start number at least one hour before their in Basel. Running distances will be 50 race begins. m for kids up to age 9, 60 m for kids www.aquathlon-basel.ch ages 10–13, and 80 m for kids age 14; boys and girls compete sepa­ rately. The competitions start at 12:00. Participation is free and regis­ tration is accepted from 10:30 on the same day up to 60 minutes before the respective competition starts. They are organizing a professional warm-up as well as activities between races. The competitions will be­ gin with an elimination round, with the eight fastest runners in each category qualifying for the finals. All participating Aqua-Jogging Outdoors children will receive a gift and a snack, and the day Starts Third Week of May will end with the presenta­ Water aerobics with a vest in deep water is a great way to increase your tion of the awards at 16:30. fitness level in a gentle way. The lightness of the body in water helps to The three winners in each promote movement, and one’s buoyancy in water builds muscles with­ age group will receive out overloading the tendons and ligaments and without the harmful medals, and all finalists impact on the spine and joints. The hydrostatic pressure also promotes will be given a diploma in­ venous and lymphatic return and brings you back to a sense of wellbe­ dicating their performance ing. The classes are for men and women of all ages and are also ideal and rank. There will also be other competitions, including a 20-m for overweight persons. They will be held on Monday and Saturday sprint, javelin throw, 60-m obstacle course, shot-put competition, long mornings in the 24ºC heated outdoor pool at St. Jakob. To sign up, visit jump, as well as a group 40-m relay race for kids born 2001–2005 the Gsünder Basel website, click on “Alle Kurse” on the lower right side (5 balls) and kids born 2006 or younger (3 balls). of the page, then scroll down to “Aqua-Jogging Outdoor.” www.oldboysbasel.ch www.gsuenderbasel.ch

City Skate Basel May 8 The Swiss Skate Tour is a series of inline skate events held throughout town along with the mascot Rollliii. You can register online until noon Switzerland each year, and for the first time, this year’s agenda in­ on May 7; registration is free for kids, CHF 30 for juniors, CHF 40 for cludes the new City Skate Basel. The start of the skate will be at the “Fun & Enjoy,” CHF 60 for short distance, and CHF 70 for long distance. Marktplatz; skaters will roll up Freie Strasse, over the Schwarzwald­ You can also late-register until one hour before the skate at Marktplatz brücke, along the Rhein, and then over the Mittlere Brücke back to the for an additional CHF 10 late fee. You need to wear the start number on finish line at Marktplatz. Skaters can select from various distances your right thigh and affix the timekeeping chip on your ankle; the chip (from 5.35 km for one round to 37.5 km for seven rounds), categories, must be returned immediately after the race near the clothing return to and speeds—choose competitive skating over short or long distances avoid a CHF 70 charge. Join the City Skate Basel to help put this event or “Fun & Enjoy” with various distances. There is also a mini- and kids’- on the ­annual calendar! course that starts at Theodorskirchplatz, in which the kids will skate to www.swiss-skate-tour.ch/en/city-skate-basel

photo credit: © andy soldan (schwingertag), © hofagraf.ch (blauenlauf), © old boys basel (bebbi sprint), © sv basel-triathlon (aquathlon), © swiss skate tour (city skate) May 2016 13 Sports and Recreation (continued)

Outdoor Swimming Pools There are three main outdoor swim parks (Gartenbäder) in the Basel area—St. Jakob, Eglisee, and Bachgraben, and one in Riehen (Natur­ bad). If you have yet to discover them, they are large parks equipped with several pools for serious swimmers, non-swimmers, children, and divers, as well as slides, playgrounds, beach volleyball, table ten­ nis, restaurants, and much more. They are wonderful places for fami­ lies to spend a lazy warm day. You can pay as you go (CHF 7 for adults/ CHF 3.00 for kids ages 6–16/ CHF 4 for students up to age 25), buy a 10-ticket booklet, or a season pass. The Familienpass and Colour Key are accepted for big discounts at these pools. www.badi-info.ch/bs/basel.html

St. Jakob (May 7 – September 11): This is a large park with a teaching pool, a family pool, a play pool with slides, a kiddie pool, a 10-m diving Dreiländerlauf (Three Country Run) board, two beach volleyball fields, a playground, two kiosks, and a res­ May 22 taurant. There is also an outdoor heated pool with swimming lanes that This year marks the 26th anniversary of the annual Dreiländerlauf, is open longer, this year from April 23 to September 25. a special running event that covers territory in Switzerland, France, Bachgraben (May 7 – September 11): This park has a swimming pool, and Germany. All runs start and end at the Marktplatz. The com­ a teaching pool, a play pool with a large slide, a kiddie pool, a beach plete run is a half-marathon of 21.1 km, passes through the three volleyball field, table tennis, a kiosk, and a restaurant. countries, and crosses over the Rhein four times. This run is for conditioned runners, and there are 12 different age categories Eglisee (May 14 – September 11): This park has a swimming pool, a (6 for men and 6 for women). There is also a shorter run of 10.3 km family pool, a kiddie pool, a diving pool, a beach volleyball field, a play­ for runners relatively new to the sport, which follows a well-marked ground, and a restaurant. Note that this park also has a section just for course through the inner city. This run has 14 different age cate­ women and children. gories (7 for men and 7 for women); the youngest category is for Naturbad Riehen (May 8 – September 11): This park is idyllically situ­ teens born in 1999–2000. Younger runners born between 2001– ated on the edge of a country-park meadow with lots of sun and open 2008 can participate in a student run of 2.3 km with eight categories, views of Riehen Dorf and Dinkel­ including four for boys and four for girls. berg. It resembles a natural lake Registration: You can register online until May 20 at 11:00 at their or river, but the latest technology official website, www.3laenderlauf.org. You can also register by and a special water treatment post until May 9. Late registration can be done in person on the first plant ensure a consistently high floor of the Ochsner Sport at the Stücki shopping center on May 21 water quality with a visual depth from 10:00–15:00 (no late fees) or on the day itself at the Rathaus, of at last two meters. For fami­ starting at 8:30 (CHF 5 late fee applies). Registration fees are lies with small children, there is CHF 45 for the half-marathon, CHF 35 for the 10.3-km run, and large toddlers’ wading pool with CHF 10 for the 2.3-km run. CHF 2 from every registration will auto­ fun water games; additionally, they offer a special non-swimmers’ area matically be given to the Lions’ Club to help sponsor their bilingual with beach, slide, and a float, as well as a separate diving pool. summer camps. www.naturbadriehen.ch Getting There: Thanks to the BLT/TNW, travel to and from the You can find additional outdoor pools in neighboring France (St. Louis) Dreiländerlauf on train, bus, and tram is free on the day of the and Germany (Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, and Grenzach-Whylen), as well event. Simply go to www.3laenderlauf.org/anreise.html to request as in surrounding Baselland, including Aesch-Pfeffingen, Arlesheim, your free transportation ticket, which will then be emailed to you Bettingen, Binningen, Bottmingen, Dornach, Gelterkinden, Laufen, for printing at home. ­Liestal, Pratteln, Reinach, Rheinfelden, and Sissach. For a complete Start Numbers: Number bibs will be handed out on the day itself at list of these pools and what they have to offer, check out the May 2014 the Rathaus at Marktplatz, starting at 8:30. They can also be picked issue of Basel Family Magazine in our archives at www.basellife.com. up the day before at Ochsner Sport on the first floor of the Stücki shopping center from 10:00–15:00. The bibs are equipped with data chips that will calculate the time. English Speaking Counseling ­Services Prizes: Each participant will receive a prize. The first three in each category will receive a special prize. You need to be present to re­ for ­Adolescents, Adults and Couples. ceive prizes as they will not be mailed to you. The award ceremony will start at 13:00 in Marktplatz or, in case of really bad weather, at Tara Gaffney, MS, LPCC the Turnhalle Rittergasse. Licensed Professional Changing Rooms: Changing rooms will be available for men and Clinical Counselor women at the Rittergasse-Schulhaus starting at 9:00. You can also get a massage at this location from the Swiss Massage Team either Steinenbachgasslein 49 before or after the race. 4051 Basel Valuables: If you have valuables with you that you don’t want to run +41 78 646 97 44 with, you can leave them in the inner courtyard of the Basel Rathaus www.lifetransitionscounselingllc.com (City hall) using your start number as your identifier. www.3laenderlauf.org “Everything can always be different” – Alfred Adler

14 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Parkour Training FC BASEL SCHEDULE MAY 2016 You have probably witnessed teens and young adults engaging in the new trend sport of parkour—using only the human body and the sur­ roundings (usually urban spaces) for propulsion, with a focus on main­ (Fussball / Soccer) taining as much momentum as possible while still remaining safe. This FC Basel 1893 form of urban acrobacy, which requires a great amount of discipline and Red signifies Home Game @ St. Jakob Stadion agility, can include obstacle courses, running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, and rolling. Like any sport, however, parkour has its risks, so it is best to learn the techniques and train under professional guidance. There are several parkour organizations that offer such Date Time Home Team Guests training in Basel-Stadt, Baselland,­ and neighboring Lörrach. If you Sat., May 7 20:00 FC Zürich FC Basel 1893 have always been interested in the sport but are not sure if it is truly for you, these organizations offer the possibility to join trial lessons, so Tue., May 10 19:45 FC Basel 1893 FC Thun why not give it a try? Mon., May 16 16:00 FC Luzern FC Basel 1893 Streem Freerun Basel: With a professional trainer from the Parkour and Freerunning-Gruppe STREEM, formerly known as the Street Monkeys Sun., May 22 16:00 BSC Young Boys FC Basel 1893 Basel, your teen could give parkour a try. They normally train twice per Wed., May 25 20:30 FC Basel 1893 Grasshoppers Club week, in both Basel-Stadt and Basell­ and; interested parties are welcome to sign up for two free trial lessons. Membership costs CHF 360 for one year or CHF 180 for half a year; discounts for holders of a Colour Key card. Prices range from CHF 20–75 for adults in regular seating. Children ages 6–16 receive a discount of 25% in the regular seating areas. There is a special www.parkourstreetmonkeys.com area for families and young adults (up to age 22) with slightly lower prices. For World’s ParKour Family (WPF): This group has a competent team of more information on seats and pricing, go to: trainers who offer accompanied training twice per week in various www.fcb.ch/de-CH/Stadion/Stadionplan-Preise#Preise ­locations around Basel. Sessions start and end with warm-ups and wind-downs that are appropriately suited for the techniques in focus. They teach the basic techniques of parkour step by step and without pressure. All ages are welcome and trainings cost CHF 300 per semes­ ter (CHF 50 per month), plus a one-time CHF 50 registration fee; ­discounts for holders of a Colour Key card. www.wpf.li Parkour ONE Schweiz (PkONE): PkONE trains twice per week, always outdoors, irrespective of weather. They tailor the training level to the individual needs of the participants and teach genuine parkour, both the moves and the values, which include respect, modesty, determi­ nation, and honesty. Training costs CHF 115 per month, and you are welcome to join a trial lesson for CHF 15. Teens and adults are welcome; minimum age is 12 years. www.parkourone.com/regionen/schweiz/training/ regelmaessige-trainings/basel/ Altes Wasserwerk Parkour Thursday: In Lörrach, just across the Ger­ man border, parkour fans meet every Thursday. Here you can improve different spots under guidance, as well as work on your body control, stamina, self-confidence, and team spirit in a sporty but more relaxed atmosphere. Sessions are every Thursday, except during the German school holidays, and cost € 15 per month. www.alteswasserwerk.de/index.php/gruppen/parkour

photo credit: © dreiländer-lauf, © naturbad riehen, © alexandre ferreira / wikimedia commons (parkour) May 2016 15 May 2016

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESD MAY 1 2 3 4 Ongoing Events in May Zirkus Rägeboge / Circus Royal Circus Royal Circus Royal Circus Royal Open Day at Local Wine Cellars Stefano Bollani solo Tuesday Evening Bicycle Race Jean Dubuffet’s “Coucou Bazar” I Like Jazz. Drawings by Haëm Jean Dubuffet’s “Coucou Bazar” Family Play at play4you Children’s Theater—The W Children’s Theater—The Wizard of Oz Cartoonmuseum Basel Evening Tour at Botanical Garden Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Musical—Cats European Youth Choir F May 4 – June 19 Blickfang Basel 2016 Fresu / Galliano / Lundgren JugendAtelier (Youth Studio) Forest Run Lords and Ladies Musical—Cats The Touch of Art Tour—Sculpture on the Move Franco Ambrosetti / Dado Mor Museum Tinguely, Basel Tour —Kunstmuseum’s New Building Berlin–Budapest Express Until May 16 Musical—Cats / Lords and Ladies Opera—Macbeth Colin Vallon /Maria Pia de Vito Quartet Watch This!—Geneva Watches in Basel Museum für Geschichte Basel 8 9 10 11 Until August 28 Circus Royal / Sonntagsmatinée Benny Green Trio Family Play at play4you Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Jean Dubuffet’s “Coucou Bazar” Evening Tour at Botanical Garden Sheep-Shearing Event Sculpture on the Move Children’s Theater—The Wizard of Oz Tour—“Please Touch” Exhibit Kids' Flea Market at Kannenf Kunstmuseum Basel Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Musical—Cats Kids Lab Until September 18 European Youth Choir Festival Dee Dee Bridgewater & Irvin Mayfield Musical—Cats Mother’s Day Brunch at Volkshaus Radio String Quartet Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Jesus Christ Superstar City Skate Basel Science for Families / Kids Lab Musical—Cats / Ed Motta & Band Opera—Macbeth / Harlem Globetrotters 15 16 17 18 Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) Family Play at play4you Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Tour of Fondation Beyeler Opera—Macbeth Evening Tour at Botanical Garden Kids Lab Musical—Cats Mumford & Sons Musical—Cats Musical—Cats Concert—Best of Hope! Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia David Duchovny & Special Guests Talent programs Coaching Bilingualism Sessions

Special Working 22 23 24 25 Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Young Stage Circus Festival Family Play at play4you Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots needs hild techniques Your C Young Stage Circus Festival Kaiserstühler Cherry Festival Evening Tour at Botanical Garden Bildrausch Filmfest Basel International Museum Day Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Toddler Tales Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Horse-and-Buggy Parade Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet Tinguely Tours Kaiserstühler Cherry Festival Jesus Christ Superstar Street Food Festival Ballet—Object Present Language Dayschool Dreiländerlauf (Three Country Run) certificates Family Day—Watch This! Small classes Musical—Cats / Opera—Macbeth Ballet—Object Present / Brad Mehldau Trio I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Kindergarten/Primary School Theodorskirchplatz 7, Tel. 061 683 96 01 29 30 31 Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Ballet—Object Present Punkt 12—Open Orchestra Rehearsal Secondary School (all levels) Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Family Play at play4you St. Alban-Vorstadt 32, Tel. 061 278 98 88 Promenade Concert—Mahler Piano Quartet Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Zauberduolino / Bee Day at Lange Erlen www.minervaschulen.ch Oberkircher Strawberry Festival eco.festival Basel Fleamarket on the Roof Tour—Watch This! Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change Starbugs Comedy—Crash Boom Bang

Language Courses •Intensive Courses • Business Courses •Private Lessons •Daytime andEvening Courses

efficient–lively–certified

Elisabethenanlage 9, CH-4051 Basel www.benedict-basel.ch Tel: +41 61 202 12 12, [email protected] www.basellife.com WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Basel’s English Den�st 5 6 7 Circus Royal Circus Royal Circus Royal / European Youth Choir Festival s “Coucou Bazar” European Youth Choir Festival European Youth Choir Festival Children’s Theater—The Wizard of Oz s Theater—The Wizard of Oz Fantasy Basel—Comic Convention Fantasy Basel—Comic Convention Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Dr. GarryBonsall s Theater—Puss in Boots Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Foire ÉCO BIO d’Alsace Fantasy Basel / Flea Market in Pratteln outh Choir Festival Bicycling Outing for Families Lords and Ladies Foire ÉCO BIO / Summer Festival Dental Surgeon outh Studio) Schwingertage (Swiss Wrestling) Musical — Cats Outdoor Swimming Pools Open Musical—Cats Chucho Valdés y Grupo Tour—Kunstmuseum Masterpieces osetti / Dado Moroni Ballet—Sleeping Beauty Son Alarde-Orchestra Musical—Cats / Lords and Ladies Berlin–Budapest Express Opera—Macbeth Wesseltoft/Berglund/Schwarz Trio Michael Wollny Solo – Duo – Trio Theater—Angels in America High‐tech,pain‐free,high‐quality 12 13 14 family dentalcareand implants s Theater—Puss in Boots Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) Das Tanzfest (Dance Festival) Talk—Patricia Urquiola Become a Coffee Barista Family Concert New‐pa�ent special: et at Kannenfeldpark Musical—Cats Musical—Cats Skateboard School CHF 125clean andcheck Iyer / Danielsson / Norby Opera—Macbeth Musical—Cats French Wine Tasting Wine Tasting Wine Tasting Wine Tasting Chamber Music Concert Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia St. Alban Vorstadt 78 star Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Jazz Evening—Bring Me a Dream www.DrBonsall.ch [email protected]

19 20 21 Calltoday: s Theater—Puss in Boots Circus Thursday Young Stage Circus Festival Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots Talk—Raw Edges Kaiserstühler Cherry Festival Young Stage Circus Festival 061271 06 04 Musical—Cats Street Food Festival Kaiserstühler Cherry Festival Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Wine Tasting Musical—Cats Street Food Festival Opera—Macbeth Wine Tasting Bebbi Sprint Swiss Wine Days Swiss Wine Days Aquathlon Soul Blues Legend: Johnny Rawls Band Tour of the Ape House Ballet—Object Present Musical—Cats I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Wine Tasting Jazz Evening—Bring Me a Dream

26 27 28 s Theater—Puss in Boots Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Children’s Theater—Puss in Boots est Basel Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Spalenacht Bildrausch Filmfest Basel Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Goran Bregovic & Band eco.festival Basel Oberkircher Strawberry Festival English Comedy—Jimmy Carr Opera—Macbeth eco.festival Basel Hair—Rock Musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Skateboard School Hair—Rock Musical Graffiti Workshop for Beginners Dîner Spectacle Tour—Basel for Newcomers Collegium Musicum Concert Tour of Basel for Families / TEDxBasel Rob Spence Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Ballet—Object Present / Hair—Rock Musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Calendar Key: Important Numbers: Kinderspital, (for more info refer to this section) SOS: 112 Spitalstrasse 33, Basel Events in Basel Police: 117 061-704-1212 Fun Outings: Beyond Basel Fire Department: 118 Afterhours Pharmacy, Markets and Fairs A Hand in Need: 143 Petersgraben 3, Basel Sports and Recreation Ambulance: 144 061-263-7575 Workshops, Tours, and Education Poison Center: 145 Emergency Dentist/Doctor, Entertainment Child / Teen Hotline: 147 24 hour/365 Days Service 061-261-1515 Emergency Veterinarian, 24 Hour/365 Days Service 090-099-3399 http://tinyurl.com/AmazonGarryBonsall

SIS Swiss International School Bilingual Day School Bilingual Experience Independent Strong Network and Value-Centred from Preschool through to College Approach

National Our educational concept lies at the heart of our social, pedagogical, Day School and International Community didactical and entrepreneurial approach. Recognition This benefits all students attending SIS Basel - where they live and Continuity from Performance through learn in German and English, day by day. Kindergarten to Diversity College

International Education – SIS Swiss International School, Erlenstrasse 15, 4058 Basel, Tel. +41 61 683 71 40 Local Insight [email protected], www.swissinternationalschool.ch Inside Basel

Big Changes for the Sinfonieorchester Basel

With the approaching end of the 2015/16 concert season, big changes await Basel’s premier conveyer of classical music, the ­Sinfonieorchester Basel (SOB). Not only will its principal conductor, Dennis Russell Davies, leave the orchestra after a successful 7-year tenure, but the orchestra will lose its home in the Stadtcasino at Barfüsserplatz for the next 3 years, while the building is being renovated entirely. But despite these challenges, the orchestra has great plans for the coming 2016/17 season.

A Brief Look Back In its current incarnation, the SOB has existed only since 1997, when it foundations, sometimes in bitter competition with each other and with was created by the merger of the Basler Sinfonie-Orchester and the various competing ensembles, until, ultimately, the Sinfonieorchester Radio-Sinfonieorchester Basel. But in reality, the SOB can look back on Basel in its current constellation emerged. a history of more than 300 years. During that time, the orchestra oper­ Over the centuries, the orchestra has attracted many of the great ated under different names, was supported by different sponsoring names in classical music to Basel, either as conductors or soloists, ­organizations, and experienced numerous highs and lows, but apart including Ernst Reiter, Clara Schumann, Hans von Bülow, Johannes from the brief period from 1798–1803, it never disappeared entirely. Brahms, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Wilhelm Furtwängler, or The roots of the SOB trace back to 1708, when Basel’s high society Pierre Boulez. founded an orchestra called the Collegium Musicum to promote instru­ Although steeped in this long tradition, the SOB today is regarded as mental music. The Collegium had 20 members, mostly lay musicians, one of the most innovative orchestras in the country and enjoys a vibrant who called on professional musicians for support. (The payment for national and international reputation. This high regard is also reflected these professionals? Bread and wine from the cellars of the Collegium in the number of international engagements in recent years, including members!) By the middle of the 18th century, the Collegium had ex­ tours to China, South Korea, Russia, or the UK, as well as numerous CD panded to about 40 members and, under new leadership of dynamic recordings. The orchestra currently includes 100 members from around music lovers, acquired new scores, instruments, and financial support. 20 different countries. They also introduced a subscription system to expand audiences, and the concerts became social occasions attended by up to 400 listeners. Although, according to reports from those times, listening to the music often seemed secondary to social interactions among the audience members, who sometimes were conversing loudly even when the ­musicians were playing. Initially, the Collegium had played mainly in a building of the university, at the site where today the Naturhistorisches Museum is found. But by the beginning of the 19th century, that hall could no longer satisfy the orchestra and audiences, and in 1826 a new building on Steinenberg, the Casino, became the orchestra’s new home. In 1876, the Musiksaal with 1,500 seats was added to the original Casino building, and remains the SOB’s home to this day, while the original Casino building was ­replaced with the current building in 1938. Whereas the home of the orchestra has stayed in the same location for almost 200 years, its sponsors, who determined the funding and musical direction of the orchestra, changed repeatedly during that time. The Collegium Musicum was succeeded by numerous organizations and

18 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com What Is Next? The 2016/17 Season The upcoming 2016/17 season will again feature eight symphony con­ The New Concert Venues certs, six of which will be played on two consecutive Wednesday and After the current season, the Stadtcasino with the Musiksaal will be Thursday evenings; These concerts will cover all three temporary loca­ closed for 3 years for extensive renovations. This forces the SOB to find tions. In addition, members of the orchestra will perform numerous a temporary home—or, more accurately, several temporary homes. As smaller chamber-music concerts at various locations in town. Check a result, the orchestra will go on a “musical journey” through Basel, their website for descriptions of the different concerts and their locations. with regular stops at the Musical Theater, Theater Basel, and Basler For all of these concerts, you will be able to purchase individual tickets Münster. The choice of programs will be matched to each of the loca­ as ­usual, starting on August 2. In addition, several subscriptions are tions; for example, the concerts at the Münster will focus on works by available for the symphony concerts at substantial savings over regular the deeply religious Anton Bruckner, whereas the pieces to be per­ ticket prices, with the following options: formed at the Theater will center more around music for stage works, such as ballets. • Subscription A: This subscription includes all eight Wednesday- New locations will also be used for some of the other more specialized evening concerts. There are three price categories available for SOB concerts, such as the mini.musik series aimed at younger children, this subscription ranging from CHF 225–500, and you can which will take place at the Scala in Basel; exhibition-related concerts choose your preferred seat for each of the three venues. in several of Basel’s museums; the Cocktail Concerts at the Grand ­Hotel Les Trois Rois; and several concerts at the Gare du Nord. Finally, • Subscription B: This subscription includes the six Thursday- special concerts will be performed at the event hall of the Messe Basel evening concerts. Again you can choose from three price or in the amphitheater at Augusta Raurica. ­categories from CHF 200–400 and select your preferred seats. • Pick-Your-Own Wednesday: With this subscription, you select The New Conductor four out of six Wednesday-evening concerts according to your preferences. The three price categories range from CHF 130–275. Coinciding with the Stadtcasino renovations and resulting move of the SOB, there will also be a change in the leadership of the orchestra. • Pick-Your-Own Thursday: For this subscription, you can pick With the 2016/17 season, the SOB will be headed by a new principal four out of the six Thursday-evening concerts according to your conductor, Ivor Bolton, one of the most acclaimed English conductors. individual taste. Prices range from CHF 130–275. He is currently principal conductor of the Mozarteum Orchestra Salz­ • Intro Subscription: This subscription is aimed at those who burg but also works as guest conductor with many of the world’s most want to get to know the SOB without a large commitment and prestigious orchestras and concert promoters. He is known for experi­ includes one concert at each of the three sites. Costs range menting with new interpretations, putting together unusual combina­ from CHF 115–270. tions of pieces in his programs, and reviving forgotten masterpieces of known and less well-known composers. Next season he will conduct two of the SOB symphony concerts as well as his Welcome Concert in All of the subscriptions can already be booked now either through their September. He will be supported in his work with the SOB by first guest website or at Bider & Tanner. conductor Michał Nesterowicz from Poland as well as several other guest conductors. www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch/en

The challenging language school.

Wishing you all a Happy Mothers’ Day!

Master all language obstacles.

Contact us for a cost-free, individual level evaluation and consultation at www.inlingua-basel.ch

inlingua is dual certified:

www.kidsmusic.ch photo credit: © andre hieber (sob), © benno hunziker (ivor bolton) May 2016 19 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel

Tinguely Tours May 24 You are invited to join a short, guided tour in English of the permanent collection at the Tinguely Museum starting at 13:00. Admission to the museum costs CHF 15 for adults; free for kids 16 and under when accompanied by an adult, otherwise CHF 10. The cost of the tour is included in the entrance fee. www.tinguely.ch

Tour—Sculpture on the Move JugendAtelier (Youth Studio) May 1 May 4 The exhibit “Sculpture on the Move” at the Kunstmuseum Basel focuses The Fondation Beyeler has launched a new workshop program called on sculptural art between the end of World War II and the present. It JugendAtelier for youths and young adults ages 15–25. The evening illustrates how the classical idea and form of sculpture grew more flex­ starts with a short interactive tour through the museum where art will ible and abstract as artists began to integrate everyday objects into be critically examined; this is then followed by a practical part in the their art or blurred its spatial and conceptual boundaries. The Kunst­ Atelier, where participants will be invited to experiment and re-invent museum Basel will be hosting a guided tour in English of the tempo­ the art—be it with tablets, music, or mountain bikes. JugendAtelier is rary exhibit, which will take place at the Neubau (new building) from always from 17:00–18:30 on the first Wednesday of the month. Cost is 11:00–12:00, as well as a family tour in English from 13:00-14:00; cost CHF 7, which includes entrance and materials; no registration is re­ of tour is CHF 5. quired. www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch www.fondationbeyeler.ch

Tour—The Kunstmuseum’s New Building Tour of Kunstmuseum Masterpieces May 1 May 7 Want to know more about the new construction of the Kunstmuseum Basel? Come for a close-up architectural tour in English of the new The Kunstmuseum has an impressive collection of fine art, including building from 13:00–14:00; cost of tour is CHF 5. many works by Picasso, Degas, Matisse, Miró, Rembrandt, Rénoir, and van Gogh, to name just a few. They will be giving a tour in English of www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch these masterpieces of the museum in the Hauptbau (main building) from 13:00–14:00. The tour costs CHF 5, in addition to the museum Evening Tours at the Botanical Garden entry. May 3, 10, 17, and 24 www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch Tuesday evenings from March to October, specialists of the Botanisch­ er Garten der Universität Basel (Botanical Garden of the University of Basel) will be giving 1-hour tours in German on a variety of topics. The Science for Families tours start at 17:00 and again at 18:30. Meeting place is at the fountain May 8 at the corner of the Institutsgebäude (institute building). Cost is free, The University of Basel has a German-language program designed to but donations are accepted. The tour on May 3 is entitled “Jenseits von stimulate families’ interest in science. Café Scientifique takes place Namen: Pflanzentypen” (Beyond the name: Plant varieties); the topic one Sunday per month from 15:00–17:00, with specialists in on May 10 is “Gebirgspflanzen im Garten—doppelte Überlebenskün­ various fields of research giving talks in a relaxed stler” (Mountain plants in the garden—survivalists twice over); the top­ café atmosphere. There is no fee and no ic on May 17 is “Baum-Zeit” (Tree time), and the topic on May 24 is registration required. Simply “Zwiebel-und Knollenpflanzen—‘überirdisch’ unterirdisch” (Bulb and show up at the Universität tuberous plants—'unearthly' underground). Basel, Totengässlein 3 in www.botgarten.unibas.ch/2016feierabend/index.php Basel. This month’s topic is “Die Kraft der Klänge” (The power of sounds). Music helps us get in touch with our own feel­ ings, affects mood, and promotes a sense of community. The Roman physician Celsus used the “clang of cymbals and roar” to cheer the sick. Neurologically, pleasant sounds ensure that the pleasure center of the brain is flooded with the “happiness hormone” dopamine. It is therefore no wonder that music is specifically used for therapeutic purposes— for example, in the treatment of addic­ tions, in psychiatric care, or in care facilities for the elderly and disabled. www.cafe.unibas.ch/cafe/programm/

20 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Kids Lab Talk—Raw Edges: Journeys of Discovery May 8, 11, and 18 May 19 The University of Basel organizes three workshops per month (in Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay are the names behind Raw Edges. Their ­German) where children ages 6–13 can explore a topic related to the products and installations testify to an almost child-like curiosity with month’s Café Scientifique. Children can attend the Kids Lab on Sunday, which they set out to explore the world on what they describe as a con­ which takes place at the same time as the adult Café Scientifique talk tinuous journey of discovery. Colors, materials research, and experiments (15:00–17:00), or on one the following two Wednesdays from 14:00– play an important role in their work. Mer and Alkalay will give you a glimpse 16:00. This month’s topic is entitled “Klangwelten” (Soundscapes). behind the scenes, explain their design philosophy, and talk about their Plucking, striking, hitting, blowing... Why do these movements produce designs for the exhibition “Alexander Girard.” This English-language sound? And what objects can be used to make music when the imagina­ talk will take place at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Ger­ tion has no limits? Kids will experiment with unique sounds from their many, at 18:00; admission is free and no registration is required. small instrument on an acoustic journey between noise and music. www.design-museum.de www.cafe.unibas.ch/kidslab/programm Tour of the Ape House at the Basel Zoo Tour of “Please Touch” Exhibit May 21 May 10 During this tour organized by the Programm für Elternbildung (PEB, Can art be experienced by touch? What role does the tactile dimension Program for Parent Education), families with children ages 6 and up play in our experience of art? With this exhibit entitled “Prière de will learn about the various species of monkeys and apes and their dif­ Toucher” (Please touch), Museum Tinguely continues their series on ferent social systems at the Affenhaus (ape house) of the Basel Zoo. the role of the human senses in the arts with a group exhibition pre­ Watch how small marmoset fathers and sons carry the young ones senting works focusing on the many facets of our haptic perception. around or how the huge male gorilla defends his harem of several The varied trail, encompassing many centuries, invites visitors to par­ ­females. The tour is in German, runs from 17:00–18:00, and costs take in direct tactile experiences and requires our ability of “embodiment.” CHF 30 for the whole family; zoo entry is extra. You can register online This English-language tour starts at 13:00; admission to the museum on the PEB website under “Familienkurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” costs CHF 15 for adults, free for kids age 16 and under when accompa­ for workshop number 41. nied by an adult, otherwise CHF 10. The cost of the tour is included in www.peb-basel.ch the entrance fee. www.tinguely.ch

Talk—Patricia Urquiola: Expressive Design May 12 Patricia Urquiola is one of the most influential designers of our time. A native of Spain, Urquiola studied with Alvaro Siza and Achille Casti­ glioni and until 1996 was head of product development at De Padova. After founding her own studio in 2001, she worked with renowned furniture manufacturers, such as B&B Italia, Kartell, Driade, Kvadrat, and Moroso. In 2015 she was ap­ pointed art director of the Italian brand Cassina. One of her strengths is the confident ease with which she Become a Coffee Barista treats textures, patterns, motifs, and May 13 materials, using them to compose If you love coffee and have always wanted to know more, here is your everyday objects and interior de­ chance to learn and get your certification. The Barista and Coffee signs that radiate warmth and joy Day Course is a perfect introduction into the world of coffee. Partici­ while at the same time offering pants receive a general overview of the coffee world and its culture something new and surprising. This through theory and practical experience. They will journey all over English-language talk will take place the world by tasting various types of coffee and studying different at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, at 18:00; ad­ brewing methods available today, including the Aeropress and filter. mission is free and no registration is required. Participants will learn how to extract the perfect espresso and how www.design-museum.de to set the optimal coarseness levels of the grinder for a variety of styles of coffee brewing. This knowledge prepares you for the final part of the course: pouring cappuccinos, complete with Latte Art. Tour of the Fondation Beyeler Look forward to unlocking the many secrets of coffee during this May 15 experientially rich journey through history and culture. The class is The Fondation Beyeler is hosting an English-language tour of the mu­ from 13:00–19:00, in English, at the Unternehmen Mitte in the center seum’s collection from 15:00–16:00. Admission is CHF 25 for adults of Basel; cost is CHF 270 and includes all course materials, refresh­ (CHF 50 for the whole family with Familienpass), CHF 6 for kids ages ments, and certificate. 11–19, and free for kids under age 11. The tour costs an additional www.mitte.ch/events/barista-and-coffee-introduction- CHF 7. Note that a French tour will be held on May 22 at 15:00. course-may16 www.fondationbeyeler.ch photo credit: © pino musi (tinguely tours), © susanne hiller (botanical garden), © universität basel (science for families), © marco craig (patricia urquiola), © stephen oliver (barista workshop) May 2016 21 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel (continued)

Watch this! Geneva Watches in Basel Toddler Tales May 22 and 29 May 24 The Museum für Geschichte Basel (Basel’s Historical Museum) is hosting Toddler Tales is designed to engage young listeners as they discover a special exhibition that explores the history and significance of a se­ the wonderful world of books and the fun of language. Each session is lection of chronometers from the designed around a theme and includes an interactive exploration of museum’s collection of clocks classic stories, songs, and rhymes in English, as well as a simple craft and watches, one of the related to the overall theme for the children to complete and take home. most important of its kind Presented by storyteller Jeanne Darling, Toddler Tales takes place in Switzerland. Consist­ from 10:15–10:45 at the Basel West Library (Allschwilerstrasse 90) ing of valuable raw mate­ ­every fourth Tuesday of the month. Participation is free of charge and rials, watches are small, no registration is required. elegant, and colorful, and www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch their interiors reflect a so­ phisticated technical perfor­ mance indicative of fine crafts. The Graffiti Workshop for Beginners exhibition "Watch this! Geneva watches in Basel” high­ May 28 lights the importance of the historic Geneva watches and raises the question of their impact on today's Are you bursting with creativity? This graffiti workshop with artists Tim Swiss watch industry. Starting at 10:00 on May 22, and Joel will teach participants the steps to creating their own master­ the museum will be hosting a family Sunday with pieces. Spraying is of course on the program, but your idea must also a varied program around time and watches, have a cool background. The pieces will be publicly displayed in the including assembling a watch with watch­ center of Basel, at the GGG Stadtbibliothek Schmiedenhof, but the maker and restorer John Joseph, as well as works are your own creations that you can then take home. The work­ crafts, short films, and short tours around shop will be held at the Jugendzentrum Neubad (Brennerstrasse 9 in the theme of time pieces. On May 29, Johan­ Basel) for kids ages 12 and up. The cost is CHF 20 for workshop and na Stammler will be giving a guided tour of materials; register prior to the Wednesday before. the exhibit in English at 11:00. www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch www.hmb.ch

Tour of Basel for Families May 28 The PEB invites families with kids ages 9 and up for a very special tour of Basel called “Em Bebbi si Basel.” Even those who know Basel well will learn something new. Listen to insider information and hear lots of interesting, curious, incredible, and funny stories found in chronicles, archives, and from witnesses. The tour (in German) is from 14:00–15:30 and costs CHF 40 for the whole family. Meeting point is at the Tinguely Fountain. You can register online on their website under “Familien­ kurse,” by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 50. www.peb-basel.ch

TEDxBasel May 28 In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a forum designed to help communities and individuals spark conversations and connections through inspiring and thought-provoking discussion. A simple idea can have great effect: Join TEDxBasel this year to hear some of our city’s most exciting, innovative, and inspirational voices. The speaker line-up Basel for Newcomers—Live, Learn, and Enjoy includes Dr. Laurent Goetschel, who will speak about a new strategy to May 28 peace building; Dorothee Schiesser, who will present On this tour, specially designed for new residents of the city, you her upcycling concept “Sapo­ can get to know the city and at the same time gain some valuable cycle;” and Shlomo Graber, tips for day-to-day life, such as public transport, post, and health­ an Auschwitz survivor who care. You will also receive useful information on where to shop, the believes that love conquers many cultural institutions in the city, and possibilities for spending all and who has many beau­ your leisure time. This is a joint project by the Presidential Depart­ tiful and some sad stories to ment of the Canton of Basel-Stadt and Basel Tourism and is de­ tell. In their talks, the 10 signed to make new residents of the city feel welcome and at home speakers will share their as quickly as possible. The tour in English is from 10:00–12:30 and knowledge, experiences, and ideas on a wide variety of topics—in the costs CHF 5; meeting point is at the Basel tourist information at the hope of inspiring you. The bilingual event will take place at the Musical SBB train station. You can contact them at [email protected]. Theater at 12:30. You can visit their website for more information and www.basel.com/en/search/citytours for tickets. www.tedxbasel.com

22 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Information Desk

Dental Care in Switzerland by Dr. Garry Bonsall After arriving in Switzerland and getting settled into their new home, workplace, and school, most ­newcomers will start seeking out a new family doctor as well as a family dentist for routine dental care and cleanings. This can be a challenging situation if the Swiss health care system is different from what you are used to. Here are some tips on what you can expect and what you should look out for with regards to dental care in this country.

The Swiss Dental Insurance System Finding a New Dentist Dental care in Switzerland is generally of high quality, but it comes at a Finding a good dentist to fit your and your family’s need is always a cost, and these costs are typically paid for privately—that is, directly by challenge when you move to a new place. One option is to ask for rec­ the patient rather than through general health insurance or a separate ommendations in your workplace or to check out local Facebook dental insurance. This is the case for both routine care and specialized groups. You can also google for a dentist, looking for those who have treatments. Because of the potentially high costs, you should ensure several good reviews from other happy patients. that you always get an estimate before starting any more complicated What if you need emergency dental care in Basel? If you suddenly ex­ treatment courses, such as those involving braces, implants, crowns, perience serious tooth pain or your child has fallen off their bike and and bridgework. For such complicated and costly treatments, many broken off a tooth, there are two options. If you already have a dentist, dentists may offer you a monthly payment plan. Some dentists will have give them a call first, even outside their office hours—they should have an easy-to-understand price list at their reception or in the waiting a recording directing you to the appropriate emergency services. If you room, whereas others still use a traditional but outdated tax-point in­ don’t have a regular dentist yet, you can go to the Universitätsklinik für voicing and estimate system developed by the Swiss Dental Organiza­ Zahnmedizin (Dental Clinic at the University Hospital Basel) at Hebel­ tion (SSO), which assigns each service provided a certain number of tax strasse 3 (tel. 061-267-2610 or 061-267-2611) in Basel. They offer points, with each tax point having a fixed price. However, this system is emergency care for patients with acute problems without an appoint­ very complicated and not easy to decipher. ment daily from 7:30–18:00. Outside of those hours, call the general Once you have received a service, your dentist will likely send you the medical emergency service at 061-261-1515; they can also provide you bill in the form of a bank pay-in slip, which you can pay from your bank with information on available emergency services for dental problems. within 30 days. Other dentists may request direct payment at each visit, www.zahnkliniken.unibas.ch for example using a credit card. For larger treatments, it is also com­ mon practice for dentists to request a 50% down-payment. Dr Garry Bonsall, dental surgeon, is Basel’s English Swiss Although there is generally no dental insurance for adults in Switzer­ dentist and author of “The 4 Secrets Your Dentist Never Told land, it is possible—and advisable—to take out a children's insurance You.” You can reach him at St Alban Vorstadt 78, 4052 Basel; policy on top of your own health insurance that can cover at least part tel. 061-271-0604. of the costs for orthodontic interventions. This type of insurance is not www.DrBonsall.ch expensive, and as orthodontics is quite costly in Switzerland, an insur­ ance that may cost around just CHF 5 per month is well worth having. This should be taken out while the kids are still too young for orthodon­ tic teeth straightening, which usually only starts around the time of ­puberty. You cannot buy the insurance if the kids are older and urgently need braces.

Your Swiss insurance will not cover normal dental care, but you will be covered under the SUVA (Swiss Accident Insurance Fund) for any acci­ dents that may cause damage to, or loss of, your teeth. If you have been unlucky and had a dental accident, your dentist will arrange your insur­ ance claim directly with SUVA to pay for treatment of damaged teeth or even implants and crowns.

GO AheadWith English

We areaccepting registations: • SummerHoliday ESOL week foryoung children •Monday July4–FridayJuly 8, 2016; 9:00 –11:00 •Newclasses beginning in August2016 •Pre‐school mornings: 8:30 –11:30 •Classes forSpeakers of English: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdayafternoons •ESOL classes: Thursdayafternoons. Ahead With English GmbH www.aheadwithenglish.ch Känelmattweg, 54106 Therwil FindusonFacebook And 061 901 8921 Haus der Vereine, Riehen 061 421 4109 photo credit: © hmb natascha jansen (watch this!), © basel tourismus (newcomers tour), © konstantin escher (tedx), © garry bonsall May 2016 23 Special Report Au gusta Raurica Summer Schedule Augusta Raurica / Augst, BL Augusta Raurica was a Roman settlement that was constructed about found on the right. Some of these programs can also be booked for 15 BC. For over 300 years, it was a flourishing metropolis with about groups and children’s birthday parties and may also be available in Eng­ 15,000 inhabitants. Today, the site, which spreads over the two com­ lish or French on request. To find out more, contact them at munities of Augst and Kaiseraugst, is an excavation site, a research 061-552-2222 or at [email protected]. center, and a museum with impressive ruins and rich finds. Only Augusta Raurica can be reached by car or public transport: 1) You can 20 minutes from Basel, visitors can get a glimpse into life as it was in take bus 81 from Aeschenplatz, direction Reigoldswil/Liestal to the Roman times. The ruins and an associated animal park are freely ac­ stop called Augst (www.aagl.ch). From there, it is a 10-minute walk to cessible, but a visit to their museum that displays the artifacts discov­ the museum. 2) You can take the S1 train from the Basel SBB to Kaiser­ ered here costs CHF 8 for adults and CHF 6 for kids ages 6–17. The augst and walk about 15 minutes to the museum (www.sbb.ch). 3) In amphitheater on the site also hosts occasional concerts, plays, and the summer months, you can take a scenic boat ride from Schifflände other events. In addition, they are offering various workshops and guid­ to Augst or Kaiseraugst and walk 20 minutes to the museum. Note that ed tours. The table below lists most of this year’s workshops and tours; the boat ride takes 110 minutes to get there and 90 minutes for the you can also download a PDF of their various events (German only) return; check the timetable at www.bpg.ch. from their website, by clicking on “Visit” and then on “Guided Tours / Workshops” on the left side of the page; the “Season 2016” PDF can be www.augustaraurica.ch/en

Events, Workshops, Dates and Times Description Price and Activities Family Tours May 6 & 15 These 1-hour tours start at 13:00, additionally at 14:30 on Sundays CHF 16 for adults Date in blue is in July 31 and holidays. In the authentically recreated Roman house, families will CHF 8 for kids ­English at 13:00 August 3 & 10 experience and learn what daily life was like for families in Roman Prices include museum October 12 & 23 times. The tour is good for families with kids ages 5 and up. entrance; reservations December 18 & 28 recommended. Augusta Raurica Every Sunday This 50-minute tour will take you on a voyage of discovery through the CHF 16 for adults kurz und bündig from May 1 – former center of Augusta Raurica. You will visit the largest silver trea­ CHF 8 for kids (Augusta Raurica September 30 sure of late antiquity in the museum, experience daily life in Roman Prices include museum in a nutshell) (14:00 & 15:00) times in the authentically recreated Roman house, learn about the entrance; reservations ancient games and shows in the impressive theater, and hear about not necessary. public life in a Roman town on a walk through the ancient forum to the city hall. Göttliche Düfte May 29 Fragrances immediately and directly affect our well-being. Burning CHF 16 for adults (Divine fragrances) July 6 & 24 incense as a sacrifice to the gods to keep evil away or simply spread CHF 8 for kids October 9 personal well-being was a common practice in ancient times. In this Prices include museum (13:00–14:30) 1.5-hour workshop you will learn which perfumes were used in entrance; reservations ­ceremonies, where they came from, and how they were used. Create recommended. your own homemade mixture with herbs and resins to take home.

24 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Events, Workshops, Dates and Times Description Price and Activities Wachstafel & Griffel May 8 Create your own Roman writing instruments. Many writing instruments CHF 16 for adults (Wax tablet and June 12 have been discovered in Augusta Raurica. Learn about the types they CHF 8 for kids bronze stylus) July 10 used, how they were made, who made them, and what they wrote on Prices include museum August 14 them. Then move to the workshop and create your own; kids ages 5 and entrance; reservations September 11 up can create a wax writing tablet, and kids starting at age 8 can forge recommended. October 5 their own stylus to take home. (13:00–14:30) Salben und Öle in der May 16 Fragrant ointments and scented oils have always been very popular. CHF 16 for adults Antike June 26 Take a tour of the herb garden of the Roman house and learn about CHF 8 for kids (Ointments and oils in July 13 the basic materials used in ointments. Then go off to the atelier to Prices include museum antiquity) September 25 produce your own ointments according to ancient recipes that you can entrance; reservations (13:00–14:30) take home. Best for school-aged kids and older. recommended. Geschirr-Geschichten June 19 Pottery in Roman times is the theme of this workshop. As in a dig for CHF 16 for adults (Crockery stories) July 17 & 27 2,000-year-old pieces, you will learn to piece together shards of broken CHF 8 for kids August 1, 12 & 21 pottery, consider the vessel as a whole, and think about the uses that Prices include museum September 18 the reconstructed piece had for the Romans. Find out how pottery was entrance; reservations October 16 turned in Roman times and create your own bowl out of clay. Best for recommended. Wear (13:00–14:30) school-aged kids and older. clothes that can get dirty. Brotbacken May 1 From wheat to Roman bread. How was bread made 2,000 years ago? CHF 16 for adults (Bread baking) June 5 & 19 Step by step, children and their parents will learn how to make breads CHF 8 for kids Date in blue is in July 3 & 20 as they did in Roman times, from milling the grain on the stone, knead­ Prices include museum ­English at 13:00 August 5 & 7 ing the dough and forming it into your own creative shapes, to baking entrance; reservations September 4 it in the oven and taking your delicious creations home. Best for school- recommended. October 2 aged kids and older. (13:00 & 15:00) Römischer Spielnach- Every Sunday until Leave the iPods, Nintendos, and Game Boys at home! On Sunday after­ Cost is free, donations mittag September 25 noons, families are shown how to play games and use devices like in are accepted! (Roman game after- (except Aug. 28) Roman times, under expert instructions in the large amphitheater noon) May 5 & 16 (in the Roman House in the event of rain). Join in anytime between August 1 13:00–16:00. Publikumsgrabung July 11–14 This 4-day course gives participants a true archeological experience. For kids ages 10 and up. (Public ­excavation) July 25–28 Under expert tuition, participants will excavate, measure, document, Kids ages 12 and up August 8–11 and interpret their discoveries. The varied support program provides an don’t need to be accom­ 9:00–14:00 exclusive look behind the scenes at Augusta Raurica. panied by an adult. (for 4 days) Check their website for costs. Registration is necessary. Internationaler May 22 Come for a free day of fun and spend the day like a Roman. Leave the Entrance is free; no ­Museumstag (10:00–17:00) electronics at home, don a tunic, and try to eat lying down or play registration necessary. (International ­Roman games. ­Museum Day) Römerfest August 27 Every year, Augusta Raurica comes to life on the last weekend of CHF 18 for adults (Roman Festival) (10:00–19:00) ­August, with over 700 actors and contributors recreating life in Roman CHF 13 for kids August 28 times with shows, craftsmanship, theater, performances, and so much CHF 55 for families (10:00–17:00) more. Look for a full description of this special event in the upcoming Special prices for 2-day July/August issue of Basel Life Magazine. tickets photo credit: © susanne schenker (augusta raurica) May 2016 25 Did you know?

Americans Voting From Abroad This year’s U.S. presidential elections are garnering a lot of attention, both in the United States and abroad. If you are a U.S. citizen living out­ side the United States and want to make your voice heard, you are ­eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). As a UOCAVA citizen, you can register via the For­ eign Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). In the first step, you complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to apply to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Then, you submit the completed FPCA to your local election official (usually the place of last residence in the United States). The local election official reviews your FPCA and, if your eligibility has been confirmed, sends you the absentee ballot. You com­ plete your absentee ballot and return it to your local election official to Cherryland be counted. If you do not receive your ballot in time, you can also fill out by Andrea Beck a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). You can find more informa­ Did you know that the Basel area is the cherry-tree paradise of Swit­ tion about this process on the FVAP website, which allows you to register zerland? There are thousands of old and new cherry trees, with or­ online and provides all the necessary forms (in a PDF-fillable format). chards starting as close as Arlesheim and stretching out over the hills www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter across to Gipf-Oberfrick. From April through the summer, these trees are a wonder to all the senses. It is definitely worth a drive, bus ride, Eyes on the Road hike, or cycle to experience the springtime magical blossoms or savor a juicy summer morsel, fresh from the tree. You may have seen the billboards with the text “Handy aus. Kopf an.— Augen auf die Strasse.“ (Turn off your mobile. Turn on your brain.— Old photographs from the late 1800s reveal many Swiss villages com­ Eyes on the road.) alongside Swiss roads. Being distracted by other pletely hidden by cherry trees. It is believed that the Romans, through activities while driving (or even walking along the streets) is one of the Lucullus, brought cultivated cherry trees to central Europe. In some main causes of traffic accidents in Switzerland, leading to hundreds of areas, however, the trees did not survive and their numbers declined unnecessary injuries and even deaths each year. Whether it is talking rapidly, but the Baselland orchards continued to thrive. on your mobile, sending an SMS, checking your social-media accounts, A short walk past Schonmatt in Gempen takes you to an orchard of over combing your hair, or putting on makeup—all of these activities can 2,000 cherry trees that has been nicknamed, not surprisingly, “Kirschen­ keep you from paying attention to the traffic around you. Therefore, any land” (Cherryland). Some of the oldest trees there date back over distracting activities are forbidden in Switzerland while participating in 150 years and can be linked to Emil Benedikt Flury, the former propri­ traffic, and any infractions can be quite costly. According to Swiss laws, etor of a nearby upscale hotel, Bad Schauenburg. Flury brought cherry while driving you are only allowed to use a hands-free mobile phone in trees over from Lebanon, and this particular cherry is the well-known your car, and only if you can operate it quickly, with only one hand, and variety named after him, the Flurianer or Schauenburger. Today, the conversation is not too distracting. Calling using a hand-held phone, Kirschenland is protected by canton Solothurn’s Nature and Landscape texting, entering or looking for phone numbers, entering information Support, and the farmers voluntarily use no fertilizers to protect the into your GPS system, or having distracting conversations are all for­ natural state. bidden. This applies even while you are stopped at a red light or in a While the cherry industry in Switzerland has declined over the decades, traffic jam! Therefore, cherries are still a source of income for some Swiss farmers. Half of you need to do all of their yearly fruit yield is used to produce “Kirschwasser” (cherry ­water), these things before or Basler Kirsche, which you will find with any local fondue. Do not be you leave or you will fooled by the name, however—it is a colorless cherry brandy and much need to get off the more potent than water! Cherries are used in many other ways as well, road and out of active from fragrances in cosmetics and flavor in honey, to inspiration for fab­ traffic. Violating these ric and jewelry designs. rules can get very ex­ pensive! The simplest There are also, of course, numerous cherry orchards close by in Ger­ case, if you get caught many and France, and even a little further in the Zürich area, but the using a hand-held pre-Jura fields are easily accessible from Basel. One great outing is to phone, is a fine of take bus no. 67 from Dornach on the Gempen route. Stop and enjoy the CHF 100. However, if landscape of soft white and pale pink in early May. Return in June to you are caught entering data into an electronic device (eg, entering hand pick the rich, deep red gems. And be sure to include a restaurant data in your GPS, looking for a phone number on your mobile, or tex­ break, where the children can sip on cherry syrup, while you enjoy a ting), it can get much more costly. The exact fines depend on whether sampling of the famous “water” of the cherry. your behavior caused an accident with or without injured people and whether it had a low or high likelihood of endangering others. Distract­ ing activities with a low potential of harm may incur fines of up to CHF 10,000 plus administrative cost, as well as a potential license sus­ pension for several months. If the activity is deemed distracting with a high potential of harm, the case is handed over to the courts. If found guilty, the fine will depend on the severity of the infraction and your income; also, you will have to pay the costs of the proceedings, your ­license will be suspended, and you will have this on your criminal re­ cord. Of course these are the most extreme outcomes, but even being caught sending a text to a friend while stopped at a red light can easily cost you a couple of hundred francs between the actual fine and the administrative costs. Is it really worth it?

26 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com

Entertainment: Night on the Town

Cats Berlin–Budapest Express Until May 22 May 4 The magical story about cats with The Berlin–Budapest Orient Express service was inaugurated on the world famous melodies of An­ April 27, 1900. Passengers were cosseted in luxury for the several days drew Lloyd Webber, based on the that the journey took. The interior of the steel-framed carriages was novel by Nobel laureate T.S. ­Eliot, fitted out with wood paneling, costly fabrics, leather, and marble wash­ has amazed audiences all over the basins. At the end of each carriage there was a “cabinet de toilette” world. The Jellicle Cats come out with fittings in mahogany. But the crowning glory of the Orient Express to play on one special night of the was the dining car, where food was served on nothing but silver, crystal, year—the night of the Jellicle Ball. and the finest porcelain. The chef de cuisine, who was always a five- One by one they tell their stories star cook, prepared luncheon menus with several courses and gala for the amusement of Old Deuter­ dinners, which always reflected the cuisine of the region that the train onomy, their wise and benevolent was passing through at the time. The Sinfonieorchester Basel Salon leader, who must choose one of Orchestra conducted by László Fogarassy serves up the appropriate the cats to ascend to the Heaviside music: Berlin foxtrots, Viennese waltzes, and Hungarian gypsy music. Layer and be reborn into a whole This Cocktail Concert will be held at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois at new Jellicle life. The timeless mu­ 19:00; tickets are CHF 25.90, CHF 15.70 for students. sic, spectacular scenery, excellent www.sinfonieorchesterbasel.ch cast, stunning choreography, and the unforgettable hit “Memory” give “Cats” a magic like no other musi­ cal. The show will be playing in English at the Musical Theater in Basel. Ballet—Sleeping Beauty Tickets are CHF 48–138; half price for kids up to age 16, and 30% off for students. May 5 www.musical.ch The story of this ballet is based on Charles Perrault’s fairy tale and tells of the young Princess Aurora who is cursed by the wicked fairy Carabosse and falls into a 100-year slumber, from which Prince Desiré Lords and Ladies finally releases her. As a ballet, the story offers lovingly-drawn charac­ May 1, 3, 6, and 7 ters who can open up an enchanting fairy-tale world on stage. “Sleep­ The elves are coming—and you thought they were nice... The Gay Beg­ ing Beauty” has remained one of the most popular ballets since it was gars Drama Group will be performing the play “Lords and Ladies,” first performed at the end of the 19th century. It offers familiar mate­ based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and adapted by Irana Brown. Per­ rial that consistently provides young choreographers with the opportu­ formances will take place at the Theatre Cellar of the English Seminar, nity to tell a much-loved story afresh, using a new, contemporary move­ University of Basel, Nadelberg 6. The show starts at 20:00, except on ment vocabulary. This production has been choreographed by Spaniard May 1 (17:00). Tickets are CHF 25 for adults, CHF 15 for students; school Alejandro Cerrrudo, who is considered one of the leading newcomers class and group discounts are also available. Reserve your tickets at in the field. The ballet will be performed on the Grosse Bühne of the [email protected]; tickets must be picked up at the evening Theater Basel; tickets are CHF 50–118, CHF 27–61 for kids and stu­ box office, which opens one hour before the show begins. dents. www.gaybeggars.ch www.theater-basel.ch

Jazzfestival Basel Until May 12 This year, Basel hosts the 26th edition of the Offbeat Jazz Festival ­Basel, Manor, post offices, the BVB in Barfüsserplatz, Coop City, which will bring another fabulous line-up of dozens of jazz bands of Plattfon Records, and M Parc Dreispitz and Claramarkt. international reputation playing at various locations around Basel. Visit their website to learn more about the artists at Tickets can be purchased online through Starticket or in person at the www.offbeat-concert.ch, or go to www.starticket.ch to buy BaslerZeitung (BaZ) in Aeschenplatz, Bider & Tanner, Stadtcasino ­Basel, your tickets.

Date Band Festival Series / Theme Location / Time / Price May 1 Colin Vallon Solo; Maria Pia de Vito Quartet Jazz Campus Basel, 18:00, CHF 45 May 2 Stefano Bollani solo Virtuoso—Vino e Jazz Delinat Weindepot (Dreispitz), 20:00, CHF 52 May 3 Fresu / Galliano / Lundgren Mare Nostrum II Stadtcasino Basel, 20:00, CHF 29–78 May 4 Franco Ambrosetti / Dado Moroni The Art of Duo—Vino e Jazz Delinat Weindepot (Dreispitz), 20:00, CHF 44 May 6 Chucho Valdés y Grupo Cuban Night—Tribute to Irakere Kaserne Basel, 20:00, CHF 49–80 May 6 Son Alarde–Orchestra Cuban Late Night Concert Kaserne Basel, 22:15, CHF 15 May 7 Wesseltoft/Berglund/Schwarz Trio “Trialogue” New Piano Sounds Kaserne Basel, 19:30, CHF 36–60 / Kombiticket CHF 46–75 May 7 Michael Wollny Solo–Duo–Trio “Nachtfahrten” New Piano Sounds Kaserne Basel, 21:15, CHF 30-60 / Kombiticket CHF 46–75 May 8 Ed Motta & Band Brasil Funk Night Kaserne Basel, 20:00, CHF 38–65 May 10 Dee Dee Bridgewater & Irvin Mayfield Orchestra Vocal Jazz Night—Homage à New Orleans Stadtcasino Basel, 20:15, CHF 32–88 May 11 Radio String Quartet Plays Weather Report Jazz in Church Dorfkirche Riehen, 20:00, CHF 28–59 May 12 Vijay Iyer solo piano Festival-Finale Dorfkirche Riehen, 20:00, CHF 33–69 Lars Danielsson / Cæcilie Norby

photo credit: © dirk vorderstrasse (cherries), © baselland tourismus (cherries), © schweizerischer versicherungsverband, © alessandro pinna (cats) May 2016 27

EntSportertsainment: and Recr Nighteation on the Town (continued)

Benny Green Trio May 9 American jazz pianist Benny Green learned classical piano as a child, but through his father, who played the tenor saxophone, he became interested in jazz as a teenager. He has had a varied professional ­career as a musician, playing as a sideman for singer Betty Carter, becoming a member of the famous Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and playing in his own and other trios. In addition to his own projects, he is still a busy sideman, playing on the albums of well-known jazz greats, such as Don Braden, Diana Krall, Freddie Hubbard, Ralph Moore, and Lew Tabackin. The Benny Green Trio, including David Wong on bass and Rodney Green on drums, Opera—Macbeth will be performing at the Q4 in Rheinfelden, May 4, 6, 8, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 27 which can be reached with a quick 15-minute train ride from Basel to Lust for power, murder, brutality, madness, and death—in none of Rheinfelden; the club is only a few minutes’ walk from the Rheinfelden Verdi’s other operas do these ideas resonate quite so strongly as in train station. Public car parking is available in front of the hotel. Tickets his first Shakespearean opera, “Macbeth.” Macbeth shall be King— are CHF 45 for adults and CHF 10 for students (with I.D.); reserve them that is what the witches predict. Driven by his desire to rule and not at 061-836-2525 or [email protected]. least by his wife’s thirst for power, Macbeth’s path to the throne is a www.jazzclubq4.ch bloody one. However, his murders and deception increase Mac­ beth’s feelings of guilt to such an extent that an escape into mad­ Jesus Christ Superstar ness seems to be his only way out. Lady Macbeth is also unable to withstand the gruesome game she helped to begin and falls into May 11 and 24 the clutches of insanity. They are a childless couple who murder the In 1970, the album “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd Webber children of others. They try to replace their missing love with a lust and Tim Rice exploded onto the scene, bringing together the ‘60s gen­ for power, which will ultimately end in both their deaths. It seems to eration’s search for meaning, hippie culture, a classic musical format, be only a tiny step, a barely perceptible crossing of the line, that and rock in one spectacular hit concept album. It tells the story of the turns power into the abuse of power. This delicate balance, repre­ last seven days in the life of Jesus from Judas’ point of view, who is not sented in “Macbeth” as a compulsive, inescapable vortex, is particu­ characterized simply as a traitor but also as a supporter and above all larly interesting in this early work by Verdi. This opera in four acts a friend of Jesus who struggles with his increasing disillusionment. will be performed in Italian with English and German surtitles. The euphoria with which supporters and opponents greet Jesus esca­ Tickets are CHF 67–156; half price for students. lates into a fanaticism in which Jesus becomes stylized as a cult figure. www.theater-basel.ch He confronts this cult of stardom with a gentle strength; however, doubts about the worth of his own deeds cause him too to quarrel with God. The show, which is in English with German surtitles, is performed Engel in Amerika (Angels in America) in the original band arrangements for the legendary 1970 recording. Tickets can be purchased online and are CHF 50–118 for adults and May 7 CHF 27–61 for youths. This play in two parts written by playwright Tony Kushner deals with www.theater-basel.ch the theme of the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic in New York in the 1980s. The play is a complex, often metaphorical, and at times sym­ bolic examination of AIDS and homosexuality in America at that time. French Wine Tasting The play focuses on a gay Manhattan couple, but also has several other May 12 storylines that occasionally intersect. The two parts of the play are Paul Ullrich will be opening over 50 different wines from renowned re­ called “Millennium Approaches” and “Perestroika,” respectively, and gions of France. The wine makers will be on hand to personally present are performed consecutively. The play will be performed at the Schau­ and discuss their wines. There will also be fine specialty bites for pur­ spielhaus of the Theater Basel in German, with English surtitles. Tickets chase. This event costs CHF 20 and will take place from 17:00–21:00 at cost CHF 63–93 and can be purchased directly on their website. their store in Gundeli (Laufenstrasse 16, Basel). No registration is www.theater-basel.ch ­required and there is no obligation to buy; simply taste and enjoy. Any wine purchased on the night of the tasting will be 10% off, and the ­entrance fee will be reimbursed with an order of CHF 200 or more. Harlem Globetrotters www.ullrich.ch May 8

The Harlem Globetrotters are one of the most successful and most Wine Tasting recognized basketball teams in the world. Consisting of different types of players such as the clownish “Showman,” who is the highlight of May 12–14 and 19–21 every match; the fast “Dribbler;” and the “Playmakers,” who make even Mövenpick Weinkeller in Basel (Haltingerstrasse 101) is hosting a tast­ the most difficult tricks look easy, not to mention the “Slam Jammers,” ing to highlight over 50 of their finest wines. So if you prefer to taste who sink the balls from ever greater heights—the Harlem Globetrot­ before you buy, simply come, pick up a glass, and sample what you ters offer outstanding sports performances and entertainment for the fancy during their opening hours (until 20:00 on Thursday and Friday whole family. You can catch them performing at the Hallenstadion in and until 16:00 on Saturday). The event is free and no registration is Zürich. Tickets range from CHF 75–90 for adults and CHF 60–72 for required. For any wine advice, their staff is always ready to assist you in kids and can be purchased through Ticketcorner. English. www.abc-production.ch www.moevenpick-wein.com

28 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com Music/Dance Theater—Melancholia Mumford & Sons May 12, 14, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26, 28, and 29 May 16 This musical and dance theater, a collaboration between Theater Basel,­ Mumford & Sons are a British rock band from London, consisting of Junges Theater, and the musicians of the La Cetra baroque orchestra, Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. The places the lethargic and apathetic dimensions of being a young person band have won a number of music awards throughout their career, with today alongside the Renaissance concept of melancholy. In the era of their first album “Sigh no More” earning the band a Brit Award for Best Dowland’s “Time stands still” and Monteverdi’s madrigals, brooding British Album in 2011 and six overall Grammy Awards nominations. and affliction were seen as sources of creativity. The melancholic man The band received eight total Grammy nominations for their second was regarded not only as a loner and outsider but also as a genius and album “Babel” and won the award for Album of the Year. The band also artist who was able to transform society’s suffering into music. This won the Brit Award for Best British Group in 2013. They will be on Eu­ music offered people consolation, both individually and collectively. ropean tour following the release of their third studio album “Wild ­Today, melancholy is seen as a Mind,” with one stop at the Hallenstadion in Zürich. Tickets are CHF 85 problem, a form of dysfunction in a for seats and CHF 75 for standing room and can be purchased through society that expects everything to Ticketcorner. function all of the time. Twenty www.abc-production.ch/events/MumfordSons young people, together with sing­ ers and musicians, explore wheth­ er “melancholia” might also be Concert—Best of Hope! able to lead to something positive, May 16 to dreams of a new utopia. The per­ formances will take place at the Grosse Bühne of the Theater Basel in Like his mentor Yehudi Menuhin, violin­ Italian, Spanish, English, and German, with German and English ist Daniel Hope believes that music is a ­surtitles. Tickets are CHF 50–118, half price for kids, and CHF 22 for universally understood language that students in all categories. has the ability to create bridges and unite opposites. Hope and the Kam­ www.theater-basel.ch merorchester Basel will be playing works by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Chamber Music Concert Bechara El Khoury, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Béla May 13 Bartók at the Martinskirche in Basel The Kammerorchester Basel will be presenting “Heimatlieder aus drei starting at 19:00. Tickets are CHF 35–78 Himmelsrichtungen” (Homeland songs from three cardinal points) at for adults, half-price for kids and stu­ Ackermannshof in Basel (St. Johanns-Vorstadt 19/21), starting at 22:00. dents. The concert will consist of popular melodies and unknown treasures www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch/ from Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland, arranged for the double tickets/einzeltickets bass, trumpet, and percussion. Let yourself be transported to the vi­ brant marketplaces of Hungary, to a remote Swiss alp, or to a pub in the middle of Scotland. You can treat yourself to a three-course meal at David Duchovny & Special Guests Jay’s Indian Restaurant, also at Ackermannshof, before the concert. May 17 You can register for the dinner through kulturticket up to 3 days before the concert. Tickets, which can be purchased online, are CHF 20 for Best known for his TV roles of FBI agent Fox Mulder on “The X-Files” adults, free for kids up to age 14 with accompanying parent, or CHF 54 and drug-addicted writer Hank Moody in “Californication,” David Duch­ for the dinner-and-concert combination. ovny wants to show that he can do more than act. His debut album www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch “Hell or High Water,” which features 12 of his own compositions—a mix of folk and rock—was released on May 12, 2015. In an interview with USA Today, he said, “Making this record is a dream come true, but I Jazz Evening—Bring Me a Dream never had this dream—it’s quite a shock when I think about how all this music happened. What I do know is that I feel these songs represent May 14 and 21 the truest expression that I’ve ever been able to achieve and I look Giulia Del Re, Esther Randegger, and ­forward to sharing it with everyone.” You can look forward to David Lisa Westermann, chorus singers of the Duchovny arriving for his first Swiss show at the Zurich X-TRA (a move Theater Basel, founded the jazz trio Su­ from the previously scheduled location, the Plaza). Tickets are CHF 49. perbs nearly 10 years ago. Accompanied www.starticket.ch by outstanding jazz pianist Leonid Maxi­ mov, they have elaborated a wide reper­ toire of jazz, French, and German songs. Schweizer Weintage (Swiss Wine Days) Under the title “Bring Me a Dream,” they will be performing a colorful bouquet of May 19 and 20 well-known jazz classics, such as the At the Markthalle you will be able to taste, discover, and learn more Andrew Sisters’ “Do not Sit Under the about the Swiss wine industry and exciting developments in Swiss vine­ Apple Tree,” “Nightingale sang in Berk­ yards. Following a successful second event, the Schweizer Weintage ley Square” by the Manhattan Transfer, will be coming back for two days, during which visitors will be able to and “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller, as taste wines directly from at least 21 small wine companies in a serene well as tunes by George Gershwin and setting, enjoying the wine on its own or paired with culinary delicacies many others. This musical and humorous evening will take place on the from one of the various food stands on site. This event is free and will Kleine Bühne of the Theater Basel and costs CHF 37. be held from 17:00–21:00 on both Thursday and Friday. www.theater-basel.ch www.altemarkthalle.ch/events/

photo credit: © sandra then (macbeth), © benny green, © theater basel (melancholia, bring me a dream), © harald hoffmann (daniel hope) May 2016 29

EntSportertsainment: and Recr Nighteation on the Town (continued)

Soul Blues Legend: Johnny Rawls Band Musical—I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change May 20 May 20, 22, 27, 28, and 29 Groove Now is once more entering the field of Southern Soul-Blues, The second-longest–running Off-Broadway musical, “I Love You, You're the liveliest form of Black Blues today, by presenting Johnny Rawls. Perfect, Now Change,” is presented in the form of a series of vignettes Born in Hattiesburg (Mississippi), Rawls made his first musical experi­ connected by the central theme of love and relationships. It’s every­ ences with Soul-Blues giants, such as thing you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, Z.Z. Hill, and subsequently as lovers, husbands, wives, and in-laws, but were afraid to ask. The scenes bandleader for the famous “Soul Man” form an overall arc of relationships throughout the course of one's O.V. Wright, to whom he dedicated a life—from a first date and scenes dealing with marriage and child rear­ worthy tribute a few years ago with the ing to funerals. This hilarious hit musical will be performed at the ­Cellar album “Remembering O.V.” Rawls was Theatre at the English Seminar (Nadelberg 6, Basel); doors and bar nominated for a Blues Music Award no open at 19:00 and performances start at 20:00. Tickets are CHF 34 (CHF 24 less than 12 times, finally winning Best for students) and can be purchased without handling fee directly through Soul-Blues-Album in 2010 for “Ace of www.upstart-entertainment.ch, or through www.ticketino.com, Bider Spades.” “Soul” is an important word & Tanner, and Swiss post offices (service charges apply). for him, with “Heart and Soul” and www.upstart-entertainment.ch “Soul Survivor” being the titles of his two best-selling albums, not to men­ tion “Soul Brothers,” a most success­ Brad Mehldau Trio ful collaboration with legendary Gos­ May 22 pel-Blues singer Otis Clay. Johnny Brad Mehldau, who has never let himself be pigeon-holed into a par­ Rawls and his U.S. Band will present their brand-new CD “Tiger in a ticular musical style, became a star in the worlds of classical and jazz Cage” at the Volkshaus in Basel at 20:15. Tickets are CHF 59 (seated) music, but also rendered outstanding service in the world of rock. and CHF 39 (standing), or CHF 20 for students (standing room only). Mehldau’s main influences are Schubert, the Impressionists, Oscar www.groovenow.ch Peterson, and Keith Jarrett and he has often been compared with the great lyricist Bill Evans. The keyboard virtuoso distinguishes himself today as a cross-border stylist, incorporating into his program works Object Present by Radiohead, the Beatles, Nick Drake, Miles Davis, Elvis Costello, and May 20, 22, 24, 28, and 30 Sonny Rollins. Today, Mehldau is as active in the classical field as in Theater Basel will be presenting an evening of ballet in two parts at the jazz and is considered one of the most famous pianists of the American Schauspielhaus. The first piece, “Romance Inverse” by Itzik Galili, is a scene next to Jarrett and Corea. As part of the Offbeat Concert series, work of relentless, electrifying dynamism that casts a special light on Brad Mehldau and his trio, which also includes Larry Grenadier on bass both the sharply minimalist music of Steve Reich and the dramatic and and the former Corea drummer Jeff Ballard on drums, will be playing at sensual rhythms of Percossa. With his blend of cropped and swinging the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel at 20:15; tickets are CHF 32–88. movements, Galili generates a hypnotic energy, which he uses to play www.offbeat-concert.ch with our perceptions of the body and space. The second piece, “Violet Kid” by Hofesh Schechter, begins with a voice from offstage, “Do I talk too much? Maybe if I didn’t talk so much, I’d have more friends?” Is this Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet supposed to be ironic? Where is this piece taking us? Unforeseen ten­ May 23 sions and protagonists apparently driven by self-hatred make the piece For American jazz guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, music comprises mel­ a highly intense, boundary-breaking experience. Hofesh Schechter ody, harmony, rhythm, and texture, and composing is an integral and combines high-energy dance with powerful music to produce concen­ important part of his work. One of Kreisberg’s biggest influences was trated and deeply atmospheric interdisciplinary art works. Tickets are “Coltrane’s Sound” by John Coltrane, with the time between the 1959 CHF 55–80. “Giant Steps” and 1961 “Impressions” being his favorite Coltrane phase. www.theater-basel.ch Other influences include Wes Montgomery's “Boss Guitar,” Miles Davis’

Dîner Spectacle May 27 This dinner spectacle is a treat for all the senses with an amalgama­ tion of music, comedy, magic, acrobatics, and culinary delights pro­ vided by the Swiss National Culinary Team. The audience will be enter­ tained with five acts, including A-live, a musical group that can “play” all instruments using only their mouths; Margrit Bornet, comedic art­ ist whose personas will move you; Mya Audrey, singer-songwriter who will amaze you with her jazzy, poetic, and magical voice and piano play­ ing; the magician duo Zauberduo Domenico, winners of the Swiss Tal­ ent Award in 2013; and Marina Skulditskaya, with her acrobatic talents on the ring. This feast for the senses will be complimented by a 4-course gourmet meal orchestrated by team chefs that took multiple culinary awards in 2013–2015 (www.swissculinarynationalteams.ch). The event will take place in Das Zelt at the Rosentalanlage, starting at 18:00. Tickets cost CHF 190.90 and can be purchased online. www.daszelt.ch

30 Basel Life Magazine / www.basellife.com "Seven Steps to Heaven,” and Pat Metheny's debut album “Bright Size Life.” This list reflects the four pillars of Kreisberg’s music—melodic grace, harmonic sophistication, rhythmic intricacy, and technical virtu­ osity. The Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet, which includes David Kikoski on piano, Rick Rosato on bass, and Colin Stranahan on drums, will be per­ forming at the Q4 in Rheinfelden. Tickets are CHF 40 for adults and CHF 10 for students (with I.D.); reserve them at 061-836-2525 or [email protected]. www.jazzclubq4.ch

English Comedy—Jimmy Carr May 26 Jimmy Carr has been described as “the hardest working man in com­ edy.” Which, let’s face it, is not that impressive. It’s like being the “tall­ est dwarf” or the “healthiest Scotsman”—really not that big a deal. “Funny Business” is Jimmy’s brand-new stand-up show. Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags. This new performance by the International Comedy Club will be held at the RhyPark in Basel starting at 20:00. Tickets are CHF 55 and Hair—Rock Musical can be purchased through www.starticket.ch. May 26, 27, and 28 www.internationalcomedyclub.ch The Broadway Musical Company New York will be performing the American tribal-love rock musical “Hair.” Berger is the leader of a Goran Bregovic and his Wedding & Funeral Band politically active “tribe” of long-haired hippies who include Claude, Berger, Jeannie, Sheila, and Woof. But their love-filled way of life May 26 is thrown into disarray when Claude is drafted. The musical, which All Blues is presenting Goran Bregovic, a Yugoslav had its Broadway premiere in 1968, is a product of hippie counter- ­musician and one of the most internationally known culture and the sexual revolution of the 1960s. You can catch one modern musicians and composers of the Balkans. He of three English-language performances of “Hair” at the KK Thun skillfully juggles the contrast between his brilliant Schadausaal on May 26, at the Theater Spirgarten in Zürich on Gypsy Brass Band’s rousing brass fanfares and May 27, or at the Stadthalle in Sursee on May 28. Tickets are quiet and delicate passages that are carried by CHF 41.20–91.90. the angelic voices of his two Bulgarian singers. www.actnews.ch The cosmopolitan Bregovic will bring the impres­ sive, authentic, and subtle musical melting pot of the Balkans to the stage of the Musical Theater Basel for a concert experience that is first class for Starbugs Comedy—Crash Boom Bang the ears and the eyes. Tickets are CHF 61.60–106.90 May 29 and can be purchased through Ticketcorner. This trio, the most successful Swiss comedy show, have dazzled audi­ www.allblues.ch ences from New York to Tokyo with a unique blend of dance, acrobatics, and non-verbal comedy. Starbugs Comedy’s new program “Crash Collegium Musicum Concert Boom Bang” is precise, fast, and incredibly funny. Don’t miss this hi­ May 27 larious show at Das Zelt at the Rosentalanlage, starting at 19:00. Tick­ ets range from CHF 30.00–60.60 for adults and CHF 24.10–48.60 for The Collegium Musicum Basel, with conductor Kevin Griffiths and children. guest violinist Maria Solozobova, will be playing works by Beethoven and Juon at the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel starting at 19:30, with www.daszelt.ch a pre-concert by the Jugendorchester “First Symphony” of the Musik­ schule Basel and the Musik Akademie at 18:15. Tickets are CHF 54–80 (CHF 20 for kids and students) and can be purchased at Bider & Tanner. www.collegiummusicumbasel.ch

Rob Spence May 27 Australian master of physical comedy, Rob Spence, will be performing in Das Zelt. With his take on high-tech internet social media madness, Rob Spence braces himself with irresistible force against the digital “progress tsunami,” gesturing with grandiose expression, incredible movements, and pithy sayings that will bring his audience to tears. Rob Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Spence has matured and converted from street artist to decaf vegan. Benefit from his infinite wisdom and his philosophical insights. “Echt May 31 Stark” (Truly Strong) is the name of his new show, filled with new gags As a part of the World Orchestra series, the Pittsburgh Symphony Or­ and situational comedy that combines classical stand-up comedy with chestra, under the direction of Manfred Honeck and with pianist Daniil masterful pantomime art. Rob Spence will be performing at 20:00 in Trifonov, will be playing works by Haydn, Liszt, and Tschaikowsky at the Das Zelt at the Rosentalanlage; tickets range from CHF 30.00–60.60. Stadt­casino Basel. Tickets are CHF 85–195 and can be purchased online. www.daszelt.ch www.konzerte-basel.ch photo credit: © groove now (johnny rawls), © das zelt (diner spectacle, starbugs comedy), © jonathan kreisberg, © goran bregovic, © act entertainment (hair) May 2016 31 Contact us for more information about subscribing or advertising: info basellife.com www.facebook.com/basellifemagazine A Monthly Guide to Living in Basel www.basellife.com

Mark Your Calendar! June 2016 Highlights

Imagine Festival June 3 & 4 International Dance Weekend June 4 & 5 Slow-up Alsace June 5 Circus Knie June 9–22 Expat Expo June 12 Art Basel June 16–19 B2RUN (Swiss Company Run) June 24 HeRheinspaziert (Watersports Day) June 26

Ticket Office: Get Your Tickets Now! Who Where When Tickets Elvis Costello Volkshaus, Zürich June 1 www.allblues.ch Bryan Adams Hallenstadion, Zürich June 2 www.ticketcorner.ch Alice Cooper Z7, Pratteln June 9 www.goodnews.ch Coldplay Letzigrund Stadion, Zürich June 11 & 12 www.ticketcorner.ch Bobby McFerrin & Vocal Dance Ensemble Stadtcasino, Basel June 22 www.offbeat-concert.ch Rod Stewart Hallenstadion, Zürich July 1 www.ticketcorner.ch Buddy Guy Kongresshaus, Zürich July 5 www.ticketcorner.ch Beyoncé Letzigrund Stadion, Zürich July 17 www.ticketcorner.ch Melody Gardot Musical Theater, Basel July 18 www.actnews.ch Basel Tattoo Kaserne, Basel July 21–30 www.baseltattoo.ch Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band Letzigrund Stadion, Zürich July 31 www.ticketcorner.ch Rihanna Letzigrund Stadion, Zürich August 12 www.ticketcorner.ch Eric Burdon & The Animals Volkshaus, Zürich September 2 www.allblues.ch David Sanborn & Christian McBride Group Volkshaus, Basel October 26 www.starticket.ch The Cure St. Jakobshalle, Basel November 4 www.ticketcorner.ch Brit Floyd—The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show Musical Theater, Basel November 6 www.actnews.ch Jethro Tull Musical Theater, Basel November 13 & 14 www.z-7.ch Justin Bieber Hallenstadion, Zürich November 17 www.ticketcorner.ch Katie Melua with the Gori Women’s Choir Musical Theater, Basel November 19 www.ticketcorner.ch West Side Story Musical Theater, Basel November 22–27 www.ticketcorner.ch Elton John Hallenstadion, Zürich December 8 www.ticketcorner.ch