Dag van het Bouw, June 5th

Event: Dag van de Bouw / Day of the Building @ various construction sites through the Netherlands, Saturday June 5th, 10.00 - 16.00, FREE.  For the non-Dutch speakers click on "Projecten en Locaties", then pick your province (Amsterdam is in Noord-Holland), then a pop-up window lists all the locations.

Free tours of various locations under construction, including the controversial Noord-Zuid Lijn (the Metro line, check out the Ceintuurbaan), the Rijksmuesum, EYE Film Instituut Nederland, Fort Diemerdam (restoration project on an old fort in Diemen), Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum, Coentunnel in West, etc....

We would suggest checking out one of the Noord-Zuid Lijn sites, but get there early as in 10am or before if you have your heart set on a specific destination; as at many of the Metro sites you are only allowed to go in in groups of 10-20 which usually creates some long lines!! Although the Noord-Zuid Lijn site in Noord is a massive cement tunnel with no waiting necessary! Bring your camera.

Dag van de Amsterdamse Geschiedenis / Day of Amsterdam History @ Filmtheater, June 5th

Film: Day of history @ Filmtheater, Saturday June 5th, 21:00, €15 includes hapjes and a drink, film in English with Dutch subtitles, reservations recommended 020 623746.

On the eve of the Second "Day of Amsterdam Geschiedenis/History" het Parool has organized tghe showing of the film "Operation Amsterdam" (1959). There is short intro (in Dutch) about the history of the Filmtheater, the oldest theater in Amsterdam, then the film, and some drinks. Operation Amsterdam is a nearly forgotten film about IJmuiden and the importance of diamonds in the city of Amsterdam briefly before occupation in 1940 when the British secret service attempts to take control of the diamond industry before it falls into the hands of weapon makers.

ROOTS, FEAR and IDENTITY: The rise of PVV and Lega Nord @ UvA Bibliotheek, June 5th

Event: ROOTS, FEAR and IDENTITY: The rise of PVV and Lega Nord @ Library of the Universiteit van Amsterdam, Singel 425, Saturday June 5th, 20.0 - 22.00, FREE.

A special lecture and discussion organized by Alter/Native Amsterdam about politics in the Netherlands and Italy. Includes special guests: Hon. Judith Sargentini, Member of the European Parliament, Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE); Prof. André Krouwel, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Prof. Luigi Ceccarini, LaPolis, Università di Urbino.

"Will the Dutch turn away from the Polder model? Is Northern Italy just racist? Why are xenophobia and extreme localism rising in The Netherlands and Italy? With the elections just a few hours away, an international round-table to look into the world of the new nationalistic right wing in Europe, through the cases of the PVV in the Netherlands and the Lega Nord in Italy." - alternativeamsterdam.org

The Tolerance Trail @ Amsterdam Historical Museum, June 6th

Event: The Tolerance Trail @ Amsterdam Historical Museum, June 6th, 12:30 (in English) or 14:30 (in Dutch), €10 includes two drinks at the closing party in the courtyard of the Amsterdam Historical Museum, only for adults

The Tolerance Trail is a special event during the Day of Amsterdam History which brings you through the city centre to places that are connected with religious and sexual freedom, as well as persecution. It is a 1.5 hour walk with a group of maximum 15 participants, register here.

Balkan Buro presents a southeast european cultural journey, June 4th - 6th

Event: Southeast Europe: a cultural journey @ various locations, June 4th - 6th, various prices, tickets can be reserved at the location of events, or send a mail to tickets@balkanburo.org. But no answer = no reservation!

Southeast Europe, a Cultural Journey is a festival that travels through several cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. It's goal is to present the possible new EU countries in the Southeast to the West of Europe through magnificent concerts, great food, literature and film. The festivities are spread over different venues in the city. 

Friday night: Cafe Pakhuis Wilhelmina will feature the best live Gypsy music from the Balkans, with as main act the top of gypsy acts: Kocani Orchestar. 

Saturday is alternative: at Schijnheilig featuring the best cult act that Serbia has to offer: Rambo Amadeus! This is a open/public event with no reservation possible, come early! Kriterion will show great Balkan movies on the same day. 

Sunday: lazy day! with some impressive writers at Brakke Grond, and will continue with a greasy Serbian roast: the Balkan Barbeque! On the square in front of Brakke Grond, a Serbian cook is coming to roast the pork himself! We will collectively digest the weekend to a cinematic experience of underground music in Istanbul.

Blijburg opens! June 1st

Beach: Blijburg @ the end of Amsterdam Ijburg, open everyday 10ish - late, FREE.

Amsterdam's favorite city beach is back again! With live music the entire summer, lots of great festivals and a beachy cafe to get you in the mood. So get your swimming trunks on, and cycle as fast as you can over to Ijburg (let's hope there is at least sun:-)

Final Sunday Market @ Westerpark, June 6th

Market: Funky Sunday Market @ Westerpark, Zuiveringshal Oost, Sunday June 6th, 12.00 - 18.00, FREE.

Westerpark's monthly Sunday market includes handmade clothes, goods, art (everything from interior goods, to jewelry) and food with 100 stands. Entertainment and workshops for the kids are also provided. This is the last one for the summer, starting again in September. (Is it seriously already summer?)

Breakdance class @ OT301, June 2nd

Break dance class for beginners @ OT301, every Wednesday in June, 14:30, 8 euro, register via - movement301@live.com, or by calling 06 50 99 80 32.

A special workshop with B Boy Bruce & Monika Stepak who will teach you how to dance by integrating dance techniques, and stretching and twisting your body to the limits on the floor.

the Anti- Pinkpop @ Occii, May 28th

Purplepop Amsterdam (vs. Pinkpop) @ OCCII , May 28th, 20.00 - 03.00, €6.

Pinkpop is an annual pop festival held in Landgraaf, Netherlands which features big named musicans and all the festival shennigans. This is the anti-pink pop = purpole pop with some real music!

Occi has a non-stop program full of bands, cocktails, and good Dj-ing from Foxy Roxy (oldskool 60s/garage vynil); Future Pop (newskool hits and unknown delights of today and tomorrow) ''no Techno, no Metal , no Emo" - occii

Check out the Suicidal Birds (garage blues punk, NL),Yes…pinkpink (party beats, NL), The Stutters (Indiepop, NL), Alos (doom performance, NL), Apneu (garage, NL), RedThePlaneeet!!! (electro punk, NL), Pattern Cuttoff (drum& bass punk, NL). Drinks are cheap and the partying good!

Solar Films @ Park Frankendael, May 28th and 29th

Film: Open air film- Cinema Park Frankendael Solar @ Park Frankendael, outdoor cinema is located on the lawn between the Scout building and playground, Friday may 28th and 29th, 22.00, FREE.

A solar powered screening! On Friday, the film "Herring IJ" will be screened. The film of Saturday night visitors can choose by mailing their choice to - frankendael@localworld.nl. Choices include:

1) "Addicted to Plastic"- Every piece of plastic ever made still exists. Addicted to Plastic explores the culture of disposable plastic.

2) "Milking the Rhino" - wildlife film about about one of the animals most threatened with extinction- the Rhino.

3) "Water Life" - documentary on the Great Lakes, group of freshwater lakes located between the United States and Canada. An ode to the beauty of water.

Nationale Dag van het Park, May 30th

Event: Day of the Park@ various locations in NL, May 30th, all activities are for FREE, check out the complete national program.

1) Environmental Market @ Westerpark, May 30th, FREE.

In Westerpark several events happening including street theater, live music, nature excursions and an environmental market. The environmental market hosts a range of products working to promote organic and local produce, recycling, electric transportation, green building and corporate social responsibility.

2) In Oost- Flevopark and Park Frankendael.

In Flevopark from 12.00 to 17.00 hours, there will be party at the pond; including live music, market stalls and activities for kids.

And Park Frankendael hosts the third annual Bloei Feest, which begins Friday with Solar Films, plus the Pure Market on Sunday and a cultural podium from 12.00 - 23.00 including a "Furniture Pimp Parade" at 17.00 - with old furniture by artists 'pimped' to be auctioned. Klein Danzig - the volkstuin in Park Frankendael will host a free painting workshop from 14.00 - 17.00. A picnic pack can be purchased at 17.30 with all organic products and BBQs. A huge amount of activities for kids.

Want to make your way to both parks check out the routes between the parks.

Roncalli Circus near Station Zuid every night til June 13th

I hesitated about posting about the Roncalli Circus a few days ago; thinking it was just a "regular" circus. But then I saw the tents go up and the beautiful set-up and grew very curious about what was happening in Zuid. So I decided to give it a go!

The Circus advertises itself as a `dream with open eyes', with a three hour show of fantastic circus events. The moment you enter the grounds of the circus you are shot back into a time warp (minus the modern lighting and live band playing electric guitars) with lovely wooden karts selling pretzels, cotton candy and foot-long worsts in little buns; the music is jolly; the man checking your ticket is dressed in an elaborate red suit and then you walk into a cozy big top! where the show begins.... it is a combination of original and traditional acts from trapeze to dancing, to magicians, to clown shows, with only one animal performance which involved horses. The costumes are glittering and elaborate, the women entrancing and the men muscular and manly.  All-in-all a very sexy circus. I won't dive into the details as I don't want to ruin the excitement for you, but an event that everyone will love and go home talking about children and adults alike.

The Roncalli Circus takes place on the corner of the Boelelaan/Beethovenstraat, fa ive minute walk from Station Zuid, ongoing - June 13, nightly shows at 20.00, and weekend and Wednesdays shows with various matinee times, average ticket €25 - €40.

And an additional fact (I just found on the ol' wikipedia), the circus which began in 1976 in Bonn and continues to transport everything by train. 

North Korean Film Night @ Kriterion, Saturday May 29th

Film: North Korean Film Night @ Kriterion, Saturday May 29th, short films and discussion start at 19:00, the two other films at 22.00 and 00.00; €5/film or €10/passe partout (all three films+event).

Check out three leading North Korean films on this special event evening. South Korean filmmaker, Shin Sang-ok, kidnapped on command of Kim Jong-il made seven films with Kim as a producer. This evening you can check out two of the most imporatant N. Korean films: "Hong Gil Solicitted "(1986) - a Robin hood-esque kong fu film. The second film is "In Our Lifeline" (2002) a film about the life of a double agent. Korean short films will be played in the bar with a discussion about the films. The short films include a recording of the Arirang Massaspelen, "Pyongyang by Night" and an informative film on "Weapons of Korea".

Russian curator in the Hermitage

Lecture: Matisse and Picasso @ Hermitage, Saturday May 29, 14,00, in English.

Russian curator Natalia Krollau from the Hermitage St.-Petersburg discusses her work and the present exhibition.

W139 hosts the official Art Amsterdam Afterparty tomorrow

Event: Arty Farty After Party! @ W139, Wednesday May 26, 21.00 - late, free entrance 'til 23.00, there after 5 euro.

Planning to attend the Art Amsterdam 2010 @ RAI? (Check out this previous post for more info about the fair)

W139 will host the official Art Amsterdam afterparty with DJ Brother Boogaloo.

Amsterdam Comedy Festival @ Melkweg, May 28th and 29th

Festival: Amsterdam Comedy Festival @ Melkweg, May 28th and 29th,  €29.50 /day tickets or €49.50/passepartouts, some shows in English.

The Amsterdam Comedy Festival is a two day comedy festival, an initiative of Comedytrain en PIAS Comedy with support from VARA. The two evenings of comedy feature the best Dutch, Belgian and other international comedians. One ticket gets you into the entire event, where you can move from the various podia.

Cry Baby! @ Badcuyp, May 27th

Music: Jazz -Cry Baby! @ Badcuyp, Thursday May 27th, €8.

One of my most well-known saxophonist in NL, Dick de Graaf, plays his blues, rock music inspired jazz with a funky crew of uniquely talented musicians throwing their spin on the tunes. Check out what they are calling urgent power jazz.

Smooth Structures + "wild Blue Yonder"@ Smart Project Space, May 27th

Event + Film + Lecture: Smooth Structures @ Smart Project Space, Thursday May 27, lecture time: 19.30 – 20.30, film: 21.00 – 22.30, unknown price.

First a lecture and then German director Werner Herzog, science fiction film "The Wild Blue Yonder" (2005). The film is winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 62nd Venice Film Festival. It is a film made up of documentary footage with fictional narration from an alien.

The lecture is to be on "a new theory about dark matter and dark energy by NASA mathematician Martin Lo" - Smart Project Space

Pure Market and Dag van het Park Sunday May 30th

Market: Pure Market @ Park Frankendael, Oost-Watergraafsmeer, last Sunday of the month, Sunday May 30th, 11.00 - 18.00, FREE, includes activities for kids.

This is a monthly market with lekker eten (delicious food) mostly organic, as well as other local, sustainable goods, and live music. It is what we might call the Noordermarkt of the east but you can eat your way through the market with picnic tables and ready to eat brunch style food. Check out this article for more info.

Then mark your calendars for the rest of the year with markets on Sunday June 27; then a break over the vacation period, August 29, September 26 October 31 and the final Christmas market on December 19th.

Rock 'n Roll Dance @ Cruise Inn May 29th

Party: Rock 'n Roll Dance Night @ Cruise Inn, Saturday May 29th, 21.00 - 03.00, FREE.

A serious rock 'n roll party with live bands and rock 'n roll djs. Guaranteed best party of the weekend & 2 euro beer.

Pop-up cafe, Stumptown Coffee @ Albert Cuyp market 'til end of July

New "pop-up cafe" @ Albert Cuyp Market, 101 Albert Cuypstrat, opened May 1st - end of July, open Monday - Saturday 07.00 - 19.00. 

Stumptown Coffee a coffee roaster, importer and cafe with its roots in Portland, Oregon recently opened it's doors for you tasting pleasure. The beans are from a roaster in Red Hook, Brooklyn (originally Roode Hoek, a village founded by the Dutch in the 1630s). The staff is made up of US baristas two of whom are documenting their three month adventures on two blogs- whoa cup and grover does amsterdam.

Art in Motion, experimental German films @ Smart Project Space, May 26

Film: Art in Motion @ Smart Project Space, Wednesday May 26th, 20.00, €6.00, all films with English subtitles.

Smart Project Space and Goethe Institut Amsterdam present an on-going film series dedicated to experimental German cinema. This is the final screening which presents a compilation of the most important German art films from the '80s; from "40 years of Video Art"'s collection.

Art Amsterdam, May 26 - 30th

Exhibition + Event: Art Amsterdam 2010 @ RAI, May 26 to 30, €20.

The 26th edition of Art Amsterdam hosts 129 leading galleries from the Netherlands, Europe and Asia with exhibits range from photographs, paintings and video art to sculptures, drawings and installations. With a special programme element entitled No Holds Barred featuring large-scale presentations, but also lectures and debates, professional guided tours, and educational workshops for beginner collectors (Young & Collecting) as well as an exclusive programme for established Dutch and foreign collectors (Club C).

Kerkennacht Amsterdam / Church night Amsterdam, Saturday May 22

Event: Kerkennacht Amsterdam / Church night Amsterdam @ a number of Protestant churches in Amsterdam, Saturday May 22, 19.00 - 23.00, FREE.

Not sure how to classify this event; is it an intiative to stir up membership in the protesant church,? a cultural event (following the tune of the Museumnacht?), or a community gathering?. Well whatever it is or isn't eleven churches are participating; so go take a peak inside as they open their doors to the public for one evening. This is the first church night in Amsterdam, with each church hosting a differnet program of events ranging from standard tours, to youth programs, concerts, games and borrel-esque events!?! Click on the images of the churches for more info. And tell me did you go?

Satellite dancing? @ OT301 May 23

Dance: Art(H)Emigra Satellite @ OT301, Sunday May 23rd, 18.00, €6.

"The Performances of ART(H)EMIGRA SATELLITE are a series of dance and music improvisation performances taking place on the same dates and at the same time in Italy and the Netherlands. The events are streamed to each other, so that the audience will assist to both performances" - OT301

Check out the video of the first event - ART(H)EMIGRA SATELLITE #1

live tunes on the Museumplein May 21st

Music: Tabor @ Museumplein, May 21st, 14.00, FREE.

Traditional Eastern European Sinti and Roma songs.

Sunday Van Gogh lectures, May 23rd

Lecture: From the Real to the Unreal: Photography and the Naturalist Career of Eanger Irving Couse @ Van Gogh Museum, Sunday May 23rd, price of museum, FREE with Museumkaart, English spoken.

Guest curator, Gabriel Weisberg, discusses the upcoming exhibition Illusions of reality: Naturalist painting, photography and cinema at the Van Gogh Museum (which starts in October 2010).

"Academically trained in France, the American painter Eanger Irving Couse (1866-1936) was well aware the role photography played in how paintings were constructed. Couse used his camera as an ethnographic reporter focusing on sites, ceremonies and the native Americans in New Mexico. His paintings, developed from photographic portraits, became idealized representations of the contemporary American Indian." - Van Gogh

Electro Wars @ Rialto, May 22nd

Event: Electro Wars @ Rialto, Saturday May 22nd, 23.00, €9.

The Electro Wars is an event organized by Streetlab- a platform for young Dutch fashion designers, illustrators, photographers, graphic designers and musicians; and Kits Zonder Blog -is an "offline music blog"/organizer of underground music. This event brings together films and music; it starts with the European première of the documentary "The Electro Wars" (2009) from New Yorker Stephen Vasquez about the "electric lifestyle"- electro/house-scene. Following the film Vasquez will take questions about the film. Following the film is a night of DJ's.  

Rollerdis/Ko @ Studio K, May 22nd

Music + Dance + skating!:) Rollerdis/Ko @ Studio K, Saturday May 22nd, 21.00 - 03.00, €5.

Skating, disco balls and tunes. You can rent skates for €1.50 and swing around the dance floor shaking your hips and crossing your fingers that you don't fall on your rolschaatsen.

CinemAsia @ Ketelhuis, May 20th - 30th

Film Festival: CinemAsia @ Ketelhuis, Thursday May 20th - 30th, €8.50/film, other events various prices.

CinemAsia is an Asian filmfestival, that screens never-before-seen (in NL) films from throughout Asia. Includes 60 films and documentaries, a bazaar (with different stalls that offer Asian food and snacks, accessories and information), discussions and presentations on film in Asia, as well as special parties. Check out the program here.

Festival a/d Werf @ various locations in Utrecht, May 20th - 29th

Event: Festival a/d Werf @ various locations in Utrecht, May 20 – 29, various times and prices.

This is an annual music/theater/art festival in Utrecht, which presents performances, art exhibitions, music, workshops, parties, etc...Festival a/d Werf takes place in fifteen indoor and outdoor sites around Utrecht, and includes two live music events every evening on Neude square. Check out the full program here.

A seriously great reason to take a day trip to Utrecht. Also check out the Domtoren. Tours are everyday from 10.00 – 17.00, guided tours every hour, lasting an hour, €7.50. Or check out the many great museums in Utrecht. Why you are there do some second hand shopping at the many great stores on the Oude Gracht and enjoy a beer at Café Belgie or even lower on the ‘deep’ canals.

a random night of acts at high speed @ Cafe Wilhelmina May 20th

Music: Page Turner #17 @ Cafe Wilhelmina, Thursday May 20th, 21.00, €5.

"Pageturner is a night of zap performance-art for people with a short attention span. Bands, electronic acts, singer-songwriters, writers, poets, weirdo's, video-artists.. you name it! Passing by at high speed, these acts will make for one big freak-out caroussel performance." Cafe Wihelmina

So think short films but live shows with music!

Latin American Filmfestival

Open Air Film: Latin American Filmfestival @ Studio/K, Friday and Saturday May 21st - 22nd, 21.30, FREE.

First let's hope that its warm enough to sit outside!:) Then enjoy the works of new Latin American filmmakers on the square in front of the Studio. On Friday check out Turistas. And Saturday Play.

Thievery Corporation coming to Amsterdam

Need to chill a bit? Check out one of the coolest bands of the past decade as they arrive in Amsterdam in early June. As a duo with a pretty strong (but not at all heavy, if that makes sense) socio-political message, they are from the unlikely homebase of Washington, D.C. They partner with the UN World Food Programme and collaborate with artists from Nigeria, Brazil, India and Slovakia. Their music, for us layfolk, is probably best described as ambient or chill-out. Their message is probably best described by Rob Garza, one half of the duo: "We definitely want to contribute to the opening of ears, eyes, and minds. With our live shows it’s a poignant example of music and culture mixing together in an explosive vibrant way. To see a Persian singer singing in Farsi, as America debates on a war with Iran, next to other band members from all corners of the earth singing in Spanish, Portuguese, French and so on, it makes people wonder... and if you can get people to question the things around them, just a little, then that’s not such a bad thing."

Thievery Corporation, tickets 25 Euros plus service charges and cheap Melkweg membership (total about 30 Euros), at Melkweg June 7th, 2010. You can buy tickets online here or in person at the Melkweg ticket office after 16:30 every day just off Leidseplein.

- tip from Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

Relive De Diepte

Music: Garage-Night @ OCCII, Friday May 21st, 21.00 - 02.00, €7.

A seriously missed late-night landmark in the City- De Diepte, the legendary rock 'n roll bar (nachtkroeg) on the St. Pieterspoortsteeg (off the Dam), closed down nearly two years go:( Rumor had it they continuously refused to close up shop at bar time that the City gave them so many fines they couldn't stay afloat. Relive your Deipte days at the OCCII with two live bands THE HEX DISPENSERS (Austin, Texas)and THE ANOMALYS (Amsterdam), and DE DIEPTE DJ'S (Amsterdam, Holland).

Circ/us @ Tolhuistuin May 19th - 24th

Event: Circ/us @ nearby Tolhuistuin, Wednesday May 19th - May 24th, 20.30, €5.

This is no regular circus! This is a show that brings together professional acrobats, magicians, tight rope walking, lion taming, and trapeze artists with neighborhood creatives in a creative circus show.

Lecture about the Zuidas @ ARCAM, May 18th

Lectrue/discussion: Malcolm Smith (ARUP) @ Brakke Grond but organized by ARCAM, May 18, €10, students €7.50.

Malcolm Smith, head of the Zuidas Design Team, is responsible for the general design strategy and principles of Amsterdams 'South Axis' development project. He talks about the plans for the area around Amsterdam Zuid Station, which is presently dominated by office developments.

Hollywood film at Hermitage

Film: Surviving Picasso (1996) @ Hermitage, Wednesday May 19, 20.00, in English, no Dutch subtitles:(.

A Hollywood interpretation of the life of Picasso; a love story of fact and fiction with Anthony Hopkins as Picasso and Julianne Moore as Dora Maar.

Film & Dinner every Wednesday @ Smart Project Space

Event: Film & Dinner @ Smart Project Space, every Wednesday, €35, only 30 tickets available!, for reservations: 020 61 69994.

Enjoy a modern film classic while enjoying a 3 course dinner directly inspired by the film.

Wednesday May 19th, 19.45 - Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" (2003). With Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson)- two Americans meeting in Tokyo.

Electric Cinema, May 18th

Film: Electric Cinema @ OT301, Tuesday May 18th, 20:30, €4.

OT301 screens under-represented cult classics, energetic contemporary video shorts, off-beat animation and lost movies of the global underground. Non-profit artist-run.

20.30 F is for Fake by Orson Welles (1974, 85’)

22.30 Tribulation 99 by Craig Baldwin (1992, 48’)

You can also have dinner at OT301 at Restaurant De Peper  all 100% organic and yummy as they put it themselves. We would say freaking good and cheap. Be sure to make a reservation between 16.00 - 18.30 by calling 020-412 2954.

TV dinner @ Trouw, May 18th

Film, food, music: TV dinner docu film "Forbidden Metal from Iraq" @ TROUW, Tuesday April 20, 19.30, €15, reservation recommended.

Sitting at home in front of the tv eating your kant-en-klaar meals, got you down? Hop over to TROUW where they serve you dinner while you enjoy a film with your friends. This month check out the documentary about the only Iraqi heavy metal-band- the men of ‘Acrassicauda'.

Kunstvlaai @ Westergasfabriek May 15 - 23rd

Event: Kunstvlaai @ Westergasfabriek, Saturday May 15, 16:00-19.00, FREE; continues Sunday May 16th - 23rd, 12:00-18:00, €7.

An art fair for "starting artists" (recently graduated students), takes over the Westergasfabriek with a tour of up-and-coming artists from around the world including spaces from Aruba, Curaçao, Suriname, Turkey, China, the USA, and of course the Netherlands (check out the list of participants here).

How about a head-butt or a submarine? to start the chilly weekend in Amsterdam

It looks like a slow weekend in Amsterdam perhaps the City knew we would all want to stay inside this weekend to avoid this unseasonably cold weather. In light of the chilly weather forcing us indoors you might be finding yourself at a cozy cafe to pass the next few days; so how about a head-butt or a submarine, to start your weekend?

Have you ever ordered a kopstoot (head-butt) at a bar? Well you don’t need to worry about your head until the following day. The bartender will serve you a shot of Jenever and a glass of beer. Or how about a duikboot (submarine)? This will get you liquored up rather quickly as it involves dropping a shot of Jenever into a glass of beer.

For those of you that don’t know Jenever here's a short introduction. Jenever is a clear distilled alcohol, traditional made from grain and juniper berries. There are two types of Jenever, a jonge (young) and an oude (old) jenever. The oude jenever is aromatic and mellow and served at room temperature. The jonge has a milder taste and is served ice cold. Several variants exist as well, such as bessen jenever (currant) which is often favored by the ladies, and citroen jenever (lemon).

But, lets get back to the tasting. There remain two authentic distillers in the City the oldest being Wynand Fockink, which opened its doors in 1679. Wynand Fockink offers numerous workshops in English (even learning how to make your own jenever). Another local distiller is A.van Wees distillery de Ooievaar  located in the Jordaan. It started distilling in 1782 and continues to produce jenever using authentic methods and ingredients.

The City also harbours some inspiring microbreweries. The most famous must be Brouwerij t’IJ, famous for its windmill and large sun terrace. At Brouwerij ‘t IJ they serve their organic beers with good old Dutch snacks such as boiled eggs or a giant meat ball with mustard. Another microbrewery is de Prael and is located right in the city center. All their beers have been named after famous singers from Amsterdam. Besides beer they sell beer bonbons and you can buy your own beer brewing kit at their brewery shop/bar. Two additional microbreweries can be found in the City - De Bekeerde Suster and De Snaterende Arend. The newest addition to the group is Brouwerij Zeeburg which started brewing in 2009. All the aforementioned beers can be enjoyed at café ‘t Arendsnest, as well as other beers from the Netherlands.

Fijn weekend! 

If you appreciate this site "pass us a jenever" via an ad click in order to keep us going! Busy in Amsterdam is not sponsored by any organization/cafe/company; therefore the suggestions we make on the site are based on our own experiences and knowledge of the City.

Amsterdam Beatclub @ de Nieuwe Anita, May 14th

Music + Dance: Amsterdam Beatclub- Tiki Party @ De Nieuwe Anita, Friday May 14, €7.50.

Check out the ABC_TIKI_PARTY with live music from Mellow Jo & The Hi-Tones (Rock 'n Roll / Swing); a limbo show with "How Low Can You Go.."; and then a the dj/vj duo of The Scopi-Tonics to bring you through the evening.

Antillen Festival @ Tropentheater May 12th

Festival + Film + Music: Antillen Festival - Sams Ensemble & film Panman @ Tropentheater, Wednesday May 12, 20.30, €15.00.

Music from the Bovenwindse Eilanden (Saint Maarten and Saint Eustatius)with ketel drums and string bands. Following the band is the film "Panman, Rhythm of the Palms"- a story about the life of the famous steel pan player Harry Daniel.

live funky-jazz rock @ Badcuyp, May 13th

Music: The Ploctones @ Badcuyp, Thursday May 13th, 21.30, €8.

End your free day with some swining jazz from the Ploctones.

Underground farmer's market, May 16th, somewhere in Amsterdam

Event: Underground Boerenmarkt @ near Downtown 75, Rokin 75 - follow the clues via Twitter, Sunday May 16th, 12.00 - 17.00, FREE. 

A wild underground farmer's market where a semingly "spontaneous" market arises somewhere in Amsterdam on Sunday.  Except an eating extravaganze with sweets, handmade kroketten, traditional mosterds, bier, jams, worstjes, soepjes, home grown sambal, gourmet food, and organic butchers.

New soundtrack film at Goethe-Institute May 14th

Film: Tabu - A Story of the South Seas @ Goethe-Institut, Friday May 14, film starts 20.00, €5.

Live soundtrack by Filippo Castellazzi, Michael Stratz, Mark Van Soest,Mataklap & Hakki Takki. A love story out of Bora Bora to more "civilized society".

IDFA film at Kriterion, May 9th

Film: Necrobusiness series @ Kriterion, Sunday May 9th, 15.00, €6.50, includes a discusion and the three films.

Check out the preview here.

Stop & GO - Motion animation films, May 11th

Film: Stop & GO @ OT301, Tuesday May 11th, 20.30, €4.

Stop & Go features 22 films by established filmmakers and visual artists of motion animation films, from around the world. With an 80-minute program of short videos that highlight the process of stop-motion animation in many of its forms.

Open Day at the Opera, May 9th

Open day: De Nederlandse Opera @ Het Muziektheater, Sunday 9th May, 12:00 - 17:00.

At 12.00 the doors open with choir workshops for children and adults, tours, performances, demostrations of theater techniques, acting techniques, opera quiz and an open podium. A panel discussion: begins at 14.00 with Klaus Bertischm Dramaturg for the Netherlands Opera speaks with guests about 'Animals on stage'. With musical intermezzos and a grand finale at 17.00.

If you want to show your own talents during the open day, then register for the open podium. If you need musical accompaniment by piano indicate this with your registration. Send an e-mail indicating your name, the title of the music piece you will perform and how much time you need for the performance to: openpodium@dno.nl

National Windmill Day, May 8th and 9th

Event: Nationale Molen en gemalen Dag/National Windmill and Pumping Station Day @ throughout the Netherlands, Saturday May 8th and Sunday 9th.

This must be the most exciting day next to Queensday the celebration of another Dutch icon - the windmill. Millers open their doors for you to visit the inner secrets of these buildings. It is an ideal opportunity to understand the important role the windmill played in the economic development of the Netherlands. Yes these high-tech machines were one of the main reasons why the Dutch ruled the seas during the Golden Age.

Mills that take part in this festive day can be recognized by the blue flag on the windmill sail or by more high-tech means you can look at the online map; take your pick.

Now let's keep our fingers crossed for a national tulip or clogg day. Or maybe we should create a special day for ourselves like krokettendag?

Van Gogh Museum Avond, Every Friday at the Van Gogh Museum

Event + Museum: Van Gogh Museum Avond @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday, 18.30 – 22.00, entrée to museum, stuff for older kids. Guaranteed - free guided tour at 19:30 of the exhibition Paul Gauguin (in Dutch and English) and a DJ to bring you through the rest of evening between all the other acts.

May 7th - Science/technology program by De Praktijk at 18.30 with a the showing of artist Sander Veenhof's "invisible" outfit that visitors can use to avoid being seen by surveillance cameras, plus 'Formamat' (Leiden University) - a machine that frees you of all the unnecessary data on your USB device. In exchange for your old data files you'll receive sweets as payment. Also in the Central Hall check out the Giro d'Italia special from 19:30-20:00 o'clock / 20:45-21:15 o'clock with a theatrical music program by the passionate and multitalented singer Quirine Melssen, Napolitan artist. Free Italian wine tasting from 18:30-20:30  (Central Hall).

May 14th - Introductory tour

At 19:30 free guided tour of the exhibition Paul Gauguin (in Dutch and English). Plus the Music conservatory takes the stage at 20:15.

May 21st - 2 move Wear

From 18:30 check out Ok 2 moveWear - an interactive suit that causes music and images to respond to your movements. Then at 20.30 a discussion with the maker of the suit - Angelina Baker on her intentions and the results of this installation.

May 28th - Augmented Reality

From 18:30 students from the Royal Academy of the Visual Arts in The Hague present their newest inventions and discoveries of 2010. Discussion with the students from AR-RFID lab at 20.30 with a

moderator asking the students of the KABK about the project.

Biking exhibition - Sur Place May 8th - August 22nd

Still can't get enough of the biking craze?  Check out Mediamatic exhibition on biking culture @ Mediamatic, from May 8th - August 22nd, various prices and times.

With photos of bike crashes, a collection of awesome bikes, workshops and lots of other craziness!:)

Animation for Kids, May 8th

Animation for Kids: Minibios an animation afternoon for kids from 5 – 10 years @Paradiso, Saturday May 8th, 14:00 – 15:00, €5.

First screening of:

Joris en de Liefde

Een sprookje in een Monsterklas

Bling Bling Boy en zijn vijf zussen

These animations are based on stories that were conceived by children of “Group 6” (10/11 years) of primary school. The participating children were the winners of a writing contest organized by the public library. 10 additional animations will be screened inspired in musical poems, supported by live music.

Cannabis bevrijdingsdag/ marijuana liberation day

Event: Cannabis bevrijdingsdag/ Marijuana liberation day @ Westerpark Manifestatieterrein, Saturday May 8th, 14.00 - late, price unknown.

A day to celebrate cannabis with live music, speaker,s a market, old time circus, and acts from Joost Belinfante, Hans Plomp, Edith Rignalda, and possibly Spinvis (yet to be confirmed).

Friday Night Skate

Looking for some skating/rollerblading buddies? Check out Friday Night Skate- with weekly routes around the City. 

Go get your butt back in shape after a cold winter of watching re-runs and stuffing your face with mini-stroopwafels.

Rocking da farm at Buurtboerderij Westerpark May 7th

Music + Farm: Rocking da farm @ Buurtboerderij Westerpark, May 7th, 21.00, €3.

Live bands and djs at the farm! in Westerpark. Yes, this is serious there is a party at the boerderij!

Very Short International Film Festival, May 8th and 9th

Film: Very Short International Film Festival @ CREA, Saturday May 8th, 20.00, Sunday May 9th 13.00, €5, students €3, for reservations call 020 525 1400.

The Very Short International Film Festival is a festival for short films of three minutes or less. Every screening consists of three parts, with two breaks; with from Japan, England, Romania, France, Iran, Norway, Mexico, Spain, Lebanon, China, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Germany, the United States, Belgium, Isreal, Switzerland, Singapore, and a few from the Netherlands. See 72 best videos, hand picked from more than 1,000 submissions; and you can vote for your favorite.

Bicycle Film Festival May 8th

Film: Bicycle Film Festival  @ Pathé Tuschinski, Saturday May 8th, three program, first one starts at 18.30 (see below), € 11/program; after-party starts at 20.00 at Mediamatic.

"The Bicycle Film Festival has been a major catalyst for the spread of urban bike culture internationally. From its roots in New York City, the BFF has grown exponentially into a multi-faceted, international event that visits nearly every continent. This year 300,000 people are expected to attend worldwide."- Mediamatic

Program 1, LET OP! the time changed, again!! back to 18.30 - 19.30, Urban Bike Shorts

A collection of short films that highlight the experiences of urban riders, including Anima d’Acciaio (Soul of Steel).

Program 2, 20.30 - 22.30, Standing Start + Tour Des Legendes

Tour Des Legendes is a Dutch production that premiered at the Bicycle Film Festival in 2003, in which director Erik van Empel digs through the annals of the Tour de France to capture the history of the world’s most beautiful bike race.

Program 3, 22.30 - 00.30, Made in Queens + Where Are You Go

Where Are You Go: chronicles four months on bicycle from Cairo to Cape Town, en route with the Tour d’Afrique, the world’s longest bicycle race and expedition.

An after party starts at 20.00 at Mediamatic Bank, free admission with program ticket.

Giromania! May 6 - 9

In just a few days, the Giro d’Italia, a long distance road bike race, begins in Amsterdam! wtih three stages/days of cycling circus through the City. If are into eyeing up men in tight spandex or a genuine cycling fan you will certainly enjoy this weekend. For an overview of the stages and side-events visit Giromania. Keep in mind many main through-fares/streets will be closed off to bike and car traffic during this three day event.

There are a number of side-events that may also tickle your fancy with a GiroRun, Italian films, and exhibitions all in celebration of the big event:

1) Photo Exhibition @ het Stadsarchief Amsterdam, ongoing, daily 10.00 - 18.00, price of museum.

A historical exhibtion of the past 100+ years of Giro d'Italia race with films, photos, and artifacts from Dutch racing champions Gerrie Knetemann and Piet van Heusden and other fietsfoto's/biking pictures.

2) On Friday the 7th Tourist Run Amsterdam hosts a special run to discover the route of the Giro d'Italia individual timetrial on foot! (reservation necessary)

The 8km runs will be in small groups of 5 - 10, from Museumplein to Olympischstadion. Participlants recieve a public transport ticket to return to the start, as well as a pink "Giromania" T-shirt.

3) New Italian Cinema Events (NICE) @ Filmmuesum, May 6 - 19th, various times, price of film. 

In cooperation with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and the EYE Film Instituut Nederland, this international festival takes the stage in celebration of the start of the Giro d’Italia with a selection of films from Italian films from the 1960s.

FYI, if you can't get enough of road biking plan to get to Rotterdam for the start of the Tour de France on July 3rd.

Hard rock karaoke, May 6th

Hard rock karaoke @ Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Thursday May 6th, 22:00, €5.

Hard rock karaoke accompanied by a live band.

On a serious note...

It is quite something to see just how much the Dutch genuinely appreciate and respect the significance of a liberation that took place 65 years ago. With my own parents who were back then just small children in the bombing of Rotterdam, I am amazed and grateful how Nederlanders continue to pass on the historical importance of the war and the subsequent liberation to their kids. I've heard that to this day, Dutch families tend the gravesites of fallen Allied soldiers throughout the country.

If you are in a solemn and reverent mood and would like to see and appreciate the level of this respect, there are a ton of locations in the city to be to experience the 'Herdenking' or commemoration/memorial services.

Between 18.30 and 21.00 on Tuesday, May 4th, there are no fewer than 30 spots around the city to pay your respects and to witness how the locals do the same. Each corner of the city has a number of locations - see the full listings.

- Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

Architecture workshop for kids, May 8th

Workshop for kids: Archikidz @ Westerpark Gashouder, Saturday May 8th, children 7 -12, FREE, must register in advance here.

A workshop kids about the future of transporation; what is the ultimate vehicle?, what does it look like?, how does it function?  Kids work in small groups with an architect to build different forms of vehicles.

Bevrijdingsdag / Liberation Day, May 5th

Various events: Bevrijdingsdag / Liberation Day, the evening of May 4th and entire day and evening of May 5th. First, don't forget Tuesday evening May 4th, the day before Liberation Day, is the Nationale Herdenking at 20.00. This national commemoration has been held since 1946 to commentate the victims of the Second World War. At 20.00 the entire country is quiet for two minutes of remembrance. The official event is held at the Dam, starting around 19.45ish with the Queen and other officials holding an official ceremony which can be seen on National Television, but also is host to about 20,000 people lining the Damrak to het Nationaal Monument! But where ever you are on Tuesday at 20.00 stop! and be quiet; that counts for driving in your car, in the Metro, on the street, at your house, etc...

1) Amsterdams Bevrijdingsfestival - Liberty City @ Museumplein, a whole day of music, events, activities, stuff for kids, etc..., FREE.  Check out the program for more details.

2) Every year, since 1996, in front of the Carré a special concert is set-up on the water. This year Het Limburgs Symfonie Orkest takes the stage, with an opera. The concert starts at 21.00 but in order to get a decent seat on the water get there by 20.00. The concert can also be seen on NOS on Nederland 1 at 20.30.

3) Haarlem is the usual host to a full day of music, djs and fun at Bevrijdingspop @ Haarlemerhout, 12.00 - midnight, FREE.