25 May 2010
Russian curator in the Hermitage
Russian curator Natalia Krollau from the Hermitage St.-Petersburg discusses her work and the present exhibition.
15 May 2010
Hollywood film at Hermitage
26 August 2009
Happenings in Amsterdam for the weekend of August 28th - 30th
The Uitmarkt is the official beginning to all the fun, introducing the City to all that is to come during the 2008 - 2009 cultural season. But if you aren't ready to accept that summer is nearing its end there are still lots of reasons to stay out and enjoy with lots of outdoor film festivals, and my personal favorite a Pet Meet-and-Greet Day at Oosterpark on Sunday!
Enjoy your weekend...and don't forget I am making this agenda for free, for you!, so if you appreciate it please click on my small ads to throw a few coins in my purse so I can continue to improve its functionality and keep it going! Furthermore I really do appreciate your comments and suggestions so send them my way at busyinamsterdam [at] gmail.
Uitmarkt is the annual national opening of the cultural season. With “free samples/taste tests” of musical acts and performances to hit the stage over the next year. As well as a book market with stands from publishers and bookstores throughout the City selling discount books, posters, and advertising about upcoming events (kids books, too).
Lots of events to check out, I recommend: Matt Bianco – the internationally famous jazz master plays on Friday at 23.00 at the Dam; a presentation of wooden marionettes by Het Amsterdams Marionetten Theater Saturday and Sunday 13.00, a sing-along at the Dam on Sunday at 21.00, as well as various musical acts on the water.
Activities and shows for kids all over the City check out Uitmarkt Junior.
Why go? get a sneak preview of how you will be spending your winter and enjoy the FREE fun!
DJ DaanModern, resident DJ of Pacific Parc, from 18.30 on plays a mix of steamy soul, nostalgia, exotic and natural modern jazzy tunes.
Candy Cash, a beloved new comer band from Paris with influences of electric, dubstep and trip hop music. Begins at 20.00.
Why go? Check out an up and coming band and some good ol' Van Gogh
The Cantina Mobile is back in the terrace of Pacific Parc with tunes, eats and fun.
Why go? a funky atmosphere to spend your afternoon.
A four weekend long open air film festival in Sloterparkbad. This week the hit of 2007 “Alles is Liefde” on Friday, Saturday the adventure film “Into the Wild”.
Why go? check out the lovely Sloterpark and enjoy a free film.
Rock ‘n’ roll delight, with three live acts.
Why go? three times the musical delight
Part of the Filmmuseum's weekly (every Friday evening) outdoor film screenings – Sunsets. This Friday check out the 2008 film “Sita Sings the Blues”, an animation film by famous animator and cartoonist Nina Paley based on a Indian heldendicht (epic narrative poem).
Why go? enjoy the open air at new Hermitage
The summer is almost over and the new party season begins so Club 8 is making one big party to introduce their season of parties including rock, 80s, 90s, indie, punk pop, techno, etc...
Why go? if you can't decide what kind of music you want to jam to check out this mix of everything
Saturday
A music festival in Noord with two stages of unique international acts, including Beat Pharmacy, Gaiser, Richie Hawtin, Paul Ritch Drumcode, Kabale UND Liebe.
Why go? squeeze in one more festival before the summers over.
A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages, theater, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids! This Saturday Spinvis plays in the planetarium.
Why go? Check out Spinvis live!:)
The successful touring party KISS (a collective of artists, musicians, VJs and DJs) makes a stop at Blijburg with DJs: DIM, CLYDE, GIANNI, PHIL, PRINSJE POOTJE PIETJE PAPJE, FROUKJE POLA, BEAR GRYLLZ, ILLVESTER SOPHIE VOM S., and MADE IN JUNE.
Why go? Enjoy the warm nights with some wild beach fun
Comedy cabaret (in Dutch) with dj/vj after the show.
Why go? add some comedy to typical Saturday night
A free open air presentation in the Westerpark. This Saturday check out the film “Terra Sonâmbula” (Sleepwalking Land) in conjunction with the project Africa in the Picture. A magic realist film from Mozambique about the effect of war.
Why go? good excuse to stay out late in the park
If you missed Lowlands you can see the recording on the big screen at Skek.
Why go? check out the highlights of the always sold-out Lowlands
Sunday
A monthly tradition of lekker eten (good food) mostly organic, as well as other local, sustainable goods, and music. Also creative activities for the little ones.
Why go? check out the start of the new season and pick up some handmade fudge!
Why go? as you make your way to the many stages of Uitmarkt you can also pick up some tunes for the evening.
1st project from www.dezoektocht.eu a community building initiative. Ella’s dieren ontmoetings dag was suggested by eight-year-old Ella Vermey. She loves animals and wanted to meet and share her passion with others in the Dapperbuurt. Lots of activities for kids, animals and adults; including games, crafty corner, face painting, inflatable jumping castle, a dog trainer, a photo exhibition of the neighborhood animals, a dog-cat walk, pick-nicking, Djs, and food.
Why go? mingle with your dog
The Pavadita Tango String Quartet and Flashmobcinema present "La Graine et le Mulet"- the price winning 2007 film about the ambitions, frustrations, courage, slothfulness (indolentie) of migrant families of North-African decent in Southern France.
Why go? make your way to Amsterdam Noord and check out the trendy Tolholtuin
The fourth round of Winston's 11th annual band competition for local talent.
Why go? check out the local talent
If you appreciate this agenda please "buy me a beer"/click on my ads!:)
21 July 2009
Happenings in Amsterdam for July 22 - 26
Lots of happenings this weekend; including the Amsterdam International Fashion Week which has a host of a events for the public including a rommelmarkt (in this case a fashion flea market) on Sunday, lots of films to be seen if the weather doesn't hold out for a day at the city beaches.
As always let me know what you think, send me your comments, questions, etc... If you would like a weekly reminder about the agenda send an email to: busyinamsterdam [at] gmail [dot] com with the subject line: REMIND ME. Then I will be sure to add you to the list so you are always up-to-date with the latest happenings.
Enjoy your long summer days. And if you appreciate this agenda please "buy me a beer"/ click on my ads.
Entire Week:
Public events:
Wednesday: 15.00 – “Your Cup of T: do-it-yourself-day”, Westerstraat 77; 16.00 “I am Blue” Westergasfabriek.
Thursday: 16.00 Opening “I want That…” installation by Thomas Voorn and Marine Viergever, Destination Shop, Weteringstraat 46H; 23.00 “Anti-fashion Party”, Flex Bar.
Friday: 10.00 – 17.30 “Malouse Bastiaan – Hand dyed Hand Made”, Beekwilder, Prins Hendrikkade 16; 21.30 “Zipper en Street Lab Join Forces! Rooms of Red Bull”, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 24 limited capacity; 22.00 “Festimode Casablanca”, Paradiso, 17.50 euros.
Saturday: 10.00 – 18.00 Exhibition “the Undaunted II and Beyond”, Pop up Café; 17.00 “Fromanteel High Tea”, Herengracht 142; 20.00 “Parag S/S 2010 Fashion Show”, Palledium, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen; 21.00 Hosselaer 2# collection “Who No Know Go Know”, Prins Hendrikkade 33.
Sunday: 10.00 – 18.00 Exhibition “the Undaunted II and Beyond”, Pop up Café; 12.00 “Start Sample Sale Open Shop”, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 291; 12.00 “Kiss the Bride wearables, De culinaire werkplaats, 13.30 – 17.00 "Making of the dress for less or more” Young Designers United, Keizersgracht 447; 15.30 “Trash & Treasures Une Garage Sale Extraordinaire” Flexbar.
Hermitage/Filmmuseum openlucht film in de binnentuin /open air film in courtyard @ Hermitage, every evening Wednesday – Saturday, 22.00, €14.50 + feestelijk drink, all films in English.
The Filmmuseum and the Hermitage Museum.have teamed up to present four special films based on 19th century Russian literature. All the films are in English and have Dutch subtitles they include: Woody Allen’s “Matchpoint” on Wednesday, the black and white 1930s film “Anna Karenina” on Thursday, “Vanya on
Why go? Over 100,000 people have visited the Hermitage since it’s grand re-opening almost a month ago, have you?? If you go to the films you also receive a 20% discount on the regular admission price.
Weak Signals and Wild Cards exhibition @ Shell Kantine, Shell Terrain, Tolhuisweg, Amsterdam Noord, two minute walk from Buiksloterweg ferry, leaving Amsterdam Central Station every 5 minutes (Google Map to venue), final weekend ending Sunday, 12.00 - 18.00.
"Weak Signals, Wild Cards is a commissioning project and exhibition by the participants of de Appel Curatorial Programme 08/09. Set in Amsterdam Noord, it invites ten artists and a number of speakers from other fields to react to the given plans for the area and conjure a set of alternative futures. The artists have created works for and from their envisioned future contexts, while the speakers will foretell their imagined futures of Amsterdam Noord, from the perspectives of their expertise...Amsterdam Noord is currently faced with a bevy of visions of its imminent regeneration. The predictions being made revolve dizzyingly around of the ‘Creative City’, which implicates not only artists but an expanded creative subjectivity in its conception of a society made up of self-reliant, resourceful individuals on a constant quest for self-improvement. This combined vision of the future ‘
Why go? interested in urban studies? - learn about the urban regeneration of Amsterdam Noord and its impact through the eyes of artists
The Kriterion is showing lots of documentary films until August. There is something for everyone with themes of animation, music, street culture, and fashion.
Why go? Keep it on the back burner for rainy and or lazy days
Australian and New Zeeland films (events every weekend, but films through the week). This week: Wednesday is the last showing of “Angel At My Table” at 19.00, Thursday – the following Wednesday the showing of the Aussie film “Shine” (an Academy and Golden Globe winner for best male lead actor in 2008). The film is about Australian pianist Davi Helfgott. Also learn to play the didgeridoo on Saturday at 19.00 and enjoy the film.
Sunday for kids didgeridoo workshop and the film “Opal Dream” (only Dutch audio) at 11.45. Learn how to play this special instrument that the Aboriginals have played for thousands of years.
Why go? soak up a little Aussie history through film.
Two North American comedians Sean Collins and Jamie Kilstein, perform in two separate sets, each lasting 45 minutes in total.
Why go? get your dose of comedy on a rainy night
Why go? This is a must do & you have a few weekends to figure out how to fit this festival, but really it should only take a sunny day to convince you to drop everything and head to Zuid-Oost.
This weekend freestyle staking demonstrations for all ages and modern dance, theater and comedians all on stage.
Why go? every weekend until September enjoy different shows, theater, music, etc...
Wednesday
Stedelijk in de Stad @ Museumplein, final week, various activities & times, FREE, stuff for kids.
Wednesday July 22, 14 -16, for kids 6 -12, foto-wandeling/photo walk/tour, “Hunting Luck Kids” Discover your own neighborhood by learning how to make arty photos.
Also Wednesday 19.30 – 21.00, for adults, English spoken. The creative duo- The Stone Twins tell about their designs and sources of inspirations, i.e. why they used the Royal Army as inspiration, ideas about ‘50s classic logos, etc…
Why go? since the Stedelijk is still under construction and without a home, enjoy the small projects and exhibitions throughout the summer.
Summer Carnival and street parade @ Tropenmuseum, Wednesday, 14.00, unknown price, stuff for kids.
In preparation for the Summer carnival Parade in
Why go? enjoy a colorful parade on your way to the Dappermarkt.
Artery (Bul) &
Every Wednesday a different band, different theme, this week: Balkan metal and underground from
Why go? Something unexpected for a Wednesday
Thursday:
Stedelijk in de Stad @ Museumplein, final week, various activities & times, FREE.
Thursday July 23rd, final day, 19.00 – 21.00, for adults and older kids. Get a peek of the Teleac-documentary “Kazimir Severinovich Malevich” from 1989 about Malevich in the
Why go? the Stedelijk is still under construction for who knows how long???
Documentary: "The mystery of Samba" and live music @ Bimhuis, Thursday 20.30, €8, perhaps for older kids. Final weekend of performances before summer holiday.
Part of the Bimhuis' "Brazilian summer sessions" - weekly music performances with Brazilian origin or influence. A documentary film about the rich lives and astonishing vivacity of a group of veteran musicians and composers from one of Rio de Janeiros' most revered samba schools, Portela. In Portuguese with English subtitles. Then following at 22.30 Roda de Samba and Choro play Brazilian music with a group of musicians and singers gather to play informal and unpredictable music.
Why go? enjoy the smooth sounds, while enjoying the sunset on the IJ
Hortus Festival / chamber music @ Huize Frankendael,
A different program of chamber music for every week in the historic Huize Frankendael. This week Debussy-Symphony in B, Ravel-La valse, Stravinsky-La sacre du printemps.
Why go? enjoy the gardens and a trip just outside the Ringdijk.
Prof Nomad goes undercover AC/DC @ Café Wilhelmina, Thursday, 22.00, €7.50.
Live band doing AC/DC covers.
Why go? Who doesn’t want to listen to a little AC/DC everyone once in a while?
DJ Slovenly @ Pacific Parc, Thursday, 23.00, FREE.
My favorite DJ in
Why go? Pacific Parc has their outside Cantina open for lovely star gazing and music listening.
Friday:
Frank Bretschneider spins minimal techno and experimental elecontroinic Music with videos. Following him is DJ DaanModern, resident DJ at Pacific Parc spins soul and nostalgic tunes.
Why go? why not enjoy some live music will checking out Van Gogh's work.
Cat Green Eye: music @ Blijburg, Friday, 20.00, FREE.
Why go? Check out the architectural wonderland of Ijburg on your way to the beach
DJ Mad spinning MJ tunes and video, as well as a moonwalk competition at the sexy Prik (voted best bar of 2008 in
Why go? If you haven’t got enough MJ already here is another dose!
Dance to swinging jazz on the KNSM-eiland.
Why go? Dance to something different or watch talented people dance
Burlesque Freakout @ Club 8, Friday, 22.00 - 04.00, €10.
Part of Amsterdam International Fashion Week; djs: Scopi-Tonics with Vintage and New Burlesque Beats as well as numerous acts
Why go? Enjoy a show in addition to good tunes.
Saturday:
A Day at the Park @ Amsterdamse Bos, Saturday 11.00 - 23.00, €35.
Huge dj line up in the lovely Amsterdamse Bos.
Why go? Visit the not so often traveled/enjoyed Amsterdamse Bos
Holland Beach Soccer League @ Dam, Saturday - Sunday, 12.00 - 20.00, FREE, stuff for kids of all ages.
Final Dutch championship of beach football/soccer.
Why go? It is an interesting setup, with the event hauling in loads of sand and filling the square with action.
ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, 18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo, every Saturday until September, stuff for kids.
A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages, theater of 20 shows, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids! This Saturday intense sounds from the Jeff Buckley-esque Robin Block, who won the Grote Prijs van Nederland in 2008.
Why go? Check out the flamingos and enjoy some tunes.
Dive @ Camping Zeeburg, Saturday, 21.30, unknown price.
German grunge band.
Why go? Check out the view towards Ijburg go on a bike ride.
Sunday:
“Trash & Treasures Une Garage Sale Extraordinaire” @ Flexbar, Sunday, 15.300, €5.
A rommelmarkt (flea market/garage sale) as a part of Amsterdam International Fashion Week.
Why go? pick up something snazzy to add to your wardrobeHofje- en - Pleinconcert: Het Ricciotti Ensemble @ Café Westerdok, Sunday, 15.00, FREE.
Tunes in the open air.
Why go? as you make your way through the City stop for some live music
Film for kids @ OBA, Sunday, 14.00, FREE, for kids.
Check out children books that have been made into films every Sunday this summer at the OBA.
Why go? Check out the top floor of the library and enjoy some views of the City
Jazz session @ Engelbewaarder, every Sunday afternoon, FREE.
Enjoy smooth jazz sounds on the canal.
Why go? Right in the heart of fun
17 June 2009
Weekend of June 18 - 21
Although you can't see the behind the scenes work, lots of things are happening here on my end as well. This little project is turning into something much bigger; it is my aim is to get a real functional website up (meaning easier access and organization of the agenda with calendar options, and other points of interests) in the next week. That being said my success, and thus the continued posting of this agenda depends also in part on you, please pass this on to others, send me links to interesting events, and don't be afraid to click on my little ads (these little pennies keep caffeine flowing through me so I can post this for you every week)!
Happenings in Amsterdam the weekend of June 19 - 20
Events:
Its Festival (International Theatre School), @ various locations, starts June 19th - 27th, € 12.
A packed program of theater, dance, film, cabaret, workshops etc...
Why go? support the performing arts
Open Tuin Dagen (Open Garden Days), various locations, Friday - Sunday, 10 -17, €15/three day ticket, for older kids.
The Open Tuin Dagen allows you a peak behind the often closed doors of the 17th-century canal house's gardens. The ticket gets you past the doors into the lovely hidden green spaces of 30 gardens, 15 of them which have never been revealed to the public before.
Why go? enjoy the often hidden spaces of the Grachtengordel.
Why go? Free stuff to do in Vondelpark, lots of world music this weekend, and a really nice temporary food stand with broodjes.
Check out the open art studios of Zuidoost, music, art, food, dance...
Why go? See what's up in Zuidoost, pick up some yummy food.
Just Friday:
Open air film "Double Indemnity" @ Buurtboederij, Spaarndammerdijk 319, Westerpark, Friday, around 22.15/when dark, FREE.
A U.S. film (in English no subtitles) from 1944, love and murder!
Why go? cozy up under the stars and enjoy film-noir.
Just Saturday:
The grand re-opening of Amsterdam's Hermitage Museum, Saturday, 10 - 17, cost of museum but free with Museumkaart, stuff for kids.
The re-opening of Amsterdam's Hermitage Museum. After over two years of construction the resorted 17th-century Hermitage, on the Amstel opens again, with ten times the amount of space! The independent museum exhibits a unique look into Russia’s artistic heritage. Also a cafe, and large education center for children and a studiecenturm.
Why go? a unique look at Russia history and art which can only be seen in few other cities in the world, and a good place to take a quick break after your Saturday market visits- just across the street from the Waterlooplein.
All night art festival: music, shows, art installations, private and public galleries, haunted play house/circus. Official opening with the nachtburgemeesters (night majors) at 23.00 at het oude Kadasterpand.
Why go? A good excuse to roam the City streets and canals
Just Sunday:
Sunday Market, @ Westerpark, 12 - 18, FREE, stuff for kids.
After the success of the two other markets this past year in Westerpark (the Xmas and Spring markets) another so-named "funky" market will be held in the park, with a theme of Midsummer Lounge. The market promises art and design goods, vintage clothes and retro objects "whilst lounging your day away". See pics from the past Spring market.
Why go? good for a lovely Sunday stroll
Come sing along to the songs of Harry Bannink (famous Dutch singer for musical and children's songs). You get a free cd with the ticket, and book of lyrics.
Why go? Fun thing to do with the little ones on a rainy day, and perhaps, if you are Dutch, you will enjoy singing as well!
Wandeling de Zuidas @ starting point Beethovenstraat en Prinses Irene straat, Sunday, 14.00, €10, in Dutch.
A guided walk through the new :woon/werkomgeving" neighbourhood and discussions about the development as a business center for the Amsterdam region.
Why go? you are interesting in what is happening at de Zuidas, while you are there check out the new CasZuidas project- "moving images in public space" is the title of an urban screen arts initiative
Just Friday:
Italian 60's Night! @ de Nieuwe Anita, Friday, starts at 20.00, entree €7.50.
Amsterdam Beat Club/Radio Oh La La goes Cinecittà with an Italian '60s night with d/vj-duo-The Scopi-Tonics, dj Nataska and dj Gillette, a Boccaccio Burlesque show and other surprises. Also serving Italian food and dry martini's.
Why go? a formalized squat with a living room type bar feeling and dance floor!
The
Why go? the museum is usually viewed only by appointment, so get a rare chance to see this little space filled with jazz!
Two showings of Ki Enthus Susmono's Javanese puppet shows, with his famous twist (adding famous film and television characters, cartoon figures and world leaders: Bush, Bin Laden and Batman, the Teletubbies and Harry Potter). It is a bit expensive for my liking, although I would love to go but instead I might check out the exhibition of his works @ Tropenmuseum ending June 25th, various prices, free with a Museumkaart.
Why go? Ki Enthus Susmono's work is known for pushing the limits of traditional puppetery towards the pop culture = something different.
Just Saturday:
Amsterdam Soul Club @ de Badcuyp Zuidpool, Saturday, 22.00, €6.
Music and video clips from the 'classic soul' period 1960s - begining of 1970s.
Why go? Enjoy some Motown in an old bath house.
Just Sunday:
Amsterdam Roots Festival, Sunday June 21st, 13 - 21.30, FREE, stuff for kids.
International and national artists at six podiums, as well as a "world market" with 100 food, culture, and music stands. This years Amsterdam Roots Festival is focusing on Mediterranean Music.
Why go? An annual music festival with lots of world music in the lovely Oosterpark.
FraFra-Sound is a Surinamese, Caribbean band who plans African, Caribbean, Latin-American soul, blues, funk, jazzy music. This is a "koffieconcert" meaning
Weather permiting the band will set up outside, otherwise in the church.
Why go? First enjoy some music then climb the tower for €1.50 and see a unique view of the city.
Loveland Pre-Party @ Woodstock, Bloemendaal Beach, Sunday 15 - 23, €10, free for ticket holders.
Annual summer musical festivals pre-party event. Djs, live bands.
Why go? can one really get enough Loveland (I must admit I have never been but I never stop hearing about it in the summer! There are so many Loveland stories!:)
Even if you don't have the cash to make to this party, you should be aware of its significance- ten years ago Club RoXy, THE club, burned down; with that so left the most liberal, open-minded clubs and era in the City. RoXy started in 1987 on the Singel between de Munt and Koningsplein. It was known for its fabulous themed parties, overly glamourous, theater-sque, multimedia, and decor, as well as its tolerance for drug use. This is a comenration of the club, with a two day party at Paradiso, a book, a photo exhitbition, etc...
Why go? if you have the cash, go re-live the 90s in style!
Also on my radar, though not in Amsterdam:
Roze Zaterdag in Den Haag, various locations, Saturday, 13 -23 FREE.
Following a week of discussions and conferences around homo-emancipation and society, the organization Roze Zaterdag also holds a festical in Den Haag, usual festival happenings: music, parties, circus, dancing, food, beer...plus a "gay classic car club" parade, and pink market.
Why go? well-know gay festival, with an ABBA tribute band!
Terschellings Oerol Festival, in Terschelling (island in the North of NL), final weekend, €15 for a weekend pass.
Creative music, dance, theather festival on the beautiful island of Terschelling.
Why go? something to do after wadlopen (walking between islands during low tide).

