MUSIC DAN SARTAIN
1 September
Ladies and Gentlemen, straight outta Birmingham, Alabama comes a little man with a guitar in hand and pomade in his hair, delivering sweet rockabilly punk for your pleasure.
BUILT TO SPILL
2 October
Fun fact: Did you know that Built to Spill used to perform Elton John covers on tour? Yep, but even if they leave that out, you can’t go wrong with their heartbreakingly beautiful, fuzzy indie rock. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
THE MOI NON PLUS
CSS
7 November
Cansei De Ser Sexy are the fashionable and funny Brazilian ladypunks, loved by all who love to dance.
FILM
Melkweg,The Max
LADYTRON 4 October
BOTH SITTING 26, 27 September DUET/THE QUIET DANCE/ SPEAKING DANCE
8 November
AFRICA IN THE PICTURE
3-10 September
De Brakke Grond
Feisty Amsterdam noise duo unleash their debut album at this party. The 2008 indie world is all about pairings, and after tonight, they take on the world!
They don’t like to hear it, but they invented electropop and the Eighties revival single-handedly! Well, almost single-handedly. And now they’re back with their latest album, Velocifero, sounding stronger than ever.
INTERNATIONAL 1-7 September GAUDEAMUS MUSIC WEEK
Bitterzoet
Melkweg,The Max
Ketelhuis, No Limit, plus national cinemas
The annual week-long feast of contemporary music pays special attention to young composers and daring musical experiments.
8 October
LONDON CALLING 12-15 November
This celebrated pianist is on a farewell tour, packing popular concertos and symphonies by Berio, Mozart and Mahler.
Ever-expanding, London Calling adds Wednesday and Thursday as ‘warm up’ days before the actual festival weekend starts. Two-day passes are, for a change, not yet sold out—though experience tells us this won’t last long. Confirmed rising Brit bands so far: Cajun Dance Party, Wild Beasts and Fryars.
MUSIC 4 YOUR EYES
Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
various locations,Amsterdam
WHITE COWBELL OKLAHOMA
ALFRED BRENDEL
Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal
4 September
Their self-description cannot possibly be topped, so we’re not even gonna try. This is what they promise: ‘Ass-kickin’ Southern fried boogie rock with four guitars, sexy ladies, bizarre onstage debauchery, plus acts of filth and destruction’. Sounds like fun, eh? Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
CHICAGO 5 September SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A massive season opener in the classical world. Not only do you get a top orchestra (if you can afford that much dosh), they’re coming here with hometown hero Bernard Haitink as conductor. Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal
VOICST
11 October
Harmless pop rock from Amsterdam. Their tunes are undeniably fun and you can’t begrudge them their success or their beer. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
PHARAOH 11, 12 October SANDERS QUARTET Saxophone expertise from the dude that used to hang with John Coltrane. A real musical maestro. Bimhuis
BLITZEN TRAPPER
12 October
Raunchy, American, lo-fi, experimental folk. Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
THE HOLD STEADY
13 October
Marking its fifth anniversary, this diverse celebration of all things gospel is hosting an impressive line-up, including names like Edwin Hawkins, Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett. Heineken Music Hall
Melkweg, Oude Zaal
VALTIFEST
5, 6 September
6 September
CALEXICO
15 October
The festival season is over... Reason enough for one more day of dancing in tents. MTV and Meubel Stukken have joined forces to invite an impressive line-up, which includes Peter Hook (New Order) and Graeme Park, Danny Rampling, The Opposites, Razhel & JS1 (Rock Steady Crew), De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, The Glimmers and many more.
These eclectic, rootsy Arizonians need little introduction in this town. Their latest album of desert Americana, Carried to Dust, is set to be released this autumn.
NDSM-Werf
The New York experimental stars team up with Czech musician/conductor Iva Bittova for an evening of Eastern-influenced premieres, including songs by Julia Wolfe and Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore.
THE RASCALS
6 September
Miles Kane, the one from The Last Shadow Puppets that looks like Alex Turner, but isn’t actually Alex Turner, comes to Amsterdam with his original band. Expect fewer violins and much more gee-tar. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
ESPERANZA SPALDING
15 September
Bimhuis
TRYTONE 10TH 17-19 September ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL Amsterdam’s one and only New Jazz label celebrates its birthday by inviting Tone Dialing, Duo Yedo Gibson Oscar Jan Hoogland, and Knalpot on Wednesday (at Zaal 100); Agog, Celano-Baggiani Group, and Tetzepi on Thursday; and the Zapp String Quartet, Jorrit Dijkstra/John Hollenbeck, and Man Bites Dog in Ninsk on Friday. There’s even a festival preview: Celano-Baggiani Group on 14 September at Westerpark. Bimhuis
19 September
The legendary Brit art-punks are back, hopefully to show the young pretenders how it’s really done. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
THE WOMBATS
22 September
Still dancing to Joy Division and filling concert halls wherever they travel. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
LADYHAWK
22 September
Indie rock of the louder persuasion. Beer-fuelled Canadians who’re worth keeping an eye and ear on. Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
PRIMAL SCREAM
16 October
14 November
High quality indie band hailing from Austin, Texas—one of the world’s centres of indie rock. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
HOT CHIP
14 November
Watch the boys from school and their adventureseeking babes get ready for the floor at this big-time British electropop celebration. Melkweg,The Max
15 November
One of 2008’s biggest hypes—and rightly so. These two bright-eyed Brooklyn boys bring on the synths, the tunes and the fun. Melkweg,The Max
Also... The Futureheads, 9 Sept, Melkweg The Black Lips, 18 Sept, Melkweg PRE, 20 Sept, Studio K My Brightest Diamond, 21 Sept, Melkweg The Lemonheads, 22 Sept, Melkweg Nada Surf, 25 Sept, Paradiso 50 Jaar Nederpop, 3 Oct, Heineken Music Hall Adem, 4 Oct, Paradiso Aimee Mann, 20 Oct, Melkweg The Feeling, 21 Oct, Melkweg My Morning Jacket, 2 Nov, Paradiso Ron Sexsmith, 8 Nov, Melkweg Cold War Kids, 10 Nov, Paradiso Nitin Sawhney, 12 Nov, Melkweg Sigur Ros, 17 Nov, Heineken Music Hall Mercury Rev, 22 Nov, Paradiso
Muziekgebouw
BELCEA QUARTET
16 October
The highly acclaimed Belcea Quartet open Amsterdam’s prestigious Stringkwartettenserie with works by Haydn, Bartok and Beethoven.
CLUBS
24 September
It’s been a long time since Screamadelica, but with their ninth studio album, Beautiful Future, just out, these manky Glaswegians still seem intent on kickin’ it. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
17-25 October
VREEMD 3, 4,11,18, 25 September THIRD ANNIVERSARY
Cellos, cellos and nothing but cellos. The players and the fans. Maybe even some cello fetishists. Would you rather be fingered or bowed?
When Sugar Factory celebrated their third anniversary earlier this year, they did so—logically—with a three-day bash. Since Vreemd, one of Sugar’s most successful club nights, also turns three, there’s gonna be another celebration. But Vreemd don’t do logic, so their party is gonna take place on five different nights throughout September. Expect familiar faces, as well as special guests, plus extra Dekmantel and Wildvreemd editions. Dress code on all nights: ‘strange, stranger, strangest’.
AMSTERDAMSE CELLO BIENNALE
Muziekgebouw
THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS
20 October
It’s what happens when indie pop frontmen (from the Arctic Monkeys and The Rascals, respectively) decide they want to become Scott Walker. It’s pretty good, but, sadly, already sold out. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
AMANDA PALMER
26 October
The chick pianist from The Dresden Dolls goes solo and references Twin Peaks in her upcoming debut album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer? It’s produced by Ben Folds and set for release in September. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
AL GREEN
31 October
As is the tendency with soul legends, this gig by the good reverend sold out long ago. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
CYNDI LAUPER
2 November
So, are your true colours still shinin’ through? Be there if your girls not only wanna, but have to have some fun. Melkweg,The Max
BLOOD RED SHOES
3 November
This hyped duo from Brighton are one of the bands responsible for the fact that the term ‘man-woman duo’ is now being used as an actual music genre descriptor. Guitar/drums rock is their thing. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
Sugar Factory
AMSTERDAM ROCKS!
5 September
LFTFLD rocks Paradiso with the help of Eric de Man, Bart Skils and a live performance by Zoe Xenia, while the upstairs room is hosted by Dekmantel. Paradiso
ROKJESOKSOV
6 September
MS Stubnitz, NDSM-werf
Paradiso
22-25 October
‘Trashgrass’ from Duluth, Minnesota. Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with that.
Those lovely lads of Canadian cosmic country are coming over once more to show that they always know how to rock ’n’ roll.
It’s time to get the whole town jumping again as ADE brings on zillions of DJs, clubbers, club nights and performances—plus a serious-minded conference—at trillions of locations around town.
Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
various locations,Amsterdam
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES
29 September
THE SADIES
4 November
A cluster of music films and documentaries, including Shut Up and Sing, The Filth & the Fury and Crossing the Bridge. Also, watch out for the special ‘Beatle Mania’ evening and the premiere of Joe Strummer—The Future is Unwritten. Melkweg Cinema
KLIK! 12-14 September ANIMATION FESTIVAL Three days of animation bliss: animated shorts from all over the world combined with interactive gaming fun and fascinating animated sidebar activities. Kriterion
FILM OP IJBURG: HOGE OGEN
A diverse programme of films that have caused a furore at various international film festivals. Theater op Vrijburcht, IJburg
MANHATTAN 21 September SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Kriterion
NEDERLANDS FILM FESTIVAL 24 September-3 October Presenting the best of new and classic Dutch cinema, and awarding the Gouden Kalf as well. various locations, Utrecht
CAMERAJAPAN
26-28 September
The latest developments in Japanese film, art, dance, music and literature (also at Melkweg, 25 September-1 October). Kriterion
IDFA
DON 11 October-2 November GIOVANNI—THE BALLET A mammoth work by Het Nationale Ballet. Krzysztof Pastor has reworked the popular Mozart opera into a vibrant and virtuosic full-length ballet. Het Muziektheater
IFIGENEIA IN AULIS
12 October (premiere)
Timelessness: nobody does it like the Ancient Greeks. Set on the brink of the Trojan War, Euripides’ tragedy centres around a war that is justified by dubious arguments. Directed by Robert Woodruff. Run-throughs from 8-11 October. Stadsschouwburg
[PURGATORIO] POPOPERA
19 October
After 2006’s Hell, Emio Greco and Pieter C Scholten continue their travels through Dante’s Divine Comedy. Stadsschouwburg
19-21 September
20-30 November
The 21st edition of the documentary film festival presents more than 250 documentaries, plus debates, workshops, masterclasses, lectures and more.
STAGE FRINGE FESTIVAL
4-14 September
The festival for young, fresh ’n’ new theatre takes over the stages, clubs, streets and living rooms of this fair town once again. Not only a chance to see new productions first, lots of performances come with English surtitles this time. various locations,Amsterdam
SPIEGEL
16 September
Presenting a retrospective of works by choreographer/film-maker/photographer/actor Wim Vandekeybus. Stadsschouwburg
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
18 September
De Nationale Reisopera performs Puccini, in a production by Tobias Hoheisel and Imogen Kogge.
LOST IS MY QUIET FOREVER
16-20 September
In her new play, Nicole Beutler of the Lisa Collective utilises elements of baroque opera—histrionics, abundance, festivity, melancholy, instability—and consciously misinterprets them. With music by Henry Purcell.
HARTSTOCHT
16-26 September
This performance is actually in a little Volkswagen bus, which will take tours through Amsterdam. The audience shall sit inside with a mirror on their lap, and thus get to see the city upside down. Once the bus starts driving, the world will slip away underneath them. Starting point: Frascati
HALLO, HALLO, 23 September WIE STINKT DAAR ZO?
Foam
125 GROTE LIEFDES
3 October-18 January
Celebrating the 125th anniversary of Vereniging Rembrandt, who were responsible for buying a large number of important paintings, back when the museums didn’t have the means. With the original objective—keeping the Dutch masters’ work in the country—the Vereniging later extended their focus to include foreign and contemporary painters. The exhibition features works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, Matisse, Chagall and Manet. Van Gogh Museum
EVENTS & FESTIVALS LADYFEST
4-7 September
Welcome Ladies and... Ladies! There’s bands, DJs, film, art, politics and more. All by women. But actually, gentlemen will be welcome too— though only in the audience. various locations,Amsterdam
MARCO POLO
7-28 November
Chinese maestro Tan Dun comes to Amsterdam to conduct his ‘opera within an opera’, which premiered 13 years ago. Expect a blend of Western avant-garde and Oriental traditions. Het Muziektheater
MANUSCRIPTA
7-8 September
A festive opening of the new book season, with presentations, readings, interviews, films and more. Sunday is open to the public. Westergasfabriek
13-15 November
4 WEEKS 10 September-12 October OF FREEDESIGNDOM
Theu Boermans and his Theatercompagnie sure like their classics. This interpretation of The Merchant of Venice stars Pierre Bokma in the role of Shylock.
Fashion and design completely takes over Amsterdam and Utrecht for a month thanks to FreeDesigndom, an umbrella event hosting a number of stylish happenings. Participants include Inside Design, Streetlab and Picnic 08.
DE KOOPMAN VAN VENETIE
Stadsschouwburg
various locations,Amsterdam, Utrecht
WONDERWORLD
17 November
The Scapino Ballet’s latest is once again a collage of short choreographies. The production offers quick montage fragments, straight-forward ensemble pieces, dreamy solos and, of course, a grande finale. Stadsschouwburg
STICKS & UPON CALLIGRAPHY
29 November
The Guangdong Modern Dance Company combine elements of traditional Chinese theatre with contemporary Western dance. Stadsschouwburg
Streetlab present four days of street art and fashion, taking place on, yes, a street: the one that is directly next to the Bijlmer ArenA station. Zuidoost
INSIDE DESIGN
YOUNG IDENTITIES
various locations,Amsterdam
The subcultures of today’s youth are a favourite subject for many artists—a subject that, thankfully, always stays interesting due to its ever-changing nature. This series of portraits by Jasper Groen focusses on the adolescent clash between wanting to develop a strong independent identity and the desire to belong to a group. Melkweg Galerie
7-28 September
This project calls on everyone interested in expressing their creativity on a piece of Ikea furniture. From small modifications to radical changes, anything is possible. The exhibition presents the most interesting results, with the best exhibited at the Biennale Montreal. Platform 21
ART OLIVE JONG TALENT
18-20 September
NDSM-werf
4-28 September
HACK YOUR IKEA
11-14 September
This annual design event is organised by Elle Wonen and presents established brands as well as young talent.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, this festival spotlights Israeli culture through theatre, dance and music. Its approach is at times critical but also celebratory.
ART
12-14 September
Presenting the best works by selected graduates of all 12 Dutch art academies. The winner of the Art Olive award will be announced that Friday. Westergasfabriek
AIR 4
STREETLAB 10-13 September GOES ZUIDOOST
CONFRONTING CULTURES
various locations,Amsterdam
De Brakke Grond
6 September
In collaboration with the Fringe Festival, this night combines short theatre performances with tons of music. DJs include Victor Coral, Missinglinks and Willie Wartaal.
AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
3-23 September
Stadsschouwburg
MS Stubnitz is docking in our harbour once more, and to welcome them, Multigroove is set to make everyone rock so hard they end up barefoot. Their line-up is filled to the brim with old school hardcore, rough techno, electro and house.
CLUB CULT
For over ten years, AitP has been spotlighting Africa with its diverse programmes focused on new productions and plenty of Q&A sessions with the film-makers themselves.
The world’s biggest short film festival, taking place simultaneously in 100 cities, 20 countries and four continents.
Concertgebouw, Kleine Zaal
After her Letterman date and with new record Esperanza just out, the breakthrough of this NY-based singer and double bass player is said to be only a matter of time.
WIRE
Paradiso, Grote Zaal
BANG ON A CAN ALL-STARS
OKKERVIL RIVER
MGMT
Guitar-heavy indie rock from Brooklyn. Their live shows have become folklore, which must be why they do so many of them. Or is it the other way round, perhaps? Anyway, Amsterdam loves them and the love appears to be mutual. So, let’s all clap hands and be merry.
GOSPELFESTIVAL
Paradiso
Choreographed by Jonathan Burrows to music by Matteo Fargeon. This trilogy has already won international acclaim.
Japanese artist Miyako Ishiuchi, with photographs from 1976 to 2005.
14 September-5 October
With the motto ‘See and Be Seen’, Art in Redlight presents an exhibition of artists and fashion designers, right in the heart of De Wallen. Oude Kerk
HOTEL 18 September-2 November EXPERIMENTA This project puts up a diverse group of artists and writers in a temporary hotel to be specially erected in Amsterdam-Noord. They then let their work be inspired by the experience. Tolhuistuin
An old-fashioned radio revue, taking us back to the ’50s.
MIYAKO 19 September-16 November ISHIUCHI
Stadsschouwburg
The first European retrospective of works by the
JORDAAN FESTIVAL
19-21 September
Open-air goodies once again, as the district entertains the crowds with flea markets, parties, live music and drinking. various locations, Jordaan
PICNIC 08
24-26 September
Networking event for creative people. This edition aims to do nothing less than to ‘create the future’. Technology can be fun. Oh, and they have nice goodie bags, too. Westergasfabriek
B-OOST
26-27 September
All things spacey is the theme of the fourth edition of this music festival, which takes place along the IJ-Oevers. Highlights include an orchestral tribute to J Dilla and a performance by Finnish fun-man Jimi Tenor. Space is the place! And so are the eastern docklands. various locations, including Muziekgebouw and Bimhuis
AMSTERDAM INDIA FESTIVAL
12-30 November
Presenting music, dance, fashion, film, art, theatre and more in nearly 30 locations all over town. This is an extensive, varied festival about an extensive, varied nation. various locations,Amsterdam
CROSSING BORDER
18-24 November
This multidisciplinary spectacular serves up a 16th edition, intent on rocking Den Haag with a dazzling combination of music, literature, art and film. Confirmed names so far include: Death Cab for Cutie, Louis Theroux, Fleet Foxes, Simon Vinkenoog, Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, Michael Cunningham and The Black Keys. Toneelkwartier, Den Haag
Edited by Sarah Gehrke and Steven McCarron Illustration by Nicole Martens
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