ARTS & CULTURE// FOOD// HISTORY // TECHNOLOGY// FILM //EVENTS// MAP & OFFERS
1,95 €
issue 8
ART, MUSIC & AUTUMN....
in this issue:
PARTY WITH THE ALUMNI TO CELEBRATE...
5
TOP 5 BRIDGES IN...
8
3
A HOUSE ON THE GRACHTEN
THE AMSTERDAM DANCE...
9
SEGUGIO...
15 11
AMSTERDAM STREET STYLE
...IDFA
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A FRIDAY’s AFTERNOON READ
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14 AMSTERDAM! YOURS FOR THE TAKING! 23 YAB YUM: FROM BROTHEL ...
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the Amsterdo team Oh Amsterdam, that oh-so-gorgeous summer you had is now officially gone – over and out. Summer 2013 seems like a dream from which we just woke up for those of us who were here and the sweet smell of nostalgia for those who weren’t. But don’t die in despair; whatever was worth exploring outdoors last summer will be taken over by the ‘gezelligheid’ of indoor spots this winter and fall. And indeed with the first signs of autumn, we welcome you to our 7th edition of AmsterDO. September was a very decent month, both in terms of temperatures and exciting events. We were in the middle of Vogue’s Fashion Night Out, a night where art collided with fashion in one hell of an event. There was also the second edition of UNSEEN, the photography festival with both flair and swing. Finally, to top up the culture theme of the month, there was Nuit Blanche, that night of the year when the lack of sleep made up for the overdose of excellent art and outstanding music. This month has even more to offer with first, the father of all club festivals on the planet, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) taking place on 16 to 20 October. Time has come for the 17th edition of this sublime event to take over the city and for you to go mental on the dance floor. On top of that, there’s the so awaited Museumnacht, the hip, cultural and arty soirée taking place in renowned museums dotted all over the city. This superb event is a wake-up call for all those art lovers who, like me, haven’t got the 15 euros to spend on a ticket for the Stedelijk Museum. Believe me, this is a brilliant opportunity to get your culture on and spend your money like you should: in an amazing party and a good dose of art. You will see in this edition of AmsterDO that there are more than enough reasons to pop out, dress up and embrace the city of Amsterdam during autumn. Besides, the Dutch capital turns into this kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and bordeaux during this season - the last thing you want to do ignore the city’s view. Keep in touch through facebook and twitter - feedback is what keeps us strong, so tell you what you’re up to and what you think of AmsterDO.
Embrace autumn!
Publisher and Chief Editor
Baz Riachi
chiefeditor@amsterdo.com
AmsterDO wants YOU!
senior editor
MONIQUE DE WAAL senioreditor@amsterdo.com
art director
chief technology officer
grafix@amsterdo.com
info@amsterdo.com
Luis Ville
Allesandro Sansottero
business development and sales
photographer
sales@amsterdo.com
pics@amsterdo.com
Michael Raciti
Tim Collins
Content Manager
Anouk Boer
anouk@amsterdo.com
List of Contributors:
Laura Beltrán Villamizar, Grace Stephen, Steve Voyce, Santa Rubine
Welcome to Amsterdam’s community newspaper! We provide a reliable source of news, opinion and insight into the depth and diversity of Amsterdam, whilst simultaneously providing visitors with a unique guide to the various levels of the city. The team at AmsterDO come from all over the world and have a very mixed background, but one thing we all have in common is that we all love Amsterdam! We at AmsterDO don’t pretend to know it all. We don’t want this paper to voice the thoughts and opinions of a select group of people. We want this paper to be the voice of a city! We want local writers, photographers, artists, organizations and businesses to all be a part of AmsterDO. Each month we will be holding parties and competitions for everyone who wants to get involved. If you have an event, a story, some artwork, a good cause, a mission or a dream.... Please get into contact with us and we will share it with the city.
The AmsterDO Team - contribute@amsterdo.com
PARTY WITH THE ALUMNI TO CELEBRATE SAE NETHERLANDS 20TH ANNIVERSARY!
Exciting news for multimedia professionals, aspirants and enthusiasts! To celebrate SAE Netherlands’ 20th anniversary, the Institute is bringing its Alumni Convention IX to Amsterdam. It not only promises to be a ‘legendary party’ but also a major networking opportunity for alumni, students, industry partners and the community.
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roducer and engineer Tom Misner established SAE INSTITUTE as The School of Audio Engineering (SAE) in October 1976 and thus came to create the world’s first curriculum in audio engineering, which combined both practice and theory. Today, SAE is one of the leading providers in creative multimedia education with alumni ranging from game developers to screenwriters. SAE believes that socialising and connecting are the keys to the media industry. Previously, audio engineers, filmmakers, game and web developers have come together at the SAE Alumni Convention in Berlin. This year around 2500 people from all over Europe are expected to gather at the MusiQ Building in Amsterdam on October 24th and 25th to learn, engage, connect, and party at the Alumni Convention IX. Visitors will have a chance to participate in workshops and panel discussions on workflows, technology and the state of the arts development. SAE Alumni Convention IX will host 60 exhibitions and workshops by experts from all over the world, as well as speeches on topics such as “Do’s and Don’ts When Starting a Game Studio”, “Sound Identity- Impact on Brand” and “Interactive Audio for Games”. The creative media conference will also explore animation, social media and imagine “The Future of Music Collaboration” Exhibitors including Adobe, Apple and Yamaha will showcase their latest developments, which will be free for the punters to have a go at. It is exciting to see top creative professionals and even some famous names amongst the speakers such as Gary Kurtz- producer of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Rock music fans will enjoy a talk by Mack wittily entitled “Let’s Take It From The Pop. The man behind the sound of Led Zeppelin, Queen and Black Sabbath will share where he thinks the recording industry is going. For The Beatles fans there is a Gilbert Lederman talk on why “the crisis in an opportunity” and how “the music industry is in mutation” Tech geeks will get insight into topics such as “Why FCPX
insight 3
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Is a Game-changer”, while Disney fans can listen to Andrew Schlusse tell all about it in “Working on “Disney Animated”: Applying 3D animation skills to a new medium” If game design is your thing Michael McCormick presents “Game Designs Today: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!” The man who worked on Sims will explore game design today and how it works across the different digital platforms. In the industry where hands-on experience is just as important as keeping up with the latest developments, SAE Alumni Convention, with tickets costing as little as €39.00 for students and €119 for a Guest Pass, is an event to attend. Want time well spent on October 24th and 25th? Book now for time well spent on October 24th and 25th. Visit http://www.sae-alumni-convention.org/ for more information. Still not sure? See what went down in Berlin:
Paul David Murray
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ASIAN BISTRO
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Crowne Plaza
Avenue Hotel
Da m ra k
Nie uw ez ij
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aat Spuistr wal urg orb
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 4-10 1012 RZ Amsterdam T. 020 - 6223800
www.lai-wai.nl
top 5
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TOP 5 BRIDGES IN AMSTERDAM
Magere brug Amsterdam
T
he capital city of the Netherlands is built mainly on a network of concentric half-circle canals. For a city then that has so many waterways, it is but natural that Amsterdam has numerous bridges connecting the various sections of the city. One count puts the number of bridges as high as 1200. From a vantage point at the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canal, those standing at the odd numbered side can see up to 15 of these bridges from just that one spot. Many of the bridges are historical monuments in themselves and the oldest one dates back to 1648. Many of them are remarkable works of engineering and all of them are a sight for sore eyes – beautifully designed and perfectly executed. In a scenario with over a 1000 bridges to select from, choosing the top five is no easy task. So this list is by no means a definitive ranking. It is a list of my personal five favorite bridges in Amsterdam.
Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge:
This is one of the bridges with the most character in Amsterdam. Spanning the river Amstel, this old wooden footbridge has a
lovely legend that it was built so that two sisters who lived on the river’s two banks could visit each other easily. The bridge has been added to in more recent times but a small section of the original still remains.
Python Bridge:
This red bridge with undulating waves like a snake won the International Footbridge Award in 2012. One of the most modernistic bridges in Amsterdam, the walkway of the Python Bridge actually rises and falls and can be quite a steep climb. This bridge connects Sporenburg and Borneo island.
The Jan Schaeferbrug:
This bridge has the unique distinction of being built right through a building. Built in the year 2000, the bridge’s designers were loath to tear down a warehouse built in 1938. So they built the bridge right through the warehouse which is now a tourist attraction and used for exhibitions and cultural shows.
The Enneus Heermabrug:
One of the largest bridges in the city, this steel structure was named after a Dutch politician. This bridge spans the distance between IJburg and the Amsterdam mainland and is quite an iconic landmark.
The Blue Bridge:
Not only is this bridge not blue at all, it has great historical value. It was built at the same time as some of the bridges across the Seine in Paris and bears a striking resemblance to their designs. This bridge has a place in Dutch history for being the scene of the ‘squatters riots’ on April 30, 1980, the day Queen Beatrix ascending to the throne of the Netherlands. Just a tour of the city’s bridges will provide sufficient pleasure and discovery for a good couple of days. Covering all areas from the most affluent to the most romantic, graceful in the day time and exquisitely lit at night, each of Amsterdam’s bridges have their own beautiful story to share
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URBANATHLON
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t will take place in October 13, 2013 in the form of a race, yet behind the idea stands much more than that. The participants will have to move as fast as possible, taking care of a variety of obstacles during their “walk” on a specially built ten kilometer track. Imagine those children playgrounds, where the kids jump over small ropes, climp on threes and have fun. Well, it is something similar – the only differences is that here we are talking about real challenges – a several meters high wooden walls, long ropes to pull up on – a challenge
that is worthy of being included as a part of military training. As it is often the case in Amsterdam, the whole thing is not only about the sport – it is for the party, too. There will be a festival after the show, where the heroic competitors will have the chance to chill out with the excited crowd. The price for individual participation is € 50 and € 750 with a business team For more information visit http://www.urbanathlon.nl/nl/ home
HARLEY - DAVIDSON AMSTERDAM
‘American Masterpieces in Amsterdam’
Stop dreaming, start riding! • Discover the latest Harley-Davidson models. • Extensive Harley-Davidson MotorClothes, shoes, boots, Thierry Martino and MOD jewelry, Arai, Roof and Harley-Davidson helmets and WileyX Eyewear. • Coffee corner and cooled drinks. • All creditcards accepted. • TAXFREE SHOPPING.
Jarmuiden 43 1046 AE AMSTERDAM Tel. (+31) (0)20 - 7220000 www.harley-davidson-amsterdam.nl info@harley-davidson-amsterdam.nl
Opening hours are:
Harley-Davidson Amsterdam
Monday 13.00 – 18.00
Jarmuiden 43
Tuesday till Friday 09.00 – 17.30
1046 AE Amsterdam
Thursday 09.00 – 17.30 and 19.30 – 21.00
Tel.: (+31) (0)20 – 7220000
Saturday 10.00 – 17.00 Every 1st Sunday of the month; Sunday shopping 12.00 – 17.00
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AUTUMN
I
like September, I like the change in the light, I like the way the days are cooler (and hopefully drier), I like the yellowing leaves and I like, for a while, the encroaching darkness. And I like the feeling of change in the air that autumn brings.
There’s a big change taking place in our house this autumn; my son is heading off to middle school. Believe me, there is nothing in the world that will make you feel the quickening march of time than watching your baby go off to “big” school. Damn it, I can remember that day myself: It feels like
yesterday, the roll of the stomach, the over-sized uniform, the huge older kids. But this is Holland, so there are no school uniforms. And we’ve been through the complicated streaming/selection system (don’t ask me to explain it, it went ok though, we got what we wanted). And this is the twenty-first century, so my son’s new school does its lessons on iPads. Yep. iPads. Pretty cool. So they need one of those. And, surprisingly, they also need a big pile of textbooks. And all the other paraphernalia. And a sports kit. He goes to school some mornings with more stuff than Scott took to the Antarctic. At least my son makes it back. Well, sometimes he comes back, that’s when he’s not going to a new mate’s house to play Diablo, or whatever it is they do. Not listening to Rio or the Human League album, I can tell you that for sure. So our lives have changed, slightly, but definitely; we pretty much have a teenager in our midst and we’re at the mercy of timetables and homework and making-sure-that-the-kit-iswashed-in-time-for-the-next-one. They say time flies, but it goes by like Concorde when you reach a “certain age”. Next minute we’ll be driving him to college, or he’ll be coming back from his first day at work. And please don’t anyone mention the word grandchildren quite yet. During the first week at school we dropped in to meet some of the teachers. A taller boy was putting out the chairs. I thanked him and said to my wife that it was good that some of the older kids were giving up their time to help out. Half an hour later the boy stepped to the front of the room to introduced himself as the Geography teacher. It’s autumn in more ways than one, I think.
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THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT: BETTER, BIGGER AND STRONGER.
T
he Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the most prominent dance event in the world takes over the city once again. For five days, from 16 to 20 October the city of Amsterdam will become the greatest and biggest stage of electronic music. The ADE is indeed the moment of the year when this culturally loaded music phenomenon conquers the city and with more than 50 extra venues this year, the capital city underlines its status as the mecca of electronic music worldwide. This year’s ADE promises to be even better, bigger and stronger. Since its inception back in 1996, the ADE has aimed big. This is surely no ordinary music festival, but the ultimate electronic music platform for business networking, for up-and-coming artists to learn from those pioneering the industry and for critical debate to be propelled internationally. What once started as a three-day event, has now become a full five-day happening with a whole range of sections and special events all dedicated to the electronic music scene and all its sub-genres. The programme is indeed packed, ADE festival; the biggest international club festival event features the most renowned DJ and artists from all corners of the world next to an
extensive list of emerging musicians who will soon take over the electronic global arena. Two thousand artists spread over a hundred locations covering the entire spectrum of electronic music: from electro, hip-hop and trance to techno, acid and house among other mesmerising sounds will make you shake until you drop. On top of the festival music line-up, ADE organises a full programme devoted to sparking critical dialogues and debates all related to the field of electronic music and its industry. Forums cover topics for those al ready in the business to those climbing up the ladder and wanting to network - the extent to which this platform covers all facets of the electronic scene and most importantly, its business, makes the ADE underline its name as one of the most prestigious and important events in the field. The idea is to propel this ever-growing platform for knowledge exchange. For visitors and dance lovers, ADE offers the ultimate experience spotting the latest in the music scene. For up-and-coming musicians and DJs to network and learn from those already in the field and for those pioneering the industry to showcase the best of their work. Topics cover from harder styles, to music and
technology and from business and education. Everything emerging from these forums: plans, contacts and projects, will lead the arena of electronic music for the coming year. After a successful launch in 2012, this year’s ADE embraces once again the ADE Playground, an added element meant to diversify the spectrum of activities. This year’s interactive programme includes a series of film screenings, documentaries, art exhibits, workshops and goodie shops spread over 20 locations dotted all over the city, from cinemas, clothing shops to rooftop terraces and urban deserted areas creating the biggest interactive electronic music playground on the planet. With the festival, conference and playground, the ADE once again and for the seventeenth time becomes the gateway to the ultimate dance experience. By offering a great range of events for all kinds of visitors, it is during those five days in October that the city of Amsterdam becomes the epicentre of the electronic music culture worldwide. The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) takes place from 16 -20 October. The Amsterdam Dance Event is organized by Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation, an initiative of Buma.
SEGUGIO – THE REAL ITALIAN DEAL
THE TASTE 9
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hat kind of food is in every grocery store, supermarket, convenience store and even corner store? Italian food! It has become a national phenomenon in the Netherlands. Just about everybody knows what it is like to have the unmatched taste of spaghetti and other Italian dishes. How authentic is Italian food today? Because of the rise in popularity of Italian food in the Netherlands, there may be a decrease in the quality to accommodate for the lack of quantity. This is most disappointing because we all know that quality is better than quantity. The quality of Italian food when it was first introduced in the European food system is easily argued to be more authentic than today’s version. How can you find quality authentic Italian cuisine in Amsterdam? I believe that the best Italian food can be found in any Italian home or family run business. Walk into Segugio and you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a family-owned restaurant in the Tuscan hills – decidedly upscale food in a warm, inviting atmosphere. There’s none of the cool pretension you’ll find at many other trendy Italian restaurants in Amsterdam. Instead, you’ll get a welcoming feel from the distressed white stucco walls, the closet with Italian wines that invites lingering over romantic tables and wooden floors, friendly service, and generous portions of food. Dress up or down — jeans and t-shirts dine alongside the Prada here. If there’s such a thing as gourmet home cooking, you’ll find it here. The kitchen turns out a pleasing mix of adventurous dishes and Italian comfort food. Winners include Beetroot carpaccio with horseradish mousse and apple jelly and Homemade salted cod fillet with sweet sour vegetables. Owner-Chef Adriano Paolini is known for whipping up interesting dishes with whatever he has on hand so don’t be surprised if all you thought about the Italian kitchen turns out to be surpassed. Established 20 years ago, Segugio offers passion for food and wine, Italian cooking with an international twist. A 4 course Chef ’s suggestion menu will open your senses for the real Italian deal. Segugio will remind all of us of how we fell in love with Italian food in the first place.
RESTAURANT INFORMATION LOCATION:
WEB:
CUISINE:
PHONE:
Utrechtsestraat 96 1017 VS Amsterdam Italian
www.segugio.nl
+31 020 330 1503
our rating
TASTE & QUALITY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
INTERIOR
VALUE FOR MONEY
FINAL SCORE:
8.0
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OH, YES, IT’S LADIES NIGHT AT PATHÉ — VAPIANO STYLE
Oh, what a night! Monday evening, for the very first time in Ladies Night history, pizza-pasta bar Vapiano Rembrandtplein and Pathé De Munt teamed up for an unbelievable femme-only event in Amsterdam. We ladies — or, more fittingly, queens — paid a mere 1€ 9 for an undo-your-top-pant-button five-course Italian meal including a lush elderflower welcome mojito, an impressive gastro-goody bag, Vapiano’s most popular dessert, and a trip to the cinema for an exclusive “Don Jon” premiere! And with a bare-chested man as our film-greeter and handsome servers in our private theater, we ladies couldn’t have asked for more. If only men could get in on this dinner-and-a-movie deal — date nights would be so much cheaper! Doors opened at 6 p.m., white ribbons were tied to our wrists, and we were seated in what seemed like the VIP section of Vapiano. What started off as a dainty dinner turned into a family-style feast. Next time, I’m skipping lunch. ...and the backdrop to our fragrant welcome drinks and goodies: a fresh rosemary plant, generous bottle of olive oil, chili flakes and two vouchers for free coffee and bruschetta all worth an easy €15!
Thinking our lavish cocktails and gifts were going to be the highlight of the evening, we were in no way prepared for what was about to come. Course one: crispy, garlicky bruschetta Course two: hot tomato soup with basil Course three: pizza. Trays and trays of savory flavors were passed around. I opted for a piece of the parma-and-fig pie — delizioso! I also tried a grilled vegetable slice that was equally as yummy. Course four: pasta. Above is a rich bolognese, which I’ve ordered with whole wheat fusilli many a times at Vapiano. But now, after having tried several other scrumptious sauces, bolognese may have to compete with light carbonara to become my new regular pasta order!Courses three and four just kept on coming. I think at one point we were all wondering how on earth we were going to get ourselves to the movies. By rolling? Being carried by one of the servers? And then came the sweet stuff. Course five was Vapiano’s most-ordered dessert: creamy mascarpone with fresh strawberries. Heavenly!At around
singel 101bg 1012 VG Amsterdam, Netherlands +31 20 771 0915
7:30 our extravagant five-course meal came to a close, and we all queued up to pay literally pennies for our regal spread. (FYI: Vapiano’s clever card system makes it easy for groups of friends to dine together. No need to “go Dutch” and work out how to split the bill!) After ringing up our individual cards, the ladies and I moseyed on over to the film premiere. A fit man wearing a bow tie for a shirt led us to our private showing of “Don Jon.” Suave servers came around with diamond-shaped chocolate mousse treats right before the film began. Oh, the perks of being a lady. Fancy being treated like royalty, too? Make sure to make an appearance at the upcoming Ladies Night de Luxe on Wednesday, October 9. For this event, ladies pay €20 for a movie ticket plus prosecco and fancy apps, popcorn and a drink, and an updated goody bag. My girlfriends and I will be attending this luxe showing of rom-com “About Time” at Pathé Buitenhof in Den Haag. Vapiano happens to be in the same square, so we’ll be reenacting Monday night’s fabulous dinner-and-a-movie duo next week!
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INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL AMSTERDAM (IDFA)
One of the largest in its genre and arguably the most prestigious documentary film festival out there, IDFA is back and ready to take over the Dutch capital in all its glory. The 26th edition of this mind-blowing event will be held from November 20 to December 1 and it promises, once gain, to premiere unseen gems and exceptional screenings of the documentary scene.
W
hat once started as a small-scaled docu festival to promote creative documentaries has grown into an eleven-day film blast and the world’s leading festival in the genre. Held annually since 1988, IDFA welcomes doc lovers, produces and insiders form all over the globe to celebrate the art of documentary
filming, making and watching. A unique factor of IDFA and something that makes it stand out internationally is its focus on creative documentaries. Since its beginnings, IDFA has promoted creativity within documentary making, supporting documentaries that are emphatically engaging. The goal is to highlight cinematically intriguing and captivating films and by doing so, forcing the viewer to reflect, question and react to each movie. With this set of mind, The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam has climbed up the ladder and become the crème de la crème of politically, culturally and socially loaded films. Spread all over the city, IDFA screens its 250 plus films in several locations, cinemas and institutions such as Pathé
City Theatre, the Filmmuseum, Paradiso, Arti et Amicitiae among many other places. IDFA welcomes nearly 120,000 visitors each year and screenings are often completely sold out. Packed theatres are indeed very usual for this event, but no wonder, since we are talking, after all, about the mother of documentary film festivals and an entire platform for docu makers and lovers to watch, reflect and network within the festival circuit. IDFA 2013 will be held November 20 - December 1. The film program and schedule will be online as of November 7. Tickets will be available online from November 11. The deadline for accreditation is October 10. - See more at: http://www.idfa.nl/nl.aspx
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AMSTERDAM! YOURS FOR THE TAKING!
S
uppose you are down and out in Amsterdam, and don’t have even a red cent to your name, you can still enjoy many of the pleasures that await you in the fine city of Amsterdam, absolutely gratis! Here are some ways of filling every minute of your sojourn in the city, with a variety of fun as well as entertainment, and it is all free for the taking. Begijnhof: There is a haven of quietness and tranquility hidden behind an unobtrusive door, right on the Spui square, where you can spend some time in calm contemplation. It’s called the Begijnhof, actually a serene courtyard, dating all the way back to the Middle Ages, and occupied by a group spiritual women under the vow of chastity. It’s still home to a small chapel as well as an English Reformed church.. The door to this haven of peace is kept open only during daytime. Schuttersgalerij: A few minutes’ walk from Begijnhof will take you to the Schuttersgalerij or Civic Guards Gallery. Although it is a part of the Amsterdam Museum, entry is free to all. You can enter the gallery either from Sint Luciensteeg 27 or Kalverstraat 92 to find an impressive gallery displaying modern as well as historical portraits of the elite of the Dutch. Cycling and walking tours: See Amsterdam all by yourself, sitting on a bicycle powered by your own legs. Download a fully free cycling or walking tour and begin exploring the various picturesque neighborhoods such as the Pijp, Jordaan, as also Plantage. If you don’t want to make it alone and want to see the great metropolis as part of a group, then the New Amsterdam walking tour conducted by Sandeman is just for you; it is absolutely free, although tips are very
much appreciated. Markets: You have not much cash left in your wallet and so not thinking of doing any shopping, but the open-air bazaars of Amsterdam will still pamper your senses with all the color and action as also provide numerous photo opportunities. From flowers to organic vegetables and second-hand treasures to antiques, these markets are indeed a fine way to get a peep into the Dutch way of life. Parks and gardens: The parks and gardens of Amsterdam are open round the year with kilometers of well-maintained strolling paths and a lot of room for a perfect picnic. During summer, the Vondelpark presents many performances at the open-air theatre. Also there are free festivals parks such as the Westergasfabriek and Oosterpark. Jazz and classical concerts: Almost every day, there is one concert or other happening in the city. For example, the Muziektheater holds free concerts on all Tuesdays at 12:30, and the Royal Concertgebouw puts on free lunch concerts on Wednesdays at about the same. The Badcuyp offers free weekly concerts every week, and on Sunday nights there are Jazz sessions. On Tuesdays, the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ offers free lunch concerts on one Tuesday every month, with the Bimhuis holding a free evening jam session, concert, or workshop every week. Ferry ride: Right behind the Amsterdam Central Station you can find several ferries crossing the scenic IJ River, all totally free! Get on a boat and you’ll have the perfect introduction to the canals of Amsterdam. If you want to visit the Tolhuistuin, the EYE Filmmuseum or enjoy the rural ambiance of the historic Noord, the Buiksloterweg stop is the most convenient. You can also make it to the NDSM Wharf
which used to be shipyard, now full of creative workshops, artists’ studios, and a captivatingly barren terrain. Amsterdam public library or OBA: Apart from sitting back and going through the extensive collection of books and magazines in the English language, the OBA situated close to the Central Station, offers a lot of other attractions as well, free for the taking. A whole floor is filled with rotating art exhibitions, kid-sized fun, weekly readings and occasional concerts. Even if you are not a bookworm, the famed library is good for a visit just to enjoy the remarkable architecture as also the panoramic views of the cityscape from height of the top floor. Festivals: Year after year, Amsterdam holds a plethora of free events and festivals. The festival season begins usually in mid-April and goes on till January. This means that there is at least a free festival almost every month. A sample of the finest free festivals is Amsterdam Heritage Days, Gay Pride, King’s Day, Grachtenfestival, Roots Festival, Uitmarkt, National Windmill Day, Amsterdam Light Festival and National Museum Weekend. Churches: Several of the city’s churches were recast as museums, concert venues, etc., although there are numerous functioning churches still, from within which you can either attend a religious service or just enjoy the fine interiors for free, during weekdays. These churches include the Noorderkerk, Westerkerk, St. Nicolaaskerk, Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, and De Papegaai. With so much to see and nothing to pay for, you can take comfort from the fact that your Amsterdam visit turned out to be memorable one because you managed to save money after all, at the end of it all.
A HOUSE ON THE GRACHTEN
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It’s no mystery why the grachtengordel, or canal belt, is one of the most coveted areas to live in Amsterdam. With over one hundred kilometres of intersecting waterways and islands flanked by picturesque houses, connected by 2143 bridges, this area has preserved it’s historical beauty and charm. For one dutch couple, living on the canal in their 17th century gabled house is intrinsic to the close connection they feel with their city. Fashion designer, Catta Donkersloot and DJ/Producer, David Labeij, together with their daughter, are living in the proverbial heart of Amsterdam, with views of the famous Seven Bridges and next door to one of the most crooked and photographed houses in the city. It means they’re never short of house guests and friends dropping by and even tourists frequently stopping to ask if they can “come inside for a look”. For work, David simply heads downstairs to his basement studio and Catta has a short bike ride to her studio-shop located on another canal, just up the road. But Catta is quick to mention that living here is not for the faint hearted and requires a healthy level of tolerance. When your front door is arm’s length from the sidewalk, you learn not to leave your valuables on the kitchen table. Sunday morning sleep-ins can be cut short by the sounds of inebriated tourists stumbling in circles trying to find their hotels or worse, relieving themselves by the front door. But when the city springs to life in the warmer months a plethora of entertainment can be had without ever having
to step from your front door. There’s the musical boat man who travels up and down the canal every summer and can be heard from a block away. Street parties, festivals, the annual Gay Parade and Queen’s Day can all be enjoyed from the comfort of their living room. Even the dredging boat pulling hundreds of bikes from a watery grave provides mild entertainment. In 2010, when Holland played Spain in the World Cup football finals, Catta and David put their tv on the window sill facing the street and served beer and bitterballen (dutch savoury treats) to a swollen, anonymous crowd gathered in front of their house to watch the game. Canal houses in this historic area are on the UNESCO heritage list and consequently, all renovations adhere to strict regulations. Double-glazed windows are a definite no. A decision designed to preserve the integrity of these monumental structures. Keeping out street noise and bitter winter winds therefore becomes a challenge. “You need good insulation” says Catta. Scared of heights? Living in a canal house may not be for you. Amsterdam has some of the steepest and most precarious staircases in the world, best attempted when sober. Unsurprisingly, the couple chose to install a vertical floor-to-ceiling safety rail (like a fireman’s pole) next to the main staircase when Catta was pregnant. They’ve installed trapdoors to shut off the staircase, giving the added bonus of extra soundproofing but primarily keeping their daughter safe. These obstacles aside, you can’t deny the romantic character of a dutch canal house with its oddly-shaped rooms and cake-frosting gables.
Where else in the world would you see a hijsbalk still in action? Catta and David’s household furniture was hoisted in through the windows, hauled up by a pulley rope attached to a hijsbalk. That’s the large hook you see hanging just below the gabling of many dutch houses. Some, like Catta and David’s, literally lean forward - an ingenious method devised during Amsterdam’s Golden Age as a merchant city - to prevent, for example, the family piano from smashing into the front of the house. When the house was built is anybody’s guess. Searching city archives, the earliest photo of it was taken in 1867 but records indicate occupancy as far back as 1680. Certainly the facade and gables are characteristic of other 17th century houses on the same street. In the 1960’s it was used as a store house, but no-one really knows what it housed. This house won’t give up its secrets easily. With plans to increase their family, it makes sense for Catta and David to move to a more practical living space and out of the city centre, but living here is too much a part of their lives. It’s not just that they have a home in the heart of Amsterdam, in their heart their home is Amsterdam. They’ve lived in other places. They’re avid, regular travellers and yet they remain utterly enamoured with their city. For Catta, “The city is sincere. You can bike around the old centre for years and still find new surprises amongst the old. Take the ferry and stroll around NDSM Island, grab a rooftop drink at Canvas or just walk along the canals as the sun comes up and before the city is awake”. Sound advice for anyone looking for a true Amsterdam experience.
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AMSTERDAM STREET STYLE Roy Nielsen and friends from Sweden:
We find the style in Amsterdam very hip and it’s arty. There are a lot of hipsters and tourists. I buy my clothes wherever I find them, most of my clothes I get from the surfshop. You can describe my style as surfer or skater.
Farrieda from The Netherlands
The style in Amsterdam is more alternative than in the rest of the Netherlands. People wear more baggy easygoing clothes, like big sweaters. My style is a bit of everything. Sometimes I feel like dressing more messy, other times I feel like dressing more sophisticated. I wear what I like, but always with a touch of color.
Roy Nielsen and friends from Sweden.
Bastiaan and Roderick from the Netherlands
The style in Amsterdam is refreshing, but it can be better. When you look at people they might look different, but actually they’re all the same. People should stand out more. Bastiaan: I’m just being me. I wear what I like. I am not a hipster!
Emanuele from the Netherlands
The style in Amsterdam is nice. People think they are individual, but they dress all the same. I like black and leather. I like to mix with styles, like one day my style is more tough, the other day my style is more sophisticated.
Stephen from Germany and Sophie from the United Kingdom
We’re not so into the style in Amsterdam, although it feels like people can wear whatever they like, it’s free. There’s a lot of diversity. Stephan: People describe my style as minimal. I wear quality items. Sophie: Today I’m wearing this just because it’s cold. Normally my style is more street, hiphop. Special Thanks to Evelina lemmers: Photographer Evelina lemmers graphix@amsterdo.com
Farrieda from The Netherlands
Bastiaan (right) and Roderick (left) from the Netherlands
Stephen from Germany and Sophie from the United Kingdom
Emanuele from the Netherlands
OUR FAVORITE ARTIST IN AMSTERDAM: CHIEL VAN ZELST
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C
hiel Van Zelst is not your typical city painter – his style is a magnificent jamboree of colour over a solid framework of shape and form. Chiel’s sketches are black and white iPhone images, which he transforms into vibrant cityscapes. While his work is a psychedelic crossover between Van Goth and Street Art, the artist is a down-to earth businessman, who knows how to make art that sells. Chiel greets us at his pop-up space, which is open both to visitors and passers-by alike. He looks smart in a light sweater splattered with small, colourful paint spots. Before we know it, Chiel has whipped out a black marker and turned to a work in progress, while keeping the conversation flowing. “I was born in Amsterdam a while ago, and raised here during the 70s and the 80s. A lot of people left after the war. The houses were boarded up with wood when I was growing up; it was a post-war scene well into the seventies. It was still a very different world here in the 80s. There was the kind of roughness that you see in my paintings. This city is totally finished now – there is none of the roughness that you see in my paintings – nothing rotten, no dirty place, or even a disturbing person. “My work is homage to Amsterdam – to how it used to be. It used to be a playground for us when we were kids – there were open spaces and old houses that we used to climb in and play out our fantasies, create our own world. Later on we created our own environment in squatting – a house, a gallery, a studio or a restaurant ... You have an idea and say “This is a restaurant now. This is a gallery.” “I always wanted to be an artist. I was already painting when I came to study art Gerrit Rietveld Academy. I was a little confused when we had to get into experimental art – writing diaries, making video and doing performance art. I did a lot of conceptual work as a student. I painted very complicated things that were required of you – maybe a Swastika, or something about Muslims. You ended up making things that would appeal to the press, cause a riot, or use dead animals. I just wanted to make things in my own way. I wanted to paint what I see on the streets. “You have to let go after this input period, and you can’t afford to paint things that don’t sell. In the 90s, Dutch art schools trained you get subsidised from day one. Artists would get €50 000 to do what they wish with e.g. travel to India for inspiration. I am glad to see subsidies disappearing – it has always been a competitive market in which people who did the least got the most money. It was when I was studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York that I learnt how to make things that sell. If you don’t sell within a year in New York, you are not an artist – you are an actor, photographer, a singer, or you work in a bar. You have to be able to adapt and be flexible. Creativity is seeing opportunities within space and time and things around you. At some point it has to take off. “The thing about being an artist is not being a crazy person in a studio – you still have to stay in this world. I do not have a gallery – I do not like a closed studio. I used to have a fixed place and paid a lot of rent for it. It is like a shop here (at Rokin 97). I am a businessman and my art sells. You can find my work in international places like hotels, airports, and all kind of strange places where people get in contact with art in a very low-profile way. I sell a lot to international firsttime buyers, who take a painting along on a plane like a big, expensive postcard. A lot of people paint this kind of subject but not in this particular manner. I have a very strange way of painting and seeing things. “This economic crisis is an opportunity. Now I take a pop-up space, arrange some utilities and I can use it. It is inspiring to be in a new place every six months or every other year – to meet new people and see new things. When I see that a place is up for rent, I call the number and see if I can make them a nice proposition – a painting, for example. You build trust. You see what people like, how they react to your work. It’s marketing – you progress faster this way. “It is very hard to be an artist when you are 23, you have to be a bit older and have some more experience. I am nearly
50 and only in the last few years has it kicked off. I used to be very much into networking – now I’m more on my own. I do not have to do the odd jobs anymore, or throw parties. I used to organise parties in places like the Sugar Factory and Paradiso. Then here was this ‘Situations Vacant’ for somebody who wanted to promote the night, which is how I became the Night Mayor of Amsterdam. For nearly two years, I got to really appreciate the beauty of this city by night. “I paint the Amsterdam cityscape, and have been doing this for quite a while. I do not want to make something that is from London, New York or Tokyo; I want to make it something that is from here. I get inspired when I walk down the street, see something, and then imagine it an hour later. I see Amsterdam as a traditional artist who wanders through the city and paints, or as a poet. I made a series of paintings for a gallery in Utrecht once but it did not feel the same. It took some nerve to paint the old school city thing – it is not disturbing, it does not say anything about the society. But it sells. I like to make art and to sell it also. “A lot of people paint this kind of subject but not in this particular manner. I have a very strange way of painting and seeing things” says Chiel, shaking his paintbrush off onto the already lively canvas. “It is not what you paint but how you paint it. I work on several paintings at once. I turn them around, I go over them again – then it starts to vibrate and live. It is a bit chaotic – it is also a fight to get it to balance – you cannot do Apple Z on a painting. I like to mess it up so that it’s not a painting anymore, so that you cannot show it to people. Then things start to happen in that Bob Ross ‘happy accident’ sort of way. Sometimes, we have to destroy our babies before something beautiful comes out of it. When people ask me whether a painting is finished or not, I say: “It is only finished when it’s sold!” “I paint other things besides cityscapes. I recently made an abstract series about the Vondelpark. I want to do some more series of paintings, but what I really enjoy is to go out on a bike with my iPhone, take some photos of the street and work on them in my studio. I’ll stop at a spot because of a variation in people or setting. I am not going to paint on the street, there are too many people and it is always a
performance. If Rembrandt had an iPhone I don’t think he would draw on the street; he would take pictures and go to his studio. Photos are our sketches now. You have to make more. It is a very interesting and instant contemporary artmaking technique. It becomes a continuous story that you work on. This city is totally finished now – there is none of the roughness that you see in my paintings – nothing rotten, no dirty place, or even a disturbing person. “I was born around the corner and I know each shape and loop in these photos. They are in black and white so that I can really concentrate on composition and form. The photo has to become a painting in and of itself – not a particular spot or a dead photograph. You paint emotions and memories into it. I leave the photo (my composition, if you like) and start working it out as a painting. I combine drawing and painting in a street art and old-school Van Gogh style crossover. Here come in whatever strange colours I can find. There is a lot of coincidence – if the blue is finished, I will go for purple or red. “I do not use everyday colours that you see in the street. Amsterdam feels druggy, hallucinogenic, and vibrant these are my colours. People come to Amsterdam for this kind of spirit that I capture in my work. They are looking for this Amsterdam roughness, colour, and punk rock. Real Amsterdammers do not see this anymore. “I hope that a hundred years from now people will see this roughness of Amsterdam that I put in my paintings – if they are still around! You have Andy Warhol’s made with regular household paint still seen by millions. I use good materialplastic-based acrylic and very good linen. Yes, this will last,” says the entrepreneurial artist who, despite embracing his past, has one foot in the future. Focused on his business and his work, he does not have time to look back. But if you want to find out more about what it was that gave him a whiff of international infamy, read ‘100, 000 Fiets Ventielen’. In this autobiographical account of his squatting days, Chiel recounts how he stole 50, 000 bikes, and shares tips on how to nick one yourself while somehow encouraging you not to! Keep up with the news at http:// chielvanzelst.blogspot.nl/
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paradiso
studio 80
sugarfactory
thursday, 17 oktober 2013
18 oktober 2013
20 oktober 2013
Weteringschans 6 | www.paradiso.nl
Official ADE Opening Time: 23:00 – 5:00
Rembrandplein 17, www.studio-80.nl
100% Pure, BlaBla, Terminal M (ADE Special) Time: 23:00 – 7:00
19 oktober 2013
Watergate x Suol (ADE) Time: 23:00 – 12:00 Price: 17,50 exl.fee
20 oktober 2013
Secretsundaze (Ade) Time: 23:00 – 6:00 Price: 15,00 excl. fee
25 oktober 2013
The Shell VIII Time: 23:00 – 5:00 Price: 9,50
31 oktober 2013
Wknd - Halloween Special Time: 23:00 – 03:45 Price: 6,00
25 October 2013
friday 18 oktober 2013 Time : 20:30 – 5:00
Moderat - Ade RAM - ADE zaterdag 19 oktober 2013 Time: 23:00 – 5:00
Stepkids @ ADE Full Crate & Mar @ ADE Numbers x Lockdown
vrijdag 25 oktober 2013 time: 23:00 – 5:00
DJ Shadow hosted by Riff Raff Field Records Showcase @ ADE
donderdag 31 oktober 2013 Time: 15:00 – 2:00
Rapido Halloween
The Shell VII
Genre: Deephouse, House en Tech-house. Time: 23.00-5.00 | Price: €9.50 Line-up: Bill Brewster (UK), Musclefarm , Victor Coral, Little Shell: cheetah , Eddie C (Ca) , Marcel Vogel
31 October 2013
Wknd - Halloween Special Time: 23.00-3.45 | Price: €6 Line-up: Julien Chaptal, David Labeij Studio 2: Tim Hoeben, Michel Jacques
1 November 2013
Compound
Time: 23.00-5.00 | Price: €13 Line-up: Ø [Phase] (UK), Dispar Vulgo (NL), Gloom (NL) Studio 2: Avos (NL), DuplicaT (BE), DJ watt
8 November 2013
Tomorrow Is Now, Kid! 4 Year Anniversary
Lijnbaansgracht 238 | www.sugarfactory.nl
Ade: Wicked Jazz Sounds Presents Smoove & Turrell Time: 23:00 – 5:00 Price: 9,50 excl. fee
22 oktober 2013
Klonckenstein Time: 23:30 – 5:00 Price: 3,00 excl. fee
24 oktober 2013
No Standing Only Dancing Time: 23:55 – 5:00 Price: 4,00 excl. fee 25 oktober 2013
Kill All Hipsters Time: 0:00 – 5:00 Price: 10.00
31 oktober 2013
A Scary Night At The Museum Time:23:00 – 5:00 Price: 12,00 excl. fee door: 15,00
escape
panama
club nl
18 oktober 2013
18 oktober 2013
18 oktober 2013
Rembrandtplein 11, www.escape.nl
MTV presents: Fedde Le Grand Rocks Amsterdam Time: 22:00 - 05:00 Price: 20,00 excl. fee
20 oktober 2013
Roger Sanchez presents Stealth ADE Time: 22:00 - 05:00 Price: 15,00 excl. fee
22 October 2013
Dirty Asian
Time: 23.00-4.00 | Price: €14 Line-up: DJ Hokuto (JPN), DJ Irwan (NL), DJ Yin, X Factor, Gianni Marino & MC FJR, RNK, DJ watt4a
Oostelijke Handelskade 4, www.panama.nl
Slick! Showcase - ADE Showcase Time: 18:00 - 22:00
19 oktober 2013
Club NL invites Hurly Burly & Lost and Found Recordings Time: 23:00 - 05:30 Price: 10,00 excl. fee
20 oktober 2013
The Sessions & Two Point Zero Agency: ADE 2013 Showcase Time: 20:00 Price: 10,00
24 October 2013
25 oktober 2013
Time: 23.00-4.00 | Price: €10 | Line-up: Marc Benjamin (XXL Set), Gernot Müller, Anderas, Chaiya Papaya , The Fabulous REVEAL Angels, VJ Joury Gijzen
Time: 23:00 - 04:00 Price: 5,00 excl. fee
Reveal
25 October 2013
House rockers
Time: 23.00-5.00 | Price: 9 € | Line-up: Leroy Styles, Georgio Star, Miguel O’syrah, Soul Cartel, Chelina Manuhutu , Owen-Joy (Bday Boy) | Kimberlee Ramirez, Le Blas , Tom Ven, Hosted By Mc Clark Kent , Pictures By Dennis Veldman, DJ Frout
26 October 2013
Brainwash
Time: 23.00-5.00 | Price: 1€ 6 | Line-up: Marcella, Raymundo, Saxy mr S on Sax, MC Vika Kova, VJ Joury | Urban & eclectic @ deLux:Remzy
27 October 2013
LIKE
Time: 23.00-4.00 | Price: €5
SUB
27 oktober 2013
1012 “ Neon Funk Nights “ Time: 23:00 - 03:00 Price: 5,00 excl. fee
31 oktober 2013
Shake ‘n Bake Time: 23:00 – 3:00 Price: 5,00
26 oktober 2013
Brainwash
Time: 23:00 - 05:00 Price: 16,00 excl. fee
31 oktober 2013
Reveal
Time: 23:00 - 04:00 Price: 10,00 excl. fee
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Oostelijke Handelskade 4, www.panama.nl
Ferry Corsten Presents: Full On & Pure Trance Time: 22:00 - 05:00 Price: 20,00 excl. fee
19 oktober 2013
HernanCattaneovs Nick Warren ADE Special Time: 22:00 - 05:00 Price: 17,50 excl. fee
25 oktober 2013
Blackout Panama “Grand Opening” 26 oktober 2013
We All Love 80’s 90’s 00’s Time: 23:00 - 04:00 Price: 10,00 excl. fee door: 15,00
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THE ZATERDAG MATINEE
P
erhaps four or five times over the past year I’ve spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Concertgebouw for their Zaterdag Matinee. I’m the first to admit I’m not an expert in classical music, like a lot of people of my generation I’ve mostly been exposed to it via movie and commercial soundtracks and although I’ve never viewed classical (whatever that term really means) as alien, it was just something that I felt needed a lot of time to appreciate, time that I didn’t have. So our Saturday excursions have been a real treat. Firstly the Concertgebouw is a beautiful building, everything you expect that sort of environment to be. The staff are friendly and helpful and the patrons tend toward the knowledgeable and casual (more on that later). The afternoon lends itself a pleasant and unfussy air, not in the least assisted by the refreshments – coffee, tea, sodas, red and white wine and beer – that are included in the cover price. In fact the only hassle is the scrum for the bar(s) before and at the interval. This Saturday we arrived half an hour before the start time and took a refreshment in the upstairs annex, over-looking Museumplein, with the autumn sun streaming through the glass walls, and then settled in for a couple of hours of music from what is now known as the Czech Republic. As mentioned, I’m no authority on classical, so I’m always pleasantly surprised when I pick out a tune that I’ve previously heard. The music this Saturday was all written at the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th, and there seemed to be touches within each piece that echoed both the more traditional music of the region and also military music. Dvořák’s Ouverture, ‘Carnaval’, with its sweeping strings and martial rhythms felt cinematic, even panoramic in places, and my son and I enjoyed watching the percussion section from our vantage point in the upper circle. Martinu’s Tweede vioolconcert, H. 293, was in a similar vein, even more like something from art-house cinema: some of it could easily sound-track, say, a wide-angle shot of a figure emerging from snow-field, or a character silently watching the wind whip green summer trees. Very visual music. The violinist Simone Lamsma joined on stage next. She’s one of the future big stars of classical music, apparently, and was greeted accordingly. While I can appreciate the virtuosity of such individual musicians, I tend to feel that they change the nature of these concerts; I like the groupfeeling you get from an orchestra – in this case the wonderful Rotterdam Philharmonisch Orkest – and rather feel that an individual star takes something away from that. It’s like that old football saying about a talented player who wants to do everything himself “you need two balls, one for him and one for everyone else”. But maybe that’s just me. The afternoon continued with Smetana’s Die Moldau, which is a lovely Autumnal piece, again with sweeping strings, which tugged a memory as it was used most recently in Terrance Malik’s Tree of Life. And finally ended with Janáček’s Sinfonietta, a great big showstopper with additional brass (the extra guys had to sit in the audience) and huge percussion, all excellently held together by conductor Jiri Belohlavek. A good ending. I can’t recommend more wholly spending a Saturday afternoon at the Concertgebouw, for a novice like myself or a more cultured fan there’s something for all. Which takes me to my final thoughts, on the patrons, the people who turn up and enjoy the music. I love the idea that the Concertgebouw opens its doors to one and all, their democratization of classical music must be applauded (there are no boxes here, everyone sits together, and all the seating has a similar – good – view and sound quality), and I like the informality of the event. But I feel this informality leads to a issue of costume propriety: the people on stage make an effort, even if this leans toward inexpensive black suits for the men and lastyear’s-Christmas outfits for the women. And always the guest artist really goes for it, usually in what could only be described as a best dress. I’m not expecting the whole audience to rent dinner jackets and cocktail dresses, but a little more effort could be in order. There are far too many sweatshirts and cheap trainers, and don’t get me started
on the amount of white gym socks and sandals, worn, of course, with a jacket and tie and slacks. Come on people, this is a lovely afternoon in a beautiful environment,
make some effort. For details of future Zaterdag Matinees, and the rest of their extensive programme, go to www. concertgebouw.nl
CONCERT AGENDA Winners Dutch Harp Concours and Chamber Music Competition Almere Amandine Carbuccia (harp), Mythos Duo Veldhuis, Stravinsky, Grandjany
Mon 7 Oct 20:15- 22:15 Recital Hall | Chamber Music |Price_start € 30.00
Jaroussky in ‘Farinelli!’ with Venice Baroque Orchestra
Venice Baroque Orchestra Andrea Marcon (dirigent), Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor) Porpora, Geminiani, Vivaldi
Sun 20 Oct 20:15 - 22:35 Main Hall | Vocal Music, Early Music| Price_start € 35.00
Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony and First The Classical PROMS: CALL and Cor Piano Concerto Bakker Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest Alexander Vedernikov (dirigent), Nelson Goerner (piano) Tsjaikovski
Tue 8 Oct 20:15 - 22:00 Main Hall | Orchestra | Price_start € 18.00
Free Lunchtime Concert
Every Wednesday - Various performences 12:30 - 13:00
Order Bach Choir and Orchestra of the Netherlands Pieter Jan Leusink (dirigent), Cor Bakker (piano), Fauré, Händel, McKennitt
Sat 26 Oct 20:15 - 22:30 Main Hall | Jazz/Pop, Orchestra,Vocal Music | Price_start € 50.00
Concertgebouw Orchestra and Emily Magee in the Four Last Songs
Mariss Jansons conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 2
Wed 16 Oct 20:15 - 22:10 Main Hall | Orchestra, Vocal Music| Price_start € 22.50
Thu 31 Oct 20:15 - 21:45 Main Hall | Orchestra, Vocal Music| Price_start € 30.00
Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest Daniel Harding (dirigent), Emily Magee (sopraan) R. Schumann, R. Strauss, Webern
Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest Nederlands Kamerkoor Mahler
Groot
Omroepkoor
A FRIDAY’s AFTERNOON READ
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A
t 10a.m. every Friday, Spui, right next to the Esprit Café, is transformed into a book enthusiast’s haven. Rows upon rows of books, in English, Dutch, German, French and more, await the word-hungry reader to be mesmerized by what lies beneath their covers. The Boekenmarkt op het Spui undoubtedly holds something for everyone’s intellectual sweet-tooth. Bringing over 25 booksellers from across the Netherlands together for more than 20 years, these second-hand collectors have acquired a diverse collection of rare and out of print books. Rain or shine, these booksellers continue the historical tradition in the Netherlands of the freedom of the press, books containing ideas and opinions on almost every subject can be found. Fiction, children’s stories, photography, social science, philosophy, nature, technology, transcripts, and maps are all on display, and for reasonable prices. Each bookseller is also a member of the “Spui Book Market Association,” which outlines specific professional and product quality principles and also acts as the legal representative of each bookseller. The association also organizes the annual “Boekennacht,” an evening of celebration specially for the printed medium in and around Spui. If that one book you’re collection is missing happens to be out of your price range, don’t be afraid to strike up a
conversation with the seller and negotiate a new price. And if you can’t be in Amsterdam on a Friday, check out the book market in Oudemanhuispoort every day except Sunday for more second-hand books, prints and sheet music.
After perusing the narrow aisles of books, curl up in one of the many cafes situated in the core of Amsterdam, with the café’s cat at your feet, and begin reading your newfound gem.
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TO DO LIST: MOVING TO AMSTERDAM A
msterdam is a fantastic and vibrant city, steeped in culture, art and history. It’s not surprising then that many people choose to move there from abroad (and if you’re reading this, that probably includes you). In fact, Amsterdam has the widest variety of nationalities of any city in the world! There are a hundred reasons to move to this beautiful city, but there are also a few things you have to remember to do before you make the big step.
1. Save Some Money
This probably goes without saying, but you will need a good backlog of cash to afford the moving process. Transporting your belongings, paying for legal documents and putting a deposit on your new living space are all going to cost you (hey, no one said living the dream was cheap). If you don’t have a job in the city before you arrive, things like food, bills and new furniture are all going to put a dent in your bank account, so be prepared beforehand for any eventuality that might crop up.
2. Do Your Paperwork
They won’t let you in without it! If you’re a European national then this won’t be too much of a problem as your passport will pretty much get you through the whole process. If you’re from outside the EU however, along with your passport you’ll also need a visa, a work permit and a residency permit. You’ll also need to take your birth certificate and a marriage certificate if applicable. Once you get to Amsterdam and get yourself settled in, you’ll need to go to the city office and apply for a burgerservicenummer (BSN) or “civilian service number” in order to register yourself as a resident of the city.
3. Find A Job
If you’re moving to Amsterdam then it’s more than likely that you’ll already have a job to go to. If you’re moving for a different reason however, then it’s a good idea to check out the job market before you move. Look to see what kinds of jobs are being offered and what companies are looking for immigrant workers. If you’re specialized in a certain area then you should have a good start.
4. Sort Your Healthcare
Obviously you’ll want to get this sorted as soon as possible after you arrive. As of 2006 it is actually illegal to reside in the Netherlands without health insurance, so you will want to look up insurance companies and compare the packages they offer. Having a BSN during this process will make it a lot simpler. Health insurance usually comes to around €100 a month.
5. Learn the Language
This is probably the most difficult of the above steps. It might be a good idea to take a basic course in Dutch shortly before you plan to move to give you a head start in understanding the language. Even if you don’t remember all of what you learn, basic things like the names of food items and how to ask for directions will be very valuable in the early days. Ultimately, learning the language is something that just takes time. Being surrounded by Dutch every day means it’ll eventually seep into your consciousness by itself!
6. Prepare for the Culture Shock
A well documented occurrence among people who move abroad, culture shock is the last thing you should prepare for before you move. Unless you already have a group of friends waiting for you in Amsterdam, you will most likely feel isolated and lonely at some point in the first few months after moving. Don’t worry! This is very normal and comes from suddenly being surrounded by entirely unfamiliar things and faces. Remember to stay positive, it gets better with time. Pretty soon there’ll be Dutch things
you’ll feel lost without (like stroopwafels). This all sounds a bit serious I’m afraid, but don’t be put off! Amsterdam is a great city and if you’re worried about fitting in, just remember that the Netherlands has the
highest non-native English literacy in the world. Once you’ve made your move, remember to check back to AmsterDo for all your local events and restaurant, bar and club reviews!
THE DAM REGULARS
If you are looking for an event a little off the beaten track – Look no further. Check out the ‘Dam Regulars’ for some real local events and a chance to mingle with some like minded people.
EVERY SUNDAY
‘ Easylaughs’ Comedy Workshop @ CREA
Café Cultural student centre for the University of Amsterdam Time: 15:00 | Location: Nieuwe Achtergracht 170 | Price: €30 for 4 work-shops EVERY MONDAY
Okido Yoga: Training for health, strength and mobility @ OT301
Famous squat which contributes immensely towards community activities. Check out their program! Time: 19:00 | Location: Overtoom 301 | Price: €12 EVERY MONDAY
Drag Bingo @ The Queen’s Head Pub
A night which everybody should experience at least once, if not regularly! Time: 22:00-03:00 | Location: Zeedijk 20 | Price: €2.50 EVERY MONDAY
Sneak Preview @ Kriterion Movie Theatre
Locally famous student-run theatreregularly! Time: 22:15 | Location: Roetersstraat 170 | Price: €5 EVERY MONDAY
Cheeky Mondays @ Winstons Kingdom
Time: Starting at 23:00 | Location: Warmoesstraat | Price: €7
EVERY TUESDAY
Open Mic Night @ Jet Lounge
Great venue, great vibe and totally acoustic. Time: 21:00 | Location: Groen van Prinstererstraat 41 EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY
Noche Latina @ Candela
Grab a partner for a bit of Salsa dancing Time: 23:00-04:00 | Location: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 85 | Price: Free before 12 EVERY SATURDAY
Organic Farmers Market
Organic Local Produce Time: 9:00-16:00 | Location: Noordermarkt, De Jordaan EVERY SUNDAY
Nude Swimming @ Zuiderbad
Not for everyone, but if you’re into it, well here it is, strip of a few layers and jump in! Time: 16:30-17:30 | Location: Hobbemastraat 26 | Price: €3.30 Every Monday
Club Sugar Factory
Yolo; house, hiphop en r&b | Line-up: resident dj’s Hardtog, Urvinho & Faya, Alain Kuipers, DJ Broodkast, Team Chachi, Jan Jabba de Hut, Elroy VanderLey en Rob Black Time: 23.00 - 04.00 uur | Price: € 3,- incl. garderobe Have you got a small local event or activity and want to let people know? Send us an email @ events@amsterdo.com
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YAB YUM: FROM BROTHEL TO MUSEUM W
hile strolling around wonderful Amsterdam and admiring the sights, you may wonder at a long line of mostly older men, many in rather shabby coats, queuing on the steps to go up to a 17th-century canal brick house on the Singel. Then you notice the building’s unusual name of Yab Yum, that you may remember from your reading as meaning “father and mother” in Tibetan, and usually seen illustrated with a couple in blissful sexual union. Even more intrigued now, you approach to find that this former exclusive brothel has just in September been conveniently reopened as a brothel museum, for those who have not had the pleasure or the courage to visit a real one. It may also seem appropriate that the liberal and enlightened Amsterdam may be one the few cities in the world with a sex-trade museum. The former Yab Yum clients used to easily stroll into the luxurious brothel to pay the €70 entry fee, that also included a drink, and €300 more for one sensual hour with the gorgeous and willing ladies working there. But visitors now pay €12.50 to go into the Yab Yum Museum. A welcome drink is not included with that but you are taken on a short tour of the reception desk, the corridors, the bar where guests met the ladies and the rooms where couples quietly retired to afterwards. Former owner Theo Heuft boasted the brothel’s biggest
single night earning of €40,000 in 1985, after the Dutch football team beat Cyprus in Amsterdam, but also complained of the chaos of that night. No doubt for his hard-working ladies did too. One sex worker reported earning up to $10,000 in a month in the 1990s. “This is not a porn or sex museum. The museum gives an insight into the mystery Yab Yum,” says spokesman for the museum, Arjen van Kesteren. The canal-side museum comes with its share of juicy history. The well-known brothel became a target of Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen’s campaign to remove the number of sex businesses that were thriving in the city centre. He used the Bibob act that allowed the city to close any of the Red district joints without requiring proof of criminal connection but only based on substantial indications of such. The brothel has been linked to the Mafia elements and the Dutch Hell’s Angels. In the late 1990s, there were two murders of major drug-traffickers after they had fought at the house. There were also charges that the owners were using the brothel for moneylaundering. Mayor Cohen finally had his way when the city of Amsterdam in January 2008 permanently closed the brothel and revoked its licence, alleging that the place was being used for criminal activity.
World of Brands
De Bijenkorf department store. A truly inspirational and luxurious shopping experience since 1870.
The premium department store offers the world’s most exclusive brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci. Visit our flagship store in Amsterdam on Dam Square or at deBijenkorf.nl/english