Arts

Thriller Live 2012, Munich

Long-time legend Michael Jackson should have been there to watch this. His forty year career meticulously played back by four different people. Fantastic performers. Fantastic dancers. Fantastic vocalists. With tickets ranging from 34 to 74 Euros, the Thriller Live show which premiered on Tuesday, the 28th of February 2012 in Munich, comes to an end this Sunday, the 11th of March, with a double performance at 1500hrs and 1900hours respectively. The European tour goes on. The Jackson Five's ABC...

Some Things to Ponder, part 2

In my first article, Some Things to Ponder, part 1, I looked at some of the many benefits of today's modern technology, mostly smart devices. In the short time since then there have been many new developments including the new iPad 3, the fact that for the first time ever more mobile phones in the US are of the smart-phone variety than not, and a host of others.  But at what cost? As we rapidly continue in the Age of Information many questions arise. Here are but a few of these...

I Wanna Rock!

As a product of America, one of the things that I grew up with which seems to be in very short supply here in Munich, is real Rock music. I'm not talking about Bon-Jovi, or Bryan Adams. AC/DC is OK, but their best days are behind them. Please no more Styx or Foereigner! There is a real dearth of good driving guitar-based Rock here in Munich. Why? Mention Rammstein here and eyes mostly roll (Rammstein is one of the few German bands-if only band-that can sell out large arenas in the US. And most...

Friends with Benefit Concert

The "Friends with Benefit" Concert is a unique experience for students and young people to realize their power to make a difference through their talents. In an effort to combine the musical skill of undiscovered bands and solo artists throughout Munich, as well as donating money to a great cause, the Benefit is a fun and new way to influence the youth culture of today and encourage and motivate others to follow on the same path of helping the less fortunate. SOS Kinderdorf is an extremely...

This week in Munich

Toronto four-piece Azari & III hit the Feierwerk on Monday 14th November, with their dark disco sounds. The sound channels hedonistic nostalgic house and their debut was released in August of this year to much acclaim (and opened an interesting debate on 'eighties house revival' - are we really recycling culture so quickly?).Support from ice-cool Danes When Saints Go Machine.

Kaiser Chiefs are back in Munich this Monday, playing in Backstage at 8pm. You would be forgiven for thinking the...

Third time charm for Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep solidifies her standing as one of the best actresses ever, and in the process helps redefine what movie goers want. She won her third Academy Award Sunday night to the shock (how!) of many. In the history of motion pictures there have been all types of stars. Some stars so beautiful that they stopped traffic. There are others who immersed themselves so deeply into their characters that it took years off their lives in the process. There have been some who could sing and others who...

Some Things to Ponder, part 1

The Information Age is here. There is little doubt about that. A major question remains: "How long will it continue and what are the costs?" Here is a look at the future of smart devices. Keep in mind that it is only one side-without any consideration of the raw materials needed, environmental/cultural impact, health issues, etc. Tim Cook, the new CEO of Apple Computers, recently said in an interview that in two years, Apple sold 55 million iPads. To put that into context it took Apple three...

Georgia O'Keeffe: An American Woman and Artist

As one flies over New York or Chicago they are often struck by the sheer size and height of the buildings that stretch towards the sky. They are multi-layered symbols of America which include wealth, power, innovation and architecture. Tourists crane their necks to get a better look, and in the process give themselves away. Visitors are left with a long-lasting impression, and often a second or third experience does little to temper their enthusiasm and awe. And yet, after all of this concrete...

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela, Munich Backstage Werk, 25th November 2011.
Rodrigo Sanches y Gabriela Quintero arrived on stage right on time at Backstage Werk, to warm up the cold evening atmosphere on the 25th November. The German crowd responded enthusiasticly and so set the stage for the evening. The two fast fingered Mexicans, with a music style hard to describe or even put a label on, presented songs from their latest album '11:11', which they have been promoting during their tour, which has...

The Crookes : Interview

Sheffield band The Crookes hit Munich on Friday for the second time this year (they played to a sell-out crowd at the Atomic Cafe back in May). Noel Gallagher has praised their intelligent lyricism, Steve Lamacq helped catapult them to fame as one of their biggest fans and John McClure from Reverend and the Makers has referred to their songs as "musical genius". Rachel Preece caught up with the four-piece to reflect on a hugely successful 2011 as they look to a promising 2012.

How's the tour...

Preview - The Little Match Girl Ballet

Most would agree that the holidays are a joyous occasion, however for some it can be a time of isolation, deep sadness or tragedy.  Such was the 1845 Danish tale by Hans Christian Andersen about The Little Match Girl, now set to music and brought to life as classic ballet by choreographer Heinz Manniegel for the Private Ballet Academy, Benedict-Manniegel.

The little match girl begins her methodical steps to the music of Franz Shubert, alternated by soloists Viola Klostermann and Eriko Kogure,...

Christmas Carols, Polar Bears and Prostitutes

Recently I was having a walk with my family around Marienplatz, the main shopping area in Munich. Accompanied by three little girls (aged 1, 4 and 6), we couldn't possibly miss the annual Christmas window display at Galeria, Munich's premier department store. Every year the store's seasonal display features a different selection of cute animated puppets showing animals engaged in various activities and professions. As you can imagine, both children and adults alike love it and it is a pleasure...