Moscow is, by all accounts, a happening place. But it is also a huge place, and with all that's going on daily, it can be hard — yes, even for the locals — to actually pick something worthwhile to do. So, this is what I'm going to do for you: filter out all the rubbish and throw a few great suggestions your way. Let's have a look at this weekend, then!
Friday is bringing us something very special: the world-famous king of electro-swing, also known as Parov Stelar. Moscow loves this Austrian DJ, whose real name, by the way, is Marcus Fureder — a little bit of fan trivia for you there! Parov Stelar performed here just last year, but he has got a new album out, called The Invisible Girl, so you can catch all your favorite tracks and some brand new ones all in one night.
But if electro-swing sounds like something you could never get excited about, do not despair: Moscow has something for everyone. Whether it's extreme metal or an bluesy acoustic set from a former rap star that does it for you, we've got it — and yes, I will tell you where it's at.
For all you death metal fans out there, the name Carcass should ring a bell. These guys have been around the block a few times and are credited with pioneering both grindcore and melodic death metal. This tour is aimed at promoting their new album, their first in 17 years, which is no small feat. So if you want to rock out and start your weekend with a bang, go check these guys out! They're playing at the brand-new Volta Club, which is located at 19 Bumazhny Proyezd, building 3, Savelovskaya metro station. The concert kicks off at 8 p.m. Friday, after which the band moves on to St. Petersburg.
And for those of you who prefer something a bit lighter, then you should make your way to Teatr club, located on 20 Staraya Basmannaya Ulitsa, building 1. They are hosting singer-songwriter Everlast on Sunday who — if you're struggling to place him — was the frontman of popular 1990s rap group House of Pain before leaving the band to pursue a solo career, and and a very successful one at that. But before you panic and start imagining acoustic rap, whatever that may sound like in your mind, just remember that Everlast's music is actually a unique blend of rock, blues, country and spellbinding lyrics. His latest album, The Life Acoustic, has gotten rave reviews, so give yourself the perfect chilled-out Sunday with some great music before the work week madness begins.
And remember, the bottom line is, whatever you do and wherever you go this weekend, all you really need is to have fun. There'll be plenty of time to complain about winter and traffic and the rest of it but for now, just enjoy the city: It's pretty awesome.
Katerina Azarova is a radio host at Moscow FM 105.2, Moscow's English-language radio station.
Contact the author at artsreporter@imedia.ru