Tune into Tuesday with local acoustic artists

Having just re-entered the estranged world of the normal 9 to 5, Monday to Friday working week, after a stint living in the limbo that is the split shifts of the hospitality industry, I'm going through a slight adjustment process.

I have my evenings to myself again. It's such a joy I finally understand why Swiss Germans have a special term for a free evening after work – the Feierabend.

It is certainly not something that should be taken for granted - or wasted watching Zart oder Bart. Sure, you need a little extra effort to really make the most of the weeknights. But Zurich holds all kinds of treats in store for those that do manage to shift up a gear.

This week, for the sake of research purposes, I took my flatmate off to the Hafenkneipe (Militarstrasse 12 – a short walk from Bahnhofstrasse, or tram ride with the 3) to catch the monthly acoustic set, Tuesday Night Unplugged.

The gig was cosily attended and the crowd was lax but into it, and definitely there for a good time of a Tuesday.

Tuesday nighters: Getting down

Local musicicians, brothers Mark and Alex Lim have a regular slot playing originals Mark defines by what they're not: “Not pop, not rock, not folk.

“It's harmonies, original acoustic,” he says vaguely. Well, whatever it is, it sounds good to me. And to the rest of the 20-30somethings up for a little taste of early weekend to break up those solid five days.

Mark also invites along a different guest every month just to mix it up a bit.

The brothers have an impressive covers repertoire, catering to a range of requests. “We play it all,” says Mark. “Nirvana to Britney Spears. There's some stuff we wouldn't do though – we still have to have fun.”

Hmm they do Britney so where exactly does this band draw the line? “We wouldn't do Schlager music,” says Mark.

Zurich musicians, Mark (left) and Alex Lim: Feeling it

The brothers play in several different bands, depending on who's around. Redwood exists when the singer is in the country. (Sidebar of music industry gossip, which may only be interesting for fellow kiwis, but... right now she is in New Zealand with her fiance, who happens to be a part of one of NZ's music success stories, The Feelers, and plans on bringing him back here to get married in the very near future). The boys are also involved with 4elle and Tired Old Men, the latter named as they aim to “age with dignity”, says Mark. “And to keep expectations low”.

Unnecessary it would seem, as the crowd loves the chilled vibe the band gives out, the unique riffs and intriguing lyrics.

Mark says he learnt to sing in English by watching MTV, and was really inspired musically by the 1989 MTV music awards, after seeing Jon Bon Jovi singing Living on a Prayer. Other influences include Tom Waits, Pearl Jam, Kurt Weill and Buck 65.

At the end of the day it's really just about good music and fun songs, says Mark.

And at the end of a Tuesday what more could you want?

For more information on Tuesday Night Unplugged see: http://www.hafenkneipe.ch/pages/start.php, and for songs and info on Mark Lim see: www.myspace.com/marklimzurich.

Anna Tuson - Expatica 2008