As spring unfolds in its full brilliance, Copenhagen tends to become one of those shape-shifting locations that is suddenly full of life and verve, with a multitude of happenings and social gatherings that one can attend.
The past month featured solid shows in the capital by the likes of The Gaslight Anthem, Imagine Dragons and, though it is far from my comprehension as to how and why, Justin Bieber also managed to woo the hearts of many an adolescent Dane.
The futuristic Dome of Visions on Krøyers Plads has also wowed everyone who came within eyeshot of it, with a range of audiovisual, experimental events within its easy-going transitory confines. Sadly the Dome will soon be on its way to Aarhus, where it will reside for the next few months.
There are, however, quite a few other events on the radar that are worth checking out, with this year’s Distortion festival promising to be the jewel in the crown of the spring calendar.
Forum Humanum
Theatre bod or not, Forum Humanum will surely entertain everyone who shows up to it. The second of a short series – a theatrical study of humanity as a transitory species – showcases the minimalist, innovative expressionist dance and audiovisual creations of the Kitt Johnson X-act, who’ve been nominated for various prizes for their experimentation with elements of dance, sound, light and space.
Dansehallerne, Pasteursvej 20, Cph V; June 8-21 tickets 130kr
Distortion festival
Brodinsky, Erol Alkan, Sebastien and Riton are the key names to watch out for at this year’s Distortion festival. Central Copenhagen residents will be pleased to note that this year they won’t have to put up with the hordes of crazed crowds jamming the streets as this year’s Distortion will veer clear of the centre, sticking to Nørrebro and Vesterbro and diverging to a waterfront location by Refshaleøen. Promising night hosts this year include the veritable French record label Ed Banger Records, the Red Bull Music Academy, electronic music bastion Culture Box and online music media Resident Advisor. Expect mouthwatering events from all of the aforementioned plus more of the same over the course of the four-day festival that has gained accolades and admirers worldwide for its notoriety, daring nature and outside-the box festival planning.
all over Cph; starts May 29, ends June 2; week-pass: 350-400kr, free adm to neighbourhood parties; www.cphdistortion.dk
Mother Lewinsky
The rise of Mother Lewinsky has been somewhat meteoric over the last year. Fizzing a daredevil blend of classical violin-based infusions with a rock twist is a bold move, and pulling it off as they do is sheer class. The trio all have backgrounds in classical music forms, and one of them also plays a central role in one of the nation’s bands du jour, the hyped Balkan orchestra Tako Lako. Mother Lewinsky will also be playing at Tivoli on May 10 (see G6 for details) and are playing Roskilde in July.
Ideal bar, Vega, Cph V; May 31, 20:00; tickets 90kr
Fritz Kalknbrenner
Esteemed Berlin DJ Paul Kalknbrenner owns the bragging rights in his family, but his brother Fritz is no slouch himself, even though he’s less well-known. KB18 is as close to Berlin’s industrial, mirror-free clubland as you can get in these parts, so for those of you yearning for a taste of the German capital’s passion for electronic music, this is one party you do not want to miss out on.
KB18, Cph V; May 24, 23:00; tickets 120-155kr
Mala In Cuba
Any night that’s hosted by drum ‘n’ bass collective the OHOI crew is a night worth checking out. Along with music promoters Red Bull Music Academy, the city’s drum ‘n’ bass pioneers have managed to bring English dubstep protegee Mala In Cuba over to the ‘Pump House’ for what will surely be a quality show. Mala in Cuba is recognised as an innovator and frontman in dubstep circles, having established himself firmly on the UK’s tight circuit over the last few years.Watch him backed by an ensemble that combines Jamaican, Cuban and British fusions with a fair bit of dexterity.
Pumpehuset, Studiestræde 52, Cph K; June 6, 21:00; tickets 195kr
