Dark techno in a car wash, Switzerland’s most unique festival, Geneva night outs and a soul-crushing documentary. Here’s what’s up in our May cultural selection.

Culture Box #14

Welcome to The Culture Box, our monthly selection of cultural events, happenings and launches to look out for in Geneva and around. Curated by Communications & Culture Manager, Stéphane Matute.

May is my favourite month of the year. Why is that? Well look at all these flowers blooming everywhere! And nature isn’t the only one waking up: people start flooding the streets at night, terrasses fill up, bicycle lanes get busier… It’s an invitation to go out.

Week 1 | Electron Festival

Geneva

Ahhh Electron festival… that moment of the year when you know that good times are ahead! And although the festival isn’t what it used to be (my fellow Geneva people will remember the original event before it got split across the year, thus making it less vibrant), it’s still a solid night out for electro lovers.

This year, night owls should be satisfied with the quite eclectic lineup. I would definitely advise booking your tickets for the Electron ❤ Techno party taking place at L’Industrie on Saturday 6th. Why is that? First, L’Industrie is a car wash by day and underground club by night, and second, you don’t want to miss techno DJ AIROD. Heavy stuff. 🖤

Week 2 | PALP Festival — November Ultra at La Combe d’Enfer

Fully

Having a busy day? You might want to take a deep breath and play Voyou’s latest EP Soleil, Soleil featuring the hypnotising voice of French singer November Ultra. Her voice is like a gentle caress on your soul and I recommend consuming it on a daily basis.

In case you wish to extend the pleasure, do attend the extraordinary PALP festival on Saturday 13th. November Ultra is giving a hell of a peculiar gig, right in the middle of a vineyard, in the “Hell Valley” of Fully. Goosebumps guaranteed (and delicious vino too).

In case you live in Geneva, you can also attend the famous Caves Ouvertes happening on the same day!

Week 3 | Audio — Andrea Oliva

Geneva

To continue on the techno journey, I would recommend checking out Andrea Olivia mixing at Audio on Wednesday 17th! The Swiss DJ learned the ropes in Basel and became known when teaming up with legendary club Nordstern’s owner Agi Isaku in the organisation of their ‘Banditz’ parties across Switzerland.

He’s currently resident at the Ushuaïa Club in Ibiza and comes back occasionally on Swiss soil. Go check him out!

Week 4 | All the Beauty and the Bloodshed — any decent theatre

Switzerland

If you’ve got one movie to go watch this year, this is the one. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed by Laura Poitras was released in Switzerland in late April and we had to wait 5 long months since its first release date in the US. Critically acclaimed across the cinema scene worldwide, the HBO production follows the life of artist Nan Goldin in her quest to take down the powerful Sackler family by bluntly unfolding the horrors hidden behind its flamboyant “patron of the arts” position.

A visceral documentary piece which brings the question “What’s the role of art?” at a place where bananas taped on walls don’t belong. Must. Watch.