OUT & ABOUT - Week 8

Kirsten Dunst in Melancholia, Madou Auditorium - Feb 21

STAGE COMMITTEE

On Friday February 24, the Stage Committee and EPSA present you the Stagiaires Farewell Party! The end of our traineeship is definitely approaching, but there is no reason to be truly sad, we had a great time and hopefully we have a bright future in front of us. The show must go on! With that in our minds, let's get together for the very very very last time, let's dance and have fun! Doors open at 11 pm. Location: City Club, Tickets: € 5.00 presale / € 7.00 at the door.

IDEAS THAT MATTER
“Stagiaires’ Ideas that Matter: our Impact on the World” is the title of an exciting conference organised by trainees of the European Commission. It will take place on Wednesday 22nd February 2012 at 18.30 at The Hub Brussels. Around ten speakers will take turns on the stage to give short presentations related to the main theme ‘Our Impact on the World’. The conference is inspired by the famous multidisciplinary TED events, but organised entirely independently from TED. Under the motto ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’, TED events feature concise presentations (maximum 18 minutes).

WINE TASTING
On Thursday the 23rd of February the October 2011 Stage Beer and Wine Committee goes down under, for a professional wine tasting in cooperation with the sommeliers of the Australian wine shop Migs World Wines. The evening starts at 7.15 PM in the shop, and includes the testing of 8 wines, as well as introductions, explanations and anecdotes by Mig's wine expert Xavier. Only 15 places are available and will be sold on a first come-first served basis, so please reserve your place ASAP by sending an email to Anna Mirsch or Sophie Kok, who will give you further instructions on payment. Price: € 15.00 (with AC) / € 16,50 (without AC).

PARTY
Although the European carnival period has ended, Antitapas gives you a chance to celebrate again at Antitapas Carnival Brasil Night. The only and original night with more than 3 different stages, 3 styles of music, 5 live concerts, more than 40 live musicians, artistic performances, free food during the aperò and sometimes free beers. Special Dish of the Night: Feijoada. Location: Les Caves de Cureghem. Tickets: before 11 pm € 5.00 / after 11 pm € 7.00.

Also on Saturday night, The Red Room at Aloft Hotel by Eurocrats. Live saxophone and percussion show accompanying the DJ all night long by Fred Becker and Don Olivero. Music by DJ Markx (Aloft Resident). Dress Code: Modern, trendy, classy. Doors Open at 10.30 pm.

CINEMA
For their very last screening, the CineClub will screen Lars von Trier's Melancholia (2011).As the end of our stage period is drawing nearer, CineClub hosts its last film screening on 21 February. To mark the end of a fantastic season of European and international films, the CineClub team invites you to a screening of Melancholia (2011), Lars von Trier's latest film. To celebrate in style, we will not only offer you drinks and snacks, but resident DJ Matt Pole will provide good music to set the mood at Madou Auditorium from 6.30pm onwards. The film then starts at 7.30 pm. Entrance: FREE.

ANIMATION
The Brussels International Animation Film Festival, takes place in Flagey from February 17 to 26, 2012. Over one hundred and fifty films participate in the international competition (shorts and features, commercials, music videos). Other events: retrospectives, exhibitions, lessons, workshops for kids, the Futurama professional days, round-table discussions, numerous guests and concerts.

ARCHITECTURE
From February 7 until March 11, students of the Faculté d’architecture, d’ingénierie architecturale, d’urbanisme (LOCI) de l’UCL, Architecture Saint-Luc Brussels show their works in the Coudenberg. The exhibition takes place under the arches of the hotel of Hoogstraeten-Lalaing and presents a selection of the works realized by the students in first year of high school (panels and models).

ART
The Cy Twombly exhibition at Bozar presents more than 100 dry prints, generated from Polaroid photographs, which were selected in close cooperation with the artist himself prior to his death on July 5th, 2011. From still-life images of flowers and brushes, snap shots of his studio and museums interiors, details from his paintings to views of ancient temples and atmospheric landscapes, the ethereal and delicate photographs reveal the themes that have nourished the artist’s paintings, drawings, sculptures and graphic art.

MUSIC
In the context of the exhibition by Mexican artist Blanka Amezkua, the famous and beloved singer Silvia Abalos will present an evening of Mexican music at Art Base. Silvia Abalos' voice has an enormous range and flexibility, and she is an impressive performer in all styles. For the concert on Saturday February 25th, she has invited a number of guest musicians that match her strong dynamics and passion. Tickets: €12.50.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 7

Loumèn plays at Piola.libri on February 16, 7pm. Photo by Vaya Sigmas. 

CARNIVAL

BINCHE (BE): Carnival in Binche dates back to the 14th century and has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The centrepiece of carnival in Binche are the Gilles, clown-like performers wearing strange masks from wax. This year, the main activities are organised on February 19, 20 and 21 February 2012. The parade takes off on Sunday, 3pm. And, as the Binchois say: "Il n’y a qu’un Binche au monde". NMBS offers a 50% discount on your train ticket.

AALST (BE): Also recognized by UNESCO is the Carnival in Aalst. In Aalst, people celebrate Carnival for a full week. The elected Prince Carnaval is allowed to rule the city from Sunday to Tuesday. At 1pm on Sunday, a large parade of groups and decorated floats will start their journey through the city. NMBS offers a 50% discount on your train ticket.

MAASTRICHT (NL): From the 19th of February until the 21st of February 2012 Carnival in Maastricht will be celebrated, also known as “Vasteloavend in Mestreech”. During this three day festival all people forget their boundaries and the city centre of Maastricht is filled with thousands costumed people. Sunday the 19th of February the annual parade takes place in the city centre of Maastricht. With dazzling decorated vehicles, costumes and music the Carnival celebrating people of Maastricht will go through the city.

COLOGNE (DE): In Cologne the "crazy days" of Carnival begin the Thursday before Rosenmontag and are celebrated with parties on the streets, in public squares and in pubs. Traditionally the gathering of the colourful Corps troops can be seen on Saturday at the Neumarkt. On Carnival Sunday school groups and borough parades take place all over the city. But the highlight of the street carnival is Rose Monday with a kilometre-long Carnival parade.

PARTY

Not a carnival fan? But you do like Snaps, Stockholm, Ikea, and blonde Swedish girls? Then the Swedish Spirit Party might be more your thing! On Friday night,  Eurocrats and Just a Night host another exclusive party at Anglican church-gone-club Spirito Martini. Julien d'Aléo will spin Commercial music, Disco, house, 80's and 90's. The dress code is "Nordic Twist". Doors Open 22:30.

Everybody wants to be classy or exclusive these days, but Filippo and Giorgio just want to have fun! Hotnights is back, and Filippo and Giorgio invite you to the first Hotnights party of the year in Cafe des Halles in St. Gery. Doors open at 9.30pm. Entrance: € 5.00.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Piola.libri presents Perceptions, a photo exhibition by Vaya Sigmas. Vaya's photography explores different states of mind: fantasising, masquerading and contemplating. Three states of mind that shape our perception of our surroundings and encounters and the appearances we maintain. The exhibition opens on February 16 with an acoustic show from Loumèn at 7pm.

CINEMA
Earlier this week, Galeries (previously Cinéma Arenberg) replaced the 10-year old projection screen in screening room 1, this means you can now experience an improved quality and a brighter image. Go to a screening of Albert Nobbs (2011), Go Go Tales (2007) or Sleeping Beauty (2011) and see for yourself! Tickets: € 8.00.

MUSIC
Two scenes, two days, two moods: the [PIAS] Nites play it both ways and plan to change the entire atmosphere from one night to another. With a complete transformation of the venue's space, [PIAS] Nites promises to be intimate and cozy the first night, and electric on the second. Friday, the evening augurs a monumental party thanks to the exclusive presence of M83! Location: Tour & Taxis. Tickets: € 35.00 presale / € 42.00 at the door.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 6

Affordable Art Far Brussels, Feb 9 - 12 at Tour & Taxis

STAGE COMMITTEE

Let's party together one last time at the Euroball on Saturday! Being February, this Euroball is drawing inspiration from Carnival. Dress code: Ladies should don their favourite cocktail dress, and gentlemen a suit and tie. Conceal your face with a mask, or paint something exotic on your cheeks... It is sure to be a mysterious night! This year's ball takes place at Les Caves de Cureghem, the magnificent underground cellars. Tickets: €20.00 (non-AC) at the door. 

PARTY
Mombo Party is back again with another great party, this time the theme is masquerade! Friday night's Masquerade Night takes place at La Place, a place that will not let you indifferent. Dress code: wear a mask, or you may not get in.Music by DJ Mombo from Spain, DJ Deenie from Jordan and local DJ Boykos. Doors open at 23pm. Entrance: € 5.00.

FASHION
The trainees from the European Parliament have put on a Charity Fashion Show for an HIV/AIDS charity. On the catwalk there will be a mix of professional and stagiaire models, and maybe even some MEPs. The best of up-and-coming Belgian talent will feature the latest in avant-garde and pret-a-porter designs. So come show your support on Thursday and let´s round off our traineeship in style and fun. Where & When: European Parliament, Thursday 6.30pm.

ART
From February 9 until February 12, Brussels hosts the Affordable Art Fair, with (you guessed it right) affordable art! This fourth edition of the Affordable Art Fair welcomes a selection of more than 90 Belgian and international galleries at the 'Tour & Taxis'. It is the unmissable art event for anyone who wants to find themselves a perfect work of art. All works are sold for between €50 and €5000. Tickets: € 11.00 pre-sale, € 13.00 at the door.

MUSEUM
On Thursday, February 9th, Bozar gives you the opportunity to visit the new exhibition Per Kirkeby for free! The museum will be open until 9pm and you have the chance to be one of the first to discover the retrospective of one of the biggest Danish painters after Asger Jorn and his unexpected confrontation with the “forbidden” paintings of Kurt Schwitters. A tribute to nature, colours and freedom, which also opens the festival Let’s Dansk. Entrance: FREE

FILM FEST
The 26th edition of the Tels Quels LGBT Film Festival lasts until February 12 and has a number of great films on the programme. Worth seeing: Miwa : à la recherche du lézard noir (2010, France) on Wednesday at 7pm (Watch our video interview with Director Pascal-Alex Vincent), Joe + Belle (2011, Israel) on Thursday at 7pm,  Looking for Simon (2011, Germany) on Saturday at 9pm, and Zenne Dancer (2012, Turkey) on Sunday at 3pm. Location: Cinéma Vendôme, Ixelles. Tickets: € 7.00 / 5.00.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 5

Cupcakes at the 14th Brussels Vintage Market, February 5

MUSIC

Music lovers will get to revel in a mixture of different music styles at the ProPulse Festival at Botanique. World music, urban, jazz, blues, folk, pop-rock, rock, electro... ProPulse has it all. Suggestions: Noa Moon (acoustic), Crazy Lady Madrid (pop/rock/electro), Funky Bompa (funk/tropical), Joy as a Toy (pop/rock). January 30 - February 4. Tickets: €7.00 per day.

VINTAGE
On Sunday February 5th, vintage enthusiasts should head to K-Nal for the Brussels Vintage Market to partake in an afternoon of second-hand shopping. Scavenge for clothes, bags, hats, shoes, jewellery, belts, watches, gloves, scarves, glasses and more. And don't forget to try the cupcakes! Open: 12pm to 7pm. Entrance: FREE.

FRI NIGHT PARTIES
DG Devco has organized an Express Party to take your mind off job applications. DJ Mattia will be behind the decks. Location: Smouss Café. Entrance € 4.00.

For those who can't wait until Carnaval: there is a masquerade ball at the breathtaking club-in-a-church Spirito Martini. The former Anglican church was converted into a club and now features three bars and five seperate lounge areas. Le Grand Bal Masque by Elitist starts at 10.30pm and includes music by Fabio Simone & Juilien D'Aleo and violinist Milena de Barquin.

Check out La Demence at Club Fuse for the biggest circuit party in the Benelux. Two floors with different DJs, including Fabio White, Steven Redant and Elias. Entrance € 15.00 (22h-23h) / € 20.00 (after 23h) or €10.00/15.00 (when younger than 26 years).

Havana Club is hosting another Friends Party, which means one free bottle of Champagne if you come with a group of friends. Happy hour from 10pm to 12am.

SAT NIGHT PARTIES
A small and intimate 80s funk dubstep party at art studio Atelier Orange, right by Metro Botanique. From 10pm to 5am. Address: Rue Royale 172. Entrance: FREE.

From 23pm, (wannabe) hipsters will flock to Biberium near Central Station for the first Bitchy Butch of the year. The dresscode is whatever you want: gold leggings, strass, glitter, cardboard, your grandmother's dress, a panda-suit... anything goes really! Music by Dent de Lait, Celine Gillian and Horst von Shampoo.

Celebrate the below zero temperatures at Winter Sensation at Mirano, near Madou. They serve Lemon-Vodka sorbets for those who aren't cold enough yet. Happy hour from 11pm to 12am.

FILM FEST
On Thursday, the 26th edition of the Tels Quels LGBT Film Festival kicks off at 7pm with a screening of Going Down in LA-LA Land (2011, USA). Click here to read our interview with director Casper Andreas. Also worth seeing: Notre Paradis (2011, France) on Saturday at 7pm, Kill The Habit (2010, USA) on Saturday at 9pm (Watch our video interview with director Laura Neri), Romeos (2011, Germany) on Sunday at 7pm, and Mon Arbre (2011, France) at 9pm. Location: Cinéma Vendôme, Ixelles. Tickets: € 7.00 / 5.00

OUT & ABOUT - Week 4

Art Truc Troc at Bozar, January 27-29

STAGE COMMITTEE

Solidarity, the Stage Committee and National events subcommittee are really excited to announce the best and biggest event of the stage - Multi Kulti festival! Saturday from 20:00 to 22:30, Café des Halles in St. Géry will be the location for the Multi Kulti Food Fair. Expect food and drink samples from more than 15 different countries, a latino dance workshop, live music and a culture corner. The Food Fair will be followed by the Multi Kulti Party. Entrance Food Fair: €5.00. Entrance Party: €8.00 at the door.

ART

Art Truc Troc does not only give young artists the chance to exhibit their work, it also allows them to exchange art pieces for goods or services. Considering the instability of the eurozone and the possible end of the euro as a single currency, going back to bartering does not sound like bad idea at all! Visitors can write their name and phone number on a post-it and leave it next to the artwork they like. At the last Truc Troc, artist Eric Adam exchanged a painting for a week in a penthouse in Knokke and Anthony Asael received 52 Japanese massages for his photograph. Art Truc Troc takes place at Bozar, from Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29. Entrance: €5.00. 

MUSIC

On Thursday from 22:00, Maxime Duquesne, the artist behind ExtinT, will perform at Mr. Wong and sweep you away with his elegant and sensual voice. ExtinT punctuates poetic lyrics drawn from the most emotional life experiences; hope and despair, resentment and nostalgia, sex, desire and not least, love. Musical sounds were formed by objects of daily life, the human body, and amplified by electronic beats resulting in a deeply touching atmospheric texture. Entrance: FREE.

On Friday, Brussels based jazz singer Loumèn performs at the Winter Jazz Festival in Theatre Marni, Ixelles. She mixes jazz with a touch of pop, soul, funk and even electro. Backed by her quartet, Loumèn is set to present a very personal repertoire of jazzy compositions. Tickets:  €15.00

CLASSICAL

The famous violinist Vadim Repin will perform for the first time the violin concerto of Alban Berg and he has chosen the Brussels Philharmonic to work with. So don’t miss the première. The concert takes place on Friday, January 27 at 20:00. The other work that evening is ‘Le martyre de Saint Sebastien’ from Claude Debussy. Tickets:  €5.00 for stagiaires. E-mail to tickets@brusselsphilharmonic.be for more information.

CULTURE
On Thursday night, the Sazz 'N Jazz Musicroom near Botanique will be transformed into a little Turkish delight. Imagine yourself in the middle east at at the Soul of Istanbul, with Turkish food and traditional as well as modern Turkish music! Tickets: Presale €8.00, €10.00 at the door.

PARTY
On Friday, Les Enfants Perdus presents a number of artists, including electronic DJs Curtis Jeki vs Jazzydemon and Umlaut, the brainchild of electro connoisseurs David Gorez and Johan De Vylder. Inspired by all different styles of electronic music, you can expect a musical voyage from soft house music to harder techno music, going back and then forward again. Les Enfants Perdus takes place at The Wood, which is located in the forest south of Ixelles.

Yes, it's that time of the month again! Time for crazy shit at Antitapas, the only and original party with more than 3 different stages, 5 live concerts, 3 styles of music, 3 or more dj's, free food, creativity and now also free hair cuts, a photo studio, expositions in the toilets, handmade pasta, products from Carso, fire-breathing and much more! Nearest metro: Delacroix. A free shuttle bus takes you from the city center to Antitapas and back.Tickets: €5.00 before 23:00, €8.00 after 23:00.

CINEMA
On Sunday, the LC Brussels Amigo screens the documentary Once upon a time in China…and I was there, too. (2011) by Italian director Nino Azzarello. Azzarello lived in China for two years and documented the daily lives of Chinese people during the Cultural Revolution. He captured the astonishment and curiosity of the people of Beijing, while they were moving, eating, walking, working or enjoying a summer Sunday in the previously forbidden city. The screening is at 18:30 at Le Cercle des Voyageurs, near Grand Place.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 3

Learn about the history and process of making chocolate
at the Museum of  Cocoa and Chocolate

Act on your chocolate desires in the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate and dance off the calories at one of the many parties being organised this weekend. Brussels Up! Soundsystem at Bonnefooi on Thursday, the Vintage Party at Barrio Cafe or Midnight Club at Bar Les Nouveaux Ruses on Friday and  House of Vice at Mr Wong on Saturday.

STAGE COMMITTEE

Chocolate!!! It's difficult not to get excited about that! The stage committee invites all chocolate lovers and cocoa connoisseurs to join them on Saturday the 21st for a visit to the Museum of Chocolate. Cost: €6.50 (Entrance & Guided Tour. You can buy your ticket in the Stage committee office (Madou tower, 24/ 32). 

PARTY

Why not start the weekend on Thursday at Bonnefooi where Brussels Up! soundsystem will play all night long.  Brussels Up! soundsystem consists of Brussels based DJ`s SebCat, LeBlanc, Darcyr and Sonidero Quilombo. They share the same interest in non western, street level music. On January 19, from 23:00 onward, expect to hear acoustic, lo fi and electronic folk pop from around the world. Entrance: FREE

Friday, the 20th of January, Barrio Cafè hosts the Vintage Party which will take you through the intense atmospheres of ’60, ’70, ’80 and ‘90 music: funk, surf, rock, soul, disco, indie and lentos.

Another option for Friday is The Grand Opening of Midnight Club in Bar Les Nouveaux Ruses. Two Brussels based DJ's, De Ville and Mombo will play House and Electro from as early as 20:00. Bar Les Nouveaux Ruses serves a number of tapas for those who need some energy before a long night out. Entrance@ FREE

On Saturday, House of Vice celebrates its first anniversary at Mr Wong. The party will feature three live bands from Lille (My Disco Jacket, Diederdas and Douglas and the Beauties), a DJ set by Rick Shiver, a funny photomaton, a runway, and the distribution of goodies! Doors open at 22:00. Entrance: €3 before midnight, €5 after midnight.

FILM
Head to Cinema Nova on Sunday evening for a screening of Eight Deadly Shots (1972), a Finnish television series about a farmer who kills four cops who have come to arrest him. The four episodes explore the tragedy and hardship of rural life. Ticket: €5.

MUSIC
The French ensemble Les Witches, who never fail to 'bewitch' the stage, invite us to discover "Konge af Danmark (1550-1650)" on Friday, the 20th of January at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Tickets: €19/€30.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 2

Europalia.Brasil, until January 15 2012

ART

This week is your last chance to visit the Europalia.Brasil exhibition. Europalia is a major international arts festival held every two years to celebrate one invited country’s cultural heritage. This year, the festival takes you to Brazil. Europalia.Brasil takes place in more than 200 venues across Belgium. Visit the two main exhibitions ‘Brazil.Brasil’ and ‘Art in Brazil’ at the Centre for Fine Arts or listen to Brasilian music at Bozar.  

Do you feel more like getting your hands dirty yourself? On Sunday January 15, Botanique organizes the workshop Curieux chassés croisés as part of the exhibition Wunderkammer.  This workshop will introduce you to different art techniques by letting you create a strange or obscure creature under the guidance of animation experts. Let your imagination run wild!

MUSIC
Zola Quartet is playing in Bar du Matin at 21:00 on Thursday. By combining traditional Spanish music with contemporary Jazz, the Zola Quartet takes its inspiration from the common roots: the energy and the improvisation. The quartet invites you to experience their music in is most sincere form.

Not a Spanish Jazz fan? Then head to Madame Moustache on Saturday for a broader mix of music. From 22:00 onwards Dusty Grooves will spin records from a wide range of music genres, including 80s, funk, disco and house. Entrance: €5.

On the same night, Eurocrats hosts another Resident's Night at Aloft, the design hotel situated in the heart of the European quarter – between Schuman and Place de Luxembourg. The doors open at 22:30. Make sure to dress modern, trendy, classy or all of the above.

FILM Isabelle Lavigne and Stéphane Thibault's documentary At Night They Dance (2010) will be screened at Bozar on Sunday. The film takes us into the heart of a clan of women in which the profession of dancer is traditionally passed down from mother to daughter. Gradually, we become aware of the uncertainties of this life and of its connections with the anxieties of a chaotic reality.

OUT & ABOUT - WEEK 1

Roman Polanski exhibition at Bozar, until January 8

Hopefully one of your New Year's resolutions is to make the most of your remaining time in Brussels. Can you believe the traineeship ends in less than two months? Neither can we, so let's go out and explore!

STAGE COMMITTEE

The stage committee invites you to a (Late) New Year's Celebration at January 6 in SMOUSS Cafe. This is the right time to remind your colleagues what "fun in Brussels" looks like. Venue: SMOUSS Cafe, Time: 22:30, Entrance: €8 at the door.

PARTY
Ready for a crazy night out? Eurocrats, one of the best expat parties in Brussels, is back to their regular scheduled event lineup and starts off the New Year with Party In a Villa at Parc Savoy. On Saturday January 7, come dance and mingle with an international crowd, and don't forget to dress to impress. Venue: Parc Savoy, Time: 22:30.  

FILM
Bozar presents Roman Polanski, an exhibition that illustrates the career of the great Polish film-maker through photographs of the actor and director in full action, archive footage from collections held by his friends (Wajda, Kostenka, Gutowski and Nowak) and posters from the Lodz Film Museum. The exhibition runs until Sunday January 8. Venue: Bozar, Entrance: FREE.

MUSIC

The group Pau Xêroso will play live at the Brasilian Forró da Lua Ball at La Tentation on Saturday January 7.  Time: 20:30, Entrance: €5.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 51

The BE Film Festival features 17 Belgian films from 2011, 19 to 23rd  December

Just because you are flying home in a few days to celebrate Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/New Year's, does not mean you have to stay at home this week. Brussels has plenty to offer in the next few days. And all this rain and snow is a really good excuse to go to the cinema and enjoy some films.

CINEMA

On Monday, December 19 at 6:30 PM, the LGBT Subcommittee is screening the award-winning film 'Contracorriente' (Undertow). Contracorriente tells the story of a Peruvian fisherman who appears to live a traditional life in a small but charming seaside village. Miguel is married to a lovely woman but also caught up in a passionate love affair with artist Santiago. The film will be introduced by human rights expert Rebeca Sevilla, who will talk about the situation of lesbians and gays in her home-country Peru and other Latin American countries. Venue: Madou Auditorium, ground floor Madou building. Entrance: FREE.

On Tuesday, December 20 at 7:00 PM, the Cineclub is showing the Polish film 'Seksmisja' (Sexmission) to mark the end of the Polish Presidency. Seksmisja is about two scientists who volunteer for a hibernation experiment and get transported 50 years into the future, when the male species has become extinct.

Venue: Madou Auditorium, ground floor Madou building. Entrance: FREE.

FILM FEST
From December 19 to December 23rd Bozar and Cinematek will be the venue for the 7th annual BE Film Festival. BE Film Festival celebrates Belgian cinema from both Flanders and Wallonia, and will feature 18 Belgian films released in 2011. The festival launches on Monday with the world premiere of Torpedo, a film by Matthieu Donck about a man who wants to attend a meet & greet with his life long idol Eddy Merckx, but in order to do so he has to find a family first. The director and a number of cast members will be present at the screening.

Also worth seeing are: 22 Mei (December 20, 21.00 at Bozar), a thriller about a bomb explosion in a shopping mall; Noordzee Texas (December 21, 19.00 at Bozar); Smoorverliefd (December 21, 21.00 at Bozar), a romantic comedy about four women trying to find their way through the chaos of love; Les Geants (December 21, 21.00 at Cinematek), La Fee (December 22, 20.45 at Bozar); cyberthriller Pulsar (December 23, 21.00 at Bozar); and Quartier Lontain (December 23, 21.30 at Bozar), a drama about a 50-year old man who wakes up in his teenage years. Tickets: €3 for CINEMATEK, €6 for BOZAR and €9 for the opening film.

MUSIC

On Monday at 21.30 PM, music cafe Bonnefooi will host a gig by Netherfriends, a psyche-pop band from Chicago. Entrance: FREE

On Tuesday, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra will play a homage to Agatha Christie at Flagey together with Finnish composer Kerkko Koskinen, who used to head the rock pop band Ultra Bra, but now lends his talent to the musical reading of crime fiction. Tickets: €18 to €23.

ART

From November 22, 2011 to March 3, 2012, The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium is exhibiting a selection of artworks by contemporary artists such as Rik Wouters, Fritz Van Den Berghe, Salvador Dali, Giorgio de Chirico, Paul Delvaux, Joan Miro, Constant Permeke, Victor Servranckx, Georges Vantongerloo, Simon Hantaï, Henri Matisse, Jo Delahaut, Luc Tuymans and Thiery De Cordier. Tickets: €8, students €5.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 50

Fashion pieces at Dress is More at Center for Fashion and Design, 16-18 December

STAGE COMMITTEE
The stage committee has a small gift for you. Before you go home and enjoy Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Whatever with your beloved family, you can first celebrate the holiday season with your fellow trainees at Christmas à la Stagiaires at The Marquee. On Saturday December 17th, the "crème de la crème" DJ will spin the best tunes during the whole night – you can look forwards to the best Christmas song mix. Entrance: FREE.

DANCE
Thursday, December 15th is the closing evening of Nocturnes, the late night museum openings. To conclude, the Museum of Ixelles presents Mouvemologies, a choreographic production by Marie Martinez: dancers will apply Jean Dubuffet’s creative process before your very eyes, meeting this extraordinary artist in a truly original setting. A highly artistic experience offered with the collaboration of the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. Time: 17.00-19.00. The Museum of Ixelles also features an exhibition on Jean Dubuffet’s architectural work.

PARTY
Not in the mood for yet another Christmas party? Then head to Madame Moustache et son Freakshow on Friday the 16th for Fuck You It's X-mas. DJ Sand and Eric Pow B will be behind the decks to guide you through the history of electronic music. Entrance: €5.

FASHION
Dress is More' pop-up sale, first edition, is taking place at the Center for Fashion and Design of Brussels near St. Catherine on the 16th, 17th and 18th of December! Alexia de Ville and Sophie Corouge join their forces to bring together a beautiful sample of the best design and fashion pieces we can find on our land: designer clothes, furniture pieces and accessories of vintage deco, jewels, a selection of books by Tropismes Bookshop, and so on. All that in an enhanced environment with cosy bar all weekend! Opening Friday from 6 to 10pm with on the decks Geoffroy Mugwump, from the label Kompakt and co-organizer of the Leftorium parties!

SPORT
No more money left for a ticket to the Alps? No worries! Thanks to CitySki it is possible to go skiing in the heart of Brussels! Mont des Arts near Gare Centrale has made place for a 150m ski slope, covered in 50cm of snow. The slope is open every day from 10AM to 10PM and access to the slope costs €5 per 20 minutes. Renting ski gear (boots, ski's, helmet etc.) is €8. Entrance to the après-ski area is free.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 49

Brussels Philharmonic at Flagey, Friday 19.30

STAGE COMMITTEE
The stage committee invites you to Ukraine Night. Come and celebrate the Ukraine's 20th anniversary at Fuse. From 23:00 - 24:00 the famous Ukrainian band Atmasfera will be pumping the tunes. After midnight, DJ Fat Bass will get everyone on their feet until the early morning. Tickets €5-10.

CLASSICAL
Why not go to a classical concert before you head to the Ukranian Party? This Friday Brussels Philharmonic will introduce you to a rising star, the 21-year-old Eugène Ugorski, a first-class violinist. He will play one of the best-known violin concertos of all time, by Sibelius. Stagiaires can attend this concert at the exceptionally low price of 5 euro per ticket. Send an e-mail to tickets@brusselsphilharmonic.be.

PARTY
Le Palais des Sciences will celebrate the last crazy Antitapas Night of the year 2011. Antitapas features free food, free haircuts, performances, live concerts by Lokomotiv and Les Fanfoireux, sets by DJ Gaetano Fabri and DJ Glitter in the Gutter, and art by Coletivo Grafico. The party takes place in the underground caves of Cureghem, Rue Jules Ruhl 2 which is only 50 meters from Metro Station Delacroix.  There is also a special nightbus from the city center to the caves and back.

THEATRE
Kaaistudio's presents Character Witness, the a performance inspired by the autobiographical stories of Malcolm X, Hilary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher and Ariel Sharon. They each explain or justify some of their controversial political decisions on the basis of childhood experiences. Their stories are merged into a single speech, which will be delivered by three actors. The performance is at 8PM on Friday and Saturday. Entrance: FREE.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 48

Ice skating rink at St-Catherine

There is something for everyone this weekend: Wear a hat to the Funky Hat Party at Havana Club. Stroll around the city center to get in the Christmas mood. Dance the night away to Balkan music. Or watch a geeky film about the universe at the Planeterium.

PARTY

Say no to Christmas Parties and join the Funky Hat Party, where you can express all your creativity and drink champagne with your best friends. On Friday, those arriving at Havana Club before midnight with a hat on their head receive a free glass of champagne. Havana Club is open until 6 AM.

X-MAS

In case you haven't been downtown this week: the heart of Brussels has been transformed into a true Winter Wonderland. All things Christmas (pinetrees, glühwein, puffed chestnuts, christmas decorations) can be found around Grand Place, Bourse and Place St. Catherine. There is even an ice rink! For €6,00 you can show off your iceskating skills. On Saturday evening, Electrabel Nights presents a living snow Globe: Two acrobats perform in a giant, inflatable snow ball.

ENLARGEMENT

It's time to shake it - Balkan style - at the DG Enlargement stagiaires' BalkaNite at Barrio Café! Get together, meet people interested in culture and music from the Balkans and dance all night long to the beats of DJ Gaetano Fabri and violin wizard Renaud Crols. Date: 2 December 2011 23:00 - 5:00 . €5.00 presale, €7.00 at the door.

NOCTURNES

This Thursday at the Planetarium, visitors can surround themselves by a 360-degree video projection of the film Violent Universe. Prepare to be blown away by exploding stars, colliding solar systems and destructive asteroids. The screening is part of the Nocturnes late night openings. Also open on Thursday evening are the BELvue Museum, Antoine Wiertz Museum,  Clockarium and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 47

Tutankhamun exhibition at Brussels Expo until November 27

STAGE COMMITTEE

The Stage Committee invites you to join them for a cosy funky night with DJ Mattia behind the decks. DJ Mattia will be paying a tribute to Freddy Mercury, who died on the 24th of November 20 years ago. € 2,00 for AC holders, € 3,00 for non-AC holders. Beer and soft drinks for € 2,00.

EPSA

The European Parliament's Stagiaire Association want to show us that the trainees of the European Commission aren't the only ones who know how to party hard! On November 26, EPSA organizes its first party, the EPSA Welcome Party. The event takes place at the Coco Bar on Place Lux. Presale € 3,00, at the door € 5,00.

HERITAGE

This weekend will be your last chance to see Tutankhamun's tomb and treasures. Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in 1922 by British archeologist Howard Carter and has now been recreated at Brussels Expo. Until November 27th you can admire more than 1,000 fascinating replica artefacts spread out over 4,000 m². Tickets: €15,50 - €17,50.

MUSIC

Get your electronic groove on at Bozar on Friday night. This edition of BOZAR night includes live concerts and top DJs will serve up a stirring sound tapestry of danceable fun and funky grooves. Performances by Théâtre de la Liberté, Guy de Bièvre and Coco Ralado. Presale € 7,00, at the door € 10,00.

X-MAS

Winter is officially here! On Friday, Brussels will transform into a true winter wonderland, complete with Christmas trees, decorations, food stalls and even an ice rink! For €6,00 you can show off your iceskating skills for an hour. On Saturday evening, Electrabel Nights kicks off with a light performance including luminous and surprising light tricks.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 46

Sarah Kazemy in Circumstance (2011), screens Thursday at the Pink Screens Film Festival

Plenty of things to do this weekend! Go back in time at the Oldies Party of the new Stage Committee, become a better musician at the 10th edition of Musician's Day or immerse yourself in Art Nouveau at the BELvue museum.

STAGE COMMITTEE
The Oldies Party is the first party of the new Stage Committee and will celebrate classics from the 80s and 90s. Dress up as you favorite oldies star, whether that's Madonna, Freddy Mercury or John Travolta. Dress to impress your fellow stagiaires and you could be voted King or Queen of the night. The winner gets a great prize. At Cafe Bota, near Botanique.

MUSIC
November 19 is musician's day at the AB (Ancienne Belgique). The tenth edition is expecting to be visited by thousands of young musicians from across Belgium. They can participate in workshops, take master classes, and receive feedback from industry professionals. Flemish singer Lady Linn is one of the experts present Musician's Day to give advice to the younger generation.

ARCHITECTURE
For lovers of Art Nouveau, the exhibition Victor Horta Revisited is a must-see. Horta was a Belgian designer and Art Nouveau architect. The exhibition focuses on shopping in stores and warehouses designed by Horta and the atmosphere of shopping at the turn of the century in 1900 in Brussels and Europe. Horta's work can be admired until December 4th, 2011 at te BELvue museum.

FILM FEST
Genres d’à côté celebrates gender diversity and sexual minorities at the Pink Screens Film Festival. The 10th edition, which is held from November 10 to 19, includes more than 80 films on gay, lesbian, queer, trans, feminist and gender themes. Films on the progam: Circumstance by Maryam Kershavarz, Auf der Suche by Jan Kruger, The Advocate For Fagdom by Angélique Bosio, For 80 Days by José María Goenaga/Jon Garano and Whip It wich features Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore. The festival closes with the Pink Party at Bruxelles-Congrès, near Metro Rogier. Tickets: € 5, students € 3.50.

OUT & ABOUT - Week 45

Dinner's Served! From Field to Plate, art exhibition on food production and distribution

Brussels never sleeps! Well, sometimes it does... but not this weekend! The sun is still shining and we've found a number of great events to check out, so no reason to stay in. You can learn all about food at the Dinner's Served exhibition, watch a movie at the Pink Screens Film Festival or listen to electronic tunes at Zukunft. If you prefer to get out of town, drive west and visit the medieval town of Ghent.

STAGE COMMITTEE

On Saturday, the SC will take you to Ghent for only €12 (€10 with Action Card). The trip includes the train ticket and a guided visit to the famous S.M.A.K. The plan is to explore the Ghent nightlife on Saturday night and then take the first train back at 5:24 AM on Sunday morning. You can sign up for the trip at Madou.

FOOD

Looking to satisfy your appetite? Then head to Tour & Taxis for the exhibition Dinner's Served! From Field to Plate. The project examines issues of food production and distribution through art. Expect to see installations, visual art, photographs, interactive screens and more. From November, 11, 2011 to June, 3, 2012. Admission: €12.

MUSIC

Tour & Taxis is also the setting for Zukunft at Magic Mirrors. On November 12, Zukunft will present the British duo Loose Fit. Daniel Willis and Johnny Smith will heat up the Belgian winter breeze and provide you with sweet memories to help you cope with the last 41 days of the year.

If you decided to join the Stage Committee on the trip to Ghent, you may end up at the I LOVE TECHNO festival. The line-up includes established DJs as well as up-and-coming talent, including Boys Noize, The Subs, Steve Aoki, Paul Kalkbrenner and Fake Blood. Tickets: € 50.00.

BARS & CLUBS

If you haven't been to Madame Moustache yet, this is the weekend to go. Friday you can watch Trotsky Tulsky play and on Saturday there is a 50's Jamboree by Mr Slick & Gamma GT. Mr Slick specialises in rockabilly, surf and garage and his sets may, or may not include tracks by Link Wray, Ronnie Dawson, The Sting-Rays, The Rondells, Carl Perkins and The Atlantics. On Sunday the party starts early, Cuir as Folk begins at 8PM. Cuir as Folk is for Boys and Girls and their friendly friends with Drag kings, Drag Queens and Live performances on stage.

FILM FEST

Genres d’à côté celebrates gender diversity and sexual minorities at the Pink Screens Film Festival. The 10th edition, which is held from November 10 to 19, includes more than 80 films on gay, lesbian, queer, trans, feminist and gender themes. On Thursday, Pink Screens kicks off with a screening of Romeos (Germany, 2011) and Circumstance (Iran, 2011), followed by the Let’s Sheherazade! Persian Pussies Party. In 10 days, Pink Screens will treat you to an abundance of films, exhibitions and parties including the not-to-be-missed Pink Night closing party. Tickets: € 5, students € 3.50.