7 things to do in and around Luxembourg this weekend

1. See exhibition 'of people and streets'

What: 100 years of Pol Aschman
Where: Cercle Cité, Place d’Armes, B.P. 267, L-2012 Luxembourg
When: Runs until 26 September between 11am-7pm, info here

Photographer Pol Aschman, who was born in 1921 and whose career began in 1949, is best known for his photographs and reports published in the weekly illustrated magazine Revue and in the daily Luxemburger Wort. He was also the official photographer of the Grand Ducal Court and Foires Internationales in Luxembourg. On his 100th birthday, this exhibition shows off his best shots, including themes such as the Schueberfouer, the Braderie in the city of Luxembourg, trades, night scenes, street scenes, youth, portraits, still life photos, architecture and the Grand Ducal family.

© Pol Aschman

2. Hear guitar duo brothers Hermanos Gutiérrez

What: Warm Latin vibes
Where: Kulturfabrik, 116, rue de Luxembourg, L-4221 Esch-sur-Alzette
When: Friday, 6 August at 8pm - free entry, info here

This is going to be a good one. The two brothers Alejandro and Stephan Guttiérez from Switzerland/Ecuador are coming down to Esch to present a musical evening on two guitars. Their new album Esperanza (2021) is a joy to listen to. Taking influence from the 1950's Latin American sound they take listeners on a journey through beautiful musical landscapes. As the evening is expected to turn rainy, the show has been moved from the outdoor summer bar to the main hall.

3. Watch documentary on underground Afghan music scene

What: The only metal band in the country
Where: Rotondes, 3, Place des Rotondes, L‑2448 Luxembourg
When: Sunday, 8 August at 9pm - free entry, info here

After living in Afghanistan for seven years, Australian journalist Travis Beard began recording local metal band District Unknown to chronicle a part of Afghan life that is rarely shown in Western media. The film features never before seen footage of Kabul and the underground expat party scene, at odds with an extremely conservative society.

To challenge conflict with culture, Afghanistan’s first metal band, District Unknown, literally put themselves and their followers in the firing line. They became targets because their music connected and communicated to and with Afghan youth, the expat community living in Afghanistan and international audiences. Five unassuming young men deal with identity and freedom in a place where both can get you killed. Is their love of country, band and family stronger than the call of a more normal life abroad?

4. Swing to Tribute to The Beatles

What: All-time classics
Where: Champ du Glacis, Avenue de la Faïencerie, L-1628 Luxembourg
When: Friday, 6 August at 7pm - info & tickets

As we still love to sing and hum and whistle along to those timeless tunes by the Fabulous Four, Tribute To The Beatles invite you to rediscover the magical aura and rich diversity of the Liverpudlian boys’ musical legacy. Eighteen musicians, featuring strings and brass, take you on a journey through acclaimed masterpieces and lesser-known gems and oddities to a feast of sounds and colours in celebration of the true spirit of the Beatles’ creative vitality.

© den Atelier, VDL

5. Open your eyes and ears at WaterWalls Festival

What: Workshops, performances, exhibitions
Where: Along the Upper Sure Lake, see map here
When: Now until 25 September, free entry, info here

The WaterWalls Festival is a two-month long festival hosted by the Séibühn Ënsber asbl, known for organising unusual cultural events of all kinds around the Upper Sure lake. WaterWalls brings together contemporary art installations, performances and dialogues, and stimulates visitors to think outside the box about the world of creation and the principles of the circular economy.

© Pit Ewen

6. Watch Fast & Furious 9

What: Adrenaline-fuelled action thriller
Where: Kinepolis, 45 Avenue J-F Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg
When: Friday, 6 August - Sunday, 8 August, times vary, info here

Dom Toretto is living the quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, but they know that danger always lurks just over the peaceful horizon. This time, that threat forces Dom to confront the sins of his past to save those he loves most. His crew soon comes together to stop a world-shattering plot by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they've ever encountered -- Dom's forsaken brother. Fast & Furious 9 is here.

7. Hear Reggie Washington and MUSIC OF THE PHRASE

What: Outstanding bassist & band
Where: Opderschmelz, 1a Rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange
When: Saturday, 7 August at 7.30pm - info & tickets

New York bassist Reggie Washington, who has performed on stage with Roy Hargrove, Steve Coleman, Cassandra Wilson, Archie Shepp, The Headhunters, Meshell Ndegéocello and Branford Marsalis, has formed a new band called MUSIC OF THE PHRASE. With the help of DJ Grazzhoppa on the turntables, Fabrice Alleman on saxophone, Igor Gehenot on keyboards and Patrick Dorcéan on drums, Reggie fuses jazz with classical via blues, funk and hip-hop. Not only does he present his new compositions but also arrangements of Beethoven, Monk, Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter and Lenny White.

MUSIC OF THE PHRASE is a unique and powerful sound carried by generous and enthusiastic musicians. Their music speaks of love, freedom, humour and wisdom. Support comes from Luxembourg's own TELE-PORT.

Is there an event you think we'd enjoy and like to share with our audience? Feel free to let us know through audience@rtltoday.lu and we may consider it for next week's agenda.