Exhibition: Counting Modernity

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Poland's independence, and serves as the pretext for the Royal Castle museum's exploration of the 20 years of interwar Poland. However, the focus will not be the political situation of the era, but rather the everyday lives of our parents' and grandparents' generation. The subject and motto of the exhibition is modernity - the modern achievements and innovations of the Second Republic. The exhibition will immerse the viewer in the mood and atmosphere of the era: political events, social movements, and cultural life.

when - Until 1st March
where - Royal Castle, Plac Zamkowy 4
more info - click here

Exhibition: Marek Piasecki, Fragile

Born in 1935 in Warsaw. From 1945 to 1967 Piasecki lived in Cracow and now lives in Lund in southern Sweden. A member of the Cracow Group, his practice includes photography, painting, print and sculpture. He has participated in many exhibitions both in Poland and abroad. His work demonstrates links both with the tradition of pre-war surrealism and with the neo-dadaist movement of the 60s. Piasecki's 'assemblages' are often cited as having been influenced by the work of the American master Joseph Cornell.

when - January - February
where - Zacheta Gallery of Art, Plac Malachowskiego 3
more info - click here

The Fifth Jazz & Film Meetings

Hmmm, kind of a strange one as it's neither a festival nor a one off event but a series of four evenings, between December and March, featuring jazz performances, discussions and the showing of a movie or documentary where the linking factor is, believe it or not, Jazz and Film! Looks like a pretty interesting and unique series of evenings but please bear in mind that the lectures and movies will be in Polish.

The opening night on the 5th December features a concert by Marysia Sadowska, a lecture by writer and film director Tadeusz Konwicki and a showing of his film 'The Last Day of Summer'.

The closing event, in March, is dedicated to composer Krzysztof Komeda and will feature a concert of some of his jazz scores played on solo piano by Andrzej Jagodzinski and a showing of Krzysztof Bukowskiego's documentary film "Those Chosen by God Die Young". A collection of reminiscences about Polish cultural icons who have passed on, including a section on the life and work of Komeda.

For more info and the full programme please click the link below.

when - 5th December - 9th March
where - Kino Kadr, Gotarda 16
more info - click here

Revue: Teatr Sabat

During February and March Malgorzata Potocka's famed cabaret and revue presents three different shows for your delectation. The shows "Europe Together," "Kisses From the World" and "Revue, My Love" will be performed throughout the months, as well as the launch of a new revue called "Life is a Stage." Also on the repertoire is a special Valentine's Day performance on the 14th. Let Pani Potocka and her talented troupe of dancers, actors and singers take you back to an atmosphere reminiscent of pre-war Poland and indulge in an evening of fine dining, dancing and excellent entertainment.

when - Throughout February and March
where - Sabat Theatre, ul. Foksal 16
more info - click here

Exhibition: Quilting Sessions

"Paul McCarthy & Benjamin Weissman. Quilting Sessions" sounds more like a Bohemian jam session rather than an art exhibition of collaborative pieces, but "Quilting Sessions" is very much the latter. In 1997, Paul McCarthy and Benjamin Weissman began their collaboration, during which they would sit together at a table and pass sheets of paper back and forth while conversing; these mixed media drawings would them be divided into groups according to the session from which they originated. These "Quilting Sessions" have continued from 1997 to the present, and a selection of the results will be up on display at the National Gallery of Art.

when - 7th February until 25th March
where - Zacheta National Art Gallery, Pl. Malachowskiego 3
more info - click here

Concert: Marillion

Brit post-rockers Marillion return with a major bash at the Stodola club. Lead singer H is fond of sporting patriotic Polska T-shirts, and he's virtually an honorary citizen now, having played the pagan Wianki concert in Krakow two years ago. The lads are here to promote their new double album Happiness is the Road - clearly they haven't tired of touring after all these years. Curious fact of the day: the band takes its name from Tolkien's novel The Silmarillion.

when - 10th February
where - Stodola, ul. Batorego 10
more info - click here

Theatre: "God"

Count on someone as kooky as Woody Allen to write a play called "God" ("Bog" in Polish). Luckily, the American writer and actor is quite a hit in Poland, which explains why the play is being shown twelve times in just six days. The Polish version is based on a translation by Anna Kolyszko and directed by Krystyna Janda and is a joint production between Polonia Theatre and and Montownia Theatre. Allen's play tells the story of two ancient Greeks involved in a bizarre cycle of plays within plays - but then, it wouldn't be a work by Woody Allen if it didn't make you go "Hmmmm...".

when - 14th until 19th February
where - Montownia Artistic Centre, ul. Konopnickiej 6
more info - click here

Concert: Saxon and Iced Earth

When I read about this concert a cold chill ran down my spine as I drifted into flashback mode. Always creepy when a name from your past reappears out of the blue to haunt you. Saxon were one of my little brothers favourite bands in the early 1980's and even though they were not my cup of tea I still remember 'Wheels of Steel' blaring out of the old Wharfedales over and over again and a strange little square tin badge he treasured for many years (he's probably still wearing it under the lapel of his Armani suit). One of the classic old-school British Heavy Rock bands, beloved band of TV superstar Justin Lee Collins.

Biff Byford and the boys will be co-headlining with US band Iced Earth fronted by the charismatic Jon Schaffer. Iced Earth have been heavily influenced by the classic Brit Rock bands of the 70's and 80's such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest but have added a thrash metal edge to the proceedings.

The evenings concert goes out under the banner of 'The Battalions of Steel Tour'. Tickets are 100PLN in advance and 110PLN on the dark night itself and The Gates of Hell will open at 7pm.

when - 15th February
where - Klub Stodola, ul. Batorego 10
more info - click here

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Grazyna Bacewicz

On the 16th of February the Warsaw Philharmonic will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Polish composer and violinist Grazyna Bacewicz, who died in 1969 in Warsaw. Bacewicz was the most famous female composer of her time in Poland, composing works primarily for the violin and string orchestras, which won her several prestigious prizes. The concert will feature a performance of Bacewicz's Symphoniette for String Orchestra (1929). Tickets are priced at 30 zloty, with 25 zloty concessions.

when - 16th February
where - Warsaw Philharmonic, ul. Jasna 5
more info - click here

Re-opening of Wilanow Palace Museum

The beautiful Wilanow Palace Museum, otherwise known as "Warsaw's Versailles," has been closed to visitors for conservation works all winter. Luckily, on the 17th of February the palace, which hosts the permanent exhibition, is opening again to the public. The collection includes the gallery of the Polish portrait, featuring effigies of the Polish monarchs collected over the centuries, and the royal apartments.

when - 17th February
where - Wilanow Palace Museum, ul. St. Kostki Potockiego 10/16
more info - click here

Concert: James Blunt

James Blunt, retired military gent and the sort of boy your mother would like you to bring home for tea and cakes will be playing the Palace of Culture on the 19th of February as part of his 'East European Tour', at least that's how the tour is described on his official website. James, may I point out that Poles don't really like being referred to as 'East Europeans' but I'm sure your legions of adoring Polish fans will forgive you this time round.

Tickets are priced from 100 - 400PLN and are expected to sell out PDQ. Concert starts at 8pm.

when - 19th February
where - Palace of Culture, Pl. Defilad 1
more info - click here

Concert: Immanu el

Let by identical twins Claes and Per Strängberg (yes, it's a gimmick, but a pretty original one), this Swedish five-piece plays atmospheric music built on guitar and keyboard soundscapes. As a young band from Jönköping, Sweden, Immanu el has toured extensively around Europe, charming audiences with their more pop-influenced take on traditional post-rock. This will be their second tour through Poland, and they will take the stage at Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna. Supporting Immanu el will be Nathalie and The Loners, the solo project of the vocalist from Happy Pills.

when - 19th February
where - Jadlogajnia Filozoficzna, ul. Dobra 33/35
more info - click here

Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour

If January's "Bugs Bunny on Ice" has left you questioning your own sanity and craving more of a similar nature then, Oh Boy! Have I got news for you. Torwar proudly presents "High School Musical: The Ice Tour." The production has already toured over 100 cities in the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe. A team of world-class skaters whipped into shape by Emmy award winning producer, director and choreographer Kenny Ortega for what promises to be a spectacular all singing, all dancing and all skating show based on Disney's highly successful movie. "Experience the Wildcat frenzy and rock the house" - if that statement means anything to you then I'm sure you're going to love this show! Tickets from 55PLN - 110PLN.

when - 25th February until 1st March
where - Torwar, ul. Lazienkowska 6A
more info - click here