Claire and Kid Simius, August 15, 2013, Berlin

Okay what’s good? Seeing a show. What makes it better? Alcohol, guitars, being up front by the stage. And what’s something that, while unexpected, is also surprisingly good? When all this is on a boat.  NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION is going to try to imbue this post with lots of “Mayday!”-inducing nautical metaphors, because Thursday, April 18, we had the pleasure of setting sail on the Berlin Music Week boat, to enjoy a two hour showcase on the Spree featuring up-and-coming Munich synth pop band CLAIRE and opening act by DJ/multi-instrumentalist KID SIMIUS. It’s a warm night and the sun is shining, and an assortment of industry types get on at a dock near Friedrichstrasse to mingle, not get seasick and see what a show below decks can sound like. After being sternly told to stay seated (Hinsetzen!) when going under a bridge, attendees on the upper deck enjoy some drinks and a brief intro to the showcase.  After that, we are left to take in the scenic riverside Berlin, which includes parts of Mitte, those warehouses you see on the way to Tegel Airport, and a scrapyard: all equally charming.  Both CLAIRE and KID SIMIUS (who had Brazilian lyricist ODARA SOL join him for a few songs) are billed for the “First We Take Berlin” Showcase (coming up September 4-5 in various clubs in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg) includes 20+ acts over two days.

While none of those locations are on a boat (or close to scrapyard,) you can still rock your captain’s hat and navy blues and mentally set sail with plenty of exciting and up-and-coming acts. See you on the port or starboard side of this giant party boat called Berlin Music Week.

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CLAIRE