There’s so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. UKrant’s student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: Stiggelbout Slagwerk
We’re often told we should find our passions. I don’t believe passion is an entity in the world to be found. It is not something purely separate from us we must come to and then internalize, nor is it something which lies deep within us that must be uncovered. It’s a dialogue, something we co-create with the world around us.
It acts in a way which the philosopher Spinoza would describe as an inexhaustible activity of reality. As University of Toronto professor of philosophy and cognitive science John Vervaeke would say, it is something transjective – not purely subjective nor purely objective, but a non-dualism of the two.
Stiggelbout Slagwerk is a place where this transjective exploration of the inexhaustible activity of reality comes to being for me. A collection of hand-percussion from around the world, each with its voice, with a seemingly infinite world of combinations and permutations in instrument choice and rhythms, it’s a world within a world which only you can create.
A strong collection of hand pans, djembe, congas, and miscellaneous percussion will have you saying, ‘I got the feeling!’ Whether you’re looking for a new sound to introduce to your home or office or simply want to spend some time absorbing the beauty of percussion, this is a place you must visit. There are more ways to explore the world than travel – sound is one such way.
Stiggelbout Slagwerk
Ulgersmaweg 27
Open Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat: noon to 5 p.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks
Proeflokaal Hooghoudt | Beginners’ chess tournament
When: December 3, 8 p.m. (be there around 7.45 p.m.)
Price: Free
For those of you looking to play the deep and ancient board game of chess, come out to the beginners’ tournament hosted by student chess association J.S.V. Sissa every first Tuesday of the month. It’s a great place to hone your skills, meet people and get started on your grandmaster journey. Everyone plays four games of rapid chess and there’s a prize for the winner.
Café De Zolder | JazzZolder
When: Wednesdays, 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Every Wednesday, the cats from the conservatory of music bring their tunes and jams to your local bar. The joys of live music, especially from those who are dedicating a part of their life to it, cannot be replaced simply by your iPhone or music blaring from a computer through speakers. Get a taste of the real deal, the original thing, that sweet sweet thang this week!
Sangha Café | KNERP
When: December 7, 6 p.m. until midnight
Price: €12.50
Sangha Café is hosting a party which seems to be an alcohol free way to experience community and meet new people! Advertising themselves as an open community whose owners are influenced by their travels in India, this place reminds me of some I’d see in my hometown – the birthplace of the hippie movement in California. Buy a ticket if you can afford it (there’s a discount ticket for those who can’t) and enjoy some music, company, and what seems sure to be a unique experience.
Run Coffee Club
When: December 1, 10 a.m.
Price: Free
If you’re into runs and want to be challenged in good company, I recommend checking out Run Coffee Club for a 10k route around Groningen this coming Sunday. They meet at Mahalo, a great vegan restaurant (best vegan pancakes in town). The run should take roughly an hour, but if you need to rest there will be someone who will stay with you.
Board Game Club
When: December 3, 7 p.m.
Price: Free
For those of you who love board games and are interested in meeting with internationals and expats, there’s a great board game club hosted every other Tuesday. You’ll find a good crew to try a new game, bring your own, and enjoy a drink while you’re at it. Location can change, so register or ask Kruthi, the host, to get added to a WhatsApp group if you’d like to join.