Queer prom

Mezrab, Saturday, August 22 at 08:00 PM GMT+2

We are bringing the queer prom back and you are invited!!!!!!

What is it?
It’s the dinner dance, school graduation party, you wish you had in high school. Being queer is awesome and so many of us are blessed to be LGBTQ+ but figuring that out in high school can be extra challenging and some schools don’t make space for us to feel included in the end of education party/dance/ball/prom. Well the Queer Prom is your moment to set the record straight.

Prizes for best dressed so do make an effort.

You can come alone, come with a partner, come as a group of friends or a throuple, polycule – come any which way you like but be there.

We kick off with party games and a story or two.

There will be music, dancing, and we will find our prom monarchs to add a regal sense or accomplishment to the affair.

Spot prize for best vibes.

Date: August 22nd

Time: 8 til late (but like 2am max)

Last year we played spin the bottle, suck blow and it was everything!!!

Tickets: 10.00 euro (+0.50 cent bank fee)

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/queer-prom-1

Open Stage Storytelling Night

Mezrab, Wednesday, November 25 at 08:00 PM GMT+1

These are the nights that we are looking forward to the most: that’s where the unexpected and the spontaneous happen – we as organisers don’t know what kind of stories will be told, nor the host of the evening, and not you, the audience.

The Wednesday nights are the open stage nights in Mezrab. It means that anyone is welcome to tell, purely on a first come first serve basis.

If you are ready for a story or if you want to try new material or if it’s your first time, send us an email!
We also leave two spots at the end of the night for the spontaneous.

How do I participate in the open stage? Send a message to [email protected] to sign up to tell a story.

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Doors open at 19.00
Event starts at 20.00
Soup? YES!
Entrance: Donation based
Language: English

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/open-stage-storytelling-night-89

La Murga ★ Morena Leraba live ★ Lesotho Sounds ♫

Mezrab, Saturday, July 11 at 09:00 PM GMT+2

La Murga ★ Morena Leraba live ★ Lesotho Sounds
+ DJ Rasureitor + DJ Hidden MemorySaturday 11.07.2026 @ Mezrab

★

MORENA LERABA
Morena Leraba is the stage name of Teboho Mochaoa, a musician and shepherd from Matholeng, a village in the Mafeteng region south of Lesotho’s capital, Maseru. In 2017, Morena Leraba formed his eponymous group in Johannesburg with other musicians, blending traditional Sesotho music with cross-cultural influences to mould a singular sound imbued with the enigma of a shepherd from Lesotho mountains.

Over the past nine years, Morena Leraba has become a globally recognized figure through a genre-defying sound (inspired by Famo music from Lesotho) propelled by electrifying live performances, high-profile collaborations, and his 2023 debut record, Fela sa Ha Mojela. Released by The Good Times Co and Permanent Record, the EP pays tribute to the songs of his home region, capturing his ability to fuse Famo-inspired vocals with diverse musical influences into a sound that is psychedelic, entrancing, and dynamic.

Famo, a sub-genre of Sesotho traditional music and poetry, is deeply rooted in Morena Leraba’s home district of Mafeteng and was introduced as early as the 1920s when Basotho men were migrant labourers in the South African mines. “I understand Famo,” he says. “But because we also have influences from elsewhere, I guess I’ve been reimagining Sesotho traditional music. Coming to Johannesburg and meeting the musicians who have shaped this journey was, in a way, the manifestation of that reimagination.”

His alter-ego, imagery, and lyrics celebrate the shepherd’s charisma, weaving together narratives of rural lifewith reflections on his experiences in Johannesburg and beyond. Fela sa Ha Mojela is enriched by the voices of fellow Basotho migrant workers whom he commutes with, and whose stories inform its themes: “These are stories of migration. Labour in the informal sector. Johannesburg and its hardships. Hope. Finding strength and courage. Spiritual calling. Death, and having to live with the memory of loved ones.”

Since emerging onto the scene, Morena Leraba has become a sought-after collaborator. Notable projects include Major Lazer’s 2021 album Music is the Weapon – Reloaded (Mad Decent), where he appeared on Hands Up alongside South Africa’s Moonchild Sanelly; Johannesburg with Sibot and Gruff Rhys (formerly of Super Furry Animals), the first single from EGOLI (2019) by Damon Albarn’s Africa Express; We No Be Machine (Strut Records, 2020) by the London-based collective ONIPA; Harare, the lead single from Johannesburg’s BLK JKS’ 2021 album Abantu – Before Humans (Glitterbeat Records); and Bubbling (Mawimbi Records, 2021), a collaboration with Paris-based Mawimbi and South African producer and his mentor Spoek Mathambo.

https://www.instagram.com/morenaleraba/

★

Guests:

DJ Rasureitor (Opening)

https://www.instagram.com/rasureitor

DJ Hidden Memory

https://www.instagram.com/hidden___memory/

★
Doors & DJ: 21:00
Live music: 22:00
Tickets: 14,50 EUR
Limited online student tickets: 10 EUR

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/la-murga-star-morena-leraba-live-star-lesotho-sounds-beamed-eighth-notes

Meet-a-Maker

Mediamatic, Thursday, July 23 at 04:00 PM GMT+2

Come to Mediamatic to have a talk with our artists-in-residence! Learn more about their work or talk about your project with the artists who inspired you. Anđela Zora Brna is open to creative consultation and discussing ideas.

Tickets

Meet-a-Maker is a 30-minute session to have a one-on-one talk with artists currently working at Mediamatic. We are lucky to be inspired by the many artists who work and stay with us for exhibitions, residencies and workshops. We welcome you to meet them and be inspired as well!

About the artist

Anđela Zora Brnas (CRO, she/her) is an earthling in continuous discovery of her caring role(s) within the local ecosystems she inhabits. As an interdisciplinary designer, researcher, artist and workshop facilitator, Zora focuses on re-imagining spatial design as a living, nurturing, multispecies practice. Guided by seasonal, embodied, sensory and non-linear approaches, she aims to create participatory spatial experiences that foster awareness and nurture possible human caring roles within the complex interconnectedness of the local ecosystems.

Enlarge

Crafting Interspecies Care - Photo -

Topics

The conversation with Zora is a moment for knowledge exchange around human entanglement with the willow ecosystem, ancestral crafting techniques, and the development of non-anthropocentric design methodologies. The session's main themes involve:

• Deconstructing anthropocentric hierarchies: Challenging dominant human-centered perspectives by "composting" traditional design frameworks and learning from the wisdom of local ecosystems.
• The BaskeTree methodology: Exploring a unique spatial design pedagogy that combines imaginative non-human movement, ecosystem mapping, and reflective questioning.
• Material stewardship and co-crafting: Re-weaving the human role into that of a caretaker through hands-on engagement, structural willow manipulation, and habitat-specific artistic research.

Information

You can choose a 30-minute time slot between 16:00-16:30 and 16:30-17:00 on 23 July 2026

Tickets

Full price €10
Artists/Students discount €7,50*
*We give a discount to students, artists and Stadspas holders. If this applies to you we might ask to see your kvk nr/portfolio or student card for this option.
Read our ticket terms and conditions here.

For questions please e-mail [email protected].

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/meet-a-maker-36

De schaduwoorlog en de moord op journalisten

Pakhuis de Zwijger, Tuesday, June 23 at 08:00 PM GMT+2

Hoe kun je als journalist verslag doen van een oorlog als je zelf doelwit bent? Met o.a. Bram Vermeulen.

Hoe kun je als journalist verslag doen van een oorlog als je zelf doelwit bent? In de schaduw van de oorlog tussen Iran en de Verenigde Staten voltrekt zich in Libanon een strijd die veel minder aandacht krijgt. Voor Frontlinie reist Bram Vermeulen af naar Zuid-Libanon, waar sinds het uitbreken van de oorlog tussen Israël en Hezbollah meerdere collega-journalisten zijn omgekomen bij doelgerichte Israëlische aanvallen. Wie waren zij? En waarom werden ze vermoord?

Na de vertoning van de nieuwste aflevering van Frontlinie gaan we in gesprek met Bram Vermeulen en een journalist uit de regio. De voertaal van dit nagesprek is Engels.

Met in dit programma Bram Vermeulen Journalist en documentairemaker VPRO Frontlinie

• VPRO Frontlinie
• VPRO Frontlinie

Lees meer Israeli attacks on Lebanon kill at least five people, including journalist

Journalist Amal Khalil killed in Israeli attack in at-Tiri, Lebanon’s Al Akhbar reports.

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/de-schaduwoorlog-en-de-moord-op-journalisten

Pearls on a String

Mezrab, Tuesday, November 24 at 08:00 PM GMT+1

Hey there!

Are you ready for the awesome storytelling event called “Pearls on a String”?
It’s going to be a super fun mix of stories, music, and improv. Get ready to see how these things come together for a great time! 🎤🎶😄

Doors open at 19.00, event starts at 20.00.
Dad is making soup.
Entrance: Donations.
Language: English.

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/pearls-on-a-string-16

Orchestre Partout Jam

Mezrab, Sunday, November 22 at 08:00 PM GMT+1

[NL] ORCHESTRE PARTOUT JAM
Een open podium vol muzikale ontmoetingen.

In onze zoektocht naar nieuwe muzikale verbindingen delen muzikanten uit de hele wereld
het podium, om te improviseren en experimenteren. We combineren muziektradities uit het
Midden-Oosten en het Westen, improvisatie is ons gereedschap. Alles mag, als het maar
voor het eerst is!
Moderator Háshem Kabreet en een wisselende backbone band zorgen elke keer voor
nieuwe uitdagingen.
Neem je instrument/stem en een open geest mee.
Gratis toegang, open voor avontuurlijke muzikanten – en publiek.
Deuren open: 19:00
Jammen begint: 20:00
Er is heerlijke soep.

[ENG] ORCHESTRE PARTOUT JAM
An open stage, full of musical encounters.

In our quest for new musical connections, musicians from all over the world share the stage
to improvise and experiment. We combine Middle-Eastern and Western musical traditions,
using improvisation as our main tool. Anything goes, as long as it’s for the first time!
Moderator Háshem Kabreet and a changing backbone band provide new challenges every
time.
Bring your instrument / voice and open mind.
Free admission, open to all adventurous musicians – and audience.
Doors open: 19:00
Jamming starts: 20:00
There’s great soup.

More info: www.orchestrepartout.nl

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/orchestre-partout-jam-4

Yasemin Demirözcan

Pakhuis de Zwijger, Monday, June 29 at 08:00 PM GMT+2

In gesprek met Yasemin over fotografie als archief, onderzoek en vertelling.

In deze editie van Fotokroniek duiken we in de praktijk van Yasemin Demirözcan, waarin beeld wordt gebruikt als middel om verhalen, herinneringen en sociale werkelijkheden zichtbaar te maken. Als verzamelaar van herinneringen en archivaris van onderbelichte verhalen laat haar praktijk zich het best omschrijven als een vorm van visueel onderzoek. Het maken van een beeld dient daarbij vaak als startschot voor een breder gesprek, waarin één verhaal raakt aan thema’s zoals diaspora, identiteit, klimaat, economie, politiek en klasse. De beelden tonen niet alleen hoe mensen leven, maar ook hoe zij zichzelf dragen, herinneringen bewaren en betekenis geven aan hun omgeving. Tussen commercieel en onderzoekend werk creëert Yasemin ruimte voor verhalen die vaak ongezien blijven, maar nog lang nadat het moment voorbij is blijven resoneren.

Met in dit programma Yasemin Demirözcan Photographer & creative director

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/yasemin-demirozcan

Van idee naar impact

Pakhuis de Zwijger, Friday, June 19 at 10:00 AM GMT+2

Van bewonerskracht naar beweging. Steeds meer mensen willen iets veranderen in hun buurt, stad of samenleving. Maar hoe zet je een idee om in een krachtig burgerinitiatief? Welke tools helpen om mensen te bereiken, een gemeenschap op te bouwen en daadwerkelijk impact te maken? Tijdens deze interactieve workshop duiken we in de praktische én strategische tools die burgerinitiatieven versterken. Van community building en storytelling tot fondsenwerving, sociale media, samenwerking met partners en het opzetten van campagnes: deelnemers krijgen concrete handvatten om hun initiatief verder te ontwikkelen en duurzaam te organiseren. De voertaal van deze workshop is in het Nederlands, met optie tot Engels. De workshop richt zich op bewoners, activisten, grassrootsorganisaties, makers, jongerencollectieven en iedereen die wil bijdragen aan een meer rechtvaardige, inclusieve en betrokken samenleving. Samen onderzoeken we hoe lokale kracht kan uitgroeien tot maatschappelijke verandering. De workshop wordt gegeven door Saida Derrazi, voorzitter van Comité 21 Maart, medeoprichter van het moslimvrouwencollectief S.P.E.A.K en initiatiefnemer van diverse maatschappelijke en grassrootsinitiatieven binnen de burgerbeweging. Vanuit jarenlange ervaring in community organizing, coalitievorming en maatschappelijke campagnes deelt zij inzichten, lessen en praktische tools uit de praktijk. Met inspirerende voorbeelden, gezamenlijke oefeningen en ruimte voor uitwisseling werken deelnemers tijdens de workshop aan hun eigen idee of initiatief. Niet vanuit theorie alleen, maar vanuit de centrale vraag: wat hebben mensen en gemeenschappen écht nodig — en hoe organiseren we dat samen? Doe mee, denk mee en bouw mee aan initiatieven die niet alleen zichtbaar zijn, maar ook daadwerkelijk verschil maken. Meld je aan via de link.

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/van-idee-naar-impact

Mezrab Friday Night Storytelling

Mezrab, Friday, November 20 at 08:00 PM GMT+1

Every Friday we pick the world’s finest storytellers to tell true, mythical, fabulous and comedic stories. Sometimes there is music, sometimes not 🙂

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These are our most popular nights and it can get very crowded. If you want to avoid big crowds, please choose one of our other storytelling nights every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Doors open at 19.00
Event starts at 20.00
Soup? YES!
Entrance: Donation based
Language: English

https://offbeat.amsterdam/event/mezrab-friday-night-storytelling-90