When does the reading with Ben Weber take place?

The event takes place on Friday, October 16, 2026. Entry starts at 7:00 PM, and it begins at 8:00 PM.

How long does the event last?

The event is scheduled from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Where does the reading take place?

The reading takes place at the Theater der Gezeiten, Schmechtingstraße 38, 44809 Bochum.

What is the cost of entry?

Entry is free. A donation hat will be available on site.

Will the reading be musically accompanied?

Yes. The reading will be accompanied by live music from Simmischalala.

Which book is Ben Weber presenting?

Ben Weber reads from his autobiographical novel Kopfnuss und Klammerblues about a childhood in the Ruhr area in the 1960s.

Ben Weber tells Ruhr Valley history: Reading and live music full of memories

Name: Ben Weber reads from Kopfnuss und Klammerblues, plus live music
Start: 2026-10-16T20:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-16T21:30:00+02:00
Location: Theater der Gezeiten

Ben Weber brings Ruhr Valley memories to the stage with music

On Friday, October 16, 2026, Ben Weber combines a literary reading with live music at the Theater der Gezeiten. The focus is on his autobiographical novel Kopfnuss und Klammerblues, which highlights a childhood in the Ruhr area of the 1960s between family life, strict upbringing, friendship, and early adventures.

A childhood between row houses and the Ruhr

Ben Weber's novel takes us to Essen-Freisenbruch, to a seeming idyll shaped by family tensions and the societal rules of a bygone era. The story of young Bernhard Urban tells of a war-traumatized father, a hot-tempered mother, and siblings who stick together amidst the daily grind. Between church, school, and family authority, a coming-of-age novel emerges with autobiographical traits.

Literary journey back to the 1960s

Kopfnuss und Klammerblues connects personal memory with cultural and historical context. The 1966 World Cup, the moon landing, rock music, and house parties serve as distinctive reference points of an era where childhood curiosity meets societal constraints head-on. Weber's style employs loving details, believable emotional depth, and a precise look at the ambivalent morals of the Ruhr area.

Reading atmosphere with authentic live music

The reading receives an additional emotional layer through the musical accompaniment of Simmischalala. Authentic songs evoke the spirit of the 1960s and expand the author encounter into a concert-like experience. Thus, an evening unfolds between linguistic art, memory, and musical time travel.

An author with a close connection to the Ruhr area

Ben Weber was born in 1958 in Essen and has been living in Bochum for many years. His publications include the novel Papa-Probetraining, the children's book Harti Hoppel schaut durch, and the short story collection Die Toten vonne Ruhr. With Kopfnuss und Klammerblues, he presents a literary reflection on his own childhood and the social experiences of an entire generation.

Voices from the literature community

Readers particularly highlight the lively, easily accessible narrative style and the atmospheric time travel. In reviews, the novel is described as entertaining, emotional, and detailed; it is repeatedly emphasized that the childhood memories make the Ruhr area of the 1960s immediately tangible.

Conclusion: Experience literature, memory, and music live

The audience can expect a personal reading rich in literary quality, regional roots, and musical accompaniment. Those who wish to discover the Ruhr area as a cultural space, experience autobiographical storytelling, and enjoy a special reading atmosphere will find an impressive evening at the Theater der Gezeiten between book, voice, and live music.