It's too darn hot. But there are still some shows worth getting a little sweaty over in the coming days - this weekend features the story of Motown at Shake, Taiwanese rapper Miss Ko at Modern Sky Lab and, as ever, some solid heavy offerings from Inferno. Find our gig highlights for the week below.
WEDNESDAY 19
Tarra Conner Jones
Florida native Tarra Conner Jones has drawn comparisons to the likes of Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, knocking audiences off their feet with her varied repertoire of jazz and soul classics. Book a table early to avoid disappointment.
Heyday 50 Taian Lu, near Xingguo Lu. 9.30pm. Free; 60RMB (Friday). Book on heydayjazz.cn.
THURSDAY 20
Flash the Readies
After more than a decade together, Czech post-rock act Flash the Readies come to Yuyintang as part of a nationwide tour.
Yuyintang 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yanan Xi Lu. 8.30pm. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale).
FRIDAY 21
The Future Looks Grim
Hitobashira, Thy Blood, Second Son and Solidal join forces for a night of heavy music at Inferno, with free entry.
Inferno Unit 6-103, Ground Floor, 658 Longhua Dong Lu, near Kaiping Lu. 9pm. Free.
I Love Summer Nights
Hot town, summer in the city... Modern Sky Lab comes over all tropical as they host Shanghai post-rock stalwarts 21 Grams, one of the city's best new bands Lao Ayi plus Something Against Y and Heimu (he of Non-Plus of Color fame) for a night of post-punk, experimental psych-rock and more.
Modern Sky Lab Third floor, Ruihong Tiandi, 188 Ruihong Lu, near Shahong Lu. 8.30pm. 30RMB (includes one drink).
The Warbly Jets
LA-based quartet bring their Americanised Brit-rock to Shanghai as part of a China-wide tour with Sony-signed Beijing indie rockers Next Door Band.
Yuyintang 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yanan Xi Lu. 9pm. 180RMB; 160RMB.
Motown Night
Shake hosts two nights of classic soul hits with this 'story of Motown' show produced by guitarist Ben Misterka. Also on stage will be Tarra Conner Jones, Redic, Hazel Gould and Smokey.
Shake Third Floor, 120 Jinxian Lu, near Maoming Nan Lu. Fri 21 and Sat 22. 10pm. 100RMB.
SATURDAY 22
Dying Tonight
Kunming-based post-hardcore act Dying Tonight hit Inferno as part of a China-wide tour. Fighting Back and Pray For Awakening provide support.
Inferno Unit 6-103, Ground Floor, 658 Longhua Dong Lu, near Kaiping Lu. 8.30pm. 80RMB; 60RMB (presale).
Flow Up
Award-winning Taiwanese rapper Miss Ko, who recently took to the stage at Glastonbury Festival, is joined by Japanese hip-hop duo Yurufawa Gang at Modern Sky Lab. Dazzy, Kin J and Tone Twxsted are in support.
Modern Sky Lab Third floor, Ruihong Tiandi, 188 Ruihong Lu, near Shahong Lu. 8pm. 200RMB; 150RMB (presale).
SUNDAY 23
SoundScape CD Release Party
After around seven years on the Shanghai scene, world music collective SoundScape are calling it a day and releasing a CD in the same show. Expect a mix of Tibetan and Indian singing, harmonium, didjeridoo, Algoza triple flutes from Pakistan, Moroccan guembri, Chinese erhu and various percussion from around the world.
Yuyintang 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yanan Xi Lu. 8pm. 80RMB.
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