Lots going on this weekend, from painty-EDMy thing Life in Color, to Grammy-nominated producer Zhu, to model/actor/DJ Ruby Rose (Stella Carlin in Orange is the New Black) rocking up at M2. Then over at Smash you've got China Social Club's anniversary party and completing a stacked Saturday night line-up is the irrepressible RP Boo at ALL – a man whose sets are absolutely guaranteed to leave a smile on your face. And if you're in need of a comedown session on Sunday, the latest Space Out is at Elevator with Endy Chen.
Read on for the full details of all the above and for more party highlights this weekend.
THURSDAY 17
Jiaming
Beijing's Jiaming (who you might know from the hip hop group Itsogoo) headlines with support from Shanghai-based Dazzy and Raythm spinning underground hip-hop and future bass.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. 10pm. 50RMB.
The Junglists
Last time the Junglists were together, Beast pulled out a set of Jungle so deep that no one could hear a tree fall. The three are back again with serious '90s jungle and DnB riddims this Thursday. Dem Man Dem. Original rude boy sound.
Smash 685 Dingxi Lu, near Niuqiao Lu. 9pm. Free.
无界艺术 NO (B)ORDER
Multi-national, multi-discipline ensemble The A-Collective take over Elevator once more for a night of music and love with no walls (except, y'know, the actual walls of Elevator which seem kind of essential).
Elevator Fourth floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 9pm. Free.
FRIDAY 18
Infinity Mind Productions
Serial remix expert, producer and DJ Paco Buggin has warmed up the decks for the likes of Pete Tong and Roger Sánchez over the years. Here, he's joined by Pepe Mateos and Christian O'Connor, also of Flow Musique.
Celia 298 Xingfu Lu, near Pingwu Lu. Midnight. Free.
MEDUSA
Not sure if this is a message to us about editing event listings or just an attempt to stand out in the thick fog of Shanghai nightlife propaganda, but here's how the description for this night was entered into our system:
'SUMMER SWEAT DANCEFLOOR DIVAS DIONYSIAN DIVERSIONS DELIGHTFUL DEVIANCE STRICTLY PUMPING RHYTHMS ECSTATIC EXPLORING POLYSEXUAL FIREWORKS BODY JACKING DARK CORNER ROMANCE IDENTITY MELTDOWNS CAN YOU WORKKK WITH THAT?'
Sure, we can work with that.
Elevator Fourth floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 10pm. 50RMB.
SATURDAY 19
China Social Club - Three Years of Parties
The China Social Club, Aussie Social Club pairing of PCJ and Frau are three years old. To celebrate they're throwing a big do at their CSC HQ, Smash. Go and join the old mates as they pop a cork to three long years of good times.
Smash 685 Dingxi Lu, near Niuqiao Lu. 9pm. Free.
Zhu
Grammy-nominated Californian producer behind dancefloor-friendly hits such as ‘Faded’ and ‘In the Morning’ plays his first-ever show in China, bringing his bouncy, breezy beats to Found 158.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. 10pm. 350RMB; 300RMB (presale).
RP Boo
The godfather of footwork returns to Shanghai for what will be one of the happiest sets of the month. RP Boo always plays with a massive grin on his face and his enthusiasm is genuinely infectious.
ALL Second Floor, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. 10pm. 100RMB.
Room 303
This monthly session hosted by MIIIA and dedicated to 'outer space tripping, acid bassline illusions, losing control and the techno that takes us there' hosts Asian Vibes' Yoshinaga, VOID's Provoda and Veta's Ginga.
Elevator Fourth floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 10pm. 50RMB.
Ruby Rose
Australian actress, model and DJ Ruby Rose (Orange is the New Black, John Wick 2) arrives in Shanghai to show off her penchant for using bootleg recordings and mashups.
M2 Fourth Floor, Hong Kong Plaza, 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Huangpi Nan Lu. 10pm. 480RMB.
Techno Train presents Rada Noize
Celia's regular Techno Train night brings in special guest Rada Noize. The Ukranian DJ will be joined by Shanghai-based Moldovan techno head Lina K.
Celia 298 Xingfu Lu, near Pingwu Lu. Midnight. 100RMB (includes one drink).
SUNDAY 20
Space Out! hosted by Endy
Daily Vinyl and Groove Bunny co-founder Endy Chen drops in to the Sunday chill out session at Elevator.
Elevator Fourth floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 5pm. Free.