September is here and so is the weekend. Tinashe and Ne-Yo are gracing the stage at Unity Festival, the fantastic Dunkirk hits cinemas around Shanghai, psychedelic rockers Chui Wan are at Yuyintang and recent Boiler Room Beirut headliner Ernesto Chahoud is doing his thing at DADA. See below for our full list of weekend picks.
FRIDAY 1
Dunkirk
You might already know how the May 1940 evacuation of France’s Dunkirk turned out: More than 300,000 troops, mainly British ones, escaped from the beach while being bombarded by the Nazis. But the power of Christopher Nolan’s harrowing, unusual dramatic re-creation is that it tries – with real success – not to make any of this feel like just another war movie.
On general release from Fri 1 Sep.
Do Hits: Exodus Tour
This show sees Do Hits present a collection of Taipei- and New York-based artists for a night of future bass, RnB, experimental electronica, lo-fi hip-hop and more.
ALL Second Floor, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. 10pm. 80RMB.
Room 303 presents MIIIA
Emmanuel had to cancel due to a visa snafu but, instead, MIIIA's regular Room 303 showcase is hosting the locally-based techno head herself, from open to close. A mammoth MIIIA moment. Oh, and if you had a presale ticket for Emmanuel you'll get free entry whenever you feel like rocking up.
Elevator Fourth Floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 10pm. 50RMB.
The Royal Concept
Big in Japan – they've been selling out some large Tokyo venues recently – Swedish pop quartet The Royal Concept test the waters in China with a show at MAO Livehouse. It's good times, sunshine-filled electronic accented pop-rock.
MAO Livehouse 308 Chongqing Nan Lu, near Jianguo Zhong Lu. 8.30pm. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale).
Saturday 2
Unity Festival
RnB diva Tinashe and pop-soul gentleman Ne-Yo are the surprise headliners at this Expo Park-based festival, which also supposedly features A-Lin, Khalil Fong and an EDM stage. If you're just thinking of stopping by for the western acts, Tinashe will perform at 8.30pm on the Saturday and Ne-Yo will be on at the same time on Sunday.
Expo Garden Park Shibo Avenue, near Zhoujiadu Lu. Sat 2-Sun 3. 1pm. 480RMB per day; 800RMB for both days.
Chui Wan
Psychedelic rock act Chui Wan have established themselves as one of the best bands coming out of the capital in recent years, and their new material only serves to cement this reputation. They hit Shanghai in support of their new album – don't miss.
Yuyintang 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yanan Xi Lu. 9pm. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale).
Kung Fu Komedy Presents: Zai Na Li?
Original sketch comedy show written and performed by cast members at Kung Fu Komedy. Shanghai can be a tricky place, just when you think you've got it figured out this city throws you for a loop. 'Zai Na Li?' follows the life of four expats in Shanghai as they get into trouble and end up asking themselves: where am I?
Kung Fu Komedy 4/F, 1 Xiangyang Bei Lu, Near Julu Lu. Sat 2 Sep. 8.30pm. 70RMB; 50RMB (presale).
Commune Market
Shanghai's best local designers, gourmands, craft beer visionaries, musicians and artists will congregate at Zhang Garden's Taixing Square for the latest instalment of Commune Market.
Zhang Yuan 99 99 Taixing Lu, near Wujiang Lu. Sat 26-Sun 27. 11am. Free.
Ernesto Chahoud
Ernesto Chahoud plays all-vinyl sets of Ethiopian funk, Middle Eastern garage rock, and rare punk, soul, and belly dance records from the lesser known corners of the world. A highly respected collector, he runs Beirut Groove Collective, Darsko Records, and recently headlined Boiler Room Beirut.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. 10pm. Entry tba.
China Social Club at Empire
China Social Club are injecting some funk into Empire this Saturday. The Bund's new hot spot will have PCJ and Frau playing breaks, whistles, humour, disco, cowbells, deep beats and sing alongs from 8pm sharp.
Empire 1 Yanan Dong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu. 8pm. Free.
Kareful + Mari Sakurai
Downstate's Azoth night presents London's Kareful and Tokyo's Mari Sakurai for a night of pulsating, emotive wave music.
ALL Second Floor, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. 10pm. 80RMB.
MUMM Pool Party
Champagne and a swimming pool – what could possibly go wrong? The Plug are taking over Pudong's superlative Purple Mountain Hotel rooftop pool and 'closing off the summer with a very sexy and very lit rooftop pool party.'
Purple Mountain Hotel 788 Dongfang Lu, near Zhangyang Lu. 2pm. 200RMB (includes one drink).
Yo'hood 2017 After Party
YETI take over Arkham to celebrate Yo'hood's fashion trade fair with LA-based model and DJ Eve Speciall, Cyber 69, Gali and the Yeti crew on the decks.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. 10pm. 220RMB; 180RMB (presale).
Sunday 3
Philipp Jung (M.A.N.D.Y)
Another big booking at W Shanghai's WET Deck bar as Berlin-based DJ Philipp Jung (one half of M.A.N.D.Y) hits town for a night of deep house overlooking the Huangpu. Together with Patrick Bodmer, Jung has produced hits such as 'Body Language' (with Booka Shade) and made waves with M.A.N.D.Y's electrifying Fabric series.
W Shanghai The Bund 66 Lvshun Lu, near Dongchangzhi Lu. 3pm. 180RMB (includes one drink); 150RMB (presale [includes one drink]).
The Fortuitous Encounter of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella on a Dissecting Table
This September Art+ Shanghai exhibits the works of Chongqing artist Wang Haichuan. The artist creates multimedia pieces and uses a range of methods in his creative process, including drawing, installation, film, photography and performance art. The artist often draws on top of collaged materials, including commonplace canvas, rare papers, and even wooden boxes and frames.
Art+ Shanghai Gallery 191 Suzhou Nan Lu, near Sichuan Bei Lu. Sun 3 Sep-Sun 29 Oct. Every Mon-Sat. Free.