This weekend looks set to be one to remember with all sorts happening across the city. The world of Formula One turns its gaze to Shanghai as the Chinese Grand Prix rolls into town, Major Lazer and Hardwell will be tearing up MYST, there's stand-up from both The Shanghai Comedy Club and Kung Fu Komedy, and SIPG are in Chinese Super League action. See below for our best picks.
FRIDAY
Goldroom
LA-based electronic group Goldroom make dreamy, synth-based electronic dance music. Formed in 2011, the main man behind the project is Josh Legg, who previously fronted the similarly-inclined trio NightWaves. Debuting with the Angeles EP in 2011, Goldroom is now a three-man ensemble featuring drummer Nick Sandler and vocalist/keyboardist Mereki Beach.
Le Baron 20 Donghu Lu. Apr 7. 9pm. Free.
Minimalist Presents: Kiwi
Minimalist, DADA's resident house and techno night is back with young London based DJ-turned-producer Kiwi. He tours China and Japan following his release on the Future Boogie label also sporting big dogs such as Julio Bashmore and Eats Everything. He's at DADA with Will A and the Minimalist crew.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu. Apr 7. 10pm. Free.
Shanghai SIPG vs Shandong Luneng Taishan
Oscar, Hulk and co are back in Chinese Super League action as Shanghai SIPG host Shandong Luneng Taishan at Shanghai Stadium.
Shanghai Stadium 666 Tianyaoqiao Lu. Apr 7. 7.35pm.
SCC: The Friday Night Stand-Up Comedy Showcase
Stand-up comedy from The Shanghai Comedy Club featuring Trista G, Patrick Lozada, Kurt Dunsing, Casey Li Brander, Collin Hanna, Barney Rivera and host Stephen Rancourt.
Palmetto 800 Changde Lu. Apr 7. 9pm. 70RMB.
Li Daiguo and Nie Xiao Jun
One of the leading experimental musicians operating in China, Li Daiguo, joins forces with Nie Xiao Jun for a night of 'meditative and trance-inducing music that is built on the languages of musical traditions from Africa, Asia, and the good old dominating Western world'. Pipa, cello, vocals and 'prepared piano' will all feature at On Stage.
On Stage 570 Huaihai Xi Lu. Apr 7. 9pm. 80RMB; 60RMB (presale).
Shanghai Quartet and SSO in Chamber (I)
Renowned for its passionate musicality, impressive technique and multicultural innovations, the Shanghai Quartet has become one of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles. Its elegant style melds the delicacy of Eastern music with the emotional breadth of Western repertoire, allowing it to traverse musical genres including traditional Chinese folk music, masterpieces of Western music and cutting-edge contemporary works.
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall 1380 Fuxing Zhong Lu. Apr 7.45pm. 80-180RMB.
SATURDAY
Major Lazer
Electronic super-group Major Lazer, comprised of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, are bringing their mix of electro-dancehall and baile funk to Shanghai. An outfit who've collaborated with the likes of Justin Bieber, MØ, DJ Snake, Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj and more, Major Lazer are renowned for their high-octane live shows, featuring huge drops, heavy bass and bomb visuals. If there is a chain around here their Shanghai show ought to be off it.
Myst 1123 Yanan Zhong Lu. Apr 8. 10pm. 280-480RMB. Long press and extract the QR code above to buy tickets.
adidas Originals X S.T.D.: Aspire to Inspire
adidas Originals and S.T.D. present this #Originals party at Celia. LA producer Nosaj, who has credits for Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, Chance the Rapper and more, will be heading up the bill after doing the same at the adidas Originals x Boiler Room party in Dubai. Get a free cocktail if you scan adidas Originals' QR code, and they're giving away chic NMD chokers on the night.
Celia 298 Xingfu Lu. Apr 8. 11.30pm. 100RMB.
Yellow Claw
Yellow Claw is a DJ and record production duo from Amsterdam. The group consists of Jim Aasgier (Jim Taihuttu) and Nizzle (Nils Rondhuis). Their music is a mix of wide range of genres and often incorporates elements from trap, hip-hop, dubstep, hardstyle and moombahton.
M2 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu. Apr 8. 10pm. 250RMB.
KFK Presents: Byron Murphy
Kung Fu Komedy presents Irish export Byron Murphy supported by an array of Shanghai-based talent. Hosted by Drew Fralick, expect tales about Murphy's life as an expat in Shanghai, his recent trip to Russia, and the confusion caused by his Chinese name.
Kung Fu Komedy Club 1 Xiangyang Bei Lu. Apr 8. 8.30pm. 70RMB; 50RMB (presale).
Sofar Sounds Shanghai
This city loves secrets and it loves pop-ups, so this ought to go over well: London-founded 'secret concerts' series Sofar Sounds will be taking over an as yet unrevealed location inside the M50 art complex to host three acts. So who's playing? We can't really tell you and here's why, according to the organisers: 'The lineup for the concert is not disclosed until each event starts, while the location is announced only the day before. The ethos behind this is that highlighting headlining acts encourages people to turn up late and not respect the other performers.'
M50 50 Moganshan Lu. Apr 8. 6pm. 50RMB.
Shanghai Ballet: Swan Lake Grand Version
In one of the numerous collaborations between the Shanghai Ballet and British choreographer Derek Deane, they present the glorious, full (as in company size) version of the Swan Lake ballet, with 48 dancing swans instead of the usual 16.
Shanghai International Dance Center 1650 Hongqiao Rd. Apr 8-12. 7.30pm. 180-680RMB.
Anuar Kaldekhan
Using the foundation of traditional Kazakh folk music, Kaldekhan explores new Kazakh music with a contemporary sound. An intimate night of Kazakh folk and world music by classical guitarist and vocalist, Anuar Kaldekhan.
Bandu Cabin 50 Moganshan Road. Apr 8. 7.30pm. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale).
Springfest Frühlingsfest 2017 at Shanghai Tattoo
Shanghai Tattoo and the guys at Zapfler German Craft Brewery at Found 158 are teaming up to bring you Frühlingsfest 2017. Zapfler will be providing their handcrafted beers, mixed drinks with Heike Mate as well as pretzels and barbecue currywurst to fill your stomachs. There will also be music and DJs to get your dance on if you feel the groove. This will be a proper send off for Zhuo Dan Ting (owner of Shanghai Tattoo) as she heads to the 25th International Frankfurt Tattoo Convention 2017 this April.
Shanghai Tattoo 1 Maoming Nan Lu. Apr 8. 3pm. Free.
Bloc Party at The Cannery
Held once a month from here on out, this neighbourhood gathering is an awesome way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather while eating great food, sipping boozy drinks and more. Spread yourself out across The Cannery's outdoor lawn you'll find awesome eats and drinks, like barbecue from Flippin' Freddy, a cocktail bar from Michael 'Punchy' Chen, beers from Boxing Cat Brewery. Tattoo artist 'Lucky Lasagna' will be at the ready in case you feel like getting some ink; and soak in live beats from DJ Robjam on the decks.
The Cannery 1107 Yuyuan Lu. Apr 8. 5pm. Free.
SUNDAY
F1 Chinese Grand Prix
Formula One's Chinese showpiece rolls into town with the world's top drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel going all out to finish top of the podium.
Shanghai International Circuit 2000 Yining Lu. Apr 9. 9am. 860-2,760pm.
Hardwell
Don your party hat for Dutch superstar DJ Hardwell's headliner return to Shanghai this weekend at MYST's Grand Prix afterparty.
Myst 1123 Yanan Zhong Lu. Apr 9. 10pm. 480-580RMB. Long press and extract the QR code above to buy tickets.
The Code 20: The Forbidden City
The Code 20, the people behind avant-garde Grand Prix events, once again collaborate with M1NT for their F1 closing party. Expect lazers, performances with Chinese drums and more extravagance. Red Bull Racing's DJ Erok behind the decks and Dom Perignon providing the bubbly.
M1NT 318 Fuzhou Lu. Apr 9. 9pm. 200RMB.
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