Music is stealing the show this week. From thrash rock legends Megadeth to electro-punk tastemakers Crystal Castles, there's a fistful of top shows to choose from. Plus there's Mother's Day dining, a decent nightlife offering and loads of other things to do whether it's raining or not.
MUSIC
Crystal Castles
Ethan Kath's synthy electro-punk project and cool kids favourite comes to Shanghai with Edith Frances (who replaced Alice Glass in 2015) adding a melodic edge to Kath's disco metal beats.
Bandai Namco Shanghai Base 179 Yichang Lu. May 13. 9pm. 280RMB; 220RMB (presale).
Megadeth
Thrash legends Megadeth return to China following their 2015 appearance at Shanghai Grand Stage. They're here in support of last year's Dystopia album which garnered them their best reviews in years and led to the band picking up their first ever Grammy.
Bandai Namco Shanghai Base 179 Yichang Lu. May 12. 8.30pm. 980RMB.
Mew
Renowned Danish indie/prog-rock act Mew perform as part of a massive month of shows at Bandai Namco Shanghai Base.
Bandai Namco Shanghai Base 179 Yichang Lu. May 14. 8pm.
Insomnium
After performing at last year's Strawberry Festival, Finnish melodic death metal band Insomnium return to Shanghai, this time in support of their seventh album Winter's Gate, which features just one 40-minute (Viking-themed) song. Oh yes.
MAO Livehouse 308 Chongqing Nan Lu. May 14. 9pm.
The Notwist
Best known for their album Neon Golden - which celebrates its 15th birthday this year - Sub Pop-signed German indie-rockers The Notwist hit Shanghai as part of a four city tour through promoters New Noise.
MAO Livehouse 308 Chongqing Nan Lu. May 12. 9pm. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale).
NIGHTLIFE
DJ Marky
DJ Marky is known as one of the key figures behind the UK’s drum ‘n’ bass revival of the 2000s. He’s now label head of his own Innerground Records and is revered as one of the best technicians in DnB. After a storming set back in 2013 he’s brought to DADA courtesy of Antidote and Wonky Kong.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu. May 12. 10pm. 100RMB.
Alan Walker
Norwegian producer and DJ Alan Walker has been churning out dance hits since he was 19 years old. His biggest single, 'Faded', hit over 1 billion views on YouTube and received platinum awards in more than ten countries. He's back in China for what ought to be another jam-packed hand-raising show.
Linx 98 Huaihai Zhong Lu. May 11. 10pm. 480RMB; 380RMB (presale).
Oliver Heldens
Oliver Heldens is one of the most prolific and successful producers around, he is also a resolute perfectionist. Working tirelessly in his studio to craft new sounds and directions at every available opportunity, he’s a truly dedicated artist who refuses to cut corners.
M2 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu. May 12. 10pm. 200RMB.
FOOD & DRINK
Mothers Day dining
Looking for a special treat for mum this Mother’s Day? We’ve got you covered – from Champagne brunches to afternoon teas.
Long press and extract the QR code to find out more.
BEVEX Beernanza
Organised by BEVEX and Shanghai Craft Brewers Association, the three-day beer festival will feature live music, beer, home brews, neon lights, international cuisine and carnival games. Look out for DJ El Toro, DJ B.O and many other entertainers as they bring to you their best acts. More than 20 countries will be represented in the beer selection.
Okura Garden Hotel 58 Maoming Nan Lu. May 12-14. 6pm-10.30pm (Fri); 11am-10.30pm (Sat-Sun).
Miss Green plant-based pop-up
Join chef Vivian Chang for her special pop-up plant-based lunch or afternoon high tea at Mito in Found 158. Visiting from Taiwan for the event, Chang is the executive chef at owner of plant-based eateries Miss Green and Green Room in Taipei. For the event, she's crafted a healthy, delicious, visually pleasing menu based on Miss Green's most popular dishes, from handmade 'ricotta' ravioli to spring salad with edible flowers and raw tiramisu. The high tea includes tasty plant-based cakes and finger foods served alongside organic teas, coffee and Champagne.
Mito 158 Julu Lu. May 12-14. 11am.
THINGS TO DO
Lizzy's Anniversary Wellness Week
Lizzy’s All Natural is turning two years old, and to celebrate is hosting the celebratory Lizzy’s Wellness Week, where each day involves different activities including fitness workouts and healthy workshops with various fitness partners across the city. Events include a Smoothie Making Workshop with Lizzy on Tuesday May 9 at 1.30pm, a Neon Spin Party with BeCycle on Wednesday 10 at 6.30pm, a morning kickboxing class at Aboro Academy on Thursday 11 at the Anken Community Aboro Academy, and a Friday Boogie Bite Zumba class on May 12th at 7pm.
Lizzy's All Natural 758 Julu Lu. May 8-14. 10am. 100-200RMB.
FILM
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
The latest installment from the Marvel universe and sequel to 2014 hit Guardians of the Galaxy, the film features a star-studded ensemble cast including Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Sylvester Stallone, Karen Gillan and Kurt Russell and continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.
On general release at cinemas around Shanghai. Long press and extract the QR code to buy tickets.
CLASSICAL
Baroque Carnival: Le Poeme Harmonique
Nearly at the two-decade mark, this top French early music ensemble’s performances include more artistic interpretation than most (and even candlelight when appropriate); this month, their programme includes Monteverdi, Rossi, Fasolo, and anonymous others.
Shanghai Grand Theatre 300 Renmin Avenue. May 14. 7.15pm. 180-500RMB.
ART
Windswept
Shanghai-based womenswear brand Arete is ditching the conventional runway shows in favour of inviting the public to view its latest clothing collection at Pata Gallery in M50 art district. The brand has collaborated with contemporary artist Tracie Cheng to create a ‘fashion art’ exhibition, presenting Arete’s current SS17 clothing collection alongside Cheng’s oil paintings – the inspiration behind the garments.
Pata Gallery 50 Moganshan Lu. Until May 30. Free.
Chinese Artifacts
In the latest show at Duolun Museum of Modern Art, emerging Dutch artist Peter Riezebos presents over 40 of his captivating paintings. Having been based in Shanghai for a number of years, his work created during this time encompasses drawings and paintings in neo-expressionistic traditions.
Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art 27 Duolun Lu. Until May 25.
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