SPORTS & COMEDY
Watch the Super Bowl LI
It's game time. Super Bowl LI kicks off on Monday February 6 at 7.30am China time. A variety of venues around town will be screening the game with breakfast and drinks deals included.
Multiple locations Read more for a round up of where to wine and dine.
Justin Rivera
Catch comedian/magician Justin Rivera at The Shanghai Comedy Club as part of his China tour. As seen at Magic Castle in Hollywood and on America's Got Talent. He won't be making his audience disappear, that's for sure.
Shanghai Comedy Club Feb 10-11. 8.30pm. 120RMB; 100RMB (presale).
Tony Woods
Mentor of Dave Chappelle, Tony Woods, as seen on Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo, is coming to KFK. A man whose international acclaim has seen him wow crowds from Melbourne, to Montreal, to Aspen, this is a show not to be missed.
Kungfu Comedy Club Feb 10-11. 200RMB; 170RMB (presale).
People's Republic of Comedy Valentine's Special
Head down to KFK to laugh at some quality improv, rather than laughing at yourself for not having a date ahead of Valentine's Day. Featuring Alejandro Scott and Ben Frank.
Kungfu Comedy Club Feb 9. 9pm. 50RMB.
UNMISSABLE PARTIES
X&G
The SHFT. crew present the Trapdoor Records-signed duo, who are shaping the experimental trap sound with their lip-smacking productions. They’re earmarked to be up with the label’s heavyweights before long.
DADA Feb 10. 10pm. 100RMB.
Love Bang & Yeti: Mystic Lanterns
Love Bang and Yeti Out are getting the city LIT at Dada for Lantern Festival 2017. Expect bass, hip-hop, cyberdisco, grime, cartoons, trippy decor, and chill lantern gods. No cover. Party starts early and goes until the jianbing sellers come out.
DADA Feb 11. 9pm. Free.
SHFT. x Dope Shifu Present Lacychu
Catch SHFT. resident Lacychu at Dope Shifu for a healthy dose of hip-hop, RnB and classics as well as a bit of future bass and chill trap. Good vibes only!
Dope Shifu Feb 3. 10pm. Free.
Jozef K
Following a year which included releases on formidable record labels Acid Test, Chiwax, Fire house and Skint whilst also having appearing on Pete Tong's legendary 'essential mix' series, Mancunian house head Jozef K comes back to China on a high. He's one of the main DJs for the legendary Tribal Sessions, playing across London, Manchester and Ibiza. Will A and the Minimalist crew in support.
DADA Feb 24. 10pm. Free.
Madeon
Madeon (Hugo Pierre Leclercq) is a French songwriter, record producer, musician and DJ from Nantes, France. He has collaborated with some of today's hottest artists, such as deadmau5, Lady Gaga, and Ellie Goulding. Madeon is known for having catchy beats and energetic performances, and he has thousands of loyal fans worldwide.
Fusion Feb 17. 10pm. 150RMB.
Paula Temple
Say Yes present the pioneering ‘new techno’ producer and self-confessed noisician as part of their Asia Reloaded shows. She’s received critical acclaim for her R&S releases Deathvox and Colonized. If you (tech)know, you know.
Elevator Feb 23. 10pm.
Manuel Fischer
Swiss talent Manuel Fischer writes music on synthesizers and drum machines and his first record was released by Berlin Deep house institution WHITE. On the verge of a string of EP releases he’s brought to Elevator courtesy of Shiny Shoes.
Elevator Feb 10. 10pm. 50RMB; 30RMB (presale).
Space Out!
The February edition of the monthly full-album chill-out is set to be a special one, with Nik HilP presenting Jean Michel Jarre’s Les Concerts en Chine. Electronic experimentalist Jarre was the first Western musician to be invited to post-Mao China, and this is the recording of his legendary China performances in 1981. It’s also the first time Space Out! will incorporate video as well as music.
Elevator Feb 19. 5pm. Free.
Prajnasonic anniversary + EP release
Beijing techno crew Prajnasonic are celebrating their one year anniversary with four EP releases from their four co-founders, Punx, Far Infinity, iimmune and VU. They're going on a mini-tour for the occasion, and are at DADA with Yamashiva (aka. Far Infinity), iimmune, Dj Doggy and Dj Jiafeng.
DADA Feb 17. 10pm. Free
Onra
Onra is a Parisian MPC-wielding hip-hop producer Onra has staked his claim as one of the most exciting beat-makers of the past few years thanks to releases like the 80's Funk beat album Long Distance, various Boogie edits and his Chinoiseries collections (made with Chinese music samples found while traveling Asia). This one is for the hip-hop heads as well as anyone that appreciates bouncing to a well-crafted beat.
M64 Feb 18. 10pm. 150RMB.
DELICIOUS FOOD EVENTS
Valentine's Day dining events 2017
Celebrate love with one of the many Valentine's Day dining packages on offer in Shanghai. See below for a roundup of where to wine and dine your way to happiness.
Multiple locations Click 'read more' below for more information.
The Chalet at Mr & Mrs Bund
Head to Mr & Mrs Bund's seasonal pop-up concept The Chalet for a rich Alpine meal that's guaranteed to satisfy the very richest of food dreams. Sit at long lodge-style tables while you sip a glass of hot mulled wine and indulge on a generous array of small sharing plates of French comfort foods. Savoury roasted pumpkin with cream and pancetta; warm, gooey Raclette; savoury French onion soup; buttery soft escargot; rich foie gras; crusty grilled bread and ridiculously decadent truffled petit camembert, all prepared with the perfection and aesthetic appeal that you already love at Shanghai's favourite French restaurant. This warming winter pop-up is one that's not to be missed.
Mr & Mrs Bund Until Feb 15. 5.30pm.
CONCERTS & GIGS
Nicky Romero
Nicky Romero is a Dutch DJ, record producer, musician and remixer. He has worked with and received support from DJs such as Tiësto, Fedde le Grand, Sander van Doorn, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Armand Van Helden, Avicii and Hardwell. He currently ranks at number 29 on DJ Mag's annual Top 100 DJs poll. He is known for his viral hit song 'Toulouse', as well as for having a number one hit single in the UK with 'I Could Be the One' with Avicii.
M2 Feb 18. 10pm. 280RMB.
Joe Satriani
Looking for an alternative Valentine's Day outing? How about seeing guitar master Joe Satriani blast his way through some intricate rock riffs? He's taught the likes of Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett how to shred faces as well as collaborating with Mick Jagger and Brian May in his time, and is in town as part of a tour celebrating 30 years of 'guitar devilry'.
Qianshuiwan Creative Arts Centre Feb 14. 8pm. 800RMB.
Fritz Helder
Four years ago Canadian four-piece Azari & III were among the most en vogue dance acts in the world. Then in November 2013 Fritz Helder, one of Azari’s two singers, read a message online explaining that the band was kaput without warning. Not to matter, he's since gone on to forge an exciting solo career mixing rousing electronic beats with a theatrical stage presence that ought to see him go down a storm at Le Baron.
Le Baron Feb 23. 10pm.
Shanghai and Seoul Night
Seoul-based indie pop act Manju Pocket kick out some Korean jams while Dahlia Rosea, Limousine and Galēən represent the home team. Expect everything from dark folk to rock 'n' roll and post-punk over the course of the evening.
Yutintang Feb 24. 8.30pm. 40RMB.
Lithuanian Showcase
Intriguing right? If you know nothing/very little about Lithuanian music, this could be a good chance to find out more.This showcase is headlined by singer, composer, pianist and actress Jurga Seduikyte, who once appeared on stage with Bjork when the Icelandic oddball genius played in Vilnius (though she'll likely downplay that part of her CV when she comes to China). Seduikyte's solo material tends toward an accessible electro-pop sound.
On Stage Feb 15. 8pm. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale).
Folk on the Road
Folk artists Feng Xiang, Niu Niu and Zhu Qi join Inner Mongolia-born singer-songwriter Chen Hongyu for a special Valentine's Day concert at QSW.
Qianshuiwan Creative Arts Centre Feb 14. 7.30pm. 180-380RMB.
Cafe Lanai
Cafe Lanai may hail from Montreal, but it seems their heads are permanently at the beach: the summer holiday vibes don’t stop at the referencing of a Hawaiian getaway in their name, it’s a theme that is at the core of their sound, too. Combining the production and vocal talents of Forever (June Moon) and Mind Bath (Michael Brock), Cafe Lanai’s debut EP, Paradise, showcases a penchant for blissed out tunes built on beats that slide between glitchy electronica and gentle disco, all under a parasol of dove-tailing sun-drenched vocals. It’s the sort of thing you might find washing over the speakers at a beach shack café in, well, in Lanai.
Yuyintang Feb 10. 10pm. 60RMB.
MOVIES
Arrival
When 12 mysterious spacecraft appear around the world, linguistics professor Louise Banks is tasked with interpreting the language of the apparent alien visitors.
Cinemas around Shanghai.
Passengers
A spacecraft travelling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early.
Cinemas around Shanghai.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Coming a month later to China than the rest of the world, Rogue One is a side story from the Star Wars juggernaut, focusing on a crew tasked with stealing the plans for the original Death Star. The movie has inspired a range of critical reaction from adoring to derisive, but all note the film’s strong visuals and sense of scale.
Cinemas around Shanghai.
Kubo and the Two Strings
Animation studio Laika (Coraline, Paranorman) is responsible for this typically gorgeous 3D stop-motion cartoon about a young boy in ancient Japan with magical powers.
Cinemas around Shanghai.
The Pearl Movie Night - Pulp Fiction
For their weekly movie night, The Pearl Screens Tarantino's 1994 classic Pulp Fiction. Also at The Pearl this month, you can catch Titanic (Feb 14) and Saturday Night Fever (Feb 28).
The Pearl Theatre Feb 7. 8pm. Free; 88RMB (burger deal).
MUST-SEE ART
James Turrell: Immersive Light
World-renowned Californian artist James Turrell arrives at the Long Museum, bringing with him works of epic proportions, showcasing a lifetime of experimentation with light, space and perspective. Having spent 50 years learning how to shape light into art, Turrell's exhibition is mesmerising and inspiring in equal measure. Presenting 13 works of art including three immersive light experiences, the show also displays photographs of the artist's work with the distinct Roden Crater in northern Arizona.
Long Museum West Bund Until May 21. 200RMB.
Song Dong: I Don't Know the Mandate of Heaven
RAM hosts a monographic exhibition by leading avant-garde installation artist, Beijing-born Song Dong. In a show that transforms the entire building both inside and out, the museum presents some of the innovative artist’s best-known works and imposing installations.
Rockbund Art Museum Until Mar 26. 30RMB.
The King and I
Originally held as an exhibition at the Royal Palace in Milan in September 2016, The King and I now travels to the majestic Shanghai Gallery of Art. Commissioned by Alcantara, the show tells the tale of a faraway Palace and it's imaginary stories. These mysterious fairytales are told through the eyes of nine contemporary artists using only Alcantara (suede-like) material.
Shanghai Gallery of Art Until Feb 9. Free.
Shanghai Biennale 2016
With its first edition launched in 1996, the 11th Shanghai Biennale features the works of a whopping 92 participating artists and artist groups from 40 countries worldwide, occupying the atmospheric Power Station of Art.
Powerstation of Art Until Mar 12. 20RMB.
PERFORMANCES
NT Live: Coriolanus (Screening)
National Theatre Live will broadcast the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Coriolanus, Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge, with Tom Hiddleston in the title role. When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. Famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people.
Shanghai Drammatic Arts Centre Feb 18. 2pm. 150RMB.
Frozen Planet in Concert
This concert combines the breathtaking high-definition images of the 'majestic and frozen wilderness of the world’s polar regions' from the landmark BBC television series Frozen Planet with evocative music from a live orchestra. The beautiful documentary shots of the North and the South Pole are accompanied by a score from contemporary UK composer George Fenton.
Shanghai Children's Art Centre Feb 18-19. 2.30pm; 7.30pm. 280-480RMB.
Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne
The Gürzenich Orchestra of Cologne is one of Germany’s leading orchestras and can look back on a great tradition. Since 1986 the ensemble’s home has been at the Kölner Philharmonie, where it presents about 50 concerts annually, simultaneously giving over 160 performances a year at the Cologne Opera. Since the season 2015/2016 François-Xavier Roth is new Gürzenich-Kapellmeister (Chief Conductor) and General Music Director of the City of Cologne.
Shanghai Grand Theatre Feb 14. 7.30pm. 180-1,080RMB.
Sergej Krylov Violin Recital
Sergej Krylov was born in Moscow in a family of musicians. The father Alexander Krylov was an outstanding violin maker. The mother Liudmila Krylova is a famous piano player and a teacher. Here he plays Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2, Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9 (Kreutzer), and Franck’s Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano.
Shanghai Grand Theatre Feb 14. 7.30pm. 180-1,080RMB.
Sumi Jo’s Tribute to Maria Callas
Praised for the remarkable agility, precision and warmth of her voice, and for her outstanding musicianship, Sumi Jo has established herself as one of her generation’s most sought-after sopranos.
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall Feb 26. 8pm. 280-580RMB.
Kristjan Järvi Performs In the Mystical Land of Kaydara
Kristjan Järvi works with some of today’s brightest creative minds, from film directors Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis to composers and artists Arvo Pärt, Steve Reich, Tan Dun, Giya Kancheli, Hauschka, Dhafer Youssef, Anoushka Shankar, Max Richter and Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall Feb 18. 8pm. 280-580RMB.
More from Time Out Shanghai
7 places to watch the Super Bowl in Shanghai
Looking for love? Let us set you up on a date