The best of the week
We're marching into March, and you know what that means: spring is (pretty much) here. Celebrate by doing one of these 7 great things going on in Shanghai this week.
Ladyfest Shanghai: Evolution
Fri Mar 4 - Sat Mar 5
After two successful years in Shanghai, the annual Ladyfest event returns this weekend, bringing a 2-day event filled with new and engaging workshops, performances, and installations. This year’s theme is 'Evolution', with events focused on what evolution means to women. The event starts with an opening party at 8pm on Friday at Yuyintang. The main Ladyfest takes places on Saturday from midday at Basement6, followed by an after party from 10pm round the corner at DADA.
Community of Celibates
Shanghai Gallery of Art, until March 16
This group exhibition features the likes of Chen Tianzhuo (who you may remember from his Little People-starring hip hopera) exploring concepts of love and sex. Chen Xi, Gao Jie, Geng Yini, Feng Bingyi and Zheng Jiebai also display works.
Kode9
Fri Mar 4, The Shelter, 60RMB
The founder of Hyperdub Records continues his love affair with Shanghai, returning once again to The Shelter courtesy of Sub-Culture for what will doubtless be a typically eclectic, exciting mix fresh off the release of his new album Nothing. Harbin's Sayer and Shanghai's Aivilox, Howell and Kilo-Vee provide support.
The Thief of Bagdad with live orchestral accompaniment
Sat Mar 9, The Pearl, 200RMB
Jew Fest’s Brian Offenther presents the 1924 film The Thief of Bagdad, starring “King of Hollywood” Douglas Fairbanks. Accompanying this cinema classic is US-based composer Nathan Felix and fellow trio members playing Felix’s original score. Not to be missed.
Elsewhere, Ian Bostridge and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment play the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall on Wednesday, with a programme including Handel and Telemann.
Caspian
Fri Mar 8, MAO Livehouse, 140RMB (120RMB presale)
American instrumental rock outfit Caspian return to Shanghai in support of their acclaimed album Dust and Disquiet. After 12 years in the post-rock game, the band are widely seen as being at the forefront of the genre. We've got a full interview with the band that you can find right on our website. 21 Grams provide support.
Café of the week - Paloma café
Just around the corner from Tianzifang, this multi room café - also known as White Bird Cafe - is already a well-loved hangout for those who know it. Artworks lean against white-painted exposed brick walls, wooden tables are dotted with fresh and fragrant flowers, and windows open onto trees and greenery and allow fresh air to whoosh through the triangular-ceilinged space.
Paloma Café is at No 1, 198 Ruijin Er Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu.