While Shanghai braces itself for the Taylor Swift-athon at Mercedes-Benz Arena next week, this weekend is far from a blank space in the gig calendar. It may be forecast to rain, but even if the weather is treacherous we suggest you shake it off and head to these shows:
Dirty Fingers
Yuyintang, 9pm, 60RMB
Locally-based punk quartet Dirty Fingers are in the midst of an epic tour around China, taking in 33 cities. Tonight, they're on home turf for what promises to be a raucous show. Round Eye, The Psyders and Goushen provide similarly lively support.
Soundtoy
MAO Livehouse, 8.30pm, 130RMB
Excellent Chengdu indie-rock outfit Soundtoy, who have been known to work elements of bossa nova and folk into their eclectic sound, hit Shanghai for a headlining slot at MAO. Founded in 1999, the band have been somewhat elusive in recent years, touring rarely, but they seem to be ramping up the live shows lately (they also played at Echo Park last month). There's no support act for this one, so expect them on around 9pm.
Hoodlum Has Culture
Inferno, 9pm, free
Looking to pick up where Nathan Sidoti's regular Rat On showcases left off (i.e. providing a regular stage for emerging bands in Shanghai), the first outing of Hoodlum Has Culture will feature Goushen, Pinball City and newcomers Never Ending Story. Punk rock, and lots of it basically. Get out and support your local music scene.
Mary See the Future
Yuyintang, 8pm, 80RMB
Taiwanese indie rock quartet Mary See the Future - who have opened for Placebo and The Vaccines in their time - hit YYT as part of their Starry Nights tour of China.
Xie Tian Xiao
Shanghai Grand Stage, 7.30pm, 180-1,080RMB
Beijing-based rock 'n' roller Xie Tian Xiao (aka XTX) brings his band The Cold Blooded Animals to town for a show at Shanghai Grand Stage.
Tinho Pereira
Heyday, 9.30pm, free
Round off your weekend at Heyday, where locally-based jazz guitarist Tinho Pereira drops in for a night of Brazilian classics from the likes of Jobim and Joao Gilberto.
