What's going on for Fete de la Musique 2016 in Shanghai?
Fete de la Musique returns to Shanghai this week, with three shows in as many days providing the focal point for this year's celebration of Francophone musical culture. Founded in 1982 by the-then French Cultural Minister Jack Lang, Fete de la Musique began as a large-scale, free concert showcasing a variety of different musical styles, and has now spread around the globe, with events in over 100 countries this year.
Here's what's happening in Shanghai for the 2016 edition:
Wednesday 15
While the main Fete de la Musique celebration kicks off with a big free show at Qianshuiwan on Friday, Beijing-based promoters DongDong are hosting two showcases on consecutive nights at Yuyintang as a little musical amuse bouche. First up are Rennes electro-rockers Success, whose frontman Mister Eleganz claims to channel 'Iggy Pop and Dean Martin' as he struts around the stage. They merge Peaches-like electro-pop and skateboard punk for what ought to be an entertaining show in the confines of YYT.
The bill also features Undress for Success, though it's important to note that this is a Shanghai-formed band, not an instruction in preparation of the headliners.
Here's one from Success:
https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=s0189p9wu10&width=500&height=375&auto=0
Thursday 16
The second of DongDong's showcases has local punk outfit Dirty Fingers opening up for rock 'n' rollers Last Train. In their press photos, Last Train look like they're students of The Strokes school of artfully posing with cigarettes and their music carries a similar rock 'n' roll swagger - think The Black Keys, The Hives or Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club, but from Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine. It's good stuff; have a listen here:
https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=s030213r29i&width=500&height=375&auto=0
Friday 17
Although we've seen advertisements for other FdlM events taking place across the weekend (at Shanghai International Fashion Centre, SOHO Fuxing and Sinan Mansions, for example), details on those are scant and they're not included on the official French culture website, which makes this event the big one for this year's Fete de la Musique.
Smokey Joe & the Kid, Marie-Madeleine and Bon Voyage Organisation (pictured) are joined by Shanghai's own Anlaining, DJ Aivilox and ChaCha, plus Beijing dance-pop exhibitionists Pet Conspiracy. Expect everything from folk and trip hop to 'bohemian rock' and Sino-French psychedelia. This one kicks off at 7pm and runs until after midnight.
Here's one from Skoey Joe:
https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=x0197omxpzl&width=500&height=375&auto=0
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