The best parties in Shanghai this week
Uh, wickey wild wild. Wicky wicky wild. Wickey wild, wicky wicky wild wild wild west. Okay, so it's not yet been confirmed whether Jim West (desperado, rough rider, no you don't want nada) will be showing up on The Bund this weekend, but what we do know is that Bar Rouge will be throwing a big wild west-themed anniversary celebration for their 13th birthday. They will be celebrating their this weekend and next, because that's just how they do on The Bund.
Not your thing? How about some renowned reggae selectors, an Anticon alt-hop hero, a rising Japanese starlet, a (musical) super sharp shooter or a Horse Meat Disco? That's all coming your way this weekend and if you're still not satisfied, well there's always tip top EDMer Tiesto in town too.
Let's get into it....
Thursday 12
Earl Gateshead and Dan Wiltshire
Heavy HK brings the legendary roots reggae ambassador Earl Gateshead (from the Trojan Records Sound System) and seasoned DJ Dan Wiltshire (founder of the UK's largest reggae festival) to Shanghai, with support from Far East Lion and Blood Dunza.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. 10pm. Entry tbc.
Shalanaya After Party
After three days of music, love and acceptance beside the peaceful shores of Dianshan Lake, Shalanaya have plumped for the cleanest Shanghai club air they can find for their afterparty. Just kidding, they've gone for C's. DJs who were at the festival will be there along with lots of good vibes and free hugs.
C's Basement, 685 Dingxi Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. 10pm. Free.
Friday 13
Bar Rouge's 13th anniversary
Celebrating its 13th year, the iconic Bund-side bar is holding an eclectic Wild West-themed party. Dress code? Any character from a spaghetti western.
Bar Rouge Seventh Floor, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu. Fri 13-Sat 14 (continues Wed 18-Sat 21). 9pm. 100RMB (per night).
Sapphire Slows
Recently described as 'perhaps the brightest among Tokyo’s new wave of rising indie stars' by Time Out Tokyo, 27-year-old Hiroshima native Sapphire Slows has gone from bedroom producer to star attraction at major Japanese electronic music festivals including spring’s Rainbow Disco Club and Taico Club. She hits Shanghai for MIIIA's regular Room 303 event.
Elevator Fourth Floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 10pm. 80RMB; 60RMB (presale).
Tiësto
The big name Dutch EDM producer and DJ is back in China for his Club Life Tour.
Fusion Fifth Floor, Building 6, South Block, Xintiandi, 123 Xingye Lu. 9.30pm. Entry tba.
Slugabed
Slugabed makes a welcome return to Shanghai, bringing his latest jazz, hip hop and post-rock influenced album Inherit the Earth (released on Anticon Records) to DADA.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. 10pm. Entry tbc.
Saturday 14
Wonky Kong 7 Year Anniversary: DJ Zinc
Shanghai drum 'n' bass doyenne DJ Siesta celebrates seven years of her Wonky Kong promotion brand by bringing in 'Super Sharp Shooter' DJ Zinc for a special 'Trust Me I Was There' set of historic jungle, rave and d'n'b. This should be a big big night.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. 10pm. 100RMB.
Horse Meat Disco
W Shanghai welcomes queer-friendly, good times British disco collective Horse Meat Disco to Shanghai for one of their last rooftop parties before the colder weather really bites. Fun, quality music and fantastic views are guaranteed. Michael Cignarale, he of Elevator's glitter-fuelled party night Medusa, will provide support.
WET Bar W Shanghai, 66 Lvshun Lu, near Dongchangzhi Lu. 3pm. 180RMB (includes a drink); 150RMB (presale; includes a drink).
Earsnail
White+ drummer Wang Xu and Da Bang guitarist Yan Shuai have released their first album as Earsnail, an electronic project whose aim is to produce 'unique sound and interesting tunes'.
Reel to Reel B1-01, Fuxing SOHO, 388 Madang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu. 9pm. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale).
Kablam + Negroma
Brazilian-born, Berlin-based producer Negroma joins fellow Berlinite, Swedish DJ and producer Kablam for the latest instalment of Asian Dope Boys' always entertaining take overs of ALL.
ALL Second Floor, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. 10pm. Entry tbc.
Yukibeb
Hailing from Tokyo's Soulection crew, Yukibeb – a producer who fuses hip hop, RnB and future beats into her mixes – drops into Shanghai courtesy of the Yeti crew for a Shanghai Fashion Week party.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. 10pm. 120RMB; 100RMB (Yeti WeChat followers).