The best gigs and parties this weekend in Shanghai
We might be looking at below zero temperatures this coming weekend, but there are some fantastic live music shows worth braving the cold for in the next few days. Read on for our gig and party highlights for the weekend.
Gigs
Xiao He
Always entertaining and utterly off-the-wall, Xiao He is one of China's finest musical talents, whether as leader of Glamourous Pharmacy or doing his own thing. Here, he returns for his first solo show in Shanghai in quite some time, with a strong support cast that includes former Top Floor Circus frontman Lu Chen.
MAO Livehouse 308 Chongqing Nan Lu, near Jianguo Zhong Lu. Thu 14. 8pm. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale).
Re-TROS
One of China's leading bands, Re-TROS will be fresh off of a European tour with Depeche Mode when they play this show. It's been a banner year for the Beijing-based trio, with their new album receiving widespread international acclaim (among the accolades, The Quietus made it Album of the Week upon release) and a string of shows across Europe and the US. Always excellent live, this is not a show to miss.
Modern Sky Lab Third Floor, Ruihong Tiandi, 188 Ruihong Lu. Sat 16. 8.30pm. 240RMB; 180RMB (presale).
A Place To Bury Strangers
‘New York’s loudest band’ bring their unique brand of ‘tinnitus-inducing’ shoegaze-turned-post-punk to the intimate confines of Yuyintang. This show could be absolutely legendary. Bring your earplugs.
Yuyintang 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yanan Xi Lu. Fri 15. 9pm. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale).
Desiigner
The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards 'Best Newcomer Nominee' best known for his definitive song-of-the-summer 'Panda' lands in Shanghai ahead of the launch of not one, but two albums. This should be a big night.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. Sun 17. 10pm. 380RMB; 320RMB (presale).
Migu Awards
A massive Mandopop feast at Mercedes-Benz Arena with a ridiculous line-up: Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, G.E.M, TFBoys Jane Zhang and SNH48 are among the megastars appearing.
Mercedes-Benz Arena 1200 Expo Avenue, near Gaoke Xi Lu. Sat 16. 7.30pm. 380-1,680RMB.
Parties
Love Bang: Akashic Voyage
Elevator hosts the return of the Baijiu Robots as part of Love Bang's latest shenanigans, with a big bill of Shanghai DJ royalty dropping funk, hip hop, disco, house and more: Ceezy, Illsee (Stockholm Syndrome), Cavia, DJ Caution, and Provoda (VOID). VJ 陈吸吸 provides cartoon visuals throughout and there'll be all sorts of other stuff going on such as the final Love Bang colouring competition from 9-10.30pm.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. Sat 16. 9pm. 50RMB.
Howie Lee
Always impressive Do Hits head honcho Howie Lee - who just dropped a remix of Charli XCX's 'Boys' which features the British pop star singing in Mandarin - comes to ALL for a night of experimental club sounds infused with Chinese elements. BAADAAM, Dokedo and Sierra Lima are on support duty, with Cain providing visual stimulation.
ALL Second Floor 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. Sat 16. 10pm. Price tba.
Pixelord + Saburov
A Russian double-header at DADA as Hyperboloid head honcho Saburov hits town with fellow Moscow-based witch house provocateur Pixelord. Expect everything from down and dirty grime to synthy aural rainbows.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. Fri 15. 10pm. 60RMB.
Ryan Hemsworth
Ryan Hemsworth, the Canadian producer whose work includes collaborations with Tinashe, returns to Shanghai bringing his bright, dancefloor-friendly mix of hip hop, R 'n' B, and indie pop.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. Sat 16. 10pm. 150RMB; 100RMB (presale).
Hardwell
Dutch EDM star and household name on major festival bills, returns to Shanghai for a night at MYST as part of his United China Tour.
MYST 1123 Yanan Zhong Lu, near Fumin Lu. Fri 15. 10pm. Entry tbc.
Recharge x MAO Christmas Market
Have you been to one of MAO's Recharge parties yet? Organised by visual and sound artists *LLND, the regular events combine performance art, live music, on-site installations and more - and if you've not checked one out yet, this Christmas edition looks like a good one to start with.
MAO Livehouse 308 Chongqing Nan Lu, near Jianguo Zhong Lu. Fri 15. 11pm. 60RMB (includes one drink).