By Andrew Chin
Nov 8: Akon
It may be eight years and counting since his last album release, there's no denying Akon’s influence on modern pop thanks to more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs including anthems like ‘Smack That.’ He takes over Mercedes-Benz Arena on November 8 for his first Shanghai show in two years and first since his guest appearance on the hit reality show, I Am A Singer.
Nov 8, 8pm, RMB380-1,680. Mercedes-Benz Arena, 1200 Shibo Da Dao, by Yaohua Lu
Nov 10: Nicky Almasy Talk
Our beloved former photographer lent his skills to That's Shanghai from 2009 to 2015 before moving to Bangkok to work on a project shooting the houses designed by Art Deco master Lazlo Hudec. However, he's back in town this week and will discuss his eclectic portfolio. Even better, it's two for one drinks.
Nov 10, 8pm, free entry. The Apartment, 3/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu
Nov 10-13: Harlequino
Best known for his roles in The Shawshank Redemption and Mystic River, Academy Award winner Tim Robbins returns to Shanghai with his acclaimed theater group, The Actor’s Gang. He follows his rousing 2014 adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with an original play that he scripted that celebrates the 16th century art of Commedia dell’Arte, which served as the satirical voice for the poor and powerless of that time.
Nov 10-13, 7.15pm (with 2pm weekend matinees), RMB120-680. Daguan Theater, Shanghai Himalayas Art Center, 869 Yinghua Lu, by Huamu Lu.
Nov 12: Pac-12 China Game
Academic powerhouses Harvard and Stanford kick off their college basketball regular seasons in the second edition of the Pac 12 China game, presented by Alibaba. Last year's edition marked the first time an American sport held a regular season game on Mainland China and drew in over 8,000 fans. Aired live on ESPN, this game will feature the debut of Harvard's highly touted freshman point guard Bryce Aiken. For more, check out our Pac 12 China preview.
Nov 12, noon, RMB80-980. Mercedes-Benz Arena, 1200 Shibo Da Dao, by Yaohua Lu.
Nov 12: Electric Zoo: Countdown Shanghai
The New York mega electronic music festival drew in a record-breaking 83,000 people to this year’s edition. They’re bringing their famed giant octopus stage, animal themed costume performers and an impressive lineup of top DJs like Dada Life, Sander Van Doorn and Hucci when it makes it holds its first China edition. Tickets available through That's.
Nov 12, 1.30pm-late, RMB299-499. Expo Park, 1700 Shibo Dadao
Nov 12: Chi Fan for Charity
With support from The Good Agency and That’s Shanghai, Chi Fan will host over 500 people at dozens restaurants around the city to raise money for this year’s beneficiaries, Shanghai Young Bakers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Entering its sixth year, Chi Fan for Charity is the largest F&B-related charity event in Asia, which is also hosted in Beijing and Hong Kong. Participating restaurants donate a table for 10 people with a three-course meal and beverage pairings. To date the event has raised over RMB4.7 million for over 20 charities. For more, check out our Chi Fan for Charity series at www.thatsmags.com/shanghai.
For more events in Shanghai this week, click "Read more" below.