By Andrew Chin
Jan 20: Arrival
Best known for his acclaimed crime thrillers Prisoners and Sicario, rising French Canadian director Denis Villeneuve's first foray into sci-fi may be his most highest praised film yet. Academy Award winner Amy Adams gives a powerhouse performance as a linguist recruited by the military after 12 extraterrestrial spaceships appear across Earth.
Jan 20: Osunlade
UNICO Shanghai welcomes back the Yoruba Records founder that’s been dubbed ‘the messiah of ancestral house music.’ After cutting his teeth working with R&B icons like Patti Labelle and Freddie Jackson, Osunlade has crafted a distinct style of Afro-Caribbean-inspired deep dancefloor beats. With 14 albums to his name, Osunlade is a highly sought-after remixer and is praised worldwide for his legendary DJ sets.
Jan 20, 10pm-late, RMB100. UNICO Shanghai, 2/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu
Jan 20: US President Inauguration Day Viewing
It’s actually happening. Donald Trump will officially become the President of the United States with what might be the most unpredictable inauguration speech to date. Need a drink? Bars like The Brew will be screening the proceedings.
Jan 20, 11.30pm, free entry. Kerry Hotel Pudong, 1378 Huamu Lu, by Fangdian Lu
Jan 20-21: James Adomian
Kung Fu Komedy welcomes the Comedy Bang! Bang! staple. For years a respected stand-up who has appeared on Last Comic Standing and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Adomian’s star was boosted last year for his much loved impersonation of politician Bernie Sanders. Last year, he toured America as part of the Upright Comedy Brigade organized show, Trump vs Bernie.
Jan 20-21, 9pm (Fri), 8pm and 10pm (Sat), RMB170-200. Kung Fu Komedy Club, 4/F, 1 Xiangyang Bei Lu, by Julu Lu
Jan 21-Mar 26: Song Dong - I Don’t Know the Mandate of Heaven
Chinese artist Song Dong’s first major solo exhibition at home in eight years will his best-known works with several rarely exhibited pieces. Several pieces have been specifically commissioned by RAM for the show, including a transformation of the entire building overseen by Song.
Jan 21-Mar 26. Rockbund Art Museum, 20 Huqiu Lu, by Xianggang Lu.
Jan 22-May 21: James Turrell - Immersive Light
For their first major exhibition of the year, Long Museum West Bund scores a big one with this retrospective from the award-winning American artist known for his innovative work with light. Throughout his acclaimed decades-long career, Turrell has worked with extinct volcanoes and creating skyscapes through enclosed apertures.
Jan 22-May 21. Long Museum (West Bund), 3398 Longteng Lu, by Ruining Lu.
For more events in Shanghai this week, click "Read more" below.