That's Shanghai takes a look at the best of the month:
Jan 4: Sherlock - The Abominable Bride
The BBC modernization of the enterprising sleuth has struck a major chord on the Mainland, sparking a sadly banned genre of online fan fiction. In this stand-alone special, the two find themselves in 1890s London on a special case that will premiere on New Year’s Day. However, fans in China will just have to wait a few days before they can watch the special on the big screen, as Sherlock: The Abominable Bride lands an unprecedented cinematic release date. Make sure to catch it before the Star Wars monolith takes over the country a few days later.
Jan 5: Adam Lambert
From struggling as a musical theater singer to rocking 200,000 people in Ukraine with Queen, Adam Lambert has enjoyed a wild ride. The 2009 American Idol runner-up has transcended the reality show thanks to his powerful voice and signature glam-rock style. He returns to China for the third time celebrating his third album, The Original High. For more, check out our exclusive sit-down interview with him.
> Jan 5, 8pm, RMB480-980. Mercedes-Benz Arena, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 7: An Evening with Christopher Matkos
The Andy Warhol collaborator returns to Shanghai to gab with Brian Offenther about snapping legends like Salvador Dali and his current projects. It’s the latest in B.O’s series of talks that have featured sax legend Steve Mackay in the past. Round Eye will perform an acoustic tribute to Warhol cohorts the Velvet Underground and poet Ryan Shank will pay tribute to underground New York. For more, check out our interview with Makos and our feature on Warhol's 1982 trip to China with Matkos.
> Jan 7, 8pm, RMB50 (with one beer). Zeitgest, see event listing.
Jan 7: Lydmoor + Heems
It's the best of both worlds in this intriguing double bill that takes over Yuyintang. Danish electro-pop upstart Lydmoor will be joined by New York underground rap favorite Heems, who has nicely transitioned from the acclaim of his former group Das Racist into a strong solo career. While seemingly having little in common, the organizers say they share one very important trait - they're both dope. For more, check out our interview with Heems.
> Jan 7, 8.30pm, RMB60. Yuyintang.
Jan 7-9: Big Shot
The award-winning L.A. performance group presents a “vaudevillian theatrical collage inspired by The Godfather.” While the show’s characters of Sonny, Fredo and Michael Corleone may be familiar, the show inverts the gangster film classic by focusing on the family drama to create something unique, and at times musical.
> Jan 7-9, 7.30pm (with a 2pm matinee show on Sat), RMB100-280. Shanghai Grand Theatre, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 8: Revel’s World of Shakespeare
Stage veteran Joseph Graves returns to Shanghai for this popular one-man show. The artistic director of PKU Institute of World Theatre and Film relives his experiences as a six-year-old schoolboy studying under a professor whose harsh manner was balanced with his love of the Bard.
> Jan 8, 7.30pm, RMB80-280. Lyceum Theatre, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 8: L.O.B.I.
This super-duo of Snapline singer Xi Chen and P.K. 14’s guitarist Xu Bo recently formed, playing high-profile shows like opening for Neon Indian in Beijing. They travel south to Shanghai to take over Basement 6 for a show that promises to be filled with Mainland music fans. While Snapline and P.K.14 are icons for their post-punk indebted sound, L.O.B.I. is more on the electronic trip. Duck Fight Goose’s Goooose will support. For more Mainland music, check out our series on the Best 50 Mainland Albums of 2015.
> Jan 8, 8pm, RMB40-60. Basement 6, tickets.
Jan 8: Afrojack
The superstar Dutch DJ returns to Shanghai after a rousing set at this year’s Budweiser STORM Festival. Perenially in the Top 10 of DJ Magazine’s annual Top 100 DJs list, Afrojack has been infiltrating the pop world with hit collaborations with Pitbull, Madonna and Beyoncé. Last year, he was part of David Guetta’s hit single ‘Hey Mama,’ alongside Nicki Minaj and Bebe Rexha.
> Jan 8, 10pm-late, RMB380. M2, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 8: Fjaak
As founder of the INTRO Festival, Miao Wong is a legend in Beijing’s dance community. Her newest project dART specialize in events that blend music and art with technology. They follow up last year’s inaugural festival with a smaller showcase headlined by Berlin trio Fjaak, who will be performing a live vinyl and hardware set. Co-Motion’s Miiia and Mau Mau support, along with Gooooooose. Clockwork Q, Marula and W2 Group provide visuals.
> Jan 8, 10pm-late, RMB80. Arkham, see event listing.
Jan 8: Jon Kennedy
The BBC Radio 1 host is a bonafide UK trip hop veteran. He’ll be delving deep into his seemingly limitless bag of records to spin the finest in northern soul, 90s hip hop, big beat party jams and drum ‘n’ bass.
> Jan 8, 10pm-late, free entry. DADA.
Jan 8: Demolition Man aka Ras Demo
The East London multi-hyphenate has traveled the world adding to an eclectic discography that stretches from reggae to drum and bass. Expect the award winning producer, DJ and emcee to highlight his versatility as he brings his inaugural Asia tour to The Shelter.
> Jan 8, 10pm-late, RMB60. The Shelter.
Jan 8-10: The Gruffalo
Described by The Observer as “a modern classic,” this magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book is the toast of London’s West End. Follow Mouse on an adventure through the deep, dark woods where he encounters characters like the wheeling-dealing Fox, General Owl and party animal snake. When they try to eat him, Mouse must conjure up a story of an imaginary monster friend. However, what Mouse doesn’t know is that he will have to escape the jaws of this faux protector as well.
> Jan 8-10, 7.30pm (Fri), 10.30am (Sat-Sun), 2.30pm (Sat), RMB80-480. Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 9: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The ground-breaking galactic caper returns for Episode Seven. Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher return to reprise their iconic roles. However, newcomer Daisy Ridley, Attack the Block’s John Boyega and A Most Violent Year’s Oscar Isaac star as this trilogy’s catalysts Rey, Finn and Poe. Director J. J. Abrams has already proven capable of rebooting a beloved series with the recent Star Trek films. Fans aren’t expecting A New Hope, but they won’t tolerate another clunker like The Phantom Menace. While the film is expected to get an unprecedented three weeks in China's cinemas, make sure to catch it early just in case.
Jan 9: DForce – The Force Awakens
New media giant Douban celebrates the first anniversary of its indie record label imprint, D-Force. Overseen by P.K.14 guitarist Xu Bo, the label has enjoyed a stellar year and will host its first Shanghai showcase. Hometown heroes and label acts Duck Fight Goose and MHP will be joined by Chengdu’s Stolen (pictured) and Hangzhou dance-rock group Girls. A limited edition label compilation cassette will be available. For more Mainland music, check out our Best Albums from Chinese mainland in 2015 series.
> Jan 9, 8-11pm, RMB70-100. Yuyintang.
Jan 9: Zhang Xiongguan
Three years after graduating from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, the guitarist unveils his debut album, New Sound from the Past. Zhang will be leading a seven-piece group that includes city standouts like trumpeter Li Xiaochuan and the Heyday Trio’s Danny Zanker for the album release show. Coco Zhao will guest in this opening salvo of what promises to be a big year for local jazz releases. For more, check out our feature on how JZ is leading Shanghai's second jazz age.
> Jan 9, 9pm, RMB60-80. On Stage.
Jan 9: Heyday 1 Year Anniversary
The That’s Shanghai Food & Drink Award winning jazz lounge celebrates their first birthday with six of their favorite singers - Anne Evenou (pictured above), Hazel Gould, Chico, Jonas Seetoh, Denise Minnifeld and Isabelle, backed by the ever-reliable Heyday Trio and guest sax maestro Li Shihai.
> Jan 9, 9.30pm-late, RMB100. Heyday, see event listing.
Jan 9: Kastle
Yeti welcomes in the LA based DJ, producer and founder of the Symbols label. He’s headlined major festivals from Burning Man to Coachella, while releasing groundbreaking discs that filter hip hop and R&B through UK-inflected genres from garage to grime.
> Jan 9, 10pm-late, RMB80 (RMB70 with WeChat scan). Arkham, see event listing.
Jan 10: Brooklyn Gospel Brunch
Urban Aphrodite and The Apartment team up to present a soul food buffet. Fresh from appearances in Little Shop of Horrors and the Stevie Wonder tribute concert, LaTrece Bracks will perform gospel music’s greatest hits from 1.30-3.30pm. Group reservations available.
> Jan 10, 12.30pm-3.30pm, RMB250-300. The Apartment, tickets@urbanaphrodite.nl.
Until Jan 10: Dalí’s Fantastic Universe
This massive Dalí exhibition has been seen by over 10 million people across 80 museums worldwide and features over 300 Dalí pieces. Major highlights include 24 large bronze statues, ‘Spellbound’ (pictured) and his ‘Mae West Lips’ sofa. However, rarer works like 10 original Tarot collages and lithographs inspired by Carmen showcase the diversity and productivity of the surrealist master. For more, check out our preview of two major Dali shows in Shanghai.
> Until Jan 10. Bund 18, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 10&17: NFL Playoff Brunch
The road to Super Bowl 50 begins with seven teams gunning to topple Tom Brady’s New England Patriots and capture American football’s biggest prize. Catch a couple of the games live at the Jing An Shangri-La while enjoying an American-styled breakfast buffet. Breakfast packages include a complimentary mimosa sparkling cocktail, buckets of Budweiser on each table and bar snacks throughout. NFL China has contributed autographed memorobilia items on sale with all proceeds going to Shanghai Children’s Health Foundation to support young leukemia patients.
> Jan 10&17, 7.30-11.30am, RMB368 (RMB184 for kids). 1515 West Bar.
Jan 13-16: Laundry
Praised by critics as "the hope for original Korean musicals," Laundry has been a huge hit in South Korea with its touching look of unlikely neighbors living in a dal dongnae – ‘moon village’ style compounds built on the mountains on the outskirts of Seoul during the 1950s by the city’s poor, where part-time workers, elderly residents and low-level businessmen converge. While a Chinese language adaptation is set to premiere later this year, creator Chu Min-ju brings in the original version for an intimate Shanghai run.
> Jan 13-16, 7.30pm (matinees available on Jan 16-17, 2pm), RMB280-580. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 14: Solace
This supernatural thriller pits Sir Anthony Hopkin’s retired doctor-turned-detective on the hunt for Colin Farrell’s serial killer. The caveat - they both have psychic abilities. While the film premiered last April in Turkey and was shown at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, there’s a good chance that it’s China opening will precede its North American one.
Jan 14: Toro Y Moi
Known as one of the driving forces behind the short-lived chillwave movement, producer Chazwick Bundick’s solo project has evolved from bedroom solo project into popular worldwide touring act. Last year’s What For? is a blissful psychedelic indie-pop shift after 2013’s house-inflected Anything in Return. Expect the show to be a sonic journey through the group’s eclectic discography as they make their Mainland debut.
> Jan 14, 8-9.30pm, RMB160-200. QSW Culture Center, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 15: The Last Witch Hunter
This dark action thriller stars Vin Diesel as an immortal witch-hunter who must combat a plague in New York City, while retaining the uneasy peace between humans and witches. Despite a star-studded cast that also includes Michael Caine and Elijah Wood, the planned franchise has received less than stellar response in America. However, it’s been a hit internationally and will be a litmus test to Vin’s star power in China, after the massive success of Fast 7.
Jan 15: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
After last month’s hit Sinatra tribute concert, Frank Bray and the Pearl Power Band as conducted by music director Rolf Becker return for another swinging show. Expect to hear classic duets and frosty favorites for a concert that promises to be “a musical warm up” for the winter.
> Jan 15, 9pm, RMB150-200. The Pearl, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 15: Flava D
Seven Entertainment brings in the grime and garage don. With acclaimed releases on Butterz, Flava D is rapidly becoming a rising star within the London scene.
> Jan 15, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.
Jan 15: Flux Pavilion
The English producer and DJ has already rocked major EDM festivals from Glastonbury to EDC Vegas. His bombastic sound continues on the path laid out by inspirations The Prodigy and Rusko.
> Jan 15, 10.30pm, RMB150 (presale). Fusion, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 15-16: Paris Opera Ballet
With roots in the royal court of Louis XIV, the Paris Opera Ballet has been a dance monolith for over three centuries. The world’s oldest national ballet company returns to China for the first time in seven years, presenting a gala showcase that touches on classics from Nureyev's Don Quixote to Lander's Études.
> Jan 15-16, 7.15pm; RMB180-880. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 15-16: Dance of the World
Renowned as one of Europe’s leading choreographers, Vadim Yelizarov leads an all-star group of performers through this mixed programme. Enjoy dances from around the globe from the passionate tango to the dazzling Cancan.
> Jan 15-16, 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai Grand Theater, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 15-17: Happy Birthday Elvis
Once again, TouJam’s DJ BO salutes The King with a series of fun events. Things kick off on Friday with the BABY ♥s ELVIS exhibition at Basement 6. This narrative Elvis-themed group art show mixes contemporary approaches, Asian aesthetics and classic American rock and roll motifs, for a show that is set in a fictional Elvis obsessed devotee affectionally called BABY. DJ BO will spin with perormance art and F&B pop-ups adding to the festivities. On Saturday, the BREW at the Kerry Hotel Pudong hosts a special brunch, an Elvis set by house band The Solidaz (with a special guest singer) and appearances from the King himself. Later that night, Inferno hosts the third edition of Juju Panky Jive headlined by Shanghai garage rock legends Banana Monkey with support from Chad Romero & the Cadillacs (who hosted Encore Live’s Elvis memorial show last year), Parachutes on Fire and a DJ set by “Shanghai’s No. 2 DJ” himself, DJ BO. Finally on Sunday, District Bar & Kitchen pays tribute to Elvis’ heritage with a Southern-fried feast with support from Ruijin Cajun. Elvis tunes will be performed live and spun. Elvis pop-up art shows will take place in all three events.
> Jan 15, 8pm, free entry. Basement 6, see event listing.
> Jan 16, 11am, RMB198 (with brunch). The BREW, see event listing.
> Jan 16, 9pm, RMB81. Inferno, see event listing.
> Jan 17, 12.30pm, RMB150-181 (with lunch). District Bar & Kitchen, see event listing.
Jan 16: Plastik Funk
M1NT hosts Plastik Funk's Rafael Ximenez, who has been thrilling crowds and climbing up the Beatport charts with his funky tracks. Tiesto, Nicky Romero and Afrojack are fans, sprinkling his tracks during their sets.
> Jan 16, 9pm-late, RMBTBA. M1NT, see event listing.
Jan 16: Luigi Rocca
The Italian producer has graced Beatport’s Top 10 across various genres highlighting his diversity. Expect to hear plenty of sounds and hits from Rocca when he takes over Lola.
> Jan 16, 10.30pm-late, RMBTBA. Lola.
Jan 17: China in Fifty Objects Tour
Inspired by the New York Times bestseller and popular radio series, Newman Tours has crafted this journey through China’s rich human history. Explore some of the Shanghai Museum’s most venerated objects as a tour guide connects them to show how they were instrumental in the country’s epic history. Our sister publication Urban Family is giving away a pair of tickets. Visit shanghai.urban-family.com for giveaway details.
> Jan 17, 1.30-3.30pm, RMB190 (RMB14 for kids under 14). Shanghai Museum, see event listing.
Until Jan 17: War Horse
Since its 2007 premiere at London’s National Theatre, War Horse has become one of the world’s most celebrated plays. Productions have picked up Laurence Olivier Awards, swept the 2011 Tony Awards and inspired a hit 2011 film helmed by the legendary Steven Spielberg. Years in the making, the National Theatre Company of China’s Mandarin version debuted last year in Beijing and will wrap up its months-long run at Shanghai Culture Square. For more, check out our feature on War Horse.
> Until Jan 17 (Tues-Sun), 7.15pm (2pm matinee shows on Sat); RMB80-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.
Jan 19: The Spinning Plates
The Grumpy Pig screens this incisive 2012 documentary that look at three vastly different restaurants: a cutting-edge Chicago restaurant named seventh-best in the world, a 150 year old family restaurant inextricably linked to its community and a fledgling Mexican restaurant struggling to survive in Tuscon. Space is limited.
> Jan 19, 9.30-11.30pm, free entry. The Grumpy Pig.
Jan 20: Shanghai Sharks vs Zhejiang Guangsha Lions
Freed from the shackles of perennial contenders Guangdong Southern Tigers, 26-year-old shooting guard Liu Xiaoyu (pictured) is enjoying a breakout season. He’s generating national team buzz while forming a lethal backcourt with former Indiana Pacer AJ Price. The Yao Ming-owned squad is firmly in the mix to return to the playoffs after last year’s disastrous season. This final stretch of the season is key, with five home games this month – none larger than a battle against the youthful, league-topping Hangzhou squad.
> Jan 20, 7.35pm, RMB50-300. Yuanshen Stadium, tickets.
Jan 20: Painkiller Fest 2016
A trio of metal standouts converge on China to bring the pain to Shanghai and Beijing. Straight out of Finland, Finntroll (pictured above) specializes in epic Viking metal. Arkona are standouts in Moscow’s pagan metal scene, while the rising Shandong group Spirit Dream have been winning awards for their mix of metal and traditional culture.
> Jan 20, 8-11pm, RMB300-380. MAO Livehouse, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 22: Jorge Montiel
The Latin funk icon has been finetuning his soulful sounds since forming The Smoke Brothers soundsystem as an 18-year-old in Venezuela. He’s since cofounded the notorious Los Charly’s Orchestra and collaborated with the likes of Soul II Soul’s Jazzy B on a myriad of projects. Montiel brings his mix of soul, disco and Latin funk back to Unico, which he memorably blessed with a scintillating opening night set.
> Jan 22, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. UNICO by Mauro Colagreco.
Jan 22: DVBBS
The Toronto duo rocketed to famed with the 2013 mega-hit, ‘Tsunami.’ While they tried to keep their identity hidden, the secret is out, thanks to legend Pete Tong. Since then, the brothers have repeatedly topped the Beatport chrats, signed with Sander van Doom’s DOORN Records, rocked festivals like Tomorrowland while setting a record in their hometown of Toronto by selling out 8,00 tickets and three shows in less than two hours.
> Jan 22, 10pm, RMB150-200. Linx, tickets.
Jan 22: Kaskade
Along with deadmau5 and Wolfgang Gartner, this Chicago DJ and producer helped propel the great American progressive house revival of 2008-2009. He’s since racked up a couple of Grammy nominations, was named by DJ Times as America’s Best DJ and headlined Coachella and Ultra.
> Jan 22, 10.30pm-late, RMB150. Fusion, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 22-23: Monroe Martin
Kung Fu Komedy presents the Philly stand-up who has New York City buzzing. Acclaimed for his honest storytelling, Martin is able to mine laughs from a hard knock childhood moving from one home to another as a foster child. Last year, he hit an unofficial comedy-making milestone – making his debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
> Jan 22-23, 8.30pm (Fri), 8pm and 10pm (Sat); RMB170-200. Kung Fu Komedy Club.
Jan 22-23: Tassel & Tease
Groove Entertainment presents Shanghai’s first all-woman production that celebrates the many manifestations of ‘her.’ Expect a flirtatious and mysterious show that fuses dance, musical theater and seduction. Dress code: elegant chic.
> Jan 22-23, 9-11pm, RMB180-220 (with one glass of sparkling). The Pearl, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 23: Australia Day 2016
AustCham Shanghai and the Australian Shanghai Association (ASA) team up for a family-friendly roast. The Shangaroos will play the best in Aussie rock, a Pavlova bake-off will determine who has the best family recipe and there will be plenty of activities for the kids like cricket, rugby and Aussie rules football. Free-flow beer and wine included. Early bird prices end on Jan 10 with special family packages available for AustCham members.
> Jan 23, 11.30am-3pm, RMB500-580 (RMB250-280 for kids 6-15) [RMB390-500 (RMB190-250 for kids 6-15) for AustCham members]. Kakadu, tickets.
Jan 23: Burns Night Shanghai
An institution in early 20th century Shanghai life, the Shanghai Scots revived this lavish Burns Night celebration four years ago. Now this celebration of the life and poetry of celebrated author and lyricist Robert Burns is one of the social events of January. Enjoy a contemporary take on the traditional format with poetry readings, performances of folk songs, Scottish dancing and a beastly banquet. Mandarin translations of songs and poems will be provided.
> Jan 23, 7.30pm-late, RMB1,380 (RMB10,000 for table of 10). Fairmont Peace Hotel, www.burnsnightshanghai.com.
Jan 23: Zmack - The Geek Awakens
The Shanghai improv institution takes over Masse for a show that will surely pack in some Star Wars references.
> Jan 23, 8.30pm, RMB100-120 (with one drink). Masse, see event listing.
Jan 27: Henry Padovani
The Intriguing Corsicon has enjoyed a wonderfully weird career. He co-founded The Police with Stewart Copeland and Sting, only to get the boot before the group found stardom. Don’t feel band for the guitarist – he’s since started acclaimed bands like The Flying Pandovanis, co-founded IRS Records (first home to R.E.M.) and found stardom in France as a judge on the X-Factor. He’s bringing his world tour to UNICO to support his newest solo disc.
> Jan 27, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. UNICO by Mauro Colagreco.
Jan 27-31: The Five Fools
This children’s musical has been praised by the New York Times as a “lesson in the power of civility.” The show follows a circus full of colorful characters from the love-struck strongman to the “bad” ringmaster. Despite their hang-ups, they manage to conquer their fears in a touching story that will have the whole family enraptured. The show features live music, acrobatics, illusion and ample amounts of comedy. The bilingual show mixes English and Chinese, creating an environment that encourages language learning for the kids.
> Jan 27-31, 7.30pm (with 2pm matinee show on Saturday), RMB160-360. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, tickets.
Jan 28: Beef Appreciation Steak Masterclass
Starting this month, CHAR in the Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund hosts this class that celebrates beef. Topics include animal husbandry, the various cuts of beef, the type of cows, dry aging and how to select a quality beef product such as the acclaimed restaurant’s Wagyu, Black Angus and grass-fed beef sourced from some of the world’s most renowned cattle rachnes. Class comes with a light lunch.
> Jan 28, 1-3pm, RMB350. CHAR, see event listing.
Jan 28: Revolution Film Screening
Praised by Sir Richard Branson, Rob Stewart’s Revolution features conversations with world renowned exports exploring past evolutions for solutions to current and future environmental problems. The film festival favorite was inspired by Stewart’s discovery of long-lining in supposedly protected marine areas in the Galapagos Islands, endangering the global shark population. The screening will be followed by a networking mixer.
> Jan 28, 6.30pm, USD20. naked Hub (same building as Mr & Mrs Fitness), see event listing.
Jan 28-30: Punchline Comedy
Punchline Comedy rings in 2016 with a stacked triple bill featuring Brit Andre Vincent, Aussie Wayne Deakin and Yankee Dave Fulton. Besides their different nationalities, the three comics will be bringing in three different types of style. Formerly a circus performer, Vincent found comedy success in America before returning home where he's a UK favorite. Deakin (pictured above) is the consumate professional that has conquered the London comedy scene, while packing clubs across the world. Fulton is on the "angry young man" growing up tip, bringing a dark edge to the evening.
> Jan 28, 8pm, RMB290. Zapata’s, tickets. See event listing.
> Jan 29, 8pm, RMB290. The Exchange, B/1, River Wing, Pudong Shangri-la, tickets. See event listing.
> Jan 30, 8pm, RMB290. Blossoms, 2/F, Kerry Hotel Pudong, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 29: Kung Fu Panda 3
Jack Black returns to voice Po in the planned six-part animated comedy series. Once again, he finds himself as an outcast while reuniting with his biological father at a secret panda sanctuary. Making matters worse is an evil ancient spirit called Kai who steals the powers of kung fu masters he defeated across China. Can the original Kung Fu Panda teach a village of clumsy, fun loving pandas to follow in his fighting ways? The film is the first co-created by Shanghai based Oriental DreamWorks and features a star-studded cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and Bryan Cranston.
Jan 29: Monkey Safari
To kick off 2016, the eight-time People’s Choice winner for That’s Shanghai Club of the Year welcomes the acclaimed German brothers. Starting out with a goal of finding a common ground where their love of Gangstarr and Guns ‘N’ Roses can meet, the duo have since harnessed an infectious sound indebted to house, indie and alternative.
> Jan 29, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Bar Rouge.
Jan 29: Catz ‘N Dogz
For over a dozen years, this Polish duo has cultivated a global fanbase for their infectious take on house. Revered for their live shows, Catz n Dogz are entering 2016 on a high thanks to the acclaim received by last year’s Basic Colour Theory.
> Jan 29, 10.30pm-late, RMBTBA. Lola.
Jan 29-30: Soul Train Greatest Hits
Urban Aphrodite and The Pearl team up for the first of their Tribute Concert Series. Smokey and The Shake Your Booty All Starz band play all the hits from the funkadelic 70s. Bust out your funkiest bellbottoms and suspenders for a night of doing the bump, rock steady and electric slide.
> Jan 29-30, 9pm-late, RMB200-220. The Pearl, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 30: Fasching
Let your hair down as Paulaner Bräuhaus on Fenyang Lu celebrates Germany’s unofficial fifth ‘foolish’ season. Dress up in fanciful costumes while indulging in an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet spread full of Bavarian favorites, as well as free-flow Paulaner beer and other drinks. The resident house band will perform rousing German Schlager songs to add to the festive vibe.
> Jan 30, 6.30pm-late, RMB358. Paulaner (Fenyang Lu), see event listing.
Jan 30: Buena Vista Social Club
The spirit of the 1940s Havana members’ club lives on with this ensemble that inspired a 1997 album featuring famed guitarist Ry Cooder and a 1999 Academy Award winning documentary directed by Wim Wenders. While several of their original members have sadly passed, this touring group continues to tap into the infectious rhythms of traditional Cuban music.
> Jan 30, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 30: Soichi Terada
There’s no rest for the Yeti crew who kick off the new year with a pair of parties, including this one featuring the Japanese house music favourite. With a sound that incorporates nu disco and classic disco touches, Terada will be bringing his naïve, yet emotionally resonant style to Arkham complete with a full A/V live show.
> Jan 30, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.
Jan 30: Swimful
After presenting Damacha’s TuHaoJin opus last year, SVBKVLT links up with another Shanghai fixture. Approved by the Based God, Lil B, and hip streetwear company/indie label Mishka, the ultra-mysterious producer unleashes his newest EPPM2.5.
> Jan 30, 10pm-late, RMB40. The Shelter.
Jan 30-31: The Great Gatsby
As the 2014 Taglioni European Ballet Award for Europe’s Best Dance Company, the Northern Ballet enjoys a hallowed reputation. They'll finally be bringing their acclaimed adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic to Shanghai for the first time. Expect a vibrant show that incorporates different types of styles, while resolutely remaining a ballet.
> Jan 30-31, 7.15pm, RMB80-880. Shanghai Grand Theatre, tickets. See event listing.
Feb 7: That’s Shanghai Year of the Monkey Street Party
Get cheeky for Chinese New Year by rampaging across Yongkang Lu with That’s Shanghai. After running wild on the street last month with our hit Christmas pub crawl, we’re back again and teaming up with El Luchador, Blarney Stone, Sliders, Topolino, Zapfler, Café de Stagiaires, Lizzy’s All Natural and Gilligans. RMB150 ticket gets you eight drinks – one for each bar.
> Feb 7, midday, RMB150 (with eight drink tickets). Meet at Yongkang Lu, Yongkang Lu, by Jiashan Lu 永康路, 近嘉善路 (8023 2199x2806, tickets@urbanatomy.com)
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