That's PRD takes a look at the best events of the month:
June 1-3: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
This play is a successful stage adaptation of its namesake novel. It is presented as a play-within-a-play, rather than the first-person narrative featured in the book, telling stories about a 15-year-old amateur detective named Christopher John Francis Boone who is a mathematical genius and appears to have an unspecified autism spectrum disorder. This seven-time Oliver Award winner is to be staged in Guangzhou from June 1-3.
Fri-Sun Jun 1-3, 7.30pm; RMB80-880. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
June 2: Leo Kalyan
A child of East London’s electronic dance scene, Kalyan fuses a trip-hop sound with influences from classical Indian music, Bollywood and R&B artists. His emotive, authentic, pop-inflected tunes have earned him a coveted spot on the playlist of BBC 1Xtra, funding from the PRS Music Foundation and an appearance at SXSW. The fact that he’s a gay Muslim musician who has consistently resisted being pigeonholed by the industry on these accounts, is another achievement in itself.
Sat Jun 2, 8.30pm; RMB120 presale, RMB150 at the door. Mao Livehouse. See event listing. Tickets.
June 5: Sleep Party People
The rabbit mask-wearing musician Brian Batz, who is known as Sleep Party People, will be in town this month to get Guangzhouers hopping to his Scandinavian sound. Batz has won a worldwide following with his consistently unique grooves. The eccentric Dane and his nutty accomplices have been enthusiastically weaving dreamy atmospheres at live performances the world over. With the group’s impending performance at Mao Livehouse early this month, Guangzhouers too will get a chance to jump in on the action.
Tue Jun 5, 8.30-10pm; RMB100 presale, RMB120 at the door. Mao Livehoue. See event listing. Tickets.
June 5: Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra returns to Guangzhou for the first time since 2003, this time performing under the baton of Austrian maestro Andrés Orozco-Estrada. One of Germany’s longest-running symphony orchestras, it has succeeded in preserving tradition while meeting the rigorous challenges of the cutthroat contemporary classical music scene. The orchestra is famed for its outstanding wind section, richly layered strings and its track record of dynamic performances. This time, performing at Xinghai Concert Hall, the esteemed orchestra will present Mahler’s ‘Synphony No.5.’
Tue Jun 5, 8pm; RMB580-1,380. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
June 5, 15, 25: 5-Kuai Beers
LN Hotel Five is bringing back its wildly popular Happy Hour offer, aka 5-kuai beers on the 5th, 15th and 25th of the month. Choose from a selection of five beers (imports and domestics) or delight yourself in a free flow of house wine at RMB55 per person, all while enjoying the unparalleled views of the Pearl River from LN Hotel Five’s recently remodeled rooftop bar.
Jun 5, 15, 25, 5.30-9.30pm; RMB5 for bottled beer, RMB55 for free flow wine. Bar 5 (LN Hotel Five, Guangzhou). See event listing.
June 6: Joanna Wang
Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter Joanna Wang dropped out of high school at 16 years old and, four years later, her debut album, Start From Here was released. The record went on to reach No. 1 on Taiwan’s charts and earned her popularity throughout Southeast Asia. Raised in the US, Wang was first exposed to music by Danny Elfman, Paul McCartney and video game soundtracks. She sings in both in English and Chinese.
Wed Jun 6, 7.30pm; RMB380. Guangzhou Gymnasium. See event listing. Tickets.
June 8: Childs
Musical project Childs is the brainchild of Mexican guitarist and songwriter Paul Marron, whose music has been described as “electronic lullabies” and “bedroom blues,” boasting a melange of anime aesthetics, dreampop, IDM, shoegaze and post-rock influences. Childs’ complex early sound, elevated by the creative contributions of several musical collaborators who joined the project, culminated in the release of their debut album Yui. For 17 years, members have come and gone, but Marron’s endeavor to produce the lullabies of the future has never changed. Catch Childs at Mao Livehouse this month.
Fri Jun 8, 8.30-10pm; RMB120 presale, RMB160 at the door. Mao Livehouse. See event listing. Tickets.
June 8: Ludovico Einaudi
The minimalist compositions of Italy’s Einaudi have won a strong following over the decades, with chart-topping albums and sales in the millions. The composer smashes the divisions between genres, forging an alchemical fusion of classical, rock, electronica and world music for films and television, not to mention his sold-out live performances.
Fri Jun 8, 8pm; RMB280-1,280. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
June 8-9: Scenes from a Marriage
Swedish writer and film director Ingmar Bergman is eulogized as a national treasure and probably one of the most significant figures in the history of motion pictures. Bergman has directed more than 60 films and 170 theatrical performances, one of which is Scenes from a Marriage. Originally a TV series and later condensed into a stage drama, the play is set against the backdrop of rising divorce rates in Europe. The story, somewhat based on Bergman’s personal life, spans over 20 years of marriage between the protagonists, one of whom is a family lawyer specializing in divorce, and conveys a sense of fear for married life.
Fri-Sat Jun 8-9, 7.30pm; RMB80-980. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
WIN!
We have two pairs of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (ThatsGuangzhou) before June 6 with the subject ‘Marriage’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.
June 9-10: Swan Lake by Russian State Ballet
Over the past 20 years, the Russian State Ballet Theater has remained one of the leading ballet companies in Russia, enjoying international acclaim. Its repertoire includes masterpieces of classical ballet as well as some of the world’s finest examples of modern choreography. With its elaborate costumes, vivid set and breathtaking stunts, Swan Lake promises audiences a world-class experience.
Sat Jun 9, 8pm; RMB180-1,000. Guangzhou Friendship Theater. Tickets/Sun Jun 10, 8pm; RMB180-1,000. Guangdong Performing Arts Center Theater. Tickets. See event listing.
June 12-13: Yarlung Tsangpo
Yarlung Tsangpo is a river that has its origin in the Himalayas and bestows great vitality on the Tibetan people living in the Lhoka region, which is regarded as the birthplace of Tibetan civilization. This dance and music show is created as a tribute to the great river of Yarlung Tsangpo, the wonderful land of Lhoka and the people nurtured by them both, strung together by four chapters: ‘Heaven,’ ‘Earth,’ ‘People’ and ‘Harmony.’ Now in its third edition, the spectacular show is evolving with the addition of more musically and visually striking elements.
Tue-Wed Jun 12-13, 7.30pm; RMB80-680. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
WIN!
We have two pairs of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (ThatsGuangzhou) before June 10 with the subject ‘Tibet’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.
June 17: Father’s Day Special at LN Garden Hotel Celebration
Celebrate the special occasion of Father’s Day with enticing culinary delights and special offers at LN Garden Hotel’s fine dining restaurants. Peach Blossom will offer a complimentary dish of sauteed beef with garlic, while at Carousel, a sumptuous seafood buffet at RMB598 (plus 10 percent) coupled with a free flow of house wines is on offer. For reservation, call 189 2625 8505.
Sun Jun 17. LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou. See event listing.
June 18: Secondhand Rose
Since its inception in 1999, Chinese rock band Ershou Meigui (Secondhand Rose) have been producing folk-rock music “with Chinese characteristics,” infusing traditional elements local to northeastern China with driving percussion and wailing guitar, resulting in an unprecedented sound. Their live shows, where lead vocalist Liang Long is, more often than not, dressed as a woman with heavy makeup (borrowing from a common trope in traditional Chinese operas), are a spectacle to behold. See for yourself during their visit to Guangzhou this month.
Mon Jun 18, 8.30-10pm; RMB199 presale, RMB249 at the door. Mao Livehouse. See event listing. Tickets.
June 19: Azure Ray
The dreamy melancholy of this female duo, as exhibited in their debut album Hold On Love and their follow up album Draw Down the Moon, has won praise from fans and critics alike. Catch their brooding soundscapes, delicate vocals and cloudy harmonies as they cast their bittersweet gaze on China with an appearance at Mao Livehouse this month.
Tue Jun 19, 8pm; RMB380 presale, RMB480 at the door, RMB680 VIP. Mao Livehouse. See event listing. Tickets.
June 22: The Last of the Mohicans
Is imitation the highest form of flattery… or appropriation of the sacred? Alexandro Querevalú, born in Lima, Peru, and emigrating to Poland at 18, is firmly in the former camp. Dressing in the costume of Native American tribes, he performs earnest and soulful renditions of North America’s indigenous music. You’ll either resonate with the versatility, eloquence and emotion he expresses, or feel like shouting at him to take off the damn headdress.
Fri Jun 22, 8pm; RMB180-380. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
June 23: Bruskers Guitar Duo
The Bruskers Guitar Duo are Italian guitarists Eugenio Polacchini and Matteo Minozzi, who use jazz as a common ground, creating a repertoire that spans traditional jazz pieces, adaptations of movie soundtracks and their own original compositions. Their performance at the Guangzhou Opera House this month will include many familiar tunes, such as ‘Take Five' and ‘Fly Me to the Moon.’
Sat Jun 23, 3pm; RMB180. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
June 23: Rythmo! by Samajam
Created with the little ones in mind, Rythmo! is an interactive musical performance. Each child and parent will receive drum sticks, whirly tubes or an African djembe drum and will be led by talented musicians to create something extraordinary. Enjoy this collaborative and creative afternoon of family-friendly percussive play.
Sat Jun 23, 11am/2.30pm; RMB150-700. Zhengjia Theatre. See event listing. Tickets.
June 23: Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Race Tournament
This year’s tournament will again be held on the section of the Pearl River between the North Gate of Sun Yat-sen University and the Guangzhou Bridge. There will be traditional dragon boats and sporting-standard dragon boats competing, alongside a variety of colorful parades. Last year, the Pearl River saw a total of 130 dragon boat teams and about 5,000 athletes, with teams from around the world contending for the championship against squads from all over Guangdong. So come on out and cheer for the home team: the Guangzhou Dragons!
Sat Jun 23, 8am; free. North Gate of Sun Yat-sen University. See event listing.
June 23-24: ¡Muu! by Yllana
Acclaimed Spanish comedy troupe Yllana is one of Europe’s most talked-about groups of its kind, bringing laughter to audiences across the world with their hilarious productions. This month, Yllana is in town with their irreverent humor to perform one of their earliest works – the hysterical act ¡Muu!. Come and enjoy the show as Yllana’s humor runs riot.
Sat-Sun Jun 23-24, 8pm; RMB80-380. Guangdong Performing Arts Center Theater. See event listing. Tickets.
June 25: Joce Mienniel
French flutist Joce Mienniel is adept at communicating emotions in a hypnotic, electrified voice. His ensemble is composed of musicians who each take a very unique approach to their respective instruments. The drummer is powerful, conveying a feeling of earthly gravity, the guitarist boasts a broad and expansive sound that helps create a sensation of distant, extended aural landscapes, while the keyboard player works the sound’s texture and builds a sense of narrative plot.
Mon Jun 25, 8-9.30pm; RMB150 presale, RMB230 at the door. Zhile Art Space. See event listing. Tickets.
June 30: Sophie Zelmani
Swedish songstress Sophie Zelmani swept onto the Scandinavian stage in 1996, winning ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards with the release of her self-titled album the previous year. Zelmani had no ambition to become internationally famous, yet her songs have been featured in TV series and movies such as Dawson’s Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, My Best Friend’s Wedding and Independence Day. Revered Chinese singer Wong Faye later adapted her song ‘Going Home’ into a Mandarin-language version titled ‘Passenger.’ For 21 years, Zelmani has been singing from her heart, releasing 10 albums to enthusiastic fans all over the world. If you dig the style of Jack Johnson, Keren Ann or Suzanne Vega, you will not want to miss Zelmani live.
Sat Jun 30, 8-9.30pm; RMB280-480. Guangzhou Friendship Theater. See event listing. Tickets.
All month: Fish Feast at Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun
Served during the buffet dinner at Sense all-day dining restaurant are eight different flavors of crayfish, prepared with chili pepper sauce, curry sauce, pepper and salt sauce, garlic sauce, tom yam sauce, Chinese spice sauce, basil sauce and beer sauce. On top of that, a wide selection of fresh fish, seafood and sashimi – to be washed down with a free flow of wine, beer and soft drinks – are waiting to tempt your taste buds. For reservations, call 6660 8076.
Daily all month, 6-10pm; RMB328 plus 15 percent, Sense (Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun). See event listing.
All month: Qeelin Afternoon Tea
Inspired by the shimmering elegance of Qeelin jewelry, this elaborate afternoon tea is expertly crafted by The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou’s executive pastry chef and combines Chinese and Western elements. The afternoon tea set includes an eye-catching chocolate hazelnut cake in the color of white jade, a deep-fried soft-shell crabmeat sandwich topped with mayonnaise and a rice-crusted salmon salad cured with Asian spices, among other appetizing eats. For reservations, call 3813 6888.
Daily all month, 2-5.30pm; RMB311 per set, RMB438 for two, plus 15 percent. Pearl Lounge (The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou). See event listing.
All month: Panda All Day Dining Buffet
A buffet restaurant with a parent-child theme, Panda All Day Dining Restaurant at Chimelong Panda Hotel models its design on the Chinese cartoon The Adventure of Panda Triplets and boasts 850 comfortable seats. A great variety of dishes are on offer here, including sushi, sashimi, an assortment of Cantonese-style marinated meat and Cantonese barbecue items. An exciting ‘Panda Animatronic Fantasy Show’ will delight your little ones as they eat. For the duration of June, in-house guests and park visitors can enjoy 15 percent off when dining at Panda All Day Dining.
Daily all month, 7-10am, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-9pm; RMB499 for two adults and one child. Panda All Day Dining (Chimelong Panda Hotel). See event listing.
All month: All You Can Eat Dim Sum at Tea 5 D
Treat yourself to a total of 26 varieties of dim sum at Tea 5 restaurant at the city's premier upscale boutique hotel. The fine-dining restaurant is offering a delectable array of authentic dim sum varieties. Call 8931 0505 for more information.
Daily all month, 10.30am-2.30pm; RMB98. Tea 5 (LN Hotel Five, Guangzhou). See event listing.
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