What's On in Shanghai: May 16-22

By Andrew Chin, May 16, 2016

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May 18: International Museum Day

May 18: International Museum Day

Museums across the city from the Shanghai Film Museum to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre are offering free or discounted prices in celebration of International Museum Day.
May 18, various locations.


May 18: Chandra

May 18: Chandra

Over the past year, the Parisian-born, Nepal raised singer has become a Heyday favorite. Before she embarks on a European and American tour to celebrate her Uj He-produced debut, Chandra will be serenading her adopted hometown with a glamorous set at The Pearl. The historic venue will also host Frank Bray’s A Century of Sinatra concert on May 28.
May 18, 9pm, RMB120-150. The Pearltickets.


May 18-19: Beyond Time

May 18-19: Beyond Time

The acclaimed Taiwan dance group has astounded crowds around the world with their blend of martial arts, contemporary choreography and meditation technique set to energetic percussion played on traditional instruments. For more, check out our feature on Beyond Time.
May 18-19, 7.15pm, RMB180-880. Shanghai Culture Squaretickets.


May 18-19: Take Me Home Country Roadhouse

May 18-19: Take Me Home Country Roadhouse

After rousing tribute concerts to Stevie Wonder and the history of hip hop, Encore Live tips their hat to the heritage of American country. The city’s finest musicians team up to cover 42 country classics from Johnny Cash to the dearly departed Merle Haggard. For more, check out our interview with the concert's musical director, Paul Meredith.
May 18-19, 7.30-9.30pm, RMB80-280. The Mixing Room.


May 18-22: SwissWeek Shanghai 2016

May 18: Swissweek

The Swiss have taken over Huaihai Park’s north square for a cultural celebration including film screenings, performances on traditional Swiss musical instruments, plenty of Swiss food and drink pop-ups and a market featuring 25 European brands offering everything from Swiss cheese to scooters. While somewhat unrelated, check out our interview with Swiss sporting great Roger Federer.
May 18-22, 10am-10pm, free entry. Huaihai Park, www.swissweek.com


May 19-22: The Princess Bride

May 12-22: The Princess Bride

After raucous takes on Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The 39 Steps, Urban Aphrodite brings Rob Reiner's beloved 1987 classic film to the stage. Company regulars like Peter Damgaard, Brian Wang, Ryan Larsen and Ellen Fryer take on hugely memorable characters portrayed by the likes of Robin Wright, Andre the Giant and Mandy Patinkin. For more, check out our feature on The Princess Bride.
May 19-22, 8pm (2pm family matinee on May 21), RMB200-220. The Pearltickets. See event listing.


May 20: The Angry Birds Movie

May 20: The Angry Birds Movie

The hugely popular game gets a film telling how three outcast birds (Red, Chuck and Bomb) unravel the sudden arrival of mysterious green piggies to their happy island.


May 20: M Food Talks - Sustainability in Land, Sea & Cities

May 20: M Food Talks - Sustainability in Land, Sea & Cities

Glam hosts a panel discussion about sustainability moderated by SideChef’s Cadence Hardenbergh. IS Seafood founder Biggi Steffanson will discuss his family’s experience building a business delivering quality Icelandic seafood across the world. Dedodesign’s Nunzia Carbone discusses urban farming and Rainbow of High’s founder Fred Young explores traditional Chinese farming techniques long used to preserve product quality and land.
May 20, noon, RMB75 (with one drink). Glam, see event listing.


May 20: Beer Cruise 2016

 May 20: Beer Cruise 2016

Shanghai Beer Week kicks off from May 20-29 with their traditional booze cruise. Float down the Huangpu and embrace your inner Gronk while partying on a boat packed with local brewers. If you survive, there’s plenty of deals throughout the city from May 21-27 and caps off with the annual May Beer Festival at Boxing Cat Brewery.
May 20, 6.30pm-late, RMB350. New Huangpu River Cruise, tickets.


May 20: yourboyfriendsucks

May 20: yourboyfriendsucks

The Cantonese shoegaze favorites have been a longtime fixture in Guangzhou’s flourishing lo-fi noise scene. They’re celebrating the release of their latest EP, episode 01, which mixes ethereal dream pop with shards of noise. They’ll be taking over the charming Yuncai Cafe with support from Shanghai upstarts, Howhy, AMA Team and Little Monster.
May 20, 8.30pm, RMB40-60. Yuncai Cafe, see event listing.


May 20: Morris Hayes

May 20: Morris Hayes

The former music director for Prince, Hayes brought the funk to Glam last year. He returns to Shanghai, this time teaming up with Heyday favorite Hazel Gould for an intimate show full of classic funk flavor.
May 20, 9.30pm-late, RMB80. Heyday.


May 20: Lost Frequencies

May 20: Lost Frequencies

Since topping charts around the globe with his 2014 summer smash ‘Are You With Me,’ Lost Frequencies has been a dominant force in deep house. He’s rocked the main stages of major festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Japan with his signature grooves.
May 20, 10pm-late, RMB100. M2tickets.


May 20: Swimful Remixes Release Party

May 20: Swimful Remixes Release Party

Qingpu-based producer Swimful has topped the Juno Bass Music Album charts while scoring airplay on Rinse FM and BBC Radio from the likes of underground stars such as Scratcha DVA. International favorites (SIMPIG, Air Max ‘97) and domestic standouts (Howie Lee, Conrank) contribute to PM2.5 Remixes with the release show boasting sets by Swimful, Howell and special guests. Entry comes with digital album and limited edition SVBKVLT face mask. For more, check out our interview with Swimful.
May 20, 10pm-late, RMB50. The Shelter.


May 20: Alex from Tokyo

May 20: Alex from Tokyo

The Paris-born, Tokyo-raised DJ ruled his adopted hometown in the early 90s as popular crossover DJ. Now based in New York, he’s a fixture at several of the city’s hottest clubs while releasing original productions on Berlin label Innervisions with his partner Isao Kumano as Tokyo Black Star. Lindberg and Tobias Patrick spin a back-to-back set as support.
May 20, 10pm-late, RMB50. Elevator.


May 20: Reel to Reel Grand Opening Party

May 20: Reel to Reel Grand Opening Party

While North Jing’an fave URVC (pictured above) is slowly transitioning into a jazz lounge, Dave K and the uDance crew open up their brand new spot in Fuxing SOHO. With space for four rooms spinning different styles and a powerful soundsystem ready to blast freely after constant noise complaints at their old digs, Reel to Reel celebrates its opening with a stacked lineup including Andrew Bull, Lacy Chu, Dave K, Deep 19 and really far too many local favorites to name.
May 20, 9pm, RMB100 (free entry before midnight with WeChat scan). Reel to Reel, B1/F, 388 Madang Lu, by Fuxing Zhong Lu 马当路388号SOHO复兴广场地下1层01室, 近复兴中路


May 20-21: Quinn Dahle

May 20-21: Quinn Dahle

The Los Angeles-based comic has wowed The Tonight Show with his clean wit. He’s worked with legends like Robin Williams and will be making his second trip to China after slaying Shanghai last summer. For more, check out our interview with Dahle.
May 20-21, 8pm and 10pm (Fri), 8.30pm (Sat), RMB170-200. Kung Fu Komedy Clubtickets.


May 20-21: Craft 5 Year Birthday

Craft's Five Year Anniversary

The Donghu Lu favorite rings in their milestone anniversary with a pair of parties featuring sets from their favorite DJs like Miki Discosnot, Velvet Robot (live set), Razor, Nnton, Lucy, Lindberg,Nik Hip, Tommy Badshoes and Perseau.
May 20-21, 9pm, free entry. Craft, see event listing.


May 21: Hangzhou International School Charity Run

May 21: Hangzhou International School Charity Run

Head over to Hangzhou for this fun charity run that will raise funds for The Library Project to build reading centers across rural China. Events include a 5K race, a book character themed fun run and on-site kid friendly activities like a bouncy castle.
May 21, 8am. See event listing. More details and sign-up at hz.scis-his.net


May 21: Chen Tianzhuo's Trayastrimsa

May 21: Chen Tianzhuo's Trayastrimsa

The Beijing based artist studied graphic design in London and has carved out a reputation as one of China’s most exciting young artists thanks to his colorful and brash style. This solo exhibition is part of K11 Art Foundation’s three-year collaboration with Palais de Tokyo (Paris) and features an operatic peformance by Chen. Expect a startling mix of sculptural, video and live performance in what promises to be a provocative show as the above picture from his recent Paris exhibition shows.
May 21-June 30. k11 Art Mall.


May 21: Public Baking Class - Citrus Tarts

May 21: Public Baking Class - Citrus Tarts

Shanghai Young Bakers hosts this public class where guests will learn how to make lemon tarts and orange almond tarts. Proceeds will go to the organization to provide professional French baking training for underprivileged students.
May 21, 10am-3pm, RMB500 (plus RMB100 for optional lunch). Shanghai Young Bakers


May 21: Market on the Bund

May 21: Market on the Bund

Eight Art Hotel hosts the second edition of this family friendly market on the Bund, with an assist from Shanghai Sunrise. In addition to live music and other performances, visitors can check out a variety of specialty vendors setting up show on one of the area’s lesser-known rooftops. There’s also fun workshops and drink deals.
May 21, 11am, free entry (with QR code scan). Eight Art Hotel, see event listing.


May 21: Chaiti

May 21: Chaiti

This annual celebration of Indian classical music takes over Shanghai Centre Theater. Brothers Amaan Ali Khan and Ayan Ali Khan perform a sarod recital, celebrating the distict sounds from the traditional instrument.
May 21, 4pm, RMB150-200. Shanghai Centre Theater, see event listing.


May 21: Top of the Pops 

May 21: Top of the Pops

The British Chamber Shanghai’s popular charity ball takes over the Kerry Hotel Pudong for “a night of fantastic music, laughter and crazy dancing.” The extravagant night includes fine dining and a celebration of Top of the Pops. Dress up as your favorite star with prizes going to the most outrageous costume. Proceeds will go the Lixin Charity Association that supports schools in underfinanced students in Anhui province.
May 21, 6.30pm, RMB1,980 (RMB1,780 for BritCham members). Kerry Hotel Pudong, tickets. See event listing.


May 21: ShanghaiPRIDE Rainbow Bike Ride

May 21: ShanghaiPRIDE Bike Ride

For the second straight year, ShanghaiPRIDE has organized this pre-festival ride that also marks International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). Six teams of cyclists represents a different color of the rainbow flag. Starting out at different parts of Shanghai (Red Team - Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Orange Team - Lujiazui, Yellow Team - Renmin Dadao, Green Team - Zhongshan Park, Blue Team - Jade Buddha Temple, Purple Team - Suzhou Creek) , all teams will eventually converge at Brownstone to form the six-color rainbow. All proceeds will go towards ShanghaiPRIDE’s June festivities. Registration ends on May 16. For more, check out interview with ShanghaiPRIDE co-founder Charlene Liu.
May 21, 9pm, RMB100. Different locations, registrationSee event listing.


May 21: Scratchy Sounds

 May 21: Scratchy Sounds

Popasuda and Tou Jam team up to bring a legend from the 1970s London punk scene to Shanghai. Known for a style connecting punk, reggae and ska, Scratchy Sounds toured the world with The Clash and was asked to curate a compilation for the iconic reggae label, Trojan. He’s since supported the likes of Iggy Pop, Black Uhuru and Gogol Bordello, while still touring the world showing off his impressive selection of rare reggae, ska and roots records. DJ Skinny Brown supports. In addition, Scracthy Sounds will be giving a talk during a May 23 screening of Rude Boy at Kung Fu Komedy Club and teaming with Shanghai rock stalwarts Round Eye, Old Auntie and Hitobashira at Harley's on May 27.

May 21, 10pm-late, RMB40. The Shelter, see event listing.
May 23, 7.30pm, RMB50.
Kung Fu Komedy Club, see event listing.
May 27, 9.30pm, RMB60.
Harley's Underground, see event listing.


May 21-22: Feast Food Festival

May 21-22: Feast Food Festival

Known for their iconic monthly parties featuring rotating guest chefs, Shanghai Supperclub presents this weekend festival for foodies. Ten of the city’s finest chefs will prepare summer snacks on a new rooftop venue south of Xintiandi. There will also be wine, craft beer and some of the city’s finest DJs spinning throughout the day.
May 21-22, noon-8pm, RMB50-80 (RMB90 for two-day pass). Rooftop at The Place (Huangpu).


May 21-27: World Whisky Day at Long Bar

May 21-27: World Whisky Day

Long Bar is offering a week of whisky specials in celebration of World Whisky Day with two masterclasses scheduled on May 23 led by leading whisky guide, Jim Murray. That night, James Epsey presents the 2016 Scotch Blend of the Year with his Last Drop Whisky available by the glass.
May 21-27, 4pm-late, RMBTBA. Long Bar, see event listing.


May 22: Food Flea Market

May 22: Dulwich Flea Market

Dulwich Lane comes alive with this massive and messy flea market full of overflowing tables with unbelievable deals on second-hand items. Local vendors will set up food and drink pop-ups with tables are available from RMB150 (RMB100 if you’re a parent of a Dulwich College student), perfect for that summertime cleaning. Donations can be made to Dulwich College with proceeds going to Noughts & Hearts.
May 22, 9.30am-12.30pm, RMBTBA. Dulwich College (Minhang), see event listing.



May 22: Shanghai Centre Farmers' Market

Shanghai Center Farmers Market

Stock up on fresh produce and other healty goodies at Shanghai Centre’s monthly farmer’s market.
May 22, 10am-3pm, free entry. Shanghai Centre.


May 22: 1st Guitar and Gear Flea Market

May 22: Guitar and Gear Flea Market

Out in Pudong, Chair Club hosts their first ever gear flea market full of second-hand guitars, amps, effects and other musical accessories.
May 22, 11am-5pm, RMBTBA. Chair Club, see event listing.


May 22: Damien Rice


May 22: Damien Rice

The Irish singer-songwriter is the latest to play Split Works and Shanghai Symphony Orchestra’s Contemporale series. Touched by how tickets for the initial show sold out in less than two hours, he’s added a Sunday afternoon show to serenade the city with hits like ‘Cannonball.’ For more, check out our feature on Contemporale.
May 22, 3pm and 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, see event listing.


May 22: The Swingle Singers

May 22: The Swingle Singers

Founded over 50 years ago by Ward Swingle, the Swingles went from being Paris-based studio singers to international stars thanks to the accidental success of their 1962 debut, Jazz Sébastien Bach. Despite numerous line-up changes, the a capella group remains a favorite while updating their show to include contemporary covers (Mumford & Sons) with their classic material. For more, check out our interview with The Swingle Singers.
May 22, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Daning Theatretickets.


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