What's On in Shanghai: Dec 12-18

By Andrew Chin, December 12, 2016

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That's Shanghai takes a look at the best of the week:


Dec 13: XinXing Christmas Fundraiser Dinner

Dec 13: XinXing Aid Center

Maya hosts its sixth annual fundraiser to benefit Xinxing Aid’s efforts to support children in Christmas. In addition to a Christmas menu, guests will enjoy free freeflow drinks until 11pm. Tickets are limited to 25 people and RMB300 of every RMB450 ticket will be donated, along with the funds raised from a live auction of donated prizes.
Dec 13, 7pm, RMB450. Maya, see event listing.


Dec 13-Jan 5: Yang Fudong - Moving Mountains

3. Yang Fudong: Moving Mountains

The celebrated Chinese contemporary artist and cinematographer premiers his latest work, a 46-minute black-and-white film inspired by the ancient tale of a man, many dubbed foolish, seeking to move a mountain. Visually, Moving Mountains takes its cues from the 1940s ink paintings of Xu Beihong. Popular actress Wan Qian stars.
Dec 13-Jan 5. Shanghai Center of Photography, 2555 Longteng Avenue, by Fenggu Lu 龙腾达到2555号, 近丰谷路 (6428 9516)


Dec 13-Jan 15: Mozart!

Dec 13-Jan 15: Mozart!

This hit musical celebrates the legacy of the Austrian composer focusing on the child prodigy turned adult making the radical change to leave the royal court and find the distinct artistic path that produced enduring pieces like ‘Requiem.’ In that same spirit, this musical adds a modern makeover to the story. So far, it’s been a hit across Europe and will make its Shanghai debut with a 40-show run at Shanghai Culture Square. For more, check out our feature on Mozart!
Dec 13-Jan 15, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (weekends), RMB80-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square.


Dec 14: The North

Dec 14: The North

JZ Club welcomes this jazz quartet featuring members from Finland, Canada, Sweden and Denmark teaming up to create imaginative sounds inspired by life in the North.
Dec 14, 10.30pm-late, RMB50. JZ Club.


Dec 14-Mar 26: Sleep No More

Dec 14-Mar 26: Sleep No More

Image by Stephen Dobbie and Lindsay Nolin

Punchdrunk Theater's unique take on Macbeth has been described as  pioneer of immersive theater and has enjoyed years-long sold-out runs in New York, London and Brookline, Massachusetts. For its first production in Asia, they've converted an abandoned Jingan office building into the stylish McKinnon Hotel straight out of 1920s Shanghai. Rather than a traditional sit-down experience, guests are invited to explore the venue's six floor where they will run into performers and attempt to unravel this mysterious world. Expect the show to be one of the hardest tickets in town with reservations already booked until the Spring holiday. For more, check out our feature on Sleep No More.
Dec 14-Mar 26, 7pm/7.15pm/7.30pm/7.45pm (Wed-Sat) and 3pm/3.15pm/3.30pm/3.45pm (Sat-Sun), RMB550 (RMB650 on Fri-Sat evenings). McKinnon Hotel, 1013 Beijing Xi Lu, by Jianging Lu 北京西路1013号, 近江宁路 (5299 0571, booking@mckinnonhotel.cn)


Dec 14 and 16-17: Mike Ward

Dec 8 and 16-17: Mike Ward

The Canadian comic has three platinum comedy albums and was named one of the top 25 comics of all time by Montreal’s hallowed Just For Laughs Festival. He’ll be performing three shows in Shanghai – a French language set at The Pearl on Thursday (rescheduled from last week), as well as headlining performances in English at Shanghai’s Comedy Club’s two locations on the weekend.
Dec 14, 9pm, RMB200-250. The Pearl, see event listing.
Dec 16, 8.30pm, RMB150-180. SCC @ Ruijin Cajun, see event listing.
Dec 17, 8.30pm, RMB150-180. SCC @ Jalapeño, see event listing.


Dec 15: Lenka

Dec 15: Lenka

The multitalented Australian may have started out acting where she trained with Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, but she soared to international prominence thanks to her megahit, ‘The Show.’ Her charming indie-pop has grown in complexity and acclaim with Sony signing her to an innovative partnership for her fourth album, last year’s The Bright Side.
Dec 15, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, see event listing.


Dec 15: Shakespeare in Love

Dec 15: Shakespeare in Love

As part of their year-long Shakespeare 400 celebrations, Shanghai Grand Theatre welcomes the renowned baroque ensemble The English Concert for a rare perfromance of music inspired from the Bard’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Dec 15, 7.30pm, RMB180-680. Shanghai Grand Theatre, see event listing.


Dec 15: Brennan Heart

Dec 15: Brennan Heart

Beijing based events label Resistance celebrates a successful first year of throwing hardstyle parties with this mini-tour from the chart-topping producer. As the energetic genre grows in prominence, Heart has scored prime spots at megafests like Tomorrowland and EDC while amassing mega hits like ‘Lose My Mind’ and ‘Imaginary.’
Dec 15, 8.30pm-late, RMB100-200. MAO Livehouse.


Dec 15: Tek.Lun

Dec 15: Tek.Lun

Yeti is bringing the Los Angeles beatmaker known for left field take on sensual R&B. Signed to the HW&W label, Tek Lun has worked alongside acclaimed acts like Ta-Ku and Kaytranda.
Dec 15, 9pm, free entry. Le Baron.


Dec 15-Jan 8: Cookin’ Nanta

Dec 15-Jan 8: Cookin’ Nanta

The longest-running show in South Korean history mixes comedy with traditional samul nori rhythms. Set in a kitchen where three cooks are furiously attempting to prepare a wedding banquet while dealing with the buffoonery of their bosses’ nephew, Cookin’ Nanta mixes acrobatics, comedy, magic tricks and audience participation to great effect. It has been performed in 18 countries including a 2004 run on Broadway.
Dec 15-Jan 18, 7.30pm and 2pm weekend matinees, RMB80-1,080. ET Space, 433 Yan’an Dong Lu, by Xizang Lu 延安东路433号, 近西藏路 (5046 2471, 247tickets.cn)


Dec 16: The Great Wall

Dec 16: The Great Wall

After months of anticipation, the largest Chinese-US film production will finally debut. Matt Damon controversially stars in this sci-fi epic about an alien invasion in ancient China. Acclaimed director Zhang Yimou (Hero) will certainly supply stunning visuals but will this story created by World War Z scribe Max Brooks strike a chord in China months before its North American release?


Dec 16: The Camel Grand (Re) Opening

Dec 16: The Camel Grand Re-Opening

The long-running sports bar debuts its new look with this official opening party that includes live music, free mulled wine from 7-8pm, free Carlsberg from 9-10pm and free tequila at midnight. Not enough free stuff? There will also be freee menu samplers throughout the night showcasing creations from new chef Mark Beckwith. For more, check out our preview of the new look Camel.
Dec 16, 6pm, free entry. The Camel.


Dec 16: Rainbow Singles Party

Dec 16: The Market Rainbow Single Party

The Market presents this fun meet up for singles and friends in the LGBT community and more. Tickets include a free RMB35 token exchangeable for a free drink or starter item at any Market vendors. Spots limited to 100.
Dec 16, 6.30-10pm, RMB80. The Market, see event listing.


Dec 16: Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen

 Dec 16: Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen

Steeped in old school blues, the Beijing group has won numerous of China's most prestigious music prizes while amassing a loyal fanbase that's impressive for an indie group. While their renown has only grown since appearing on CCTV's hit competition show Sing My Song, they're back on the road for their annual national tour. For more, check out our feature on Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen.
Dec 16, 8.30-10.30pm, RMB80-100. Yuyintang.


Dec 16-17: Kurt Metzger

Dec 16-17: Kurt Metzger

A writer on Chappelle’s Show, Metzger’s profile has been boosted due to recent recurring appearances on Inside Amy Schumer and the Louis CK-created Horace and Pete. Organizers Kung Fu Komedy has described the show as their biggest to date.
Dec 16-17, 8.30pm (Fri), 8pm and 10pm (Sat), RMB170-200. Kung Fu Komedy Club, see event listings.


Dec 16-18: Tetris

Dec 16-18: Tetris (by Michael Kooren)
Image by Michael Kooren

The classic video game comes to life in this award-winning children’s production that is perfect for kids who can’t sit still. Four dancers will pile over each over in gravity-defying shapes like the video game with the audience invited to join in. The show claimed the People’s Choice Victor Award at the International Performing Arts for Youth showcase in Montreal this year. Appropriate for kids aged five and up.
Dec 16-18, 7.30pm (Fri), 10.30am and 5pm (Sat-Sun), RMB80-380. Daguan Theater, Shanghai Himalayas Art Center, see event listing.


Dec 17: Jiashan Christmas Market

Dec 17: Jiashan Christmas Market

Shanghai’s best artisan food vendors will come together for the annual Christmas edition of Jiashan Market. Expect holiday treats from the likes of The British Kitchen, Amelia’s, Pie Society and more. Shanghai Young Bakers will have a cookie decorating station, Art Spring has organized a special festive bamboo winter-garden playshop and there will be plenty of Christmas singalongs from 1-5pm. Santa will be there too giving gifts to some of the younger guests.
Dec 17, 11am, RMBTBA. Jiashan Market, see event listing.


Dec 17: The Ugly X-Mas Sweater Party

Dec 17: The Ugly X-Mas Sweater Party

Christmas is just around the corner and Shanghai Tattoo wants you to rock your ugliest Christmas sweater and get into the holiday spirit. Chubby Oni Sasusage Co. will be serving up their four specialty sausages, DJ Wildcat Tex will spin rockabilly, garage, surf and other old school sounds while DJ B.O. will be spinning everything from garage rock to jump blues that have earned him a weekly residency at Le Baron. Capping it off is a funky set from DJ Iku-Iku with top prizes given to the ugliest sweaters.
Dec 17, 2-9pm, free entry. Shanghai Tattoo, see event listing.


Dec 17: Art for Animals

Dec 17: Art for Animals

This fundraising art gallery pop-up will showcase some of the city’s talented artists while raising awareness for the work done by non-profit animal organizations P4P (People For Pets) and Paw Pals Animal Rescue (PPAR).
Dec 17, 6-9pm, free entry. The Market.


Dec 17: Snakehips

Dec 17: Snakehips

The British duo cracked the UK Top 5 with their 2015 single, 'All My Friends,' that featured Chance the Rapper and Tinashe. Building on that buzz, the duo have since worked with buzz acts like Anderson.Paak and Zayn, while also remixing the likes of The Weeknd and Banks.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.


Dec 17: WRLD

Dec 17: WRLD

While he may have just turned 18 years old, the dance pop producer has built up a strong buzz over the past three years. He’s racked up millions of Soundcloud plays thanks to vocoder driven nu-disco hits like ‘Fighter.’ With high-school graduation around the corner, WRLD is teasing a more experimental and adult sound with a North American tour set following his Shanghai show.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, free entry with RSVP. Le Baron, see event listing.


Dec 17: youANDme

Dec 17: youANDme

The Berlin favorites have won global renown for their soulful and funky take on genres like house, techno, dub and electronica. They’ve remixed stalwarts like Steve Bug and Robert Owens while giving back to the scene through their numerous label imprints. Dave K and Charp support.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, RMB50-80. Reel to Reel, see event listing.


Dec 17: Ookay

Dec 17: Ookay

Within a year of creating beats, the San Diego producer was charting in Beatport’s Top 10 while amassing support from the likes of Borgore, UZ and Flosstradamus. His infectious energetic style is an Ookay trademark whether he’s dabbling in trap or moombahton.
Dec 17, 10.30pm-late, RMB120. Fusion, see event listing.


Dec 17-18: Daily Vinyl Two Year Anniversary

 Dec 17-18: Daily Vinyl Two Year Anniversary

The vinyl collective celebrates their birthday with a vinyl-only mix of disco, funk, soul and hip hop on Saturday night. The next day, the club will be transformed into a record market with many of the city’s favorite DJs spinning live and broadcasted on NTS Radio.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, RMB50. Elevator.
Dec 18, 2-9pm, free entry. Elevator.


Dec 17-25: XTD Christmas Fair

Dec 17-25: XTD Christmas Fair

Stylish Xintiandi Style gets a holiday makeover with four Christmas huts taking over the premises showcasing the mall’s array of ever-cool indie designers.
Dec 17-25, noon-10pm, RMBTBA. Xintiandi Style, see event listing.


Dec 18: Maksim

Dec 18: Maksim

The Croatian bad boy of classical may be polarizing due to his numerous tattoos and rock star take on classical crossover, but there’s no denying the electrifying appeal of his live concerts.
Dec 18, 7.30pm, RMB280-1,280. Shanghai Grand Stage, see event listing.


Dec 18: Long Shen Dao

Dec 18: Long Shen Dao

Frequently dubbed, "China's first authentic reggae band," the Beijing group has spent years spreading the gospel of Marley around the country while wowing audiences around the world on several international tours. They're embarking on their longest national tour in support of their Modern Sky released sophomore album, Freedom, which continues the group's mix of traditional reggae with traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng. For more, check out our interview with Long Shen Dao.
Dec 18, 8.30-10pm, RMB100. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.


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