What's On in Shanghai: April 2017

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

Apr 1: XiaoXiao 1,000,000 Years Old Birthday Party

XiaoXiao, a local music fixture up in Beijing, celebrates her "millionth birthday" in style with a line-up of punk and hardcore bands at Harley's Bar. Shanghai bands Dirty Fingers (pictured), Ugly Girls, and Spill Your Guts join up with Hangzhou's The Pillow Man for a night of punk-rock raunchiness. No cover.
Apr 1, 9pm-late, free. Harley's Underground, see event listing.

Apr 1: April Fun Metal and Metalcore

This local night showcases the best of Shanghai's metal bands, from veteran headbangers Chaos Mind to Must Be Red (pictured), The Machinery of Other Skeletons and Solidal. Head there on All Fool's Day for a night of Satan-approved performances. 
Apr 1, 8:30pm-late, RMB50-100. Mao Livehouse, see event listing.

Saturday, Apr 1: DJ Lead

Hip-hop heads should check out Monkey Champagne for a set by Japan's DJ Lead. Based out of Kyoto, he's a member of the Heavy Hitters crew and regularly mixes lon NYC's most famous hip-hop radio station, Hot 97. Email guestlist@hiphop-hijack.com for discounted entry.

Apr 1, 9pm-late, RMB100 including a drink. Monkey Champagne, see event listing.

Apr 1: An Evening with John Bentley

The Caxton and The Shanghai Dolphins proudly present an evening with the rugby league and rugby union star, who was part of the Premiership winning Newcastle Falcons as well as the British and Irish Lions as toured South Africa. Admission includes free flow drinks with all proceeds benefiting Bo Ai Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, which provides care for disabled and underprivileged children in China.
Apr 1, 8pm, RMB300. Sasha's, see event listing.

Apr 1: Harper and Midwest Kind

The award-winning Australian singer-songwriter Peter D. Harper has won wide acclaim for his distinct take on roots, which he dubs ‘world blues.’ A masterful harmonicist, guitarist and didgeridoo player, Harper’s 2016 disc Show Your Love topped the charts across Europe and spent six months in the Top 10 of the Billboard Blues Chart.
Apr 1, 9pm, RMB100-120. The Pearl, see event listing.

Apr 2: Dog Day Saturdays (Changed to Sunday)

On the first Saturday of the month, The Rooster (Jing’an) throws a backyard party where dogs are welcome. This month, the event has been changed to Sunday (Apr 2) due to the working holiday. There will be free hot dogs, RMB35 Flying Dog Beers and dog treats for the little buddies. Donations will also be collected for local animal rescue group, Best Friends China.
Apr 2, 3-5pm, free entry. The Rooster (Jing’an), see event listing.

Apr 2: A Knock Out 6

The Aboro Foundation and Aboro Academy host this biannual charity boxing and kickboxing event. Amateur fighters from the academy will battle fighters from other Shanghai gyms. Funds raised will go to Aboro Foundation, which was started by undefeated women’s boxing champion Michele Aboro to inspire physical and mental wellbeing through fitness and nutritional education. Fights start at 2pm.
Apr 2, noon, RMB100. Aboro Academy, see event listing.

Apr 2: Why Be + Rui Ho

Wooozy Offline and Genome6.66Mbp team up to present a double bill of producers making waves in future noise. Korean-born, Danish-raised and Berlin and Cophenhagen-based Why Be has been working on the fringes of experimental dance music through projects like Demon City. He’s increasingly gaining traction in the mainstream thanks to acclaimed tracks like the FACT Mag-approved ‘Heroin Hat.’ Berlin-based, China-raised Rui Ho has raves for his enigmatic mixture of modern electronic club beats with traditional Chinese music soundscapes.
Apr 2, 10pm-late, RMB80. DADA, see event listing.

Apr 2: Basic Soul Unit

VOID presents the Canadian house and techno mastermind, who's acclaimed for his expansive sound. Comfortably able to swing from lush and soulful to crunchy and jacking, Basic Soul Unit is known for his adventurous sets.
Apr 2, 10pm-late, RMB80. Elevator, see event listing.

Apr 3: Wutiaoren

Guangdong-based folk foursome Wutiaoren comes to Shanghai for a show at Yuyintang to promote their new album, Dreamy Lisa Salon. Their popular strain of folk music blends elements of blues and surf rock and makes prominent use of an accordion.  
Apr 3, 9pm-late, RMB80-100. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Apr 3: Josh Pan

Signed to Skrillex's OWSLA label, Josh Pan is a social media-savvy young producer who deals in both turnt-up trap and darker, more haunting electronic music. Catch his unique show at Dada from the SHFT crew.
Apr 3, 10pm-late, RMB80-120. DADA, see event listing.

Apr 5: Juan Carmona

The award-winning Spanish flamenco guitar virtuoso brings his mix of Andalusian tradition with musical modernity for an intimate showcase.  
Apr 5, 10.30pm, free entry. UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.

Apr 6: Thomas Stabenow presents Li Xiaochuan

Two years ago, German bassist Thomas Stabenow teamed with Chinese trumpeter Li Xiaochuan for an album of refined, acoustic world jazz. They’ve finally linked up again to bring the disc to life on a tour of China. Tom Peng New Grass Band opens.  
Apr 6, 8.30pm, RMB100. JZ Club, see event listing.

Apr 7: Jay Hardway

The Dutch DJ and producer first made waves with his hit collaboration with Martin Garrix, ‘Wizard.’ The two have since paired up on other bangers like ‘Registration Code,’ ‘Error 404’ and ‘Spotless,’ while Hardway continues to re- lease electro-house hits for Spinnin’ Records.  
Apr 7, 10pm-late, RMB180. MYST, see event listing.

Apr 7: Dimitri Vegas

Along with his brother Like Mike, the Belgian DJ and producer was picked as the World’s No. 2 DJ on last year’s Top 100 DJs list. Known for his electro house and big room house bangers, Dimitri will be stopping off in Shanghai for a solo show, before the duo’s headlining set at the massive SpringWave festival in Shenzhen.
Apr 7, 10pm-late, RMB280. M2, see event listing.

Apr 7-9: Urban Family Young Explorers

Our sister publication Urban Family has built a mini city for families to explore at The Place. Kids can indulge their inner scientist by joining in on some magic medical experiments or watching a simulation of a volcanic eruption. Other activities include a kid’s car racing game, making fossils and a very cool Tesla driving opportunity for That’s and Urban Family readers.  
Apr 7-9, 11am-5pm, RMBTBA. The Place, see event listing.

Apr 7-9: F1 Chinese Grand Prix

Stars of racing converge in Shanghai for the annual China stop in the Formula One series. Michael Schumacher still holds the current track record at 1:32.238 minutes in the 56 laps race. The big race goes down on April 9, but there are a weekend of activities planned, with special family tickets for one adult and one child available from RMB1,080-1,880.  
Apr 7-9, RMB860-2,760. Shanghai International Circuit, see event listing.

Apr 7-14: Shanghai Fashion Week

Fashionistas get ready, as designers from all over China show off their latest collections on the catwalk. In previous years, Chinese designers like Momo Wang of Museum of Friendship and Haizhen Wang of Fixxed and Hiuman have stolen the show. While it’s strictly invite only, expect plenty of parties across the city.  
Apr 7-14, various locations, see event listing.

Apr 7-13: Fashion For All

Beyond the Bund teams up with China Fashion Bloggers to increase the accessibility of Shanghai Fashion Week's exclusive runway shows. The shows will be livestreamed all week in daily event that also features an exhibit highlighting the best looks of fashion weeks past, a VR cinema and an interactive "virtual wardrobe" by David Keohane. Tickets here. 
Apr 7-13, 2-9pm, RMB60-200. Conde Nast Center, see event listing.

Apr 8: Starman: A Tribute to David Bowie

After packing The Pearl last year, Chad Romero and The Diamond Cats once again pay tribute to the greatness of David Bowie. Expect to hear classics like ‘Space Oddity,’ ‘Heroes’ and ‘Let’s Dance,’ in this tribute concert that incorporates dance and vision to properly toast the Starman’s 50-year career. Tickets available at www.
thatsmags.com/shanghai.  
Apr 8, 9pm, RMB150-180. The Pearl, see event listing.

Apr 8: Major Lazer

While they’ve all rocked Shanghai individually, the trio of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire bring their genre-hopping project to Shanghai for the first time. Initially a dancehall-inspired act, Major Lazer has since scored hits while exploring disparate genres like reggae, reggaetón, house and moombahton.  
Apr 8, 10pm-late, RMB280-480. MYST, see event listing.

Apr 8: Yellowclaw

The Dutch duo has introduced the world to Amsterdam Trap Music and Amsterdam Twerk Music through releases on Diplo’s Mad Decent. They’ve since gone on to work with tastemaking labels like Spinnin’ and Fools’ Gold, while racking hits like ‘In My Room,’ which featured Ty Dolla Sign and Tyga.  
Apr 8, 10pm-late, RMB250. M2, see event listing.

Apr 8: Elevator One Year Anniversary

The Donghu Lu hotspot celebrates its first anniversay and you can bet they’re going to do it in style. Expect the club’s residents like Co:Motion’s MIIIA to tear it down in what promises to be a festive night.  
Apr 8, 10pm-late, RMB50. Elevator, see event listing.

Apr 8: Wiwek

The Dutch DJ and producer is credited as the pioneer of jungle terror – a hybrid of dissonant lead snths, tribal drums, offbeat kick drums and chant samples. He’s collaborated with Skrillex and Yellow Claw, while releasing music on acclaimed labels like Barong Family and OWSLA.  
Apr 8, 10.30pm-late, RMB100. Fusion, see event listing.

Apr 8-12: Swan Lake

Shanghai Ballet presents their grand adaptation of the Tchaikovsky classic. With former English National Ballet artistic director Derek Deane overseeing choreography, stage and costume design, this version of Swan Lake has been dazzling local audiences since its 2015 Valentine’s Day premiere.  
Apr 8-12, 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center, see event listing.

Apr 9: Hardwell

F1 weekend is shaping up to be a battle of the parties and MYST has landed the two-time world’s number one DJ as anointed by Top 100 DJs list. The electro-house megastar has headlined major festivals like Ultra and Tomorrowland, while amassing a loyal global following thanks to relentless touring.  
Apr 9, 10pm-late, RMB480-580. MYST, see event listing.

Apr 9: The Code 20

The organization behind the avant-garde closing Grand Prix events take over M1NT for the seventh straight year. For this edition, they will present a unique show, The Forbidden City: Shanghai that consists of laser lights, Chinese drums and tailor-made customs. Red Bull Racing F1 Resident DJ Erok spins, while past editions of the party have attracted F1 pilots like Lewis Hamilton, sports stars like Carmelo Anthony, celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and royalty like the Princess of Manaco, Charlene Wittstock.  
Apr 9, 10pm-late, RMB200. M1NT, see event listing.

Apr 11: Ute Lemper

The chanteuse has been universally praised for her interpretations of Kurt Weil, Berthold Brecht, Berlin cabaret songs and the French chanson. She teams with the SSO Chamber Orchestra for a performance of The Nine Secrets – her recent project that sets the words of Paulo Coelho’s Manuscripts Found in Accra to music.
Apr 11, 8pm, RMB80-580. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, see event listing.

Apr 11 - May 10: Wicked

Stephen Schwartz’s hit musical goes back to the Land of Oz, telling the stories of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. While the film paints the Wicked Witch as a villain, Wicked has fun with its story, recasting her as a victim to the Wizard’s corrupt government. The show has won three Tony Awards and been seen by more than two million people.
Apr 11-May 10, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (Sat-Sun). Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.

Apr 12-13: Sinne Eeg Quartet

One of Scandinavia’s premier female jazz vocalists, Eeg has won the Danish Music Award for best Danish Vocal Jazz Album of the Year three times. She brings her quartet to the refined confines of JZ Club for a pair of shows. Charles Foldesh Trio opens. 
Apr 12-13, 8.30pm, RMB100. JZ Club, see event listing.

Apr 14: Choice 37

Affiliated with YG Entertainment, the DJ and producer has laced K-pop stars like Big Bang, G-Dragon and Epik High with hits. However, he also has indie cred thanks to his work with underground rhymers like Blu and Aloe Blacc.  
Apr 14, 10pm-late, free entry (with RSVP). Le Baron, see event listing.

Apr 14: Borrowed Identity

Slowmance takes over Elevator with some help from the rising German new school house and techno producer. He’s released tracks on Ostgut Ton and Let’s Play House, while remixing the likes of Ben Sims and Jacques Renault.
Apr 14, 10pm-late, RMB80. Elevator, see event listing.

Apr 14-15: Giselle

The romantic ballet was first performed in 1841 at Salle Le Peletier in Paris. The show remains hugely popular with Shanghai Ballet reviving choreographer Marius Petipa’s version, which he staged with the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg in the late 19th century.
Apr 14-15, 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center, see event listing.

Apr 14-15: Paul Ogata

The Kung Fu Komedy favorite returns with his edgy, often-improvised and always hilarious show. The winner of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, Ogata has guested on Showtime’s Pacific Rim Comedy, Comedy Centrals’s Live at Gotham and The Late Late Show.
Apr 14-15, 9pm (Fri) 8pm and 10pm (Sat), RMB170-200. Kung Fu Komedy, see event listing.

Apr 14-15: Femme De La Crème Saloon

Groove Entertainment presents this new series of intimate performances mixing dancing, singing, pole dance and comedy. Prepare to be enchanted by veteran vixens and dabbling debuts. Royal Dancing will be showcasing their best students and Lash Lush will glamorize one lucky guest through a makeover. Dress code: vintage/cocktail affair. Tickets available at www.thatsmags.com/shanghai.
Apr 14-15, 9pm, RMB150-200. The Pearl, see event listing.

Apr 15: Hamlet

NT Live is an initiative that brings the best of West End theater to the rest of the world by filming live productions. They’re screening Olivier Award-winning director Lindsay Turner’s hit adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Ten million tickets were sold out within seconds for the 12-week show that starred Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch.
Apr 15, 2pm, RMB150. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, see event listing.

Apr 15: Cloud Nothings

Described as ‘a band incapable of writing a bad song,’ the Pitchfork approved group specialize in hooky, lo-fi rock. They’ve drawn comparisons to Guided by Voices, worked with iconic producer Steve Albini and have received raves for last year’s Life Without Sound. Lao Ayi opens.
Apr 15, 8.30pm, RMB120-150. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Apr 15: Gaika

Woozy Offline and Genome present the Brixton-based producer and singer who’s been dubbed “electronic music’s answer to Basquiat,” thanks to his powerful strain of forwardthinking electronic dancehall.
Apr 15, 10pm-late, RMB80. DADA, see event listing.

Apr 16: Easter

'Tis the season for some feasting and there will be plenty of Easter brunches and Easter egg hunts across the city. Stay tuned for our mega guide to Easter at www.thatsmags.com/.

Apr 16: No Man’s Land

This National Theatre Live screening of Harold Pinter’s classic story of two old writers getting drunk stars famed thespians (and noted besties) Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan.
Apr 16, 2pm and 7.15pm, RMB100-150. Shanghai Grand Theatre, see event listing.

Apr 18-19: Kurt Rosenwinkel

After rocking the old JZ Club with a solo show, the master guitarist returns with a full band. They’ll be dipping into selections from Caipi, Rosenwinkel’s latest album, which was 10 years in the making and sees the acclaimed artist stretching his sound into new directions. Xiongguan Zhang Quintet performs the late set.
Apr 18-19, 9pm, RMB200-280. JZ Club, see event listings.

Apr 20: Lang Lang

The Shenyang-born pianist is arguably China’s biggest musical export. While some of his peers have derided him as “the J.Lo of the piano,” Lang Lang routinely sells out prestigious venues around the world like Carnegie Hall and the Great Hall of the People. He’s also been recruited by the Grammy’s to jam with Metallica, Pharrell Williams and Herbie Hancock.
Apr 20, 7.30pm, RMB80-1,280. Shanghai Grand Theatre, see event listing.

Apr 20: Steve Says

Back by popular demand, the comedy hypnotist will dazzle with this fun and fastpaced show. 12-20 self-selecting volunteers will star in the show, thrilling the rest of the crowd with hypnotized behavior like forgetting how to drink water and believing
they are supermodels. Tickets available at www.thatsmags.com/shanghai.
Apr 20, 9pm-late, RMB120-150. The Pearl, see event listing.

Apr 20: Rob Smith

Antidote presents the Bristol DJ, musician and producer. While he’s released drum and bass records on the !K7 Records label, Smith has evolved with a style that mixes hip hop, dub, reggae and dubstep.
Apr 20, 10pm-late, RMB60. DADA, see event listing.

Apr 21: Push and Pull 4-Year Anniversary

The recurring club night celebrates four years in the game by celebrating some of Shanghai and Tokyo’s finest. Known for reinterpreting the percussive structures of Afro-Portuguese and Latin American music through club sounds, Wrack headlines the festivities. Push and Pull co-founder Alta will make his Shanghai return after moving to Japan, and he’ll likely play a set heavy on gqom. Swimful, Zean, Hyph11e and Naaah support. 

Apr 21, 10pm-late, free entry. DADA, see event listing.

Apr 21: Ran Groove Compilation Release Party

The rising Beijing label have lived up to their early goal of being the Maybe Mars of electronic music, thanks to stellar releases by Soulspeak, Animal Pop and JRG. They
celebrate the latest release in their Ran Groove compilation series with a party down south. Past editions have featured Chinese techno veterans like Elvis T and Mickey Zhang, as well as rising talents like Xiamen producer Knopha.
Apr 21, 10pm-late, RMB50. Elevator, see event listing.

Apr 21: Kiko Navarro and Gabrielle Poso

Two UNICO Shanghai favorites team up for a unique set mixing Afrohouse and electronic percussion. On the decks is Kiko Navarro, who has become an Ibiza
favorite thanks to his groovy house. Complementing him will be virtuoso percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Poso.
Apr 21, 11pm-late, RMB100 (for gentlemen). UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.

Apr 22: Pride’s Got Talent

The Shanghai Pride-organized amateur talent show turns three. Participants will compete for RMB3,500 in total cash prizes in front of a live audience and local celebrity judges, as well as guest professional performers. Expect an eclectic mix of spoken word, dance, drag, burlesque, circus, and comedy.
Apr 22, 8pm, RMB100 presale, RMB150 door. The Pearl, see event listing.

Apr 22: DJ Earl

Dubbed ‘the future of footwork,’ the Teklife producer is revered for masterfully mixing turbo breaks, rave synths and chopped vocals into a frenetic stew. It’s a huge headliner for the Love Bang crew, who will also celebrate their seventh anniversary. Support from DJ Caution, Zean, Xu Dongmei and more.
Apr 22, 9pm-late, RMB80 (RMB60 before midnight). DADA, see event listing.

Apr 23: 2017 Bright Dairy Change U Shanghai International Half Marathon

This premier race will take 15,000 participants across Pudong’s top sights, starting
at Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower, and then going to the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Expo China Pavilion and the Oriental Sports Center. See more information at www.shang-ma.com.
Apr 23, 7am. Start at Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower, see event listing.

Apr 24 - May 1: China International Comedy Festival

Comics from all over the world do battle in the second annual competition organized by Kung Fu Komedy. RMB14,000 and spots at LA’s famed Comedy Store, New York’s Comedy Cellar and the 2017 Burbank Comedy Festival are on the line. In addition to opening the festival with a pair of performances, Martin Marrow joins fellow Second City cast member Catherine Savage and writer Amelia Chappelow as the judges. The English language final goes down on April 29 at Jiadu Theatre.
Apr 24-May 1, various times, RMB300-350 (festival pass) or RMB50-70 for preliminary rounds. Kung Fu Komedy Club, see event listing.
Apr 29 (finale), 8.30-10.30pm, RMB170-200. Jiadu Theatre.

Apr 27-28: Godspell

After some venue drama, DreamWeaver’s adaptation of the musical classic is back on and now at On Stage. Featuring music and new lyrics from the Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Godspell boasts a casts of Shanghai-based musical theater veterans like Kevin Maxim.
Apr 27-28 and May 6, 7.30pm, RMB200-280. On Stage, see event listing.

Apr 28: Big Bamboo Spring Classic

Hit the links at Tianma Country Club for the ninth edition of this annual golf tournament. Sign-up early at any Big Bamboo location, with a RMB1,688 package getting you a round of golf, food, drinks, transportation to and from the course, as well as entrance to the after-party at Big Bamboo Hongqiao. Enjoy a day of good vibes followed by a dance party featuring a performance.
from Shanghai’s premier party band, Studio 188.
Apr 28, 8am, RMB1,688. Tianma Country Club, see event listing.

Apr 28: Ripperton

Raphael Gros has enjoyed a varied career, working with Steve Bug and remixing
Radiohead. With his Ripperton guise, he’s been touring the world spinning sets that
explore the soulful side of house, minimal and techno.
Apr 28, 10pm-late, RMB80. Elevator, see event listing.

Apr 28-30: Shanghai Longines Global Championship

The world’s premier show jumpers battle for big prize money and are jockeying for supremacy of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT), as it returns to Shanghai for the third straight year.
Apr 28-30, 11am and 2pm (Fri), 11am and 3pm (Sat), 9.30am and noon (Sun), RMB380-800. Shanghai World Expo Equestrian Park, see event listing.

Apr 29: Swimful 'Pearls' EP Release

The Shanghai-based producer has laced beats for the Based God, Lil B, and streetwear company Mishka. He links with local label SVBKVLT for 'Pearls,' his latest EP and follow-up to last year’s PM2.5. Zurich-based DJ Asian Eyez and SVBKVLT boss Howell will play at the release party, with other guests TBA.
Apr 29, 10pm-late, RMB50 including digital copy of EP. DADA, see event listing.

Apr 29: Maximilian Hecker

The Berlin singer-songwriter has amassed a massive following in China thanks to his ‘melancholy pop hymns’ and his frequent tours of the country.
Apr 29, 7.30pm, RMB100-380. Shanghai Centre Theater, see event listing.

Apr 29 - May 1: Strawberry Music Festival

While details are still scarce, Modern Sky has announced the return of their annual May holiday music festival to Shanghai. Past editions have featured international acts like Disclosure, Carley Rae Jepsen, The Hives, Justice and Explosions in the Sky. As always, it was also serve as a showcase for some of the label’s top acts like Queen Sea Big Shark, RE:TROS and Hedgehog. Stay tuned for details as they come at www.thatsmags.com/shanghai.
Apr 29-May 1, 1-11pm, RMBTBA. Expo Park, see event listing.

Apr 29 - May 1: Midi Festival Taihu

The longstanding festival returns to Tai Lake with three days of music and camping. The line-up so far includes a mix of Chinese and international bands that span the gamut of genres, like Wang Wen, Dragonforce, Second Hand Rose, Whitechapel and Lescop.
Apr 29-May 1, 1-11pm, Taihu Midi Park, presale: 150RMB per day, 400RMB for festival pass; door: 180RMB per day, 450RMB for festival pass.

Apr 30: Intergalactic Gary

Co:Motion x Discosmic Adventure team up to bring the Dutch master of the decks
to Elevator. For more than three decades, Intergalactic Gary has been rocking the
dancefloor with his flawless mixing style and ability to build bridges between seemingly different genres.
Apr 30, 10pm-late, RMB80. Elevator, see event listing.

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