What's On in Shanghai: June 2017

By Erica Martin, June 2, 2017

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


June 1-4: The Three-body Problem

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Liu Cixin's acclaimed work of science fiction chronicling the adventures of astronomer Ye Wenjie and nanomaterials researcher Wang Miao gets a stage adaptation, complete with cutting-edge 3D special effects. English subtitles are only available for the shows on June 3-4 at 19.15pm.
June 1-2, 7.15pm, June 3-4, 2pm and 7.15pm. RMB80-880. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.


June 2: Temple Rats

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This pair of DJs from Chengdu mixes Berlin techno with traditional Chinese instrumentals, especially the erhu. Their tracks are a blend of heavy beats and ambient instrumentation. The show is organized by their label G42, which was founded last year to promote a music exchange between DJs in Shanghai and Chengdu. MIIIA, Misloop, Deep 19 and Max Shen spin in support.
June 2, 10pm-late. Elevator, see event listing.


June 2-3: Summer of Sin

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Qi-POW! Burlesque hosts this sinfully good variety show, in which a beachside California town responds to a stifling heatwave by turning to the seven deadly sins. Expect cabaret, burlesque, aerial and circus acts, drag, song and dance. The founders of Qi-POW! are leaving Shanghai this summer, and Summer of Sin will be their final performance.
June 2-3, 9pm, RMB180 pre-sale, RMB220 at the door. The Pearl, see event listing.


June 2-4: God of Carnage

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DreamWeaver’s latest stage production is the acclaimed black comedy God of Carnage. Originally written in French by Yasmina Reza, it tells the story of two sets of wealthy parents who meet to discuss a fight that happened between their children on the playground. Chaos ensues.
June 2-4, doors 7pm, play begins 8pm, RMB250, RMB500 for dinner deal. Shanghai Slim’s, see event listing.


June 3: Ferry Corsten

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Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten returns to Shanghai for a show at MYST. He hosts his own radio show, Corsten’s Countdown, regularly lands on DJ Mag's list of Top 100 DJs and has played all the world’s major EDM festivals including Electric Daisy Carnival.
June 3, 10pm-late, RMB150. MYST, see event listing.


June 3: Vicetone

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Dutch DJ duo Vicetone brings their progressive house music to Shanghai for a set at Fusion. Influenced by musicians like Eric Prydz and Swedish House Mafia, Victor began producing music in 2012 and have seen released several acclaimed tracks.
June 3, 10pm-late. RMB150. Fusion, see event listing.


June 3: All Caked Up

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Bottles XO celebrates its 2nd anniversary in style with a major party at their bar and free Song White Ale, Westwood English Pale Ale and Ballast Point Even Keel Session IPA. The first 40 people to show up will also get free sandwiches by Zozzo Pizza and cupcakes by Babycakes, and Super Amazing Ghetto Blaster will DJ from 8pm.
June 3, 4pm-late, no cover. XO Wine Bar, see event listing.


June 3: UZ + Blow Fever

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SHFT brings over trap producer UZ, a masked performer known as the “king of dark trap” who's played Shanghai several times over the past few years. This visit, he’ll perform alongside Chinese trap artist Blow Fever. 
June 3,10pm, RMB160 presale, RMB260 door. Arkham, see event listing.


June 3-4: Pawnstar Pop-up

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China's largest secondhand store hosts a major pop-up event on the third floor of Lost Heaven Silk Road. Head there to search for vintage designer brands, one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces, and unique thrifty clothing.
June 3-4, 12-9pm, no cover. Lost Heaven Silk Road, see event listing.


June 3-4: International Circus Carnival

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This acclaimed event allows both kids and adults to enjoy the magic of the circus. Expect classic performances from clowns, acrobats and tiger trainers, plus exotic birds, elephants and monkeys riding bicycles.
June 3-4, 2.30pm, RMB100-1,000. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing.


June 4: Central Studios One Summer Day Annual Fair Day 2017

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Shanghai art studio and event space Central Studios brings back their annual community fair to kick off the summer. The theme is sustainability, and the fair will hold a plastic-free zone to encourage attendees to think green. There will also be drop-off stations for used clothing and electronics to support The Library Project and sustainable campaigns run by Green Initiatives.
June 4, 11am-8pm, no cover. Central Studios, see event listing.


June 4: Sleeping Beauty

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For one night only, the Russian National Ballet Theatre brings this classic fairy tale to the stage. Though made famous by the Brothers Grimm, the tale of Sleeping Beauty can be traced back to a folk tale immortalized by Italian poet Giambattista Basile.
June 4, 7.15pm, RMB80-880. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, see event listing.


June 6-7: Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

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Founded in 1918, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has a long legacy of energetic and innovative performances. Under its current music director Yannick Nezet-Seguin and conductor David Afkham, the orchestra will perform in Shanghai with violinist Ray Chen.
June 6-7, 7.30pm, RMB80-1,080. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, see event listing.


June 8: Ladies Who Tech: Movie Night

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Ladies Who Tech teams up with the US Consulate General Shanghai and Google Women Techmakers to host a special screening of CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap. The film addresses the lack of women and minorities in the computer science field and explores different strategies to try and counter this phenomenon. A discussion will follow the film.
June 8, 7pm, no cover. XNode, see event listing.


June 9: Rumble in the Jungle

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Brawl on the Bund returns this June with one of its most popular themes: Rumble in the Jungle. Watch Shanghaiís best fighters face off in style at this major social event. Thereís a strict black tie dress code. All tickets include a four-course Western dinner and free flow cocktails, wine and beer.
June 9, 7pm, RMB20,000 for a table seating 10, RMB25,000 for ringside table. Hyatt on The Bund, see event listing


June 9: Chris Cruse

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Elevator's sparkling queer party Medusa brings their second international headliner in the form of LA DJ Chris Cruse. Heís performed at Coachella and LAís infamous pansexual party A Club Called Rhonda, and deals in house, disco and techno. Michael Cignarale and Mau Mau play back to back in support.
June 9, 10pm-late, RMB80, RMB50 if you play a game at the door. Elevator, see event listing


June 9: Osaka Monaurail

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The acclaimed Japanese funk troupe returns to UNICO Shanghai for a performance in honor of their 25th anniversary. Their soulful vocalist Ryo Nakata has been compared to James Brown, and they've collaborated with many of the world's leading funk and soul musicians. Check out our interview with Ryo here, and don't miss their energetic set.
June 9, 11pm, RMB100. Unico Shanghai, see event listing.


June 9: Lite

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Japan's leading math rock band returns to Shanghai as part of their China tour in promotion of their new album, Cubic. The quartet is acclaimed for their emotional instrumentals and the technical wizardry of their compositions.
June 9, 9pm-late, presale RMB120, door RMB150. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.


June 9-10: Joe Machi

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One of the most original comics currently working out of New York, Joe Machi placed fourth on the eighth season of Last Comic Standing, and just last fall scored a half-hour slot for his stand-up on Comedy Central. Catch what's sure to be a memorable set at Kung Fu Komedy Club.
June 9, 8.30pm, June 10, 8pm and 10pm, RMB170 presale, RMB200 door. Kung Fu Komedy Club, see event listing.


June 10: ShanghaiPRIDE 2017: Pride Talk

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This always-stimulating discussion goes down annually at ShanghaiPRIDE. This year, a group of 13 special guest speakers will cover a variety of topics relating to gender, sexuality and identity.
June 10, 2pm, no cover. Colca, see event listing.


June 10: Discosmic Adventure

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One of Shanghai's longest-running local parties returns to Smash with disco bangers and mirror ball anthems. Nik Hilp, Lindberg and Tobias Patrick mix Italo, disco, boogie, electrofunk, proto-house and 'outernational sounds' for stargazers.
June 10, 9pm-late, no cover. Smash, see event listing.


June 10: Liu Dongming

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Also known as Liu Er, the celebrated folk singer comes to Shanghai as part of a tour in promotion of a new album. Active since 2000, Liu took a train to Beijing from his native Shandong and began performing there, going on to release several acclaimed albums. Expect emotional acoustic guitar and vocals with rich detail.
June 10, 8pm, RMB80 presale, RMB100 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.


June 10: Grim Release Party

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Locally-based math rock duo Foster Parents, one of Shanghai's best and most interesting new bands, release their debut album, Grim, on Guangzhou's Qiii Snacks Records. Expect nostalgic and technically impressive instrumentals. Halo Effect will perform in support.
June 10, 10pm, RMB50, Yuyintang, see event listing.


June 10: PK14

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Beloved and longstanding Chinese post-punk band PK14 embark on their first major China tour in several years. The band is at work on a new album, and is using the tour to share the work in progress with their fans and experiments with the songs live. The show will be a mix of this new material and songs from their albums 1984 and City Weather Sailing.
June 10, 8pm. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.


June 11: Healing Arts Festival

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For the fourth year running, a group of seasoned wellness practitioners from around the city gather together, creating an intimate environment for like-minded people to connect and learn about wellness. Classes and events include yoga, meditation, reiki, belly dancing and nonviolent communication. Food and drinks provided by Sproutworks, Sprout Lifestyle and Happy Buddha.
June 11, 10am-5pm, no cover. United Valley, see event listing.


June 11: Arrested Denial

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Hamburg-based ska band Arrested Denial, who formed in 2009 and sing their jubilant ska/streetpunk songs in German, come to Shanghai as part of their China tour. Local hardcore bands Spill Your Guts and Loudspeaker will play in support. 
June 11, 9pm-late, RMB60 presale, RMB80 door. Inferno, see event listing.


June 11: Moon Mad Release Party

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Shanghai-based producer Faded Ghost releases her debut full-length album, a haunting and atmospheric record that was five years in the making and features sound samples that she recorded all over the world. Faded Ghost will perform live as one of the first shows at new nightclub All.
June 11, 10pm-late. All, see event listing.


June 11: How I Met the Master: Isabelle Huppert Reads Marguerite Duras

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Arguably France's most famous and beloved actress, Isabelle Huppert has been nominated 16 times for its national film award, and has appeared in over 110 movies and TV shows, including The Piano Teacher and last year's controversial thriller, Elle. Huppert will read French novelist Marguerite Duras' iconic novel about French Indochina, The Lover, live onstage.
June 11, 2pm, RMB80-880. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.


June 11 & 18: ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival

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For two days during the month of June, ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival returns to showcase queer stories of all sorts onscreen. Past years have screened acclaimed international queer films like pioneering trans film Tangerine and tragic love story Lilting, along with the best of Chinese LGBTQ+ cinema, like 1996’s trailblazing East Palace, West Palace. The screenings all include community-building discussions and interviews. ShPFF also features the Short Film Competition, in which independent filmmakers submit their short films about the Chinese queer experience, competing for a spot in the prestigious UK Iris Prize Festival.
June 11 & 18. Various locations, see events listings here and here.


June 14: Declan Galbraith

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Declan Galbraith shot to international fame at age 10 in 2002 thanks to the emotional ballad ëTell Me Why.í Now 25, he is working on a new album and recreating his image as an adult musician. Galbraith enjoys an especially enthusiastic fan base in China, where his songs have been used in school curriculumís to teach English.
June 14, 8pm, RMB380 presale, RMB480 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.


June 15-18: ShanghaiPRIDE

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With the theme 'The Time Is Now' about seizing the moment to advocate for change, the Chinese mainlandís longest-running Pride festival returns for its ninth installment. Expect a packed few days of community events and parties, plus art and theater performances.
June 15-18, various locations, see event listing.


June 15: ShanghaiPRIDE Ladies Party

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This annual event for Shanghai's women-who-love-women goes down this year at Celia. Expect raffle prizes, dancing and plenty of live performances. As always, entry is for women or men in drag only until midnight. After midnight, the party is general admission.
June 15, 9pm-1am. Celia, see event listing.


June 16: ShanghaiPRIDE 2017: Pride Art Photo Exhibition Opening

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For their annual art exhibition, ShanghaiPRIDE crowdsourced photos from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Hoping to showcase the diversity of the queer experience in Shanghai, organizers invited anyone to submit a photo relating to Pride 9’s theme “The Time is Now.” They will print the best ones and display them at the gallery exhibition. Opening night is free of charge and offers drinks and tapas.
June 16, 7pm, no cover. Henkes, see event listing.


June 16: The Ugly Duckling

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The Lightwire Theater injects vitality and excitement into the classic childrenís tale with electroluminescent puppetry and the use of advanced technology, moving sculpture, and dance to create a memorable theatrical experience for kids and adults.
June 16, 7.30pm, RMB80-480. Shanghai Children Art Theatre, see event listing.


June 16: Mr C

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Pioneering UK house and techno producer Mr C, who's best known as the rapper and frontman for iconic 90s rave band The Shamen, comes to Shanghai to promote his new album, Incidents, which includes the grinding, psychedelic single 'Stand Up.' Catch him at Dada.
June 16, 10pm-late, RMB60. Dada, see event listing.


June 16: Pride Rocks

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This concert is a new addition to ShanghaiPRIDE this year and showcases local bands of diverse backgrounds and musical styles. The roster includes grunge band Vodka Slaves; Joelle Jay, a blues and country vocalist who sings about life and love in China; and Mimi (pictured), an experimental duo blending Celtic and traditional Chinese music with electronic beats.
June 16, 9pm-late, RMB70 presale, RMB100 door. M64, see event listing.


June 16: Anetha

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This up-and-coming techno DJ based out of Paris has played Berghain and  released tracks on several prominent techno labels, like Blocaus and Work Them Records. She'll play at Elevator thanks to a party hosted by  Room 303 and Asian Vibes.
June 16, 10pm-late, RMB80. Elevator, see event listing.


June 17: ShanghaiPRIDE 2017: Pride Run

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One of Pride's longest-running and most-loved events, the Pride Run returns  for Pride 9. Runners will start at six points throughout the city to represent the six colors of the rainbow Pride flag, and converge at  Andaz Xintiandi. The Pink Brunch, which is free for all runners and  RMB200 for other attendees, follows the run. Visit the ShanghaiPRIDE website for tickets.
June 17, 9.30am, RMB150. Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, see event listing.


June 17: Heineken Rugby Gala Dinner

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The keynote speakers at this annual event will be former All Black Andrew  Mehrtens and British and Irish Lion Tom Smith. Former Springboks Bob  Skinstad and John Allan will be returning from last year with anecdotes  from on and off the pitch. Ticket prices include a three-course meal and  free-flow Heineken, wine and soft drinks. All proceeds go toward the  Chinese National Youth Team Tour to New Zealand.
June 17, 6.45pm, RMB1,200 per ticket, RMB10,000 for table of 10. Pudong Shangri-la, see event listing.


June 17: GoldLink

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At only 23 years old, GoldLink is a major new talent in American hip-hop.  He reworks elements of 90s hip-hop and R&B, raps about socially relevant subjects, and has cited Edgar Allan Poe, Grimes, and Pink Floyd  as influences. His debut full-length album, At What Cost, was critically acclaimed when it dropped in March of this year.
June 17, 10pm, RMB200 presale, RMB250 door. Arkham, see event listing.


June 17: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

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Split Works hosts this three-city tour for British singer-songwriter Benjamin  Francis Leftwich. Heís known for his lush acoustic songs and thoughtful  lyrics over the course of two acclaimed albums. The concert also serves  as a pre-show for Concrete & Grass Festival, and attendees may catch some hints about the line-up.
June 17, RMB100 presale, RMB100 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.


June 17: Half a Blunt

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Elevator hosts Half a Blunt, an underground hip-hop crew from China and Indonesia. Theyíre influenced by 90s hip-hop and their tracks reflect that sound. Expect performances by different members of the crew throughout the night, like live sets from Jinsfake and Natural Doc and a vinyl set from DJ Ores.
June 17, 10pm-late, RMB60 presale, RMB100 door. Elevator, see event listing.


June 23: Anoice

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New Noise brings over Tokyo-based band Anoice, who deal in a moving blend of modern classical and post-rock. Their haunting, emotional songs have received much acclaim, and all of their band members play at least five instruments. Catch them live at Bandai Namco.
June 23, 9pm-late, presale RMB120, door RMB150. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.


June 23: Starkey

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The Drop brings Philadelphia producer Starkey to Shanghai for a set at Dada. Known as an originator of street bass and one of the first producers in the US to make grime, Starkey is a classically trained musician and has released on labels like Ninja Tune and Planet Mu. Local DJs Siesta, Oshi, Puzzy Stack, Luxixi perform in support.
June 23, 10pm-late. Dada, see event listing.


June 24: A Thousand Roads: Hyperbolic Singers Perform Chinese Pop Classics

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Performed in conjunction with ShanghaiPRIDE, the Shanghai Hyperbolic Singers will hold a concert in which they perform classic Chinese pop songs. Expect to hear their renditions of beloved songs like 'Red Bean,' 'Flowers of the Sea,' and 'Dreamchaser.' All songs are arranged by Peter Zhao.
June 24, 7.30pm, RMB50-180. Huangpu Theater, see event listing.


June 28-July 1: World Record Hackathon Attempt @ YoMo: The Youth Mobile Festival Shanghai 2017

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The Youth Mobile Festival is returning to Shanghai. YoMo is dedicated to inspiring and educating young people aged 6-18 years old about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design and Mathematics (STEAM). Through hands-on interactive workshops and demos, young people will be encouraged to pursue careers in these vital areas. YoMo also hosts the LeapLearner Hackathon. Join 1,500 youth coding sessions and help them break the world record for the world's largest hackathon for kids. It's free to attend, but spaces are limited. Register on the website.
June 28-July 1, no cover. Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre, see event listing.


June 28-July 1: Mobile World Congress

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Explore how mobile devices influence our lives every day. Experience cutting-edge technology, e-sports gaming, and innovations in connected living. Learn more about the world of drones, virtual reality and the latest gadgets  Register for your complimentary pass now with the code: FAP9RVPYD2.
June 28-July 1, no cover. Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre, see event listing.


June 30-July 9: The Bodyguard

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This musical adaptation of the classic film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, which also featured the epic ballad 'I Will Always Love You,' opened in the West End in 2012. The show makes its Shanghai debut this month with actress Carole Stennett in the leading role of Rachel Marron.
June 30-July 9, 7.15pm (weekend matinees, 2pm), RMB80-880. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.


June 28-July 1: Peppa Pig’s Happy Picnic

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A themed carnival, Peppa Pig's Happy Picnic, opens at Hubindao Shopping Center in Xintiandi and is free to the public. The British cartoon character has been popular among local children since its debut on CCTV in 2015. Peppa Pig's Wonderland features 10 interactive games and activities, restoring classic scenes from the cartoon so that families can enjoy a parent-child interactive experience. Peppa's Helter Skelter is the best spot for photos. There is also a pop-up store selling teddies and other toys.
Until July 15, all day, no cover. Hubindao Shopping Center, see event listing.


June 29: Venus X

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Yeti brings underground art, music and fashion icon Venus X back to Shanghai for a set at Dada. The founder of GHE20G0TH1K parties in New York and a collaborator with ASAP Rocky and M.I.A., Venus X has thrown great dance parties in Shanghai in the past; don’t miss her latest performance this month.
June 29, 10pm-late, RMB80 presale, RMB140 door, RMB120 door with Yeti QR scan. Dada, see event listing.


June 30: State Champs

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Pop punk band State Champs, who hail from Upstate New York, visit Shanghai for a set at Yuyintang. They just released a deluxe version of their acclaimed second album, Around the World and Back, and are touring through China as part of an expansive world tour. 
June 30, 7pm-late. Yuyintang, see event listing.


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