What's On in Shanghai: March 2018

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

Mar 2: Bollywood Holi Festival

This Friday, Bar Rouge brings you to India to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors. Expect the heat of Delhi nights with the legendary DJ Dee, who will be delivering his finest Indian tunes all the way from Delhi. Dress up in your most colorful  outfit with a slice of shine and bling for a night of colorful  performances and vibrant beats.
Mar 2, 9pm. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

Mar 2: Lipelis

Based out of Moscow, Lipelis has released tracks with acclaimed NYC label L.I.E.S. and deals in unruly disco. Support for this show from Daily Vinyl comes from DJs Airbear, Tobias Patrick and Daily Vinyl’s Endy. 
Mar 2, 9pm, RMB80presale and before 11pm, then RMB100. Elevator, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 3: The Dickies

Punk rock legends The Dickies, who formed in LA in the late 70s and were one  of the first major pop-punk bands, with their distinctively campy and  irreverent style, embark on their first ever China tour as part of their  40th anniversary. Shanghai bands Round Eye and Dirty Fingers provide a  dose of locally-based punk as openers.
Mar 3, 9pm, RMB150 presale, RMB180 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Mar 3: DJ Nicolas Spielmann

This Saturday, Bar Rouge invites DJ Nicolas Spielmann in the house. Dance the night away to beats imported to Shanghai all the way from France.
Mar 3, 10pm. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

Mar 2: Quintino

Dutch producer Quintino has worked with the likes of Afrojack, Tiesto, Hardwell and Nervo, and is currently ranked #30 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs List 2017. Catch his show at the newly open and very excessive nightclub  that is TAXX in Found 158. 
Mar 2, 10pm, RMB120. TAXX, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 2: Bendo Na Bendo 1 Year Anniversary

Community group Bendo Na Bendo celebrates their one year anniversary by bringing back DJ Ganyo, the first DJ they worked with. Head to the free party for a night of Afro Beats, hip hop, reggae and dancehall.
Mar 2, 10pm, no cover. Xiang Yue, see event listing.

Mar 2: Italian Dance Wave Asia

Xiamen-based  producer and founder of party series Beatween, Knopha teams up with  Shanghai-based Italian producer of dark house and disco Altieri for the  latest installment of Italian Dance Wave Asia.
Mar 2, 10pm, no cover. Dada, see event listing.

Mar 3: Arkham 5 Year Anniversary

Arkham celebrates 5 years as one of Shanghai’s leading underground dance  clubs. Head there to celebrate their growth over the last half decade  with a headlining set from UK tech-house duo Swayzak. He’ll be joined by  a local line-up of Arkham regulars, including Amber Akilla, Max Shen  and Yoshinaga with visual installations by Daliah.
Mar 3, 10pm, RMB90 presale, RMB120 door. Arkham, see event listing. 

Mar 3: Techno Femme

Celia holds a techno party led by female DJs Cice and Jasmine Li. Head there late as an afterparty and dance well into Sunday morning. Cover price  includes a drink.
Mar 3, 12am, RMB100. Celia, see event listing.

Mar 3: Motel77 Clash EP Party

Two longstanding members of Shanghai's electronic music scene, Thoma Cher and Charp have come together to form Motel77, which deals in dark and groovy strains of nu disco. They’re dropping their first EP, Clash, on French label La Dame Noir Records with this release party at Dada.
Mar 3, 10pm, no cover. Dada, see event listing.

Mar 4: Dana Leong Outdoor Silent Concert

Two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Dana Leong is bringing together top musicians, lighting artists and dancers for a one-of-a-kind mix of instrumentals, electronic music and lights for this open-air  performance  at Yongfoo Elite.
Mar 4, RMB180-318. Yongfoo Elite, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 6: Oh Wonder

Rising star indie pop duo Oh Wonder make their Shanghai debut in March at Bandai Namco. The band first rose to prominence in late 2014, when they began releasing one new song a month for an entire year as their first album. Their sophomore effort, Ultralife, dropped last July to much acclaim, and this Shanghai show is part of their debut world tour.
Mar 6, 8pm, RMB380. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.

Mar 7: CBA Playoffs: Shanghai Sharks vs. Beijing Ducks

In the second game of the playoff series for basketball team Shanghai Sharks, they face off against the Beijing Ducks. Head over to Yuanshen Stadium to see who emerges victorious.
Mar 7, 7.35pm, RMB150-430. Yuanshen Stadium, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 8: John Legend

Singer-songwriter extraordinaire John Legend comes to Shanghai for a major stadium show at the Mercedes-Benz Arena to promote his latest album, Darkness and Light. Over the course of five albums, Legend has won a whopping 10 Grammy Awards for his pop-inflected R&B, as well as an an Academy Award and a Tony. He’s also worked with everyone from Ariana Grande to Kanye West to Lauryn Hill, and co-starred in La La Land.
Mar 8, 8pm, RMB380-1,280. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 8 - Apr 1: Up & Over It: Into the Water

Irish dance troupe Up & Over It presents this experimental story based on a Nordic myth about the apocalypse. The modern retelling is a story of friendship told through dance and percussion set in a magical, water-filled landscape. The 50-minute show is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Mar 8 – Apr 1, 7.30pm, RMB240. Art Space for Kids, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 9-10: Kyle Grooms

New Jersey-based standup comedian Kyle Grooms has had a long career of making people laugh with jokes about everything from mythical New Jersey monsters to getting tried by the state at age 10. He's had his own Comedy Central half hour, a new album coming out this spring, and is a bit of an old hand at traveling around China with Kung Fu Komedy. Catch his latest Shanghai visit this month.
Mar 9, 9pm & Mar 10, 7pm & 9pm, RMB170 presale, RMB200 door. Kung Fu Komedy Club, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 9: Pinch

UK dubstep producer Pinch, who's garnered a following via his Tectonic Label thanks to his meshing of reggae and dancehall in his productions, comes to Shanghai for a set at Dada courtesy of Wonky Kong. Shanghai DJs Kilo Vee and Wonky Kong founder Siesta provide support.
Mar 9, 10pm. Dada, see event listing.

Mar 9: El Santo & Hooked Birthday Party

Next-door neighbors in Found 158, Hooked and El Santo turn one year old, and are celebrating their first birthday with Corona, wines, tacos and seafood tacos for RMB25 a pop, plus RMB12 oysters, 3 DJs throughout the evening and live music and drink specials at Little Creatures nearby.
Mar 9, 8pm, no cover. El Santo & Hooked, see event listing.

Mar 9: Armin van Buuren

The Dutch DJ and producer returns to Shanghai for a performance at MYST. Generally considered one of the world's most famous DJs, van Buuren has won the top spot on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs List a record-breaking 5 times and has been running his own radio show, A State of Trance, since 2001.
Mar 9, 10.30pm, RMB480. MYST, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 10: Championship Dinner by Danyi Gao

Shake’s chef Danyi Gao has just won RMB1 million in investment capital from Chef Nic, a Youku series and one of China’s biggest cooking shows from Nicholas Tse. Gao will recreate the meal that won her top honors, including Turmeric Garlic Pan Fried Lamb Chops, and a Sesame Sticky Rice Ball with White Chocolate and Coconut Sesame Panna Cotta.
Mar 10, 6pm, RMB299 per person. Shake, see event listing.

Mar 10: Shanghai Greenland Shenhua vs Shanghai SIPG

In this Chinese Super League football game, Shanghai Greenland Shenhua face off against Shanghai SIPG as part of the Ping An Chinese Football Association Super League. Head to Hongkou Stadium to cheer on your team.
Mar 10, 7.35pm, RMB450-750. Hongkou Football Stadium, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 10: The fin.

One of Japan's hottest indie pop bands, The fin. returns to Shanghai, where they performed to sold-out crowds last year. They've gone from self-releasing tracks on Soundcloud to playing major festivals like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic, and their sound is a dreamy mix of chillwave and synth pop.
Mar 10, 8pm, RMB150 presale, RMB180 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Mar 10: Florian Meindl

Monthly techno club night NOVA brings over Austrian DJ Florian Meindl. Based out of Berlin, he's been producing for 14 years and has become known for his groovy, analog-driven techno. Support comes from several Shanghai techno DJs who you'll often catch at places like Celia and Elevator, including Jasmine Li, Lina K, MIIIA and Max Shen.
Mar 10, 10pm, RMB120 presale, RMB160 door. Arkham, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 10: Love Bang

Love Bang’s first party of 2018 brings all the hip-hop, funk, rare grooves and club trax you could ask for from Kin.J, Gouachi, MIIIA and Baijiu Robot, Visuals inspired by 3rd tier city nightclubs will be provided by VJ Chen Xixi.  
Mar 10, 10pm, RMB50. Elevator, see event listing.

Mar 12: Mogwai

One of the most influential post-rock bands of all time, the Scottish legends return to Shanghai, where they made their debut back in 2011, thanks to New Noise. This visit coincides with the release of their ninth studio album, Every Country's Sun, which has been acclaimed as one of their best. The band is especially celebrated for their intense live shows.
Mar 12, 9pm, RMB360 presale, RMB450 door. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.

Mar 16: Beach Fossils

Known for their lo-fi, atmospheric dream pop and shoegzae, Brooklyn indie band Beach Fossils, return to the mainland for a China tour. They've been active since 2009 and are passing through Shanghai as part of the tour for their 2017 release, Somersault. Catch their show at MAO Livehouse from Ye Records.
Mar 16, 8pm, RMB180 presale, RMB230 door.  MAO Livehouse, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 16: SHFT 5th Anniversary with Keys n Krates

Shanghai-based party promoters SHFT have seen massive growth over the last 5 years, organizing 88rising’s first China tour and throwing major trap and hip-hop parties all around the country. Their anniversary party brings a set from acclaimed Canadian trio Keys N Krates, a live hip-hop act.
Mar 16, 10pm, RMB200 presale, RMB260 door (RMB240 if you follow SHFT's WeChat.) Arkham, see event listing, buy tickets. 

Mar 16-25: Beatles for Babies

A loving tribute to the band, this interactive show by Spanish troupe La Petita Malumaluga features four musicians and a dancer dressed entirely in white who cover classics like 'Yesterday,' 'Let It Be' and 'Hey Jude.' Children are encouraged to dance, clap and wander the stage during the performance. Perfect for infants, toddlers and up.
Mar 16-25, times vary. Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 17: Föllakzoid

Founded in Santiago in 2008, this Chilean trio deals in freewheeling, psychedelic guitar rock that takes thematic influence from the ancient music of the Andes as well as elements of krautrock. Catch their trippy and atmospheric show at Bandai Namco.
Mar 17, 8.30pm, RMB100 presale. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.

Mar 21: LANY

After making their Shanghai debut with a sold-out show this past July, LA-based trio LANY bring their sunny pop music back for another performance. The band relocated from Nashville to LA and found fame in 2016 through several hit singles before releasing their self-titled debut last year.
Mar 21, 8pm, RMB380. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 23: Sevdaliza

A rising star vocalist dealing in experimental pop and trip-hop, Sevdaliza makes her Shanghai debut after releasing her breakout debut album ISON in 2017. An Iranian native who grew up in The Netherlands, she played on the Dutch national basketball team before embarking on her singing career. A strong supporting line-up of local talent at her show includes vocalists Lil Akin and ChaCha. Don't miss this power pop showcase.
Mar 23, 8.30pm, RMB300. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 23-24: Hello Kitty: Journey to the West

Japanese pop culture merchandizing icon Hello Kitty retells her version of the classic Chinese fable, Wu Cheng'en's Journey to the West. Kitty's friends are kidnapped by monsters when they opened an ancient chest, and she must enter the mythic Journey to the West universe in order to get them back. Expect elaborate costumes and staging design.
Mar 23-24, 7.30pm on Mar 23, 10.30am & 2.30pm on Mar 24, RMB120-380. ET Space, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 23-24: Punchline Comedy All Irish Show

Punchline Comedy celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with this line-up of all Irish comedians flown in for the occasion, including Kevin McGahern, Karl Spain, and Fred Cooke. NOTE: This event will be held at Cages on Friday night and the Kerry Hotel Pudong on Saturday night.
Mar 23-24, 8.30pm, RMB290. Cages (Friday night) and Kerry Hotel Pudong (Saturday Night), see event listing. Buy tickets for Friday here, buy tickets for Saturday here.

Mar 24: Ladyfest

Ladyfest is Shanghai's annual celebration of female empowerment and gender equality. The fest returns this year with a full day of performances, workshops, art exhibitions, talks and more. Head there to celebrate womanhood and femininity in all its many forms. Details about the line-up and schedule are still emerging, so stay tuned for updates.
Mar 24, 12pm-12am, no cover. Specters, see event listing.

Mar 24-25: Poutine Pop-Up

Funk and soul bar Shake spends an entire weekend dedicated to arguably the best thing to come out of Canada: poutine. Chef Danyi Gao showcases her hongshao rou poutine, along with other unusual toppings like teriyaki beef tongue, foie gras truffle and more. Live music to follow on both nights.
Mar 24-25, 6pm. Shake, see event listing.

Mar 25: We Lost the Sea

Promoters New Noise round out their hugely active month with an 8-city tour for Australian instrumental post-rock band We Lost the Sea. The Sydney-based six-piece has released three albums of atmospheric, cinematic instrumentals, including 2015's Departure Songs. Catch their show at MAO Livehouse.
Mar 25, 9pm, RMB120 presale, RMB150 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Mar 27: Zedd

A regular visitor to Shanghai, Russian-German DJ and producer Zedd returns for his latest club show at LINX. Known for major hit songs like 'Clarity' featuring Foxes and 'Break Free' with Ariana Grande, Zedd won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2014 and has released 2 full-length albums.
Mar 27, 10.30pm, RMB380. Linx, see event listing, buy tickets.

Mar 30: Barbarism

The monthly club night for ‘civilized barbarians returns for its third installment, with boundary-pushing dance music that spans pop, hip hop, forgotten classics, and familiar vocals presented in a new way. Free, but RSVP recommended (reservations@lebaronshanghai.com).
Mar 30, 10pm. Le Baron, see event listing.

Mar 31: Mitsume

This Tokyo quartet brings their sunny pop and surf rock to Shanghai. They've released all their albums on their own label, and have a carefree, DIY approach to their music and touring. Catch their MAO Livehouse show through Ye Records.
Mar 31, 8pm, RMB130 presale, RMB180 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Mar 31: The Hormones

Chengdu-based all-girl rock group The Hormones embark on a 27-city tour of China to promote their latest album, a follow-up to their well-received 2014 debut EP, Elephant. Don't miss one of Chengdu's best homegrown bands as they pass through Shanghai.
Mar 31, 8.30pm. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Apr 1: Alpine Decline

Once one of Beijing's best psychedelic rock bands, Alpine Decline has relocated to LA, but continues making their unique strain of trippy and immersive music. The duo is releasing their latest album, Return to Desolation Lake (with cover art designed by Shanghai's IdleBeats) this month on Maybe Mars. Catch the Shanghai stop on their China tour as they debut their most poppy and melody-driven release thus far.
Apr 1, 9pm, RMB80 presale, RMB100 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.

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