What's On in Shanghai: April 2018

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

Apr 2: Alpine Decline Modular Synth Set

One day after debuting their new rock album at Yuyintang, the Beijing-via-LA duo hit Yongfoo Elite's Keep it Quiet bar for a performance of their modular synth side project. Shanghai’s Peng Zhuang is also on the roster. Head there for a night of experimental electronic music. Check out our interview with the band here.
Apr 2, 8pm, RMB50, RMB60. Yongfoo Elite, see event listing.

Apr 3: Disco Disco

Bar Rouge throws a sparkling disco party every Tuesday. For the first April installment, longtime DJ Andrew Bull (aka DJ El Toro) will spin a mix of classics, and spritzes are free flow from 10-11pm.  
Apr 3, 9pm. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

Apr 4: James Blunt

The English singer-songwriter responsible for romantic megahit 'You're Beautiful' returns to Shanghai for a tour promoting his latest album, Afterlove. Though he's since faded a bit from the spotlight, Blunt's debut record, Back to Bedlam, was the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK.
Apr 4, 8pm, RMB280-1,280. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 5: Dombresky

Parisian producer Dombresky comes to Shanghai for a show at Le Baron. He’s released on Fool's Gold Records, remixed tracks for DJ Snake and A$AP Rocky and is a up-and-coming electronic musician.
Apr 5, 10pm. Le Baron, see event listing.

Apr 6: Zombies in Miami

One of the most prominent Mexican electronic music projects, Zombies in Miami deal in a catchy and unique hybrid of techno and rock music with vocals and a dance floor focus, and have played everywhere from Berghain to Burning Man. Catch their show at Dada. 
Apr 6, 10pm. Dada, see event listing.

Apr 6: Choice37

Le Baron brings back Korean-American producer Choice 37, who is signed to influential music label YG Entertainment. A major name in Kpop and the creator of hits like ‘Big Bang’ and ‘GD,’ he’s expected to bring a big crowd. The show is free; book a table or get there early for entry.  
Apr 6, 10pm. Le Baron, see event listing.

Apr 7: Xu Xi on the Writing Life and MFA Programs

Writer Xu Xi, author of 2017’s Dear Hong Kong: An Elegy For A City, a poignant exploration of five decades of HK history and the author’s reasons for leaving the city, gives a reading and talk at Brut Cake Cafe. Xu is currently a Faculty Co-Director of the Vermont College of Fine Arts International Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing & Literary Translation.  
Apr 7, 6pm. Brut Cake Cafe, see event listing.

Apr 7: Barbarism

Rescheduled from last weekend, this 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 context. Free, but RSVP recommended (reservations@lebaronshanghai.com).
Apr 7, 10pm. Le Baron, see event listing.

Apr 8: F1 Themed Brunch

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai, which has one of Shanghai’s best and most extravagant buffet brunches featuring everything from a make-your-own-cocktail bar to a string orchestra performance, takes on a racing theme this month in honor of F-1. There will be ticket giveaways to the upcoming Shanghai F1 Grand Prix race, plus invitations to Red Bull F1 warm-up event on April 11th (where you will have the chance to take a picture with F1 driver Max Verstappen of the Red Bull Racing Team).
Apr 8, 11.30am-2.30pm, RMB688 per person with free flow, RMB578 without free flow, RMB308 per child. Westin Bund Center Shanghai, see event listing.

Apr 12: Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey Live in Asia Tour 2018 is a compendium of travelers’ tales and the general shenanigans of 20 years as a travelling comedian. With brand new material interlaced with Bill Bailey’s signature musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Check out our interview with him here.
Apr 12, 8pm, RMB300-750. Cages, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 12: Vini Vici

A collaboration between two longtime producers, Aviram Saharai & Matan Kadosh, Vini Vici is a newly formed psytrance duo. Head to Linx to check out their Shanghai debut.
Apr 12, RMB180 presale. Linx, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 13: A Night of Sly and the Family Stone

Shake offers up a night of live music dedicated to Sly and the Family Stone, the trailblazing funk group from San Francisco who are widely considered one of the best bands of all time.  Vocalists Courtney Knott and Tony Hall and guitarist Ben Misterka will cover all the band's greatest hits, from “Ordinary People” to “Dance to the Music,” plus rare tracks and original arrangements.
Apr 13, 10pm, RMB100. Shake, see event listing.

Apr 13: CERO39

Originally from Colombia, Cero39 was first discovered at the Bogota Music Market by a Glastonbury music programmer, who was so impressed by their vibrant reggaeton and hip-hop that he signed them up on the spot for the festival. Joining them at newly opened Found 158 club HILO is Luxembourg producer Aamar, whose music is a blend of ambient, soul and hip-hop.
Apr 13, 9pm, RMB60 presale, RMB80 door. HILO, see event listing.

Apr 13: Love Bang 8th Anniversary

Love Bang celebrates eight years of parties and cat cartoons this weekend. Expect a fun mix of hip-hop and club tracks, plus the major perk of Homeslice’s new Detroit pizza on offer. The line-up features WhatsUpNardja, Hyph11e, Gouachi, Love Bang founder Heatwolves, Knopha, and VJ 陈吸吸. 
Apr 13, 9pm, RMB60. Elevator, see event listing.

Apr 13: DVBBS

Canadian electronic duo DVBBS, which is made up of brothers Christopher and Alex van den Hoef, returns to Shanghai for their latest show at newly opened Found 158 club TAXX. After touring with Steve Aoki in 2010, DVBBS went on to find fame with hit singles like 'Gold Skies' and 'Voodoo.'
Apr 13, RMB180. TAXX, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 13-14: Paul Ogata

Kung Fu Komedy brings over Hawaiian comic Paul Ogata, a longtime radio personality in Honolulu who's also featured on Comedy Central and CBS's Late Late Show. Ogata is familiar with Shanghai, having performed here several times in the past with KFK; catch his latest set this month. Check out our interview with him here.
Apr 13-14, 9pm on Apr 13, 7pm & 9pm on Apr 14, RMB170 presale, RMB200 door. Kung Fu Komedy, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 13-14: Tao Dance Theater: 6 & 9

Tao Dance Theater's founder Tao Ye has wowed critics and redefined modern Chinese dance with his experimental, minimalist choreography. This lastest showcase of his work feautures two series, 6 and 9, which explore experimental movement and the human body mimicking the natural world, from rushing rivers to swaying trees.
Apr 13-14, 7.30pm RMB180-680. Shanghai International Dance Center, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 13-15: Heineken F1 Festival

Heineken hosts this 3-day festival at Jing An Kerry Centre devoted to all things F1, with a solid line-up of both Chinese and international musicians. Friday night sees Armin Van Buuren headline alongside China DMC champ DJ Wordy and local band Studio 188, while other great acts throughout the weekend include pop start Angela Zhang, Beijing dark electropop band Nova Heart, rockabilly band Rolling Bowling, Tom Yeti of local promoters Yeti Out and more.
Apr 13-15, 5.30pm on Apr 13, 10am on Apr 14-15. Calypso at Jing An Kerry Centre, see event listing.

Apr 14: Blue Foundation

A unique group dealing in cinematic electronic music tinged with shoegaze, dreampop and trip-hop, Danish band Blue Foundation has been nominated for a Grammy and has scored major films like Twilight. Catch them at MAO Livehouse as part of their first solo China tour from New Noise.
Apr 14, 8pm, RMB150 presale, RMB180 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Apr 14: Suzhou Cultural Heritage Workshop

Join this great opportunity for in-depth understanding of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage. In collaboration with Ctrip and the Suzhou Tourism Bureau, the workshop will introduce Suzhou's history and culture, including a tea ceremony performance, oil-paper umbrella hand painting lesson, silk scarf hand tie-dye lesson, circular fan water extension painting lesson and more.
Apr 14, 2pm, RSVP on That’s Shanghai weChat, Camelia Restaurant, 1 / F, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, see event listing.

Apr 14-15: Frozen Planet in Concert

For one weekend only, the Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra welcomes families to dazzle in the beauty of nature and celebrate the biodiversity of this planet we call home. The captivating visuals of David Attenborough-narrated documentary is accompanied by symphonic scores to alleviate the viewing experience for adults and kids alike.
Apr 14-15, 2.30pm-7.30pm, RMB280-480. Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 14-15: Daydream Festival

First launched in Belgium in 2010, Daydream is an EDM Fest similar to Electric Daisy Carnival or Ultra, but with an especially theatrical, surreal aesthetic and immersive atmosphere. Headliners for the debut Shanghai installment include Afrojack, Ruby Rose, Bassjackers, Rich Brian (formerly known as Rich Chigga), Yellow Claw, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Excision, Modestep and more.
Apr 14-15, 1pm, RMB880 for two-day pass. Shanghai International Music Village, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 14-15: World Warm Wave

Modern Sky holds a two-night concert series with an eclectic line-up as the official warm-up event for their annual Strawberry Festival. The event's highlight is London indie rock band Yuck, who are playing on Saturday night along with China bands Mr Graceless and City Flanker. Sunday night sees Modern Sky-signed indie-electro darling Re-TROS play alongside Big Wave and Shanghai DJ Diamond Lil.
Apr 14-15, 8pm. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing.

Apr 15: Broda Bros: BR2

This imaginative stage show is set in the year 2222, when sunlight no longer hits the Earth due to climate change. The BR2 robots come to save the day and light up the dark with their neon lights and epic dance moves. BR2 was created by Boda Bros, an international hip-hop crew based out of Barcelona.  
Apr 15, 3.30pm & 7.30pm, RMB180-380. Daguan Theater, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 15: Peter and the Wolf

A classic Russian story comes to Shanghai and is told through music at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall. Conducted by Zhang Jiemin, one of the orchestra's first female conductors, this family-friendly shows brings the story first told by Sergei Prokofiev to life for the audience.
Apr 15, 7pm, RMB80-120. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 15: Alter. | Young Marco

Founded by two longtime Shanghai promoters, Alter. is a new party series aimed at bringing electronic music talent for daytime shows to some of Shanghaiís more classy venues. Their debut show on POPís Bund-side rooftop features Amsterdam house and disco DJ Young Marco plus Shanghai DJs like Frau and Alter. co-founder Yu Yang.  Cover price includes a drink.
Apr 15, 2pm, RMB120 presale, RMB150 door. POP, see event listing.

Apr 18: Maximilian Hecker

German singer and multi-instrumentalist Maximilian Hecker is renowned for his elegant and symphonic pop music, and has been compared to Radiohead and Sigur Ros. Catch his Sea of Silence concert at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.
Apr 18, 7.30pm, RMB100-380. Shanghai Centre Theatre, see event listing, see event listing.

Apr 19: Lydmor

Copenhagen-based singer and electropop artist Lydmor returns to Shanghai for a performance at ALL.  Known for her catchy, synthy music and honest lyrics, she has a neon-tinted new aesthetic and image that's as suited to a club as a livehouse.
Apr 19, 8pm, RMB80 presale, RMB100 door. ALL Club, see event listing.

Apr 20: Coucou Chloe

A French producer based in London, Coucou Chloe is an up-and-comer thanks to her unique, futuristic beats and vocals. Sheís lended her music to Rihannaís fashion shows, and her latest EP, Erika Jane, is a mix of hard-hitting dance floor beats and slower, sultrier experiments. Catch her China debut at ALL from Wooozy Offline.
Apr 20, 10pm. ALL Club, see event listing.

Apr 20, 21, 23: Bruno Mars

The megastar returns to Shanghai for three sold-out performances at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. With five Grammy Awards and more than 130 million records to his name, Mars is one of the most best-selling artists of all time.  He's best known for crazily popular hits like 'Locked Out of Heaven,' 'The Lazy Song' and 'Grenade,' and released his third studio album, 24K Magic, back in 2016.
Apr 20, 21, 23 at 8pm. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing.

Apr 21: Record Store Day

Shanghai's own version of Record Store Day, an annual celebration of vinyl music first held in the US in 2007 and now held worldwide, returns to Uptown Records' Pingwu Lu location. A collaboration between Uptown and Daily Vinyl, over 20 vendors will be offering up a selection of records that span rock, pop jazz, electronic music, hip-hop, classical, and more.
Apr 21, 2-8pm. Uptown Records, see event listing.

Apr 21: Laputa: Castle in the Sky in Concert

The program of this concert includes a selection of the best soundtracks from the Studio Ghibli's 30-year long cinematic history, from 1986's Laputa:Castle in the Sky to the Academy Award-winning film Spirited Away. Soundtracks are performed by the Shanghai Rainbow Chamber Orchestra, accompanied by clips from the animated films for viewers to revisit the fantastical worlds created by Ghibli's animators.
Apr 21, 7.30pm, RMB120-380. Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 21: Around the World with Chef Danyi: Vietnam

Shake’s chef Danyi Gao, who recently won first place on Chef Nic, one of China’s biggest cooking shows, launches a monthly dinner series based on her travels around the world. The first edition focuses on Vietnam, featuring bun cha, pok pok wings, lemongrass clam soup, Wagyu oxtail & beef brisket pho and more. A live performance of funk and soul to follow at 10.30pm.
Apr 21-22, 6pm, RMB299 per person (minimum two people). Shake, see event listing.

Apr 22: Shanghai International Half Marathon

Join 15,000 runners from all over the world for this exciting half marathon, because the best way to learn about a city is to run through it. Beginning at the Pearl Tower, the route takes you past Lujiazui high-rises, New Bund Park, Expo Park and more.
Apr 22, 7am, Oriental Pearl Tower, see event listing.

Apr 25-29: Three-body Problem

The stage adaptation of Liu Cixin's universally acclaimed work of science fiction, a book praised by everyone from Barak Obama to Mark Zuckerberg, returns to Shanghai thanks to its popularity. The performance is in Chinese; performances on Apr 27 and Apr 28 include English subtitles.
Apr 25-29, 7.30pm, RMB180-880. Majestic Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 27: 8Er$

Up-and-coming French trap producer 8Er$ has worked with Diplo's label Mad Decent and released several major singles like 'Indestructible' and this yearís 'High AF.' Catch his Shanghai debut at Arkham.
Apr 27, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing.

Apr 28: Excuse Me Band

This Mando-pop and alternative rock duo is gaining major traction thanks to their well-received first album back in 2015. The band has explained that despite their leather-and-tattoos alternative aesthetic, they named themselves Excuse Me to illustrate that they are more upbeat and friendly than mainstream rock bands.
Apr 28, 7.30pm, RMB200. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 28-May 1: Dragon Burn

Billed as China's version of Burning Man, this weekend-long 'unfestival' and cultural event features art installations, music, performances and workshops. Like at actual Burning Man, there is no money allowed and participants bring their own food and shelter, leaving no trace behind when they leave. Buses to the site will be available out of Shanghai for an extra free.
Apr 28-May 1, all day, RMB350-500. Anji Forest, Zhejiang, exact location TBA, see event listing, buy tickets.

Apr 29: Adesse Versions

Suanpan, the Beijing promoters that brought you Optimo and Denis Sulta, are back at Dada with their latest guest, UK DJ Adesse Versions. A house music DJ focused on disco, funk and rare classic samples, he's sure to provide a fun and danceable Sunday night set.
Apr 29, 10pm, Dada, see event listing.

Apr 29-30: Electric Daisy Carnival

One of the worldís biggest EDM festivals annually in Las Vegas, Electric Daisy Carnival arrives in Shanghai for the first time this month. Headliners announced so far include major names like Deadmau5 and Martin Garrix, plus Alison Wonderland, Hardwell, Andy C, Illenium and Soothsayer. More acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Apr 29-30, 12pm, RMB1,000-1,680 for two-day pass. Shanghai Shen Di Ecology Park, see event listing.

Apr 29-30: FEAST

Shanghai's homegrown food festival returns April 2018 for another big love-in with the city's favorite chefs, mixologists and DJs. This year the event takes place on the rooftop of HK TaiKoo Hui. There will also be a wine and beer garden, coffee bar and Iron Chef competition. After party to follow at Cinker Pictures. Tickets available for the presale price of RMB80 for one day and RMB 150 for two days. RMB100/1 day or RMB170/2 day at the door.
Apr 29-30, 12pm, RMB80-150 presale, RMB100-170 door. TaiKoo Hui, see event listing.

Apr 29- May 1: Taihu Midi Festival

One of China's longest running and most OG festivals returns to its home at Taihu Midi Park on the outskirts of Suzhou. The line-up this year includes a strong selection of homegrown rock talent, from Chinese rock pioneer Cui Jian to Carsick Cars, Birdstriking and Hedgehog.  Rounding out the line-up are rock and metal bands like US's Death Angel, Sweden's At the Gate and more.
Apr 29- May 1, 12pm, RMB220-660. Taihu Midi Park, see event listing.

Apr 30: Chad Valley

Split Works brings back solo electropop artist Chad Valley, who deals in warm and dreamy electronic music uplifted by his vocals. Valley has a new album upcoming in May, and will likely play some of his new music at the show.
Apr 30, 9pm. Yuyintang, see event listing.

May 2: Fall Out Boy

Chicago's leading men of pop punk and masters of the excessively wordy song title, Fall Out Boy, are heading to Shanghai as part of their latest world tour in promotion of their new album, Mania. FOB's breakout 2005 album From Under the Cork Tree was massively popular upon its debut, especially their hit single 'Sugar, We're Goin Down.'
May 2, 8pm, RMBRMB380-1,280. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing, buy tickets.

Every Wednesday: La Vida Loca

Bar Rouge hosts their latest Latin music night, with free salsa and bachata lessons set to Latin beats, plus Puerto de Indias gin & tonics on offer all night.
Wednesdays, 9pm. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

Every Friday: Beat the House

Bar Rouge’s returning Friday party devoted to all things house music returns. Head there to dance to a set of house by DJ Keint.
Wednesdays, 9pm. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

For more things to do in Shanghai, check out our Events Section.

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