That's Shanghai takes a look at the best events of the month:
(Have a listen to our Playlist of musicians hitting Shanghai this month while you scroll through.)
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.
May 3: Marty Baller
Harlem rapper Marty Baller is fast becoming an essential member of A$AP Mob, serving as ASAP Ferg’s official hype man and launching his solo career with three mixtapes featuring the likes of Lil Uzi Vert and Fatman Scoop. Catch his show at Arkham.
May 3, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing.
May 4: Joshua Radin
An acoustic folk performer from Cleveland, Ohio, Joshua Radin arrives in Shanghai for a show at MAO Livehouse. He’s released seven studio albums, and his songs have been featured in several films and TV series, especially his 2008 release, Simple Times.
May 4, 8pm, RMB150 presale, RMB180 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.
May 4: Gorgon City
North London house duo Gorgon City hit Shanghai from STD as part of their latest tour. Named after the beast from Greek mythology, they released their first debut album Sirens, in 2014, which features the likes of Maverick Sabre and Jennifer Hudson. Catch their show at Arkham.
May 4, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing.
May 5: Peanut Butter Wolf
A highlight of Arkham’s huge month of live music, Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf returns to Shanghai. Expect an energetic night of hip hop and funk from the labelhead who helped launch the careers of musicians like Madlib, J Dilla, Dam-Funk, Mayer Hawthorne, Knxwledge, Mild High Club, Mndsgn, and Anderson. Paak.
May 5, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 9-20: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
A groundbreaking play that debuted in the West End before moving to Broadway and winning the Tony Award for Best Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an adaptation of Mark Haddon's critically-acclaimed novel of the same name. It uses innovative stage design and technology to tell the story of a 15-year-old boy on the autism spectrum who tries to solve a mystery in his neighborhood.
May 9-20, 7.30pm, other times vary, RMB200-800. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 10: Rhodes
UK Singer-songwriter Rhodes is an up-and-comer who’s supported Rufus Wainwright and Sam Smith in concert and performed live at Burberry fashion shows. His voice has been compared to Jeff Buckley, and he’s gained a large following since dropping his debut album in 2015. Catch his live show at Yuyintang.
May 10, 8.30pm, RMB120 presale, RMB160 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.
May 10: Barker
Shanghai electronic music promoters Say Yes bring over British producer Sam Barker for a show at Elevator. Known for his left-field techno and rhythmic complexity, he’s one half of prominent duo Barker & Baumecker and the co-founder of Berlin label Leisure System.
May 10, 10pm. Elevator, see event listing.
May 11: The Cribs
Split Works brings the UK punk-rock trio behind hits like ‘Men’s Needs’ and ‘Hey Scenesters!’ back to China, after they made their debut in 2016 for Concrete & Grass Festival. The Cribs are touring to support their latest album, 24-7 Rock Star Shit, a raucous collection of songs they recorded in five days. Shanghai punks Dirty Fingers play in support.
May 11, 8.30pm, RMB180 presale, RMB220 door. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing.
May 11: Afrobund with Gregor Salto
Originally from Holland and a regular performer in Ibiza, Gregor Salto explores pop, soul, African beats and Latin house in his sets. Catch his latest performance at UNICO Shanghai for their Afrobund party, with live percussion by Thomas Dyani and a warm-up set by DJ S.Kiv. Free entry before midnight with password ‘Coco.’
May 11, 9.30pm, RMB100 without password or after midnight. UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.
May 11: Habibi Funk
Habibi Funk is a Berlin-based label and the DJ moniker of its founder, Jannis Stuertz. He seeks out rare funk, jazz and soul made in the Arab world throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, signing and reissuing them for a contemporary audience. Catch his unique set as part of his debut China tour at Dada.
May 11, 10pm. Dada, see event listing.
May 11-13: Guess How Much I Love You
Based on Sam McBratney’s beloved children’s classic, the show is about the tale of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, who compete to measure their love for each other in what has become a classic, lovable story. Join the two bunnies as they jump off the pages and onto the stage, in a live, magical journey that is perfect for tiny theatergoers.
May 11-13, times vary, RMB100-380. Shanghai Centre Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 11-20: Shanghai Beer Week
This 10-day festival founded in 2012 by Boxing Cat Brewmaster Michael Jordon has become a celebrated Shanghai tradition. Lovers of great beer and food can explore the city with a range of events from tap takeovers to beer pairing dinners. It kicks off with the Brew Cruise, a 400-person boat ride along the Huangpu River with free-flow beers from 5 Shanghai breweries, and ends 10 days later with a Shanghai Beer Walk led by Untour.
May 11-20. Locations vary, see event listing.
May 12: More Than Aware Family Fun Run
The city turns pink and green for the sixth year running as More Than Aware Family Fun Run returns to help promote breast cancer prevention and recovery. Sign up for the run and make a difference, as 100 percent of the donations go towards More Than Aware's partner, Shanghai Cancer Recovery Club.
May 12, 8am, RMB150. Century Park, see event listing.
May 12: Shang-high Rollers: Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby
Shanghai’s local roller derby team, the Shang-High Rollers, returns for their latest bout against teams from Beijing, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Head out to support them at the full-contact Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby. Ticket price includes a drink ticket for Roxie, where the after-party will be held.
May 12, 6pm, RMB50. Yichang Middle School Gym, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 12: White Night on the Bund
An annual Bund tradition, White Night returns to eight venues including Bar Rouge, which is hosting the official after-party. This glamorous night features music by Canine and a sea of white-clad guests. The cover charge is RMB100, but those dressed in head-to-toe white get in for free.
May 12, 9.30pm, RMB100. Bar Rouge, see event listing.
May 15: Shigeto
Known for his unique beats that mesh instrumental hip-hop, jazz and R&B with electronic music, Michigan-born producer and drummer Shigeto returns to Shanghai to promote his latest album, the fresh and engaging A New Monday. Catch his show at Yuyintang from Spectacles of Sound.
May 15, 8.30pm, RMB80 presale, RMB100 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.
May 17: Tove Lo
Nicknamed "the saddest girl in Sweden" for her poignant confessional pop songs, Tove Lo comes to Shanghai for the first time in support of her latest album, 2017's Blue Lips. Her gritty and unique take on mainstream pop is apparent from her heartbreaking first single "Habits (Stay High)" to last year's fabulously raunchy dance track "Disco Tits." Don't miss her Shanghai debut at Bandai Namco.
May 17, 8pm, RMB380 presale, RMB460 door. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.
May 17: The Album Leaf
The Album Leaf is a project from San Diego songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy LaValle. Known for their ambient, hip-hop inflected electronic music, the band is touring through China in support of their first full-length album, Between Waves. Catch their Shanghai stop at MAO Livehouse.
May 17, 8.30pm, RMB150 presale, RMB200 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.
May 17: Nina Kraviz
Producer and DJ Nina Kraviz was born and raised in Siberia, and had a successful career as a dentist before launching her electronic music career. Now, she runs two record labels and has released a slew of unique and varied EPs. Catch her show at Arkham.
May 17, 10pm, RMB180 presale, RMB250 door. Arkham, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 18: Zhu
Rising star producer and singer Zhu returns to Shanghai thanks to STD. He’s been active since 2014 and released his first tracks while keeping his identity anonymous. His breakout track ‘Faded’ was nominated for a Grammy in 2015. He has performed at Coachella and Ultra Miami and collaborated with Skrillex. Catch his live performance at Modern Sky Lab.
May 18, 9pm. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing.
May 18: Recondite
‘Techno’s most intriguing antihero’ Recondite comes to Shanghai for an intimate show at Elevator. The popular producer is known for his immersive audio-visual shows. He’s touring in support of his latest release, Daemmerlicht, which continues his blending of ambient, techno, classical music and hip hop.
May 18, 10pm. Elevator, see event listing.
May 18: Sin Fang, Sóley and Örvar Smárason China Tour
New Noise offers up a China tour for three acclaimed Icelandic musicians at the newly opened Yuyintang Zhongshan Park. Sin Fang, Sóley and Örvar Smárason of band mum and FM Belfast are touring in support of their collaborative album, Team Dreams, which blends their folk sensibilities with futuristic pop melodies.
May 18, 9pm, RMB100 presale, RMB120 door. Yuyintang Zhongshan Park, see event listing.
May 19: ShanghaiPRIDE Rainbow Bike Ride for IDAHOT
A time-honored ShanghaiPRIDE tradition, the Rainbow Bike Ride returns as a pre-Pride event this year. As always, six teams of cyclists who represent the six colors of the Rainbow Flag will start out from different corners of Shanghai and converge at a picnic destination. This year, the ride falls on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), when people around the world stand together for respect and equality.
May 19, 8am, locations vary, see event listing.
May 19: AFL Shanghai: Port Adelaide vs Gold Coast Suns
The Round 9 2018 Toyota Australian Football League Premiership Season match between the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Football Club goes down on the afternoon of Saturday, May 19. That’s right, a proper game of Aussie Rules, for proper premiership points. And the Jiangwan Stadium is even being renamed the Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium for the occasion. Grandstand tickets will run you just RMB100 for adults and RMB50 for children under 18.
May 19, 1:15pm, RMB100 per adult, RMB50 per child under 18. Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 19: A Nano World Tour
Xie Yugang, frontman of longstanding and well-respected Dalian post-rock group Wang Wen, teamed up with renowned French guitarist Serge Teyssot-Gay for a compilation album called A Nano World. The atmospheric record is lovely, ominous and otherworldly. Catch the two musicians together at Yuyintang as part of their China tour to promote the album.
May 19, 9pm. Yuyintang, see event listing.
May 19: The Great Shanghai Pillow Fight and Pajama Party
Thought pillow fighting is just a fun activity for kids? Think again. Thanks to our innovative friends in Japan (who else?), it is now a sport. A sport that requires full courts, uniforms and even referees. Never one to miss out on the hottest trend on the planet, those geniuses over at Cages Bar and Sports have decided to host The Great Shanghai Pillow Fight and Pajama Party. Doors open at 8pm, and RMB100 entrance fee gets you three drinks (beer, wine or spirit), while there will be two DJs and great prizes.
May 19, 8pm, RMB100. Cages Bar & Sports, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 19-20: The Tea Spell
First performed in Germany in 2012, The Tea Spell is a dance play and the second work in a trilogy by choreographer Zhao Liang. Inspired by an ancient tea set from the Tang Dynasty discovered at Famen Temple, the play follows three characters: a woodsman, a hermit and a monk. They encounter a fair lady and then get lost in an endless loop of changes, exploring the spiritual vastness of human beings through a fresh and elegant visual experience.
May 19-20, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. 1862 Theatre, see event listing.
[RESCHEDULED] May 19-20: Commune Market
[Editor's Note: This event has been rescheduled; it was originally slated for May 12-13] Head
to F&B hub Yong Ping Lane for the latest Commune Market. Find gifts by browsing the wares of local
designers, and enjoy live music from jazz group The Spring Trio, plus
beer, food, cocktails and kid-friendly activities. Participating venues
include Colca, STYX, Garlic, Acote and lots more.
May 19-20, 11am-6pm. Yong Ping Lane, see event listing.
May 20: Nils Frahm
A highly regarded composer and producer based in Berlin, Nils Frahm has a devoted following thanks to his innovative blending of classical piano and electronic music. He’s had an ongoing collaboration with Olafur Arnalds, and has released several acclaimed albums including 2012’s Stare and 2015’s Trance Frendz. Catch his Contemporale show at Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall.
May 20, 8pm. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, see event listing.
May 20: Iron & Wine
This acclaimed folk musician from South Carolina with a major following comes to Shanghai for an exclusive China show off the back of his sixth album, the Grammy-nominated Beast Epic. The record sees him return the more simple melodies and stripped-down folk that first made him famous, after experimenting with different sounds on previous albums.
May 20, 9pm, RMB280 presale, RMB350 door. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.
May 25-26: Whose Line is It Anyway?
Punchline Comedy brings back the always rib-tickling talents of Whose Line Is It Anyway? to Shanghai on May 25 and 26. Expect plenty of improv hijinks as the UK’s Andy Smart, Stephen Frost and Niall Ashdown, and Irishman Ian Coppinger build the show based on audience suggestions. The show will be held at Cages on Friday, May 25 and Blossoms at the Kerry Hotel Pudong on Saturday, May 26. Check out our interview with Ian Coppinger here.
May 25, 8pm, Cages, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 26, 8pm, Blossoms, Kerry Hotel Pudong, see event listing, buy tickets.
May 25-27: Lebensraum
In this surreal play inspired by the 1920s silent films of Buster Keaton, two men create a mechanical maid to do their chores for them, projecting their desires and neuroses onto her. Things escalate when the maid develops a mind of her own and refuses to be bossed around. The German title, meaning ‘living space,’ is a literal and figurative reference to the small world in which the two men live.
May 25-27, times vary. 1862 Theatre, see event listing.
May 25-27: Edges
East West Theatre’s latest production is Edges, a unique show exploring themes of emotional uncertainty and change, with stories that span runaway fiancés and expectant parents, the fear of death and the fear of never having lived. For this dinner show held at Tex-Mex restaurant Bordertown, ticket holders get a free drink upon arrival and can also take advantage of a specially prepared menu that includes vegan options.
May 25-27, 8pm, RMB125. Bordertown, see event listing.
May 26: METZ
Described by the New Yorker as ‘punishing, noisy, and exhilarating,’ acclaimed Canadian punk-rockers METZ return to Shanghai for their latest show with Split Works. They’re touring in support of their latest album, Strange Peace, which dropped last September.
May 26, 8.30pm, RMB120 presale, RMB140 door. Yuyintang Zhongshan Park, see event listing.
May 26: Boys Noize
One of the highlights of a huge month of music for Shanghai promoters STD is the return to China of German producer and DJ Boys Noize. The prolific producer has worked with everyone from Felix da Housecat to Skrillex, and has played every major festival, including Fuji Rock, Lollapalooza and Coachella three times. Catch his unique and uplifting show at Arkham.
May 26, 10pm, RMB150-200. Arkham, see event listing.
Jun 2: Ladies Who Tech
Ladies Who Tech host their inaugural convention in Shanghai, with a full day of conferences and talks to advocate for women working in STEM industries. The inspiring women speakers include the president of Bayer China, the director of engineering at General Motors China, and the CEO at Robin8. Cocktails and networking night to follow.
Jun 2, 9am-5.30pm, 5-8pm, RMB200-680. Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, see event listing.
Until July 29: Fondation Cartier pour l’art Contemporain, A Beautiful Elsewhere
This
diverse and evocative exhibition offers 100 artworks from
the Fondation Cartier pour l'art Contemporain collection of
international art. The show spans several
multidisciplinary artistic worlds: photography with Daido Moriyama and
Raymond Depardon, painting with Cheri Samba, film with David Lynch and
Beat Takeshi Kitano, design with Marc Newson and Alessandro Mendini, and
sculpture with Ron Mueck and Sarah Sze, plus plus Chinese contemporary
artists Gao Shan, Hu Liu, Li Yongbin, Cai Guo-Qiang and Huang Yong
Ping.
Daily until July 29. Power Station of Art, see event listing.
Every Saturday: GREYBOX Hand-Drip Coffee Class
Brewing your own coffee is fun, easy and satisfying. The simplest, most accessible way to start is with a filter brewing method. Spend 90 minutes with the GREYBOX team, and they'll have you brewing beautiful coffee in no time. In GREYBOX's coffee class, you learn the basics of brewing hand-drip coffee and explore the different variables (grind, time and agitation) that can be adjusted to change the taste of your brew. You'lll find it easy to brew coffee the same way at home, and drink lots of delicious coffee throughout the session.
Every Saturday, 10.30am – 12pm (reservations required; minimum four students per class), RMB298. GREYBOX Coffee at IAPM, see event listing.
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