What's On in Shanghai: January 26-February 1

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

Jan 26: Australian Day BBQs

Throw another shrimp on the barbie as the land down under celebrates their national day. Kakadu is firing up the barbecue from 6pm for an all-you-can-eat feast for RMB160. They'll also be offering deals on selected beers and wines from RMB25, Bundanberg rum for RMB40 while playing the hottest Australian tracks all night long. Meanwhile on Yongkang Lu, Sliders will be offering sausage sizzle on the barby with happy hour deals and Bundy Rum specials all night long.  

// Jan 26, 6-10pm, RMB160 (RMB80 for kids under 12). Kakadu. See event listing.
// Jan 26, 11.30am-10pm, free entry. Sliders.

Jan 26-31: Faces and Traces

In three years, The Swatch Art Peace Hotel has welcomed 139 artists-in-residence for months at a time. They’re celebrating that heritage with the traces left by participating artists: pieces alongside their photo. They’re opening up their space for the public to peruse what is a living testimony of the evolution of contemporary art in China.
// Jan 26-31. See Listing Here

Jan 29: Nitro Dinner

10 Corso Como's Michelin star chef Corrado Michelazzo is rustling up a six course gourmet feast once a month, celebrating the art of fine dining at Michelin Star Night. Soak up the glamour of the glittering top floor space and get ready for a unique culinary experience. 

// RMB688, Jan 29, 6-11pm, RMB688. 10 Corso Como. See event listing, for reservations call 62861018 

Jan 30: Unbroken

Angelina Jolie hops into the director’s chair to tell the story of Louis “Louie” Zamperini - an American Olympian who serves as a fighter pilot during World War II. When his bomber goes down, he survives in a raft for 47 days but is captured by Japan. Perpetual critics darlings the Cohen Brothers (No Country for Old Men, Fargo) penned the script and Skins star Jack O’Connell shines in portraying the former middle-distance runner who passed away last July at 97. While mixed reviews doomed the film’s chances of being an Oscar contender, it was a huge commercial success earning over USD15 million on its Christmas opening day. We give away a pair of tickets to UME Cinemas in Xintiandi every week. Check back every Tuesday to find out how to win that and other great prizes.

// See Listing Here 

Jan 30: Shanghai Sharks vs Bayi Rockets

In what was deemed a rebuilding season, the Shanghai Sharks will miss the China Basketball Association (CBA)'s playoffs. With a surprising 15-19 record, they're still being led by former Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley. In his first year out of the NBA, the former Number 2 draft pick has had a beastly season averaging over 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game. They'll be wrapping up their season with one last home game against former powerhouse and army team Bayi Rockets.
// Jan 30, 7.35pm, RMB100-680, 7.35pm. Yuanshen Stadium, tickets.

Jan 30: Jorge Montiel

For their first Chic and Pop party of the new year, Unico has invited the Latin funk soul legend. Born in Venezuela, Montiel formed his first sound system, The Smoke Brothers, at 18, which became all the rage in Caracas. He also cofounded the notorious Los Charly’s Orchestra, while working alongside top DJs and producers like Joey Negro and Soul II Soul’s Jazzy B. A popular draw around the world, expect a groovy set that artfully mixes the old and new school. For more parties, check out our Weekly Party Planner every Thursday.
// Jan 30, 10pm-late, free entry. Unico,

Jan 31: Best Friends China Adoption Day

The Apartment wants you to adopt, not shop. Take an adorable puppy home and spread some love at home. All puppies have been rescued from a puppy mill and have received their first round of shots.
// Feb 1, noon-4pm, free entry. The Apartment.

Jan 31: Mark Bradford

The Los Angeles-based artist is holding his first solo exhibition in Asia at the Rockbund. In addition to showing off his new sculpture series The Loop of Deep Waters, Bradford will unveil new works commissioned specifically for this event and inspired by colonial-era maps of Shanghai. For more art exhibitions, check out our Pick of Six column every Friday.
// Jan 31-May 4. Rockbund Art Museum.

Jan 31: Ben Gold

The Melbourne native has been riding his energetic brand of trance to major parties around the world where he shares bills with the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Avicii and DeadMau5. For more parties, check out our Weekly Party Planner up every Thursday.
// Jan 31, 10.30pm-late, RMBTBA. MYST.

Jan 31: Lost Cargo

The Red Bull Music Academy has invited Japan’s Yosi Horikawa and Daisake Tanabe to celebrate the opening of applications to the program this year. Past attendee and Shanghai favorite ChaCha will DJ as Faded Ghost, as will AD08. For more parties, check out our Weekly Party Planner up every Thursday.
// Jan 31, 10pm-late, RMB60. The Shelter.

Jan 31: We Are Shanghai

Photo by Takiya, Neko Photography.

Every January, the We Are Shanghai (WASH) compilation and CD release parties have become a rocking way to ring in the New Year. Each volume of the series has grown more eclectic and this trend continues. Participating acts include metal bands from the Playful Warrior family, live staples like Limousine and Spondees, new acts like Undress for Success and plenty of electronic music compositions. The compilation’s release party features XXYY, The Machinery of Other Skeletons, PVA and En Route. For more on the series,check out our features from 2013, as well as 5 Things that organizers Ivan Belcic and Michael Herd recommend on how to get started as a Shanghai rocker. For more shows, check out our Weekly Gig Guide that's posted every Wednesday.
// Jan 31, 8.30pm-late, RMB50. Yuyintang.

Jan 31-Feb 1: Ruijin Cajun Pop-up

Enjoy such favorites like the Swamp Dog, the Andouille Dog and Matt’s Shrimp ‘n’ Andouille cheesecake with The Rooster supplying drinks.
// Jan 31-Feb 1, 11am-11pm, free entry. The Rooster.

Feb 2: Super Bowl

America’s biggest sports event is back with a marquee match-up for the Lombardi Trophy on Monday February 2 (China time). Defending champions Seattle Seahawks will attempt to be the first team in a decade to repeat the feat. However, standing in their way is the team that last completed that exact trick, the New England Patriots. Can Seattle’s dominating defense shut down future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady? Or will the year of Gronk continue with the effervescent tight end Rob Gronkowski leading New England to their fourth championship in 13 years? The only thing that’s guaranteed is a flashy half-time show featuring Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz.... Check out, your options where to watch the big game.

// For more Shanghai event guides, click here.