Live Music Picks By Will / LiveChinaMusic |
Will Griffith is a photographer, videographer, writer, and music promoter living in Shanghai. He’s the founder of LiveChinaMusic - a platform dedicated to China's evolving underground music scene.
trigger
Date: Thur, 7:30pm
Address: Room 308, Union Mansion, 350 Wuning Lu | All Details
Price: Donations
Nothing screams Hallo-ween more than a table full of pedals and guttural vocals over deafening noise walls. A special mid-week treat from experimental music conclave trigger (who just celebrated their one-year anniversary last month) with a deluge of noise acts of all ilk. Special guest of honor is MULK - the French one-man project that fuses electronic and metal influences, guttural vocals, death metal riffs, grindcore, speedcore, breakcore, noise, and basically styles over 666bpm. Joining him will be noisecore duo RHYTHMICSHIT, THRESHOLD - the new noise project from one of the metal scene’s most esteemed members - and the harbinger of noise himself - Torturing Nurse. Gonna get ghoulish.
Yuyintang Park
Date: Thur & Fri, 8pm
Address: B1/F, 1398 Yuyuan Lu | All Details
Price: 88-128rmb
Unterwasser - paints a dystopian portrait of simmering intensity - a slow-burning atmospheric waltz to the deep end coated with layers of brooding cold wave agony and post-punk intrigue. Also on hand, ABYSM, the new trip-hop dark wave act fronted by singer Ma Lu and rounded out by veteran musical mercenaries to create an immersive electro-rock experience. Before the band Heizi (the lead singer behind Unterwasser) will be giving a special solo live DJ set before a performance from Yao Nianyu. The event will also act as a market for the occult - with tarot card tables, on-site makeup tables, and more witchy treats.
C's
Date: Fri, 8pm
Address: 685 Dingxi Lu | All Details
Price: Free entrance
Local headbangers Headive and Soulitude are taking over the catacombs of C’s Bar this Friday night — throwing down a pagan Hallo-ween party unlike anything else. The bands - known for their no-frills hardcore and ferocious cyber core - will be looking to get the mosh pit going in the main room before the TicToK DJ crew keeps the party going - spinning Deep House, Dark Techno and Metal remixes all night
Specters
Date: Fri, 10pm
Address: Bldg D, 753 Yuyuan Lu | All Details
Price: Free entrance
The Molds, whose cult-like status over the past decade has made them a must-see act, capturing the sound of a ‘surf rock strung out on methadone for those who prefer the company of tumbleweeds’ – returns to the stage. But not as The Molds! Instead, the band led by the nonchalantly charismatic Liu Ge will be tackling The Cramps for this holiday season at Specters. It’s a late late showcase - so get nice and boozy with the help of DJs Thee Baron and Florida Man before indulging in some Cramps action.
Yuyintang Park
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 7pm
Address: B1/F, 1398 Yuyuan Lu | All Details
Price: 160-200rmb
‘One night. Nine bands. No survivors. Now bigger, scarier, and more death-defying than ever before, Shanghai's world-infamous, oft-replicated-never-duplicated original Tribute Show is happening for one night only this Saturday! Now in its 18th year, the annual concert features Shanghai musicians across the spectrum of genres, dressing up as and performing as the iconic rawk! acts of yore.’ This year’s bill pays tribute to Blondie, No Doubt, Green Day, The Presidents of the USA, Metallica, Immortal, HIM, Rage Against the Machine, and Stone Temple Pilots. If that wasn’t enough - SPECTERS will be holding the official afterparty with the legendary Misfits taking the stage at 1AM for all you ghouls out there. God damn, that’s quite the spread. There will be madness. There will be fun. Godspeed everyone.
Specters
Date: Sun, Nov 3, 8pm
Address: Bldg D, 753 Yuyuan Lu | All Details
Price: 50-159rmb
Two of the post-punk scene’s newest contenders team up for a tour across China. Muzzy Mum - the Xinxiang post-punk band, returned this summer with their sophomore release - The Nine Thousandth Pair of Eyes - with the band’s trademark urban decay lyricism and jagged musicality - with elements of noise, no-wave slicing through the bleeding guitar distortion, ear-piercing drums and bluntly delivered vocals. Meanwhile, HTYZ - out of Hangzhou lean into the fatalistic undertones of the genre with relish on their debut EP ‘Stand Still’ this spring - crafting slick, melodic cold wave-inflicted tunes whose methodical precision, particularly in singer Zhao Yiyang's smoldering voice, only adds to the band’s aura.
Yuyintang Park
Date: Sun, Nov 3, 8pm
Address: B1/F, 1398 Yuyuan Lu | All Details
Price: 140-240rmb
With their melodic expertise and natural Mediterranean temperament, Lunar Sea has been holding the torch for death metal in Italy for over twenty years. A staple in the metal scene there - the band has four albums under their belt as well as plenty of other accolades and headlining shows - evoking their sound with the times and leaning more and more into the cosmic and sci-fi aspects of metalcore and technical death metal. They’ll be swinging through Yuyintang Park as part of their nationwide tour with help from pile drivers Chimera Cult and hard goth rockers Syren.
ALL Club
Date: Sun, Nov 3, 9pm-late
Address: 2/F, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu | All Details
Price: 40-80rmb
Emerging from Ecuador, she brings intense, dark metal beats that break down and reshape Latin rhythms into eerie, futuristic sounds, with a dense and heavy style that overtakes the dance floor. This Sunday, Hentai Hammer and TFT present the Assesinas China Tour in Shanghai, featuring PVSSY from Latin America, along with G3WOO, FoxPaw, and odoro.
SYSTEM
Date: Thur, 22:00
Address: 3/F, Yunhai Mansion, 1329 Huaihai Zhong Lu | All Details
Price: Presale: 88rmb/person, Door: 98rmb/person
On October 31st, the "Monster Castle" opens its doors, transforming the venue into a hauntingly immersive theater experience. Created by Gypsy, the event is part of the "0 0 0" series, featuring five independent yet interconnected chapters that explore themes of life, growth, and personal conflicts. Performances include: 27 1 0 at 9:50pm, l0stS0uls at 10:20pm, Velvet Robot at 12:10am, Gouachi at 2am, with additional sets by sugah riri and Pashrawboi from 12am, and visuals by Viz and Mousaäca starting at 2am.
Exit
Date: Thur, 10pm-late
Address: 298 Xingfu Lu | All Details
Price: 50-80rmb
Since the opening of ALL Club in 2017, the weekly event Cosign, which ran until spring 2020, has seen many notable occurrences. It provided a platform for some of the well-known local DJs in Shanghai to perform for the first time. Despite being held on Wednesdays, Cosign hosted several international guests, including Airmax 97, Tommy Four Seven, Mars89, Mari Sakurai, Nihar Bhatt, The Creatrix, Dane//Close, L,Zylberbeg, Neuropunk, and others. Cosign aimed to create a space where artists could express themselves freely, without external pressures.
Celia by Pulse
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 9pm-late
Address: 154 Nanyang Lu | All Details
Price: 158-188rmb
Step into the shadowy stage, lose yourself, and encounter your inner self on this night where anything can happen, while tomorrow feels like a distant thought. A diverse lineup led by Soel under the Afterlife label will blend beats with lingering melodies, setting the perfect rhythm. For those seeking something more mysterious, the Forgotten Stage, curated by MET, promises an experience to carry you through the early morning hours.
Tomorrow Square
Date: Thur & Fri, 7:30-8:30pm
Address: 389 Nanjing Xi Lu | All Details
Price: 268rmb/person (includes a special cocktail)
Le Bal de Paris de Blanca Li is an immersive live show enhanced by cutting-edge virtual reality technology. The audiences are invited to participate in the greatest Paris Ball, an experience created by Blanca Li to discover spectacular virtual reality through dance and music. Participants can choose from voice options in six languages: Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. On Halloween night, switch your identity, put on Chanel, and step into this enchanting party. An immersive journey through a Parisian dreamland awaits you!
The Shanghai EDITION
Date: on Nov 1 and Nov 2, 5pm-late
Address: 199 Nanjing Dong Lu | All Details
Price: 248-348rmb
The Shanghai EDITION is back with its Halloween party, offering an even better audio-visual experience than in previous years. The event will occur from November 1st to 2nd, featuring three stages with 27 domestic and international DJs, including the renowned Italian artist 19:26 from Afterlife. This two-day music festival promises an immersive Halloween atmosphere, delivering a thrilling celebration. If you have any reservations or questions, please add WeChat ID: Emilboo.
POP
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 5pm-2am
Address: 7/F, No.3 The Bund, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu | All Details
Price: 138 -198rmb
VEIL OF SHADOWS, a Halloween party in Shanghai, will take place against the backdrop of The Bund's skyline. The event promises a night filled with music from over seven DJs, providing a mix of tracks to keep the atmosphere lively. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best costumes as they enjoy a range of activities throughout the night. For more information and VIP table bookings, pls contact 13524177794.
So Mezze
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 3pm-late
Address: 358 Kanding Lu | All Details
The third edition of SO LOCO is back, and this time, it's heading to Transylvania for a unique Halloween party on Saturday, November 2nd. The event will feature a mix of Organic House, Minimal House, and Tech House, ensuring the music keeps everyone dancing throughout the night. The venue will be transformed with Transylvania-inspired decorations, creating a spooky yet intriguing atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, with the best costume winning a voucher for 800rmb for dinner for two. SO LOCO Transylvania blends ancient legends with modern beats for a Halloween night to remember.
Abbey Road
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 9pm
Address: 3 Taojiang Lu | All Details
Price: Earlybird: 108rmb/person
Halloween is just around the corner, and for the 9th year, Rowan and Suzie are organizing another memorable All Hallows’ Eve celebration in Shanghai. They've teamed up with a great venue, local sponsors, and a DJ to play '80s hits, pop classics, and Halloween favorites, keeping the party going late into the night. The theme is Beetlejuice, though there’s no strict dress code—just come as spooky as you'd like!
THE CUT Rooftop
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 7pm
Address: Rm 705, IAPM Mall, 7/F, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu | All Details
Price: 128-188rmb
This event will blend the counterculture of the 1970s with the eerie energy of the desert, featuring a rugged Las Vegas aesthetic. It will include neon lights, distorted visuals, and a mix of unusual illusions, creating an atmosphere where reality and fantasy intertwine. Attendees can expect oversized sunglasses, quirky characters, and unique costumes.
Shanghai City Theatre
Date: on Nov 1 and Nov 2, 7:30pm
Address: 4889 Dushi Lu, Minhang District | All Details
Price: 180-680rmb
Hybrid Theory Band, officially formed in 2012, takes the stage to celebrate the legacy of Linkin Park! Since their electrifying debut in January 2018, this incredible tribute band has been captivating audiences worldwide, spanning Europe, North America, Oceania, and Africa. Born from the deep yearning of fans following the loss of Linkin Park's lead singer in 2017, Hybrid Theory Band has emerged as a unique force, embodying the original energy and emotion of Linkin Park's iconic sound. Recognized by members of the original band and beloved by fans everywhere, their performances promise to restore the powerful songs that defined a generation. Don’t miss this chance to relive the magic—experience the music that continues to resonate with hearts around the globe!
Fotografiska
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 8:30-9:30pm
Address: 127 Guangfu Lu | All Details
Price: 120rmb
Dysnomia Live is a captivating multimedia experience by double bassist Thomas Julienne and photographer Alexandre Dupeyron. This immersive performance combines stunning photography with live music, inviting audiences into a mesmerizing world. Dupeyron’s curated images are reimagined on stage, enhancing the emotional depth of the music performed by the Dysnomia band, which blends North African rhythms, post-rock passion, and pop elements. Experience this unique journey where dreams and impressionism intertwine.
Shanghai Grand Theatre
Date: Daily until Nov 2, 7:30pm
Address: 300 Renmin Da Dao | All Details
Price: 180-880rmb
Directed by renowned dancer Yang Liping and with music by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Tan Dun, the dance drama Jingchu Impression will take the stage at Shanghai Grand Theater from October 31 to November 2. This original production unfolds the beauty of mythology, aesthetics, and romance of ancient Hubei, inspired by the life story of Qu Yuan, a government official and patriotic poet from the ancient state of Chu. Don’t miss this stunning cultural journey.
Shanghai International Dance Center
Date: on Nov 2 and Nov 3, 7:30pm/2:00pm
Address: 1650 Hongqiao Lu | All Details
Price: 80-880rmb
Flamenco Dance Drama " Nocturna: Architecture of Insomnia" proposes a dance, music, and poetry exploration of the great topics and contradictions of the night. The music centers around the piano, with the aria as a starting point as well as various fragments of the Goldberg Variations of J. S: Bach. Accompanied by the music and singing of a flamenco vocalist, the dancers "recite" poetry about the night through their bodies, showcasing a new realm of flamenco form and dance, blending beauty and poetry with striking clarity. The choreographer and director Rafaela Carrasco won the 11th Spanish Dance and Flamenco Choreographic Contest.
Azul Italiano (Sinar Mas Plaza)
Date: Sun, Nov 3, 10am
Address: 3/F, Sinar Mas Plaza, 588 Dongchangzhi Lu | All Details
Price: Adults: 100rmb including 5 coupons for food or drinks. Kids: 70rmb including 3 coupons for food or drinks plus access to activities.
Join Shanghai Mamas on November 3rd at Azul Italiano for an unforgettable spooky day filled with color, fun, and festive activities for the whole family! On this exciting day, little ones can come dressed in their favorite costumes and participate in a variety of engaging activities. From the iconic Trick or Treat to creative crafting, painting, and sensory games, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Look forward to a day filled with spooky fun, creativity, and community spirit with all the families!
Overseas Chinese Town Grand Theatre (near Shanghai Happy Valley)
Date: Every Fri, Sat, Sun until Nov 30,7:30pm/2pm/5pm
Address: Shanghai Happy Valley No.888 Linhu Lu | All Details
Price: starts at 188rmb
The Legends of the Silk Road, debuting at the Shanghai Happy Valley Overseas Chinese Town Grand Theatre in July 2024, is an international circus featuring top performers from over 20 countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Inspired by the Silk Road, the show blends cutting-edge technology with captivating artistry to promote cultural exchange and unity. With a thrilling mix of aerial acrobatics, clown acts, and stunning visual effects, audiences will embark on an enchanting journey with a brave couple battling an evil sorcerer. Performances run once daily, starting at 2:00pm on weekends and 7:30pm on weekdays, except Mondays. The 80-minute spectacle showcases global talent and creativity, with tickets starting at 188rmb. VIP seats are available for 688rmb, which includes Happy Valley admission. Children under 1.2 meters enjoy free entry.
Changfeng Aquarium
Date: Daily,
aquarium 9:30am-6pm (last entry 5:15pm)
stingray bay: 10am-6:00pm (last entry 5:15pm)
Address: 451 Daduhe Lu | All Details
Price: adults: 160rmb children: 130rmb parent-child: 269rmb
Changfeng Aquarium is a National 4A Scenic Area, combines fun and education with a focus on marine conservation. Located 13 meters beneath Silver Hoe Lake in scenic Changfeng Park, this aquarium is home to over 300 species and thousands of marine creatures. It features zones like Dancing with Rays, Starfish Touch Zone, Tropical Rainforest Wonders, Seahorse Kingdom, Colorful Coral Zone, Deep Sea Mystery, Shark Tunnel, and Penguin Exhibit. It serves as a national youth science education base and a specialized science museum. Ticket prices are 160rmb for adults and 130rmb for children, with opening hours from 8:30am to 5pm. Approximately 15 minutes walk between the two museums from Aquarium to Stingray Bay. The venue is located near Park Gate 4. Its recommended entering through the gate opposite Changfeng Joy City shopping mall (Northeast Gate, marked by a Lego giraffe outside).
Legoland Discovery Center
Date: Daily,
Mon-Fri: 10:30am-6:30pm (last entry 5:30pm)
Sat-Sun: 10am-8pm(last entry 7pm)
Sept 14, Sept 29, Oct 12th, 10:00pm-8:00pmAddress: 2/F, Parkside Plaza, 168 Daduhe Lu | All Details
Price: starting at 199rmb
Shanghai LEGO Discovery Center is an indoor amusement park focused on family activities, built with tens of thousands of LEGO bricks. Operated by Merlin Entertainments, it is the first LEGO Discovery Center in China and the 17th worldwide. The center includes 12 themed areas, providing a 2-3 hour play experience. The edutainment concept aims to stimulate children's imagination and creativity while they play. Ticket prices range from 160 to 215rmb. Children 90cm tall and under, as well as children aged 3 and under, can enter for free. Please bring your ID for admission.
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