[SH Weekender]: The Very Best Events Happening This Weekend

Beijing post punk outfit Lonely Leary - one of the scene’s most enduring acts - return with their latest LP - Inter Ice Age - finding the band expanding their sonic palette whilst refining their poetic lyricism. While the band’s jagged instrumentation is still very much present, it’s refreshing to hear the band’s shaking up the formula, and cutting loose - digging deeper into the band’s surf rock undertones and their instrumental chops rather than its blue-collar steadfast grit. At the same time, it’s a more patient album - one that’s more comfortable allowing its verses (equal parts specific and cryptic) to linger - conjuring an atmosphere and narrative of existential angst that feels all too familiar to those meandering through this seemingly regressing world. The band is in the midst of a nationwide tour in support of their latest.

Growing with wild exuberance - Voision Xi, the versatile Shanghai jazz songstress - strikes gold again on her latest LP - Queen and Elf. A vibrant, sensual, and aromatic garden of spiritual jazz, bossa nova, hip hop, neo soul, and electronica - it’s a mammoth undertaking - encompassing an expansive crew of top-notch musicians, songwriters, and jazz heavyweights - with Xi as the architect. Creatively fluid yet cohesive in its conviction and expression, Voision Xi has extracted wonders from her dreams, muses, and musical explorations, crafting an album brimming with vitality. It’s warm afterglow lingers long after. Catch the Shanghai staple present her latest album at JZ Club alongside a murder’s row of the Shanghai jazz scene’s finest.

New Face showcase - one of the city’s most crucial showcases - one acting as a stepping stone for many a new band’s journey - returns once again to Yuyintang Park. Tonight is themed around punk music with a motley crew of rockers taking the stage including the Beijing-raised, Nanjing-based charismatic punk rockers Cat Learned Dog, the bombastic pop rock emo kids The Browning who also hail from Nanjing, and last but not least Moya (or Grinding Teeth) who paddle in the kind of unhinged punk rock that’s just about impossible to describe.

It’s been wondrous seeing some of the scenes in Southeast Asia merge and exchange with one another over the past couple of years - a testament to how much music plays a universal role in our lives. Case in point - Manila dreampop act Megumi Acorda - a supergroup of sorts formed by The Strange Creatures’ Megumi and featuring Evee Simon (July XIV, Spacedog Spacecat), Bijan Gorospe (The Strangeness, Grows), Kevin Ingco (Memory Drawers), and Jerros Dolino (Spacedog Spacecat) - finding their way to China with the help of some of our scene’s most wistful. Capturing ‘the synchrony of the melodic, fuzzed out, and the personal’ the band will be joined by Shanghai shoegaze favorites Pale Air and Guangzhou’s Goodbye Old Love - who cite themselves as ‘soft-grunge’, made up of members of Shoot the Gun, Bennu is a Heron and more.

After a successful outing down south, Bie Records is bringing their ‘Gathering of Big Friends’ to Shanghai for a special showcase of some of the budding talent in China’s electronic scene as well as a special guest in the form of esteemed drummer, composer, and producer Laurence Pike - whose work has crossed the likes of PVT, Triosk, Szun Waves, Liars, and more. His solo work has broken the boundaries of jazz, post-rock, ambient, and electronic music with a cosmic free will and richly detailed sonic palette. Joining him will be TrembLe MiX - the electronic duo consisting of Xu Feng (a former guitarist for PK14) and Liu Min (of the juggernaut indie act Re-TROS) who indulge in the daffy Technicolor-world of hardwired electronica - as well as newly formed Beijing duo NeoNew 拗拗 - consisting of seasoned musicians Wai Wai and Ye Yang - a psychedelic fusion of electronic music and instrumental music. Radical.

LiveChinaMusic heads to OKOK - the subterranean speakeasy venue that’s been holding down the fort for Shanghai’s budding music scene for years. Good vibes always - and secretly one of the best spots to grab a bite late at night. Speaking of tasty treats - we’ve got a luminous spread for everyone this evening - featuring young blood and new voices - including scrappy Hangzhou noise pop act whetherday, emerging shoegaze outfit The Numen, who adhere to the genre at its purest and psychedelic evoking everyone from MBV to Radio Dept, and freshly baked indie three-piece Own Goal who cites Joyce Manor, Tiger’s Jaw, and Hot Mulligan as influences. A righteous good time indeed.

Steering more into the anthemic indie sound - with shades of jagged B-52-esque post-punk and what I can only describe as gothic chamber pop, Jump Goat, from Xi’an returned with their latest LP Waiting for Spring in Spring 在春天等待春天 this fall. With female and male vocals passing duties back and forth like a game of hot potato, and a cacophony of synths, chords, and effects engulfing listeners, its idiosyncrasies cascading into something evocative, arcane, and poetic. Joining the band on their nationwide tour is Nanjing’s White Elephant, returning from the dead after a long hiatus. Founded by Ka Liening and Li Wen (both key members of the now defunct avant-garde outfit 8 Eye Spy), they’re unlike anyone else out there - a surreal hybrid of spoken word beatnik poetry and frenzied punk prog jazz that’s cool, jagged, off-putting, and alluring all at once.

MET has been organizing music festivals for four years, bringing festival culture to Shanghai. By combining music, fashion, culture, art, and appreciation, it aims to create a better world—a tightly connected community. From underground clubs and rooftops in Shanghai to the beaches of Bali, and the vibrant nightlife of Berlin, MET has left its mark in various places. This December, the iconic annual party will return, inspired by the legendary Burning Man. MET BURN—The 4th Anniversary Celebration—will ignite Shanghai with a pure, primal, and soulful experience!

Sim0ne, a DJ and producer from Scotland now based in London, is known for her high-quality mixes blending Y2K aesthetics, viral tracks, house, techno, and Future Funk. Once chosen by Karl Lagerfeld as a supermodel and featured in The 1975's music video, she quickly rose to fame. In under a year, she went from a self-taught DJ to being named BBC Radio 1's Future Star for 2024. With viral mixes and global fan growth, her fiery stage presence and 2023 remix of Lana Del Rey's "Say Yes to Heaven" solidified her as a rising star.

Pioneering electronic label Help Us and alternative youth fashion platform OKVLT13 present Nail Touch Skin. Help Us, founded by Lao Yang and WhyBeatZ, focuses on subcultural electronic music and creating an open, inclusive platform for artistic exchange. The label merges electronic music with various art forms, promoting rave culture and cultural innovation. OKVLT13 curates diverse activities like fashion, exhibitions, and performances, showcasing both global alternative fashion and local youth culture. This event features live electronic music by Help Us artists and a fashion show.

Andras (Andrew Wilson) is an Australian musician and rare DJ who can effortlessly take control of any scene. A top figure in Australia’s music scene, he performs worldwide, from festivals to clubs, and is a resident DJ on NTS Radio. Known for his unique style, he once created a special remix using sound samples from the Powerhouse Museum's collection, blending live performances, radio dramas, soundtracks, and pop music tapes into an immersive experience. JIALING is a Taiwanese-American music producer, DJ, and artist who switches between sound and visual arts. Born in Baltimore, she played classical cello for 15 years before turning to electronic music. Now based in both New York and Baltimore, JIALING hosts a monthly music show on Balamii Radio and frequently performs at popular venues like The Lot Radio, Bossa Nova Civic Club, and Elsewhere, becoming a go-to for fresh, dynamic sound.

Queen! Men! Myths! Legends! Mixing stadium rock, metal, glam, and Freddie Mercury's operatic vocals, Queen exploded into the rock arenas around the world with the over-the-top performance antics of their lead singer and the intricate rock guitar stylings SIR Brian May. In the wake of the new movie on Freddy’s life (‘Bohemian Rhapsody”), the Pearl's live band presents their biggest hits and anthems, featuring some of Shanghai’s greatest vocal performers. Limited tickets and seating available as it will be live concert so expect to stand up and dance. Pre-sale is 180rmb; and 220rmb at door. 

The Paul Taylor Dance Company is one of the world's most highly respected and sought-after ensembles. Dancemaker Paul Taylor first presented his choreography with five other dancers in Manhattan on May 30, 1954, starting off more than 60 years of unrivaled creativity. Mr. Taylor became a cultural icon and one of history's most celebrated artists, hailed as part of the pantheon that created American modern dance. For their two-night Shanghai performance, the Company will perform selected pieces from his illustrious career (“Dust”, “Promethium Fire”, “Arden Court”, and more.) Starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets from 80rmb on.

Humans and pets have shared an unbreakable bond for over 14,000 years, and The Pet Show celebrates this enduring relationship. Featuring works by 24 artists, the exhibition explores the many roles pets play in our lives, from loyal companions to fairy tale protagonists, and even internet sensations. Each piece reflects the unique ways artists express their love and appreciation for their furry (or feathered) friends. Through this playful and heartfelt showcase, the exhibition highlights the impact of pets in art, pop culture, and everyday life. It’s a tribute to our constant companions, their unconditional love, and the joy they bring to our families.

BISS Puxi invites everyone to join in the festive spirit at their annual Christmas Fair on December 7th, from 11am to 3pm. This community event promises fun-filled activities, holiday-themed entertainment, and refreshments for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best festive attire for a chance to win exciting prizes. Don’t miss out on this joyful celebration!

Get ready for a brand-new festive tradition! The first-ever Bicester Lakeside Winter Market is landing this December, bringing the magic of the holidays to life every weekend starting December 7, 2024. From Michelin-level delicacies crafted by renowned chefs to handpicked artisanal gifts, this is more than just a market—it's an experience. Shanghai Village has curated a dazzling selection of holiday treats and heartwarming offerings, perfect for creating your own winter wonderland. Come and immerse yourself in the cozy romance of the season, where gourmet delights and festive cheer await!

Shanghai Tavern at The Shanghai EDITION launches its Brunch Club, a refined weekend dining experience featuring three distinct options: the Simple Elegance Club with salads, Eggs Benedict, and silver cod; the Meat Lovers Club with ribeye, tenderloin, sirloin, and T-bone; and the Seafood Delight Club with oysters, king crab, and abalone. In collaboration with Marimekko’s 60th anniversary of the Unikko pattern, desserts are served on Marimekko’s iconic tableware, blending vibrant design with gourmet flavors. Available Saturdays and Sundays from October 26, 2024, 12-3pm, starting at 268rmb per set. Reservations: +86 21 5368 9511.

Starting November 30, 2024, Bund Finance Center (BFC) will partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to launch China's first-ever Harry Potter-inspired Christmas event, themed ‘Winter Magic Wonderland’. A 17-meter-tall Christmas tree adorned with Harry Potter-inspired decorations—such as Hogwarts Castle, House banners, magical candles, and glowing picture frames—will be unveiled at BFC's north square. Classic Hogwarts scenes will come to life, with the Hogwarts Express at the mall entrance and the iconic Platform 9¾ on the first floor. A Harry Potter-themed pop-up store will offer exclusive merchandise, while the Bund’s new roller skating rink will add to the magical ambiance with its colorful lights, creating a truly enchanting experience for visitors.