Notes from the Underground: This week in music

Happy Halloween? Get your fill of candy and partying this weekend? No? Well, neither did Shanghaiist, so here's our picks for a rockin' next weekend!

The theme for this week is out-of-towners, as several bands from Beijing come to spice up Shanghai's nightlife. On Friday night, locals Slit open for Beijing's Happy Avenue at promoter Yuyintang's new venue of choice, the Bar 288. Tucked away at the east end of Zhaojiabang Rd, this one should be a challenge in terms of public transportation — Shanghaiist likes to pinch a penny here or there — but what with the turnover rate for bars in Shanghai, we shouldn't have to worry about that for long.

After joining Shanghaiist for Shanghai Shenhua's last home-game on Saturday evening, celebrate their (possibly) clinching runner-up in the China Super League by catching Beijing band Sound Fragment playing another Yuyintang gig at Bar 288. Or if you're in the mood for local talent, head over to the Ark at Xintiandi for a set by long-time scenesters The Herbs (but show up a little later than the usual 9:15 if "Chinese and Western covers" by opening band Reload are not your thing).

Finally, if Bar 288's sound system just didn't cut it, catch an encore by Sound Fragment at the Ark on Monday night, just the thing to lighten your Monday blues.

On Upcoming.org:
Happy Avenue, Slit @ Bar 288
Reload & The Herbs @ the Ark
Sound Fragment @ Bar 288
Sound Fragment @ the Ark