Alcohol companies (especially in Shanghai) are known for their lemming like approach to parties (maybe it is the incestuous nature of their cliques). The latest trend is in throwing expensive "invite only" parties like the Hennessy Artistry series and this weekend’s upcoming Smirnoff party featuring Hard-Fi and DJ Sasha (gag). Just like at the Hennessey party, we loser expats aren't overly welcome (at more than one of these parties we have been told that our extra invite shouldn't be given to a laowai). About the only way in is to be Chinese and register or be part of that trendster socialite clique who relies on being invited to these things to help keep their massive egos inflated. Don't think too much about it though, because this weekend there are plenty of other great shows where everyone is welcome ... and not a bottle of Smirnoff or Hennessy in sight.
As we are writing this post, Nightwish, is taking the massive stage out at Hongkou stadium. A goth metal band from Europe, we are curious to see how many people brave the cold to see them play (if any one is going please give us your review!). Obviously Shanghaiist is way too lazy to leave the comforts of our heater to brave the cold winds at Hongkou.
Friday night things are looking pretty slow and unless you are willing to head out to Live Bar to check out Free-Nine (sorry we don't know anything about this band) it would be a good night to check out some of the regular gigs at the many venues we don't normally have time to blog about (yeah, um...we don't actually get paid for writing these). The Melting Pot down near Taikang Road always has an eclectic mix of regular performances, while Labella's cafe always brings in some great Jazz Funk musicians to keep the Friday cocktail crowd happy. If anyone has been missing that old-time Shanghai Jazz band who used to hold court at the Peace Hotel then head over to Pudong where they play nightly at the Oriental Riverside Hotel bar.
On Saturday there is a smattering of shows worth checking out. The Fancy Boys, from Australia, will be bringing their garage rock beats to Yuyintang. It is also a big night for local acts as Pharaoh (granted they are mainly expats) is playing at the new Bund spot the Cool Docks, while one of Shanghai's first hip-hop artists, Blakk Bubble, is celebrating the release of his latest album at the Paramount. Tanghui VIP get into the mix of things by hosting Joujouka, a Japanese DJ trio that actually spins some pretty wicked beats.
Saturday - January 26th
The Fancy Boys - Yuyintang - 8:30pm (30rmb)
Pharaoh - The Cool Docks - 9pm (50rmb)
Blakk Bubble - Paramount Club - 10pm (50rmb w/ 1 drink)
Joujouka - Tanghui VIP - 10pm (?)
Yuyintang - 延安西路1731号(凯旋路)天山公园小白楼
The Cool Docks - 05 Zhongshan Nan Lu
Paramount Club - 愚园路218号，近华山路
Tanghui VIP- 乌鲁木齐路495号，延安路高架口
Video of Joujouka.
Abe Deyo is Shanghaiist's Music Editor. Email tips, recommendations, news and gossip about Shanghai's music scene to music at shanghaiist.com.
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Christ, that Hard-Fi gig was one of maybe 4 bands I would've seen in Shanghai this year, and now it's not open to the public?
Screw Smirnoff, pass the Absolut.
(also - so that's what happened to the Peace Hotel band!)
dogs and foreign devils not permitted.
lamb skewer's pithy quote might be more appropros if it wasn't foreign alcohol companies making the requirements. I agree it's stupid and racist and morbidly stupid, but . . .
who wants to hang out with those jerk-offs anyways? Not just sour grapes - I actually go out to stay away from the Smirnoff fueled crowd.
I'd agree if it was some model-turned-'funky house'-DJ at Bar Rouge, but Hard Fi are a good band.
Humph.
Having worked closely with alot of the major alcohol brands here in China I'd have to say they are all run by complete idiots. The production/promotion companies they use gave up a long time ago in trying to convince them to hold more public appropriate events.
I hear that the Peace Hotel band will move back across the bund (if they aren't dead yet) once remodeling on the Peace is completed. There is something like a 50 or 80rmb cover charge at the Oriental Riverside Hotel to see the band.....but I recommend walking up to the front desk and tell them someone told you that guests were able to get a free ticket. If they ask your room, just pretend like you forgot the number......usually works for me...hahaha
I was actually pretty excited to hear about Hard-fi as well....I feel bad for Split (responsible for bringing over Hard-fi), they are cool people and I enjoy the Bacardi Sino Sessions that they have been doing, but yes, they do have to appease some pretty lame alcohol executives......
nightwish is coming to Shanghai??? that's cool
all the way from Finland ^_^