Weekend in Live Music (and an event YOU aren't invited to)

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.