Pencil This In: November 16 - 20
Tired of the same old same old every day? Then class it up this week by attending a clean energy workshop hosted by JUCCCE, a photography exhibition at Dada, and not just one, but two quiz nights held to raise money for charity.
Monday: Nobody But You
In the Shanghai International Arts Festival's final week, the Shanghai Modern Theatre presents the comedy Nobody But You. In a beauty-and-the-brain formula that sounds suspiciously close to The Big Bang Theory, two roommates and software engineers living in Shanghai meet two hot girls in a class. Despite their high IQs, the boys are suddenly found clueless and hilarity ensues.
Begins 7:30 PM. Shanghai Theatre Academy, 630 Huashan Lu near Wulumuqi Bei Lu (华山路630号 近乌鲁木齐北路) ¥100-120
Tuesday: JUCCCE Green Idea Lab, SCAA Quiz Night
JUCCCE, the Joint US-China Collaboration on Clean Energy, is presenting a workshop and mixer called the Idea Lab to promote collaboration and the greening of China. First, globally-recognized clean energy leaders will present their work, then they will lead smaller group sessions to brainstorm working solutions to green business challenges. A networking mixer will be held afterwards; all proceeds support JUCCCE programs.
2-6 PM. 2/F, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu near Guangdong Lu (中山东一路3号2楼 近广东路) ¥250 per person, or ¥500 for groups of three; includes canapés and drinks. RSVP to info@on-the-bund.com
Quiz for a cause as Cuvee hosts a special quiz night to benefit Second Chance Animal Aid, a non-profit organization protecting and improving the welfare of companion animals. Registration is 200 RMB per team table, and up to four people may sit at a table. In addition to the registration fees, five percent of the night's food and beverage totals will be donated to SCAA. Canines are welcome, and there will also be a raffle held to win a weekend stay for two at the Crowne Plaza in Chengdu. Do it for the kitties.
7:15-11:15 PM. Cuvee Wine Lounge, 528 Kangding Lu near Xikang Lu 康定路528号 近西康路) RSVP to paw.james@gmail.com
Wednesday: Shanghai Photographer Night
Yo-Yo Ma's recital at the Grand Theatre might be sold out, but you can still get a taste of art on Wednesday night at Dada's inaugural Shanghai Photographer Night. This cocktail party cum exhibit will showcase four extremely different photographers and their takes on Shanghai: Charlie Xia's "Urban Geometry" captures city nightlife, Patrick Wack's "I Build Shanghai" explores the people and ideas behind the World Expo, Francois Trezin peeks into "Grandma's Drawer", and Tang Ting exposes contemporary youth culture with "Delicate". The photos will be projected onto a screen as a slideshow, and music selected by each artist will accompany the works.
Begins 8 PM. Dada, 115 Xingfu Lu between Fahuazhen and Pingwu Lu (幸福路115号 近华山和法华镇路) No cover
Thursday: An Evening with DaShan, Charity World Trivia Night, Face vs. Guanxi
The Chinese love him, the expats love to make fun of him, and now you get to meet him. That's right, you get to meet Da Shan, sometimes known as Canadian actor Mark Rowswell. He'll be at Mesa presenting a talk on his last two decades in China, including his work as Canada's commissioner general to the Expo and his experience and views regarding the cultural struggles between China and the West.
Begins 7 PM, talk at 7:30. The Mix, 1/F, Mesa, 748 Julu Lu near Fumin Lu (巨鹿路748号 近富民路) ¥50, RSVP by Nov. 18 to fcc.sfcc@gmail.com
Time to quiz for the cause, round two, as Rotaract Club Shanghai and Hilton Shanghai host World Trivia Night 2009. Along with the quiz, the evening will include dinner, raffles and auctions with 100% of proceeds going to various local charities like Shanghai Sunrise and ORBIS.
Drinks at 6:30, dinner and quiz begin at 7:30. Hilton Shanghai, 250 Huashan Lu near Changshu Lu (华山路250号 近常熟路) ¥388 per person
Entrepreneur and author Sam Goodman will be speaking to members of BEAN Shanghai about the dos and don'ts of doing business in China. He'll explain what he thinks is more important in China, face or guanxi, and share stories from his latest book, "Where East Eats West: The Street Smarts Guide to Business in China."
7-9 PM. Cotton's, 294 Xinhua Lu near Fanyu Lu (新华路294号 近番禺路) No cover
Friday: Zuloo SMACK
It seems like lately, Friday nights are comedy nights. This week, improv troupe Zuloo SMACK is bringing their show to new places, both figuratively and literally. Armed with razor-sharp wit and live audience participation, they'll be letting loose at Bali Bistro to present a show that is "unrehearsed, uncensored, and uncalled for." Just the way we like it.
Begins 9 PM. Bali Bistro, Wanhangdu Lu near Beijing Xi Lu (万航渡路75号 近北京西路)