Pencil This In: January 25-29
Life is going to become pretty hectic in the next couple weeks, so take advantage of the calm before the storm with these local happenings, from an orchestral chamber music concert to another JUCCCE Green Idea Lab. Of course, don't forget the best way to relax is always over Scrabble and 2-for-1 drinks at the Shanghaiist Happy Hour!
Monday: Games Night
If you feel like taking it easy on this Monday night, the go-to spot is Games Night at fave local spot Dada. They've got Twister mats, classics like Jenga, UNO, and chess, and even a big screen for Wii-ing it up. Plus, if you buy a pitcher of beer or a bottle of wine, you get free pizza until 10 PM. Win.
Starts 8:30 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
Tuesday: JUCCCE Green Idea Lab, Scrabble Night
JUCCCE, the Joint US-China Collaboration on Clean Energy, presents a workshop and mixer called the Idea Lab to promote collaboration and the greening of China. First, globally-recognized clean energy leaders present their work, then they lead smaller group sessions to brainstorm working solutions to green business challenges. Networking mixer to follow; all proceeds support JUCCCE programs. Read more on this week's speakers here.
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
Show off your Scrabble prowess at this week's Shanghaiist Happy Hour, featuring a custom-made 31 x 31 Scrabble board! It's the same Happy Hour you know and love, with fun company and 2-for-1 drinks. Every drink earns you five Scrabble tiles to work with; turn the tiles into words on our board and the person with the most points at the end of the night wins a ¥250 drink voucher at Cotton's! Which, of course, you could use at our next Shanghaiist Scrabble night....
6-10 PM. Cotton's, 294 Xinhua Lu near Fanyu Lu (新华路294号 近番禺路) No cover
Wednesday: Canadian Alumni Mixer, Dance on the String
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the upcoming Year of the Tiger with an alumni mixer. Network, mingle, and even foresee your future with a free reading from the Tarot card master on hand.
7-9 PM. Jazz 37, 37/F, 500 Weihai Lu near Shimen Yi Lu (威海路500号37楼 近石门一路) ¥50 for CanCham members, ¥75 for non-members, includes one drink
The Shanghai Philharmonic Association Chamber Orchestra, established in 1983, was re-founded in 2009 and is celebrating its debut with a classical concert of Bach, Grieg, Dvorak and more. Featuring SPACO artistic director and award-winning violinist Dr. Meimei Wei, as well as other world-class international musicians and rising young local musicians, the group hopes to encourage interest in chamber music in China.
7:30-9:30 PM. Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan'an Dong Lu near Longmen Lu (延安东路523号 近龙门路) Tickets ¥50/80
Thursday: Juevos Latinos
Add some spice to your nightlife as Tara 57 offers half-price cocktails and plays Latin jazz, house, salsa and more on the sound system. Those of the feminine persuasion enjoy free sangria after 9:30. Get your salsa on.
Begins 7 PM. Tara 57, 57 Fuxing Xi Lu near Yongfu Lu (复兴西路57号2楼 近永福路)
Friday: Olympics Kickoff Party, Fundraiser Jazz Concert
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is getting into the spirit of the Olympic Games two weeks early with a kick-off party, featuring door prizes, trivia contests, and video highlights of past Olympics.
5:30-8:30 PM. Big Bamboo, 132 Nanyang Lu near Tongren Lu (南阳路132号 近铜仁路) ¥200 for CanCham members, ¥300 for non-members, includes unlimited finger food and two drinks
Enjoy a jazz concert and help disadvantaged children at the same time! Jasmine Chen and her band will be performing traditional Chinese folk songs with a jazzy twist, and all concert proceeds will go to Wings of Music, which provides musical education to disadvantaged children (suggested ticket donation is ¥50).
7:30-9 PM. twocities gallery, 2/F Bldg 0, 50 Moganshan Lu near Aomen Lu (莫干山路50号0号2楼 近澳门路)