Things continue to slow down as the temperature climbs, but for the determined crowds there are at least a few things happening musically this week! We've got Japanese pop punk, Shanghainese rap, and a local battle of the bands. Read on for details, or check out or calendar for more! more ›

Things have quieted down a bit after all the monster names played Shanghai last week. This weekend has a massive dose of rock, and in any way you take it. Chinese punk, Japanese metal, and New Zealand indie rock, just to name a few! Read on for highlights, or check out our calendar for more! more ›

• Not to be outdone by the Australians, the Belgian pavilion has a mascot now as well. Lots of tiny, blue mascots actually, and they're called "The Smurfs." Heard of them? [Shanghai Daily]
• China Music Radar has put up a pretty comprehensive review of Pepsi: Battle of the Bands. If you're still curious, check it out. [China Music Radar]
• We're fascinated by the amusing and adorable Shanghai Qipao club - a Qipao-wearing get together for ladies around town - so we love that someone's done a feature on it. [World Hum]

• Ex-Shanghaiist contributor Abe Deyo is quoted to prove why Shanghai bands were silly to wig out over Pepsi's Battle of the Bands contest. [Voxrock]
• Jake Newby then calls the Pepsi English blog out, noting that it was surprising that something all about the Battle of the Bands contest didn't bother reporting on the massive Guangdong stage accident. [Kungfuology]
• Local maritime authorities are restricting the transport of dangerous freight on the Huangpu River to prevent accidents during the Shanghai World Expo. [Xinhua]
• According to this New York Times entry, you can get a first-class ticket between Los Angeles and Shanghai for less than $3,500 USD. WHAT! [NY Times]

Remember the Pepsi band contest and how it ended up being sort of a sham? Here's a quick refresher courtesy of local music aficionado Andy Best: more ›

Apparently the ambitious Pepsi Battle of the Bands is actually turning into a right old crap fest. The upcoming reality show, which was supposed to prop “underground” rock bands into the mainstream as a way of “encouraging young people's passions” has instead annoyed and alienated anyone who bothered to participate. more ›

Looks like Pepsi Co.'s bringing that old tradition of “Battle of the Bands” to China in a big way - the soft drink maker is hosting a mega reality show and its inviting all Chinese “underground” rock bands to participate. more ›