We left a little disappointed after The Analog Girl's gig at La Bella Cafe last Saturday. Recent hype aside, we had been hooked on the Singaporean musician's 2005 The TV Is On album and had been in eager anticipation ever since to catch her live. Never mind that the venue was intimate and our mojito well-mixed, The Analog Girl only performed a few tracks off her new EP Sometime Next Galaxy, scarcely lasting half an hour when the gig schedule promises an hour and a half. more ›

Well, this weekend there might not be a 1234 Beach Rock Festival, but that is no reason to stay home, curled up with a blankie, crying about what might have been. Live Bar out in Yangpu has shows going every night, showcasing emerging underground acts from Shanghai and Beijing. Friday night, Yuyintang will be hosting big hair, metal band Arch Enemy from Sweden. Apparently this is a pretty well known European metal band, and after listening to a few of their songs, they might make you want to kick some dude (any dude) in the balls. This, in case you didn’t know, is a big thumb’s up for a metal band. For those who don't really like kicking (or possibly being kicked) then check out the Lulo Reinhardt Latin Swing Quartet at the Melting Pot on Friday or on Sunday at Labella's Cafe. We have heard rumors Lulo Reinhardt is an amazing Jazz guitarist and we are looking forward to seeing him play. Antidote, one of Shanghai's favorite monthly parties is holding an exhibit of party posters and videos from the past 2 years at the Source gallery and will hold a party at the gallery, tonight. more ›

Due to multiple requests (total of two, and one was me) here is more golden week festival news. The previously mention Hop Festival has gotten an official name...so....let it hence forth be referred to as the Yue Festival. Ticket prices are set at 140rmb for students, 280rmb advanced purchase and 360rmb at the gate. Rock-ing has also released their ticket prices and they range from 280-880 depending on how special you want to feel. For those who are worried about getting to Zhujiajiao and back to see the 1234 Beach Rock Festival, your sleepless nights are over! Promoters have promised to keep the complimentary shuttle buses running to Shanghai Stadium late into the night. Shanghai isn't the only Chinese city to catch festival fever. Modern Sky in Beijing will also be hosting a 3 day festival at Haidian Park that first week in October. Rumored headliners are the Yeah Yeah Yeah's and Mogwai. We will keep our ear to the underground and keep you updated on the freshest festival news (aren't we clever? we can string words that rhyme into sentences!). more ›

Shanghaiist wants to spread the word about an upcoming charity event this Saturday night organised by members of Shanghai's Flickr community. Local Flickr identities ShanghaiSky, ThomasTribe, OppoHash (among others*) have organised a fund-raising night for local student charity, Shanghai Sunrise. more ›

Still recovering from your May Holiday partying? Well, there's no respite. Here are a few things that Shanghaiist is keeping an eye on over the coming week. more ›

Enduring eight straight days of work ahead of the Golden week? Take this opportunity to let off some steam and get out and hit what Shanghaiist thinks that Shanghai has to offer before you either vamoose out of town or bunker down to avoid the May 1st Holiday crush. more ›

We've been hearing about the "gypsy jazz" phenomenon happening in Shanghai for the last few months already, but only last Friday finally got to check out the music in action. We stopped by LaBella cafe on Yongfu Lu Friday night to check out French guitar duo Jay and Etienne before going to salsa night at JZ around the corner. After finding the place quite easily from the music bouncing out the door and down the block, we realized that this cafe used to be a foot massage place that we had been to once or twice. The massages were never very good, so it's no wonder the place went out of business. The cafe it has become, however, seems to be doing pretty well judging from Friday's healthy attendance. Apparently Etienne, who has played extensively with well-known French gypsy guitarist Angelo Debarre, brings in a different musical partner each week to join him for this regular Friday performance. We've also been told he is only in Shanghai himself for one more month. Shanghaiist recommends you check out this hip cafe anyway, so might as well do it before this great guitarist is gone. more ›