Results tagged “meltingpot”

697 Yongjia Lu, near near Hengshan Lu 永嘉路697号, 近衡山路

Just a quick update on what's happening in the coming few weeks here in town. Once again, the Speakeasy party will be tonight (April 11) featuring Five Below with Marta Taylor on vocals at JG Bar, Jean George in 3 on the Bund, 4F with music from 11pm-2am. Free entry. This party, currently held every second Friday, is turning into a great hangout with more and more people dressing up in the 20s garb to fit into the Speakeasy atmosphere each time. With legendary barman Markus Bernthaler and his staff of bartenders serving up some great drinks, it makes for a fine evening.

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.

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.

Video of Blind Stereo MV

Just when you think that everything is starting to turn rosy for Shanghai's live music scene, something comes along that hits you like a kick in the teeth.

It’s been a week of uncertainties, at least as far as JZ is concerned. Was JR dropped? Is Coco back? When will we see more of Alec and The All-Stars (pictured above)? Did you all find the bank card we lost there on Wednesday? We’d love answers (especially for that last one -- ICBC wants us to go all the way out to Yangpu to get a new one).

We were at The Melting Pot Monday night to see Brian Seymour play (great set ... but too short!) and a black board at the bar (pictured) made us do a double take as we looked over our pint of Carlsberg. Arm wrestling? Every Saturday? It all just seems ... we don't know ... strange. Are there any other bars in town that organize arm wrestling tournaments? On perhaps the busiest bar night of the week? Gotta give them credit for being creative.

We are beginning to tire of starting off posts with what seems to be an ongoing Chinese soap opera (sans “Da Shan” scandal) with Tanghui -- but it seems to be something every weekend. Just in case you left before the end of the Second Hand Rose show, word on the streets says you missed "the man” coming in and taking away the drum set (or part of it, at least) from the controversial rockers (yes, the cops came in and took the band's drums ... or at least that is what we have heard ... from reliable-although-likely-slightly-intoxicated sources). Always impressive when any band draws more heat than Top Floor Circus (Saturday’s opening band known for showing their, erm, openings).

We have been wanting to tell you about this all day, but the technology gods had other ideas (the same is true for all other Shanghaiist contributors, which should explain while the site didn't change much today). Anyway, if you are still in front of your computer and still have no plans tonight, do yourself a favor and head over to Bar 288 (aka The Melting Pot) for what promises to be a great night of discussion and music. American singer/songwriter Brian Seymour (an indie artist if there ever was one) is in town for a one-night "traveling session" -- from 7-9 pm he'll discuss his craft in workshop form and then after 9 he'll perform. Also, performing tonight are Ferris Wheel (摩天轮), one of Shanghai's top young bands.

Admittedly, we attended the Black Eyed Peas show with a detached sense of superiority -- but ask anyone, even those of us who don’t “get” hip-hop, it was, to quote the girl behind us, “a show that made my summer”. Parts of the show that made us forget about those annoying glow sticks?