Just one week in and 2009 has been largely dull, grey, and wet. Thankfully then, the good people at Split Works have put together a ten day long festival of art and music to warm our cockles - starting today. According to the organisers, Jue Festival is "an excuse to leave your hidey-hole and experience a punk show, an art installation, and everything in between", which sounds pretty good to us. The festival (which is also taking place in Beijing), will showcase some of Shanghai's best creative talent and is hosting a diverse set of artists and performers. more ›

In checking out the Facebook page for Split Works, the promoters bringing Jens Lekman to China, we noticed the other acts Split has lined up. Here they are (with Shanghai dates/venues in parentheses): Roxy Cottontail (Dec. 4?/TBD), South Rakkas Crew (Jan. 8/Shelter), Future of the Left (Jan. 16/Dream Factory), Jose Gonzalez (Feb./TBD). more ›