Arts & Stage

"Once," the enchanting musical adaptation of John Carney's 2007 film, is set to sweep Shanghai off its feet. This heartwarming show, featuring the Academy Award-winning song "Falling Slowly," is a testament to the transformative power of music. Bringing the magic from London's West End, the Shanghai stage will come alive with Arthur Darvill and Ines De Clercq portraying the captivating duo, Guy and Girl. Get ready to be immersed in a musical experience that's both deeply affecting and beautifully crafted. Catch this unmissable show at Shanghai Culture Square from December 7 to 10 – a perfect blend of cinema and stage, where music weaves its own story.

Toya will headline at Lincoln Center Shanghai with classics like Cheek to Cheek, This Happy Madness, and her own original songs. The quintet also features Li ZhongAn on piano, Li DongAo on bass, Guan Yu on saxophone, and Guillaume Palomba on drums. From December 6 to 7, starting at 7:30 pm.

Born to musician parents Willie and Beverly Hill, Byron grew up exposed to some of the top performers of the time, from Ella Fitzgerald to Sammy Davis. The show also features vocalist Jing (December 8), Vane (December 9), bass player Gaston, and drummer Jordan. Performances start at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

Get coal in your stockings? The Grinch Cirque and Cabaret soirée returns to The Pearl, back by popular demand, for one night only. Prepare yourself to wind up on Santa's naughty list: this is not your mama's Christmas story! Expect a retelling of the classic Grinch Christmas tale, mixed in with sexy, sultry circus acts - warmth and a bit of spice even into Scrooge's heart - brought specially to you by the multitalented Fire Souls team. Pregame with that eggnog and join this night of sinfully unwholesome holiday cheer. The cabaret act starts at 9:30 pm.

Live Music

Seasoned promoters New Noise have proven themselves worthy ambassadors of high-quality music, with their 800-plus shows across Asia leaving tens of thousands of fans stirred over the past fourteen years. They’re putting together the New Beat Fest - featuring three juggernaut acts including Japanese post-hardcore titans" known for their equally brutal and beautiful tracks, Boston-based post-rock soundscapes Caspian, and Chengdu’s Fayzz, whose dazzling concoction of spry instrumental rock that knows no bounds. This lineup can’t be beat folks!

Guangzhou metalcore favorites The Will on Kill have been going hard since 2014, injecting their melodic sound with cathartic conviction. It’s sharp, blunt, and ruthless - capturing the turbulent nature of its rhythms with aplomb and its forward-facing lyrics with potent delivery. The band is fresh off the release of their new LP - ‘The Time Gap’ - and on a massive nationwide tour. Expect fans screaming along to the choruses in the mosh put. Support from Shanghai’s own 8:48.

Didn't get your fill of core music last night? Well, Yuyintang Park has you covered once again with COSMOS, who hails from Beijing. With plenty of emo trappings and an ability to incorporate traditional Chinese elements without ever coming off as trite, the band has been regarded as one of the heavy metal scene's finest new additions, injecting their fraught, soaring vocals with post-rock heft. If you're looking to pull their heartstrings while headbanging, look no further.

Some of hip-hop's finest and, more importantly, most genuine and earnest artists join forces for ROLLDICE Records, journeying across the Mainland in search of good times. This crew includes Sichuan-by-way-of-New-York transplant Bohan Phoenix, R&B hip-hop artists step.jad and Lil Akin, future beatsmith and electronic producer DOLLARZOO, and the self-proclaimed 'Most Failed Rapper of the 21st Century' Fukurai from Chengdu. Expect silky beats, smooth flows, and old-school vibes to keep you nice and snug.

Clubbing

When contemporary art meets music, Andy Scott will be there. This music is closer to atmospheric melodies telling a story than to anything else. A real adventure through the senses, Andy Scott promotes a seductive technologic sound made through various MIDI controllers and devices. The large-style design of System is sure to complement this artistic form.

Huge booking by STD, bringing the biggest hip-hop artist to perform in China after the pandemic: Quavo, the renowned American rapper and member of the hip-hop trio Migos, is set to captivate the audience in Shanghai with a spectacular performance at Lafin. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable night filled with dynamic beats and electrifying energy. Quavo's distinctive style and stage presence are sure to leave fans in awe as he brings his chart-topping hits to the vibrant city of Shanghai. Don't miss the chance to witness this international sensation live in action at Lafin's upcoming show. It's an experience that music enthusiasts and fans alike won't want to pass up.

The Alter Soundsystem team is quite excited to bring this French-born, Berlin-based act, Jennifer Cardini. With the rise in techno's popularity in recent days, Cardini is a steadfast enthusiast of its origins and maintaining its essence. A creative mix of deep Berlin techno underground sound with new-style breaks, Cardini leads the scene. The other two rooms will be occupied by Alter's very own selection of DJs to provide a full buffet of choice.

Event promoters MET are celebrating 3 years in the game. They'll bring an 8-hour party to SYSTEM, with both the main stage and fountain stage open on 2 floors. DJ Unders, founder of HappyCamper Records and one of the main acts of the Burning Man music scene, will be the evening's heavy hitter, putting on a 3-hour extended live set.

Space Out is a deep listening event started by Santo Chino, aiming to immerse listeners in the world of ambient music. Grab a mat, stretch out those limbs, and let the music seep into your brain. This Sunday's edition will feature shape-shifting electronic producer virtuoso Gooooose, who will give a live performance, taking his impeccable sound design to deeper atmospheric depths. The perfect weekend comedown.