Shanghai nightlife is still going strong

NOW, I bring you my picks of the best of what's coming in the next three days. Be sure to check our Shanghaiist Calendar for more info.

So, it's the second weekend of the Expo's opening, and despite the on-going uncertainty over how actively some bars and clubs will continue to operate, Shanghai's line-up over the next few nights doesn't seem to suck at all -- Shelter is definitely not going anywhere, for one. With so much happening tonight and tomorrow around the city, there's no excuse not to step out and enjoy the warmth, and then collapse into an exhausted heap on Sunday.

FRIDAY (tonight!)

Does it seem like Shanghai has missed a season, skipping from winter to summer? Well, we're not complaining -- in fact, we'll probably be celebrating summer on the Bund, at Summer on the Bund, the new roof top bar overlooking the city's new river walkway. Tonight is the bar's soft opening party, with free entry and a free shot for all guests.
Summer on the Bund, 3/F, 333 Renmin Lu, near Fuyou Lu inside of the Old Town Park

Shanghai's notorious rocksteady reggae collective Lions of Puxi will be headlining at MAO Livehouse tonight, with performances by special guest band Weghur, a musical fusion trio of traditional Xinjiang sounds and modern rock formed in 2009. Come listen to some of the undisputed kings of Chinese reggae. RMB 60 at the door.
9 PM, Mao Livehouse, 570 Huaihai Lu Near Hong Qiao Lu

I Love Shanghai is hosting a late-into-the-night absinthe party for you to get high and happy on the mean green juice: the "relatively weak" stuff goes for RMB 25 all night, while the Czech 70% alcohol shots are RMB 30. No cover.
9 PM, I Love Shanghai, 2-3/F, 1788 Xinzha Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu,

The infamous Shelter is definitely not closing down -- tonight is "Bananas Happy Ending" night, another Bananas party featuring Eric Poepper, Kamikaze and elnono, with a guest appearance by the Acid Pony Club. A fun way to spend Friday night. RMB 30 for entry.
10 PM, The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu
The Dutch Cultural Center presents a night of indie rock concerts featuring Dutch/Chinese band Monokino, and Shanghai's own Sonnet. Tickets are RMB 100, but RMB 30 for students.
7:30-9:30 PM, The Dutch Cultural Center, 800 Changde Lu, near Changping Lu,
Give the Obama Club another go tonight for the start of the May-June residency of DJ Xzike, an R&B and house sensation from the UK. No cover, and includes live performances.
10 PM, Obama Club, 2088 Yan'an Xi Lu, at the Garden Plaza,
SATURDAY

Swedish all-girl rock band Sahara Hotnights drop into YYT as part of their national tour. Look out for Blondie-esque sounds -- definitely makes an exciting live show. Also playing are Boys Climbing Ropes and Fever Machine. Cover is RMB 50.
9 PM, Yuyintang, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu, entrance at Kaixuan Lu, What's VOID bringing to Shelter this time? Vince Watson (Planet E) live, back one year later by popular demand. He surprised everyone before with his melodic, synth-heavy, deeply uplifting music as opposed to VOID's usual hard-banging rhythms -- see what he has in store this time around. Vince will be supported by Shanghai Ultra, MHP, and Nat Alexander. Cover is RMB 60.
10 PM, The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu
If anything Japanese turns you on, head to Node for their Tokyo Night 1 featuring DJ Daishi Dance from Sapporo, who will bring you melodious mixes (focused on piano and strings) on three turntables. And for Expo-goers, FYI: his latest mix CD is on sale at the Japan Pavilion.
9 PM, Node Lounge, A2-101, 570 Huaihai Xi Lu near Hongqiao Lu