Megadeth is set to perform in Beijing on October 6 at the Huiyuan M Zone Center in the Mastercard Center, and in Shanghai on October 8 at the Shanghai Gymnasium, according to the band’s website. However, China Daily reports the venue for the October 8 performance as being the Shanghai Grand Theater, so there’s still some confusion.

This will be the Megadeth’s first appearance in China after having cancelled a 2012 date in Beijing “due to issues with the show license for the venue.”

This fall has seen a number of shows by Western performers get cancelled in China, often at the last minute. The Shanghai tour date for Maroon 5 was mysteriously cancelled as was the Chinese leg of the Bon Jovi tour, both speculated to have to do with the band’s relation to topics regarded as taboo by the Chinese government.

This won’t be China’s first taste of metal music, with Metallica having rocked Shanghai with two shows back in 2012. However, as Megadeth may find out for themselves, there are some songs too metal for the sensitivities of China.

Chinese officials banned Metallica from playing certain songs in China, including Masters of Puppets whose lyrics include “Come crawling faster/Obey your master/Your life burns faster/Obey your master”. Metallica complied with the order, but it didn’t stop guitarist Kirk Hammet from playing the opening riff to Masters of Puppets during the show.

We hope that Chinese metalheads will be able to enjoy an unadulterated Megadeth show, but a cursory glance at the anthology of Megadeth songs reveals there may be some contentious choices. Songs that may be construed as being inharmonious include songs like Peace Sells (But Who’s Buying?), Addicted to Chaos, or even their cover of the Alice Cooper classic No More Mr Nice Guy.

The post Megadeth to Rock Beijing, Shanghai Next Month appeared first on The Nanfang.

Maroon 5 recently mysteriously dropped the September 12th date from the band’s tour schedule, but they are keeping their other shows in Asia, including Hong Kong. Chinese fans became suspicious that Maroon 5 may have gotten themselves banned in China when news came that band member Jesse Carmichael tweeted a birthday congratulations to the Dalai Lama after reportedly attending celebrations with him on July 4.

Shanghaiist translates some reaction from the Chinese Internet:

“When it comes to matters of a country’s dignity and territorial claims, there can be no compromise. Musicians should stick to music and do their thing. Why bother with politics?”

“It’s okay to have political opinions, but it’s not okay to be illogical. Does he (Jesse Carmichael) have any idea what Dalai Lama has done in Tibet?”

“Country before idol.”

“Such a shame. I really liked their song ‘Sugar’.”

“I believe Jesse (Carmichael) did not mean any malice. I also understand the government’s attitude. The fans are the ones who suffer.”

“Does attending a friend’s birthday party equal agreeing with his political views?”

Maroon 5 joins a long line up of Western performers that have run afoul of Chinese authorities.

During the Occupy Central protests last year, smooth jazz musician Kenny G infuriated China’s foreign ministry when he tweeted a picture in which he appeared in front of a protest sign. In 2009, Oasis was banned from performing in Shanghai and Beijing when the Ministry of Culture discovered the band had performed for a Free Tibet concert a decade prior. The most incendiary incident was in 2008, when Icelandic singer said the words “Tibet! Tibet!” during the closing number Declare Independence at a Shanghai concert right before the lyrics “raise your flag”.

But Western performers that earn approval to perform in China still have to conform to the wishes of Chinese authorities.

After being denied permission to play in Beijing and Shanghai in 2010, Bob Dylan was able to perform in Beijing using a list of songs that had been approved by Chinese authorities. In 2008, Harry Connick Jr. performed a show in Shanghai that mainly consisted of him playing solo piano despite bringing a big band with him. Reports say he was forced to abandon his current show when his playlist of songs was rejected.

In 2006 after downplaying the banning of such songs as Let’s Spend the Night Together as “no big deal”, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones countered the criticism with, “I’m pleased that the Ministry of Culture is protecting the morals of the expat bankers and their girlfriends.”

The post Shanghai Cancels Maroon 5 Concert After Band Member Tweets Dalai Lama appeared first on The Nanfang.

Katy Perry, an American pop superstar, is making her way to China.

Perry, who performed recently at the Superbowl halftime show, is set to take the stage in Guangzhou on April 18 as part of several Asian stops on her Prismatic World Tour. The stop at the Guangzhou International Sports Arena kicks-off the China leg of her tour, with stops at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on April 21 and 22, Taipei on April 28 and Macao on May 1 and 2. That second show was added in Shanghai just yesterday after the first show sold out immediately.

The singer of the hit singles Firework and I Kissed a Girl is also set to perform in other Asian cities including Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila, and Bangkok up until May.

Perry performed in Beijing last year with an orchestra that included traditional Chinese instruments. She’s been nicknamed “Sister Fruit” by her Chinese fans due to her colorful costumes.

The post Katy Perry is Coming to China appeared first on The Nanfang.

The post Woozy Weekender Indie Music Fest to Hit Guangzhou, Win Free Tix from The Nanfang appeared first on The Nanfang.

It seems Beijing police think so, and are willing to take extraordinary steps to crackdown on illicit drug use. A tweet sent by Twitter user Stephen McDonell suggests that Beijing police are going into local bars and conducting on-the-spot drug tests on anyone in the premises, both locals and expats:

In Beijing bar last night I was made to do a random urine test for drugs. Those who failed including some foreigners taken away by police.

— Stephen McDonell (@StephenMcDonell) August 10, 2014

McDonell describes the urine drug test:

@ChuBailiang @austinramzy Not sure which drugs seeking. We all peed into little plastic bottles. Police gave it a shake. Instant “result”.

— Stephen McDonell (@StephenMcDonell) August 10, 2014

In another tweet, McDonell said he was at Dos Kolegas, a popular local bar known for its live music performances, located north of Chaoyang Park and east of the Sanlitun bar street.

The FDA says a urine drug of abuse home test may be able to determine the presence of any of these drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepine, barbiturates, methadone, tricyclic antidepressants, ecstasy, and oxycodone.

Photo: Dos Kolegas

The post Police Doing Spot Drug Tests at Beijing Bars appeared first on The Nanfang.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Shenzhen:

June 26th – Thursday Frisbee Throwing Training by the SZUPA – The SZUPA is an organization with the goal of spreading the sport of Ultimate Frisbee to Shenzhen and China. Join them Thursdays if you’d like to learn the basics of throwing and catching a disc. Be advised, tonight may end by 9PM.

June 26th – USA vs Germany World Cup Match at Frankies – Buffet offered with your favorite appetizers and salads for just RMB 70.

June 26th – Raps Open Mic Night – One of the liveliest open mics in town runs late into the night. Great for blowing off some steam.

June 26th – World Cup at the Warehouse on Shenzhen’s Largest Screen – Authentic New York-style pizza, discounted beer, and a 300″ projection TV showing the World Cup.

June 27th-28th – 2014 China (Shenzhen) Import/Export Food and Beverages Exhibition – Go to find opportunities for your business or for the free samples

June 27th – Aloha Beach Resort Beach Foam Party – The party of the weekend. Foam party on the beach with lots of great Shenzhen DJ’s. Shuttle buses from Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

June 27th – DrinkEntrepreneurs Shenzhen June Event – The monthly DrinkEntrepreneurs event will take place this month on Friday at Baia Restaurant Bar & Grill.

June 27th – Muzik BoX: ARUN R (HK) – house & techno producer from India – The Fresh crew keeps its weekly Friday night hang going with house music this week. Come for the music, stay for the kebabs and Mario Kart. 10% of all proceeds go to charity.

June 27th-28th – X-TA-SEA 12 Year Anniversary Weekend – This weekend marks the 12 year anniversary of one of the fixture bars of Seaworld, X-Ta-Sea. The lucky draw has some great prizes for only 50 RMB per ticket, and every ticket gets a prize. Definitely worth a shot.

June 28th – Summer Salsa Fiesta, 28th June! – If you love to Salsa, this looks very promising for a great night. Free flow beer and soda, a free class, dance performances, and a buffet dinner all rolled into one at the beautiful Hilton.

June 29th – Pizza Eating Contest at Warehouse: 2 people, 24″ pizza, 20 minutes – If you can eat a single 24-inch pizza within 20 minutes with a friend, you can win RMB 500 in Warehouse vouchers. I’m in, who’s with me?

June 29th – Shenzhen Dog Adoption Day by the Shenzhen Dog Protection Association – Twenty homeless dogs are waiting for someone to take them home at a dog adoption event this Sunday at Coastal City in Nanshan District.

June 29th – Ultimate Frisbee in Futian –  The meet will take place on Sunday 2:00 pm at Lianhua Middle School, and then food and drinks will be had at Frankies American Bar. 

If you attend any of these events, please email me at [email protected] and we may include some of your reviews in a future post. Let’s keep your event organizers working to provide better and better events!

The post Shenzhen Weekend: Dog Adoption, Beach Foam Party, and X-Ta-Sea Anniversary appeared first on The Nanfang.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Shenzhen:

June 5th – Thursday Frisbee Throwing Training by the SZUPA – The SZUPA is an organization with the goal of spreading the sport of ultimate frisbee to Shenzhen and China. Join them Thursdays if you’d like to learn the basics of throwing and catching a disc.

June 5th – Argentine Tango Party (Milonga in Sports Bar) – Spend the night dancing with girls eager to find a dance partner. Come with a partner or find one there. It’s time to tango!

June 5th – Raps Open Mic Night – One of the liveliest open mics in town that runs late into the night. Great for blowing off some steam.

June 6th – The Village Bar & Grill 4 Year Anniversary Party – The Village Bar & Grill will be offering great food deals and great live music to commemorate four years of being open. If you’re in the area, check it out.

June 6th – MUZIK BOX LAUNCH PARTY featuring MIZ KISHI (UK) – Friday night marks the beginning of Muzik BoX in Shenzhen. Lots of local DJs will be performing in the line up that includes Miz Kishi, an English DJ visiting from HK. Expect lots of Drum N Bass. And what’s the biggest selling point to me? Mario Kart and Street Fighter on the SNES. 10% of all proceeds go towards the Bonfire Heart Charity Bike Ride to India.

June 8th – Ultimate Frisbee in Futian –  The meet will take place on Sunday 2:00pm at Lianhua Middle School, and then food and drinks will be had at Frankies American Bar. 

If you attend any of these events, please email me at [email protected] and we may include some of your reviews in a future post. Let’s keep your event organizers working to provide better and better events!

Editor’s Note: We’re looking for dining and nightlife writers in Guangzhou and Dongguan. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

The post Shenzhen Weekend: Drum N’ Bass, Ultimate Frisbee, Anniversary Party, and Open Mic appeared first on The Nanfang.

The Korean pop star Rain performed a solo concert called “2014 Rain Effect Show In Guangszhou” on Saturday in which many of his top hits were performed including “It’s Raining“.

We weren’t there at the concert, but we would imagine the show began by igniting the expectations of an audience ready to wield their glowsticks. An announcer boomed into a microphone, “Are you ready, people? Are you ready for Rain?” After the audience signaled its compliance, Rain would finally appear from behind a dark shroud, showering his fans with love—meaning, of course, his abs.

Fans expressed their enthusiasm for Rain after the show, noting that his Putonghua had markedly improved. It was apparently much better than when Rain appeared on a Chinese variety show when he spoke none.

But what will Guangzhou do after this? It’s been three years since Rain was last here, and now with nothing scheduled for the foreseeable future, Guangzhou will face a veritable drought.

We love Rain as much as any screaming teenage K-pop idol worshiper (hello, Ninja Assassin!), but we have to say that we’ve had enough rain for now, please come back another day.

Photos: cloudusa.wordpress, Weibo (2, 3, 4)

The post Too Soon? Korean Pop Star Rain Descends on Guangzhou, Pours on the Charm appeared first on The Nanfang.

Here’s what’s happening:

May 1st-18th – Step into spring with free Uber rides for UberOCT‏ – This deal from Uber gets you two free rides to OCT Harbor and access to over 30 food and wine venues, all of which are giving away discounts and deals.

May 15th – Thursday Frisbee Throwing Training by the SZUPA – Join the SZUPA on Thursdays if you’d like to learn the basics of throwing and catching a frisbee.

May 15th – Raps Open Mic Night – One of the liveliest open mics in town that runs late into the night. Great for blowing off some steam.

May 16th-18th – Strawberry Music Festival – The massive Strawberry Music Festival hits Shenzhen this weekend in Longgang. Might be worth a visit.

May 17th – Exotic Latino Party! – A big Latino party will be taking place this Saturday at the Hilton in Shekou. Sounds really legit for you lovers of Latin dance.

May 18th – Reggae BBQ Party @ La Maison – A day of Reggae and BBQ. Sounds very uplifting.

May 11th – Ultimate Frisbee in Futian –  The meet will take place on Sunday 2:00pm at Lianhua Middle School, and then food and drinks will be had at Frankies American Bar. 

If you attend any of these events, please email me at [email protected] and we may include some of your reviews in a future post. Let’s keep your event organizers working to provide better and better events!

Editor’s Note: We’re looking for dining and nightlife writers in Guangzhou and Dongguan. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Photo: 

The post Shenzhen Weekend: Strawberry Music Festival, Latino Party, Reggae BBQ appeared first on The Nanfang.

Get out your castanets; take out your bolero hats. The 6th annual Latin Festival will take place in Guangzhou on Saturday, May 17.

This weekend event sponsored by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce (South Division) will take place indoors and out of the rain, and should be the spicy number you’ve been needing to brighten up your soggy blues.

This celebration of Latin art, fashion and culture will feature live music, dancing, food stalls, a lucky draw, and entertainment specifically for children.  This family orientated-affair will feature flamenco and salsa dancing as well as music performed by TUNA and Martin Reyes.

The Latin Festival will take place from 11am to 8pm at the Level 2 platform of the Canton Tower.

Tickets are RMB 80 in advance, and RMB 100 at the door.   Admission includes a drink, a ticket to the lucky draw, and admission to Level 2 of the Canton Tower.

For more details, please check out our listings.

Photo: courtesy event organizers

The post 6th Annual Latin Festival to Spice Up Guangzhou May 17 appeared first on The Nanfang.