My Weekender

with Erica Lee - Nov 03, 07

Erica Lee is a singer/songwriter working with Oriental Sky. She also does TV commercials, teaches students and sings at the JZ Club. She is currently working on her first solo album.

Friday

In general, on Fridays I spend the whole day at the Oriental Sky studio on Taikang Lu, practicing or recording until 7 or 8 pm. Since my studio is in such a great location, after hours of work, I like to step out and embrace everything the street has to offer. I can grab something quick at an eatery, buy some CDs, and if I get lucky, I might come across a few friends doing the same. ...That is the most delightful part of Taikang Lu.

After strolling around, I'll head back home for a shower. After that I'll relax on my couch wondering, should I stay in tonight or go out? To be honest, most of the times I go out. Why not? It's Friday and I live in Shanghai. My usual pick for Friday night is Labella Cafe on Yongfu Lu. They have a gypsy live music night on Fridays. Besides, they offer pretty good cocktails and cool crowd. But this week, though, I might go to Glamour Bar for a change, to check out The Blue Grassy Knoll Event.

Saturday

If I didn't party too excessively on Friday, I should be able to wake up before 11am to make it to the street dance class at Jazz du Funk. I love my dance teacher, Julian. He is an amazing instructor. I love his choice of music. His choreography is sexy and cool but not too hard to follow. Even if you don't have basic dancing skills, its pretty easy to follow the steps, I think...

After the class, I'll take a stroll around Shaoxing Lu. It's so cozy, quiet and nice. I usually go to Vienna Cafe. I like having a chat with Hannah over a nice coffee and carrot cake. Either that or I'll go to Face in Ruijin hotel. It's almost a perfect place to spend a sunny and peaceful afternoon. I might also have one of their Bloody Marys, although I should offer this warning: they put a big chilly in it; It's the spiciest drink in the world but I love it.

For Saturday night, I'm going to LOgO for sure to check out the S.T.D. party. A rock band called Hu Hu Mamas is playing. LOgO is one of my favorite places. Cheap drinks (when you enter, actually you can see the notice: "This place is cheap enough, no outside drinks, please."), exciting music, a foosball table (I'm totally into this game, now) and don't forget the street B.B.Q. available from the vendors outside.

Sunday

I prefer to go slow on Sundays. This week I'm going to cinema to watch "Lust, Caution" directed by Ang Lee. Then I will go to supermarket for some groceries, and cook a simple and nice dinner. I think I will go to JZ to see my friends Coco and Pengfei performing on the stage. And I'm pretty sure Jandi will be there holding a tall glass of long island iced tea. It's a great place to meet and chat with friends. As it is to many of those who are addicted to its charm, JZ is my second living room.