Events & Promotions:

One of the most critically-acclaimed dance acts in recent memory, Friendly Fires bring their lush, funky, techno sound to Mao Livehouse for the first time. Price: 200rmb(presale) and 260rmb (door). Pre-sale tickets available here.

el COCTEL hosts a night of vintage jazz and fine champagne -- Comtes de Champagne from Taittinger. DJ Perseau on the decks playing rare jazz vinyl and specials on champagne. No entry fee. Call ahead for a table. Prices: Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1999 by the glass, 180rmb; Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1999, 1,480rmb; Comtes de Champagne Rose Brut, 1,980rmb.

The Kung Fu Komedy troupe turn their razor-sharp wit on Canadians this Friday at Big Bamboo. They will roast and toast that fair nation and its inhabitants, and assail America's northern neighbor will hours of routines and audience embarrassment. Come for the cheap drinks (30rmb) and discounted food (15 percent off everything), stay for the humiliation and grade 'eh' comedy. 100rmb on the door, or 70rmb if you're a Can-Cham member. Cost includes a free beer but you need to RSVP or you'll be charged an additional 50rmb: christine@cancham.asia

International Students take a break from the 100rmb all-you-can-drink nights to hit up Lune. Drank, music, and rooftop patio. Hip hop, dubstep, house, and more from Heatwolves, Sal, and Poo Bear. Live musicians and MCs accompany. "HOSTED by the some cats at ECNU. Shout Outs to to Jiao Tong, Donghua, Tongji, Fudan, SHU." No cover.

EMW Fines Wines with Roux Père & Fils Winery are hosting an evening of dining and fine French wines. Mr. Xavier Badinand, the Director of Asia-Oceania from Roux Père & Fils, will host the event, introducing Roux Père & Fils family, from Bourgogne. With the wines is a special set menu prepared by Justin Quek, recipient of the World Gourmet Summit Award of Excellence. Price: 988rmb/person net. Starts 7:30pm.

Tiffin is an old-school, upper-class English word for lunch or a light afternoon meal, and we rather like it. So do the people at the Langham in Xintiandi. Throughout June if you stop into their restaurant Cachet throughout June for tiffin, or afternoon tea, and they'll enter you in a competition to win return flights to London with four nights accommodation at the Langham in London. It's all to celebrate the 147th anniversary of the London Langham, which was the first. Tiffin at our Langham os 280rmb per person.

Danieli's Italian Restaurant is hosting a special "Men's Only Cooking Class" followed by an intimate two-person dinner. Great for men looking to impress their special lady, participants will join Chef Pietro's private cooking class and prepare a 5-course meal. The course takes place from 12pm to 5pm, and is followed by the dinner for two at 6pm. 988rmb set price plus a 15% service charge. To RSVP call (86 21) 5050 4567 ext 6370 or email danielis.shanghai@luxurycollection.com

Every Saturday and Sunday Bella Mia on Baoqing Lu does a Roman brunch featuring a selection of starters, pizzas, pastas with a soup and dessert of the day as well as a glass of prosecco, espresso and assorted pastries. Prices start at 118rmb per person.

Island6, an art collective that works out of a space in Moganshan Lu, presents Ooh Lala, a show comprising the best of their artists in this Bund-side space. Island6 specialize in often risque pieces using a lot of animated neon and LEDs, mixed with nudity, sex and plenty of humor. Vernissage is on Thursday March 8, 6-10pm. The show will be up through the end of May.

Leo Xu Projects will unveil the very first Shanghai solo by young Hangzhou-based artist Cheng Ran this spring. Comprising video and short film works inspired by the artist's interest in 20th century arthouse cinema and rock’ n’ roll music, the gallery exhibition will be accompanied by several off-site projects in and around Shanghai.

Cannon Design present (Un)Made in China at their Jianguo Lu studio this Spring. The exhibition will feature a group of 12 international architects, all of whom have worked on projects in China that for one reason or another were not realized. At the heart of the show is a series of interviews with the architects themselves, revealing the frustrating, funny or mysterious tales behind their projects' demise... Room 9301, Bldg 9, 25 Jianguo Lu, near Sinan Lu. Mon - Sat; 10am - 5pm

Model Home at Rockbund Art Museum is an exhibition of new works by Michael Lin in collaboration with fellow artists and craftspersons. The show is co-organized by Japanese architects Atelier Bow-Wow and features works across a range of media. A diverse mix of makers from construction workers, furniture makers, musicians, film-makers and urban studies researchers are involved the exhibition, all taking inspiration from the history of the Museum itself, as well as the Bauhaus emphasis on the social functions of art.

Mutliplatinumi-selling English soul singer / songwriter Joss Stone performs at the Shanghai Grand Stage behind her latest full-length, LP1. One of the world most famous contemporary singers – star of stage and screen -- bare-footing it on stage in Shanghai. Pre-sale tickets 380-980rmb, available here (free delivery). Starts 8pm.

Some of the world's biggest ice skating stars are descending on the state-of-the-art ice rink at Mercedes Benz Arena to perform "Art of Ice", a stunning mix of technical and theatrical ice skating, the likes of which have not been seen in Shanghai before. Pop star Chris Lee performs with world champion ice skaters Miko Ando, Stephane Lambiel, Qing Pang, and Jian Tong. Two performances only: May 26 and May 27; both starting at 3pm. Pre-sale tickets available here.

5th Wall Theater returns for one night only with "Sons of Liberty: In Vitro". Written and directed by founding member Jason Lasky and performed by faces both old and new to the Shanghai theater community, the play explores the moral quagmire that has enveloped the world as a result of the Wikileaks scandal that began in 2010. A Q&A will follow. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go toward supporting the Kechara Soup Kitchen’s weekly homeless food distribution. Price: 150rmb presale, 200rmb doorsale 1 ticket admits 1 person, including pre-show drink (1) as well as entrance to after show party. Reading takes place at the top floor of the Apt.

A long-running (several years) acrobatic extravaganza, and what may well be the most lavish and high tech show in the history of Chinese theatre. Co-produced by Shanghai Media Group, China Arts and Entertainment Group and Shanghai Circus World. "Era" attempts to redefine the Chinese formula of acrobatics and performing arts, blending high technology with traditional acrobatic arts through the employment of multimedia in this innovative circus show. Tickets 580-80rmb, Daily at 7:30pm. Tickets for this event are available online through SmartShanghai.com here.