That's Shanghai takes a look at the best concerts of the week:

Jan 25: Ara Malikian



Ara Malikian began studying the violin at an early age, and gave his first concert when he was 12 years old. As a Lebanese-born Spanish violinist of Armenian descent, his music embraces elements from cultural traditions in the Middle East as well as South America. He’s played in numerous world-renowned music halls including Carnegie Hall and Salle Pleyel and is arriving in Shanghai for a concert this week.

Jan 25, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, see event listing.



Jan 26: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart



NYC indie pop-rock band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart come to Shanghai, where they first performed back in 2012. Known for their upbeat and emotionally resonating songs, the band dropped their well-received fourth album, The Echo of Pleasure, this past fall. Check out our interview with the band here.

Jan 26, 9pm, RMB150 presale, RMB180 door. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.



Jan 26: X Japan Tribute Party

For this tribute party and live show, Harley’s screens We are X, an acclaimed documentary about trailblazing visual kei and speed metal band X Japan. Following the film will be a live performance of X Japan’s greatest hits by _NIL.

Jan 26, 8pm, no cover. Harley's Underground, see event listing.



Jan 27: Joey Bada$$



Brooklyn-born rapper Joey Bada$$ is a founding member of hip-hop crew Pro Era and is known for his smart and socially-aware raps. He studied to be an actor before launching his rap career, and his second full-length album, ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, dropped in April of last year to much acclaim. Catch his Shanghai debut at Arkham.

Jan 27, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing.



Jan 28: Gong Gong Gong with Simon Frank + Absolute Purity

Yuyintang hosts a unique trio of bands, including Beijing’s Gong Gong Gong, who have a deconstructed and psychedelic take on blues and folk. Also on the roster are electronic musician Simon Frank, who makes "unhinged minimal synthesizer music" and Shanghai post-punk quartet Absolute Purity (pictured).

Jan 28, 9pm, RMB100 presale, RMB120 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.



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