2 July – Caribou

One of the biggest artists named after a North American mammal is heading to Shanghai this month. After solidifying his name in the music world with his 2007 Polaris prize, Caribou’s April release, Swim, continues to prove his prominence in the genre. Caribou plays an interesting blend of psych rock and electro pop that manages to be both smart and head-bobbingly fun.

RMB 80 (student)/ RMB 130 (presale)/ RMB 150 (door). Zhijiang Dream Factory, B4/F, 28 Yuyao Lu, near Xikang Lu. Tel: 6255 4062

10 July –  Direct Beats

Void is bringing in the big guns for this episode of Direct Beats. Two of Shanghai’s more prominent DJs are slinking in to Shelter’s dark recesses to bring the bomb shelter to its knees. Leading the charge is a man who needs no introduction: Chinese DJ Ben Huang. Huang’s been assaulting the senses of China since the dawn of the modern club scene, and he’s joined by Detroit DJ Shanghai Ultra for what is sure to be a set of break-neck beats. MHP opens.

RMB 30. 10pm. The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu near Fuxing Xi Lu. Tel: 6437 0400

25 July –  SSO’s Meteor! String Quartet

Head down to The Bund for breathtaking views of the Pudong skyline while Shanghai Symphony Orchestra sails you to the moon with the Meteor! String Quartet. The four-piece ensemble will be playing selections from Joseph Haydn’s work in the elegant Crystal Lounge at M on the Bund. Don’t forget your fancy pants.

RMB 65 (includes a drink), RMB 10 (students). 4pm. M on the Bund. 7F, No. 5 The Bund (corner of Guangdong Lu). Tel: 6350 9988

31 July –  Panic! At the Disco

Gentleman, start growing out your bangs and sharpening your neglected eyeliner pencils now – Panic! at the Disco is coming to town. Over the past six years, this Las-Vegas outfit has churned out two label-defying albums. Whether you think they’re emo, punk, baroque pop or unclassifiable, their show promises to be a rollicking good time.

9pm. Mao Live House, 570 HuaiHai Xi Lu, near Hongqiao Lu (inside Redtown). Tel: 5258 9999. Web: www.maolive-sh.com. Email: [email protected]