Hot Ticket

Cara Dillon @ Mao Livehouse

Cara Dillon, who has been described by Q Magazine as having “quite possibly one of the world’s most beautiful female voices...” is an Irish folk singer who has garnered huge interest and popularity with her staggeringly beautiful voice, and songs filled with poignancy and depth. Coming from a musical upbringing in her native Ireland where she regularly competed in national competitions, she went on to sing alongside Oige, De Dannan and Equation where she met her husband and musical collaborator, Sam Lakeman. The combination of Dillon’s expressive vocals, and Lakeman’s rippling piano and fresh production, squeezed new life into ancient material. Their songs sit happily with traditional tunes whilst pointing to a distinct musical identity all of their own. Dillon is easily identifiable for emotive and captivating performances. She will be performing songs from her new album, which was released in October 2013.

8pm to 10pm. 14 December. RMB 150 for advanced sales and RMB 200 on the door. Mao Livehouse. 3/F 308 Chongqing Nan Lu, near Jianguo Zhong Lu. Tel: 40 0610 3721. Web: www. mao-music.com

Ajinai @ Yuyintang

As part of the GUINNESS More Music Festival, Mongolian folk group, Ajinai, will be preforming in Shanghai. Drawing from their Mongolian heritage with its history, culture and music, Ajinai provide a perfect portal to transport listeners to the plains of innermost Mongolia. Each song expresses an uninhibited and bold temperament typical of Mongolian people, which evokes pictures of galloping horses and leaves the listeners with a strong impression of Mongolia’s rich culture. The troupe, which formed in 2009, are regular performers in Beijing and Shanghai and were recently, warmly received at the Beijing 2010 Midi Music Festival. All the band members are well-established musician in their own right, and bring something special to the group, drawing from a long line of creative talent. 8:30pm onwards. 6 December. RMB 40 for students and RMB 60 on the door (prices also include one bottle of Guinness original). Yuyingtang. 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu.

Tel: 5237 8662. Web: www.yytlive.com

Justin Martin @ Shelter

International DJ, Justin Martin, is due to play a muchanticipated set. Martin, who hails from San Francisco USA, first entered the music scene in 2003, and has since has had continuing success. His first record, “The Sad Piano”, was warmly received attracting attention from electronic music heavyweights such as Derrick
Carter and Pete Tong. Since then, Martin has released numerous successful EPs, and in 2011 released his debut artist album, “Ghettos And Gardens”. Justin has also been intrinsically involved in the formation of Dirtybird Records. The demand for Martin’s skills behind the decks has taken him across the world playing sets in Berlin, London, Ibiza and Shanghai. His music has been described as “melodic and tough” with an emotional depth, yet leaving listeners with no other option than to dance the night away. 14 December. RMB 100 advanced sales and RMB 130 on the door (price also includes one free shot). The Shelter. 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu. Tel: 6437 0400