Although Shanghai seems to be unofficially closed for business to international acts as the Olympics near, I'm hearing rumblings of what is to come post-August. Norah Jones hasn't given up on China and has rescheduled her original June concert for December at the Shanghai Grand Stage (permits permitting). I also hear some interesting things about another possible Avril Lavigne concert. The star is apparently planning a tour of six or seven Chinese cities, possibly including Shanghai, in the fall. In more local movements, I stopped in at Bar Hulu to check out the new look of the former Mundo Latino. Bar Hulu is soft opening in June and is a joint venture between Vol Group and Brown Sugar Entertainment Group, a major Taiwanese club name. Hope this goes well since I hear there might be bigger and better things planned in Xintiandi if Brown Sugar is able to make the jump to mainland.

Speaking of groups on the move, we want to correct an error from last issue. Although there was a personnel change-up, The Wall in Pudong is definitely still alive and well, throwing all those parties that you hear all the way on the other side of the river. Sorry for the error. Also as far as change-ups go, I hear that the new Sugar on the Bund (delayed until later in the summer) is stealing some of the city's finest bartenders to manage their new bar. Shanghai's fickle enough, we don't want to drop names yet, but there are only so many guys out there whose skills behind the bar are overshadowed by, well, them.

Finally in bar news, we happened by J-G Bar recently to check out what we heard was a pretty good new bar menu (has to keep up with the drinks, no?). I highly suggest the next time you're in the mood for fine fare and smooth drinks that you indulge in the Ahi Tuna Burger and the Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza. Although a little pricier than your average bar food, it'll provide competition for your Velvet Lounge late night pizza addiction.

In more minor news, yes, it's true that the Muse empire continues to grow and it's bought out Park 97. Contrary to some rumors out there the venue isn't closed though, as their only renovating one floor at a time. Also, in case you think Tongren Lu is lacking for bars, Studio 78 is being opened by the guys who own the Judy's brand.