When 2006 came to an end and the party pulse calmed down during the holidays, I was thinking (perhaps wishfully, except for all the free drink, thanks) that a foolish, overheated period of big club openings had finally come to an end and all those investors from Wenzhou had learned their lesson. But then, sure enough, summer rolled in and now it's the same thing every weekend again—soft openings, grand openings, the, "Ok we need to get a famous DJ that hasn't played in Shanghai before," and the final straw, the, "Eh, how about a Ladies Night–no, Hotiez Contest!" Who coined that one?
The only ones more desperate than these marketing people are the suckers that go to these "partiez." But, you know, it's all good. We're seeing some fresh stuff on the horizon.

Some of the boys from Bananas have been busy with a few boutique parties—Grown & Sexy, a down-to-earth but witty addition to the Bund every Friday. And there's Madonna Summers—a secret weekly disco party. Also looks like there's something called “Discount Brewing” at The Hut on Yongjia Lu, a perfect little spot for some magical musical spontaneity.

We've also heard that the good people at Spli-t Works have lined up a very exciting series of international and Chinese music talents coming in the fall.

We're sworn to secrecy, but look for a big bangin' outdoor music festival on October 5 with some major acts from the UK and U.S. These are the guys who brought you Sonic Youth and the Bacardi Sino Sessions, so you know it's gonna be the real deal. Before we wrap up here, allow me to toot my own horn a bit.

Two years ago I launched a little dive bar party monthly that spotlights local electronic music producers and independent-spirited DJs, with themes that poke a little fun at the status quo. At the end of the day, we really just want to share music that Shanghai hasn't heard before, and that's what we'll be doing on Thursday, Aug. 30, at The Antidote @ C's Bar.

And now a farewell. After a year of covering the zeitgeist of Shanghai's music and nightlife culture for City Weekend, I'm laying down the pen to focus on other endeavors. Thanks for reading!