October brought us the most diverse selection of music events we've seen in a long while, from goth bands to outdoor jazz, and even a group of drunken Finnish guys doing Detroit-style booty tech at the Sounds Like Suomi party. The Fuxing Jazz Festival gave us a rare chance to sit on grass and enjoy live music echoing into the air. And it was a hoot to see the goth kids all decked out at the Lacrimosa show -- no one expresses more obsessive passion than these fans.

But our lucky surprise favorite turned out to be the Dirty Three gig at Live Bar. New captain Brad has done a very nice job with the venue and it was reassuring to see the place packed on a Wednesday night. Live Bar has the coldest beer we've had in Shanghai, and the money you save on the low drink prices warrants the taxi fare. Look for live music there every weekend night.

November looks to be another good month. We just hope all the new swank clubs trying to one-up each other don't overkill it all. Escape that nonsense for the next PAUSE party, on November 25 at Tanghui Bar. There will be a barbecue, DJs and live music, artists, merchants, workshops and good people. Mint is back in business with an impressive line-up of new themes, including the "University of House Music" launching on Friday, Nov. 17. The night will feature a lesson on house music history and subgenres. Fabrique, we've heard, is also undergoing renovations. On Saturday, Nov. 18, they'll unveil their new live music stage--yes, you heard right--with a performance by Beijing's Nana's Key Club and New Pants.

Logo Bar is picking up again, with scattered after-hours parties and now a new Wednesday weekly called "Freaklub" starring Tootekool and Micrometropolis playing micro-minimal music. Sounds perfect for a mid-week chill party in an intimate venue. Thursday Nov. 30, the Antidote's annual Glam Ghetto party will turn Shanghai's nightlife scene upside down. Fake designer clothes are essential, as we play electroclash, trashy pop and "third world house" music.

Get out and enjoy Shanghai's rapidly maturing nightlife before the city hibernates during the winter months.