Modern Sky Folk & Poetry Festival
When: 1.30pm-8pm, April 23-24
Where: 68 Daqiao Lu, Zhouzhuang, Kunshan
What: Organized by Beijing’s famous record label Modern Sky, this is a festival dedicated to folk music and poetry, with a line-up of over 20 Chinese folk singers, bands and poets spread over three stages right inside the small water town.
They say: ‘Poetry and folk music is a kind of cultural mix and match, which is a new way of cultural transmission and will become a new trend.’
We say: We don’t know much about cultural transmission, but folk music in one of the most iconic water towns? Definitely a match made in heaven.
Don’t miss: Zuo Xiao Zu Zhou, Zhou Yunpeng, Lao Lang.
Tickets: 120rmb presale/150rmb on site for one-day pass (ticket hotline 158 0117 5975)
How to get there: Just hop on a train to Kunshan and then take Bus 161 or 130 to Zhouzhuang (approximately one hour).
Strawberry Suzhou Music Festival
When: 12.30pm-9.30pm, April 30-May 2
Where: Green Country Garden, Qidu Town, Wujiang, Suzhou
What: Launched in Beijing in 2009, Strawberry Music Festival is yet another brainchild of Modern Sky. This is the first time the festival takes place outside the country’s capital. Compared to MIDI, Strawberry is more light-hearted and youthful, with a focus on pop rock, folk and post punk.
They say: “Strawberry Music Festival 2011 – the most springlike, the most rock ’n’ roll, the most romantic, the freshest, the hippest, the sexiest and the most loving.’
We say: Yes, we can use some fresh air by the beautiful Taihu Lake, and feel the springtime, music and love all around us. If MIDI is too heavy for you, go get a bite of the sweet Strawberry.
Don’t miss: Xie Tian Xiao, Re-TROS, Queen Sea Big Shark, Zhou Yupeng, Cui Jian.
Tickets: 60rmb presale/80rmb on site for one-day pass (ticket hotline 400 610 3721).
How to get there: A bus leaves for Wujiang every 40 minutes from 7am to 8pm at Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station (North Square Shanghai Railway Station, 1662 Zhongxing Lu). The bus ride is approximately two hours (38rmb). After you arrive at Wujiang Bus Station, hop on another bus to Miaogang, the small town where Green Country Garden is located. This will take another 40 minutes or so (12rmb).
(This event is postponed. See the details here: sh.asia-city.com/events/article/strawberry-suzhou-postponed-indefinitely)
Blossom: Nanjing International Music Festival 2011
When: 2pm-11pm, April 30-May 2
Where: Binjiang Park, Nanjing
What: Staged in a massive park by the Yangtze River, this one-year-old music festival is not as famous as MIDI or Strawberry. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth going. The festival features a wide range of Chinese and international acts, many of whom are highly thought of. Plus the location is amazing.
They say: ‘You can not only feel the passion of music, but also experience the beauty of the riverside.’
We say: Bijiang Park is relatively easy to get to. Go for this one if you hate all the hassles on the road.
Don’t miss: Carsick Cars, Cui Jian, Li Zhi, Pet Conspiracy, Subs, Little Dragon, He Yong
Tickets: 80rmb presale/100rmb on site for one-day pass, 200rmb for presale three-day pass (ticket hotline 400 610 3721).
How to get there: Ride the train to Nanjing, and then take Metro Line 1 to Olympic Stadium Station, which is just a few minutes walk to Binjiang Park. Or just hail a cab.
Shanghai MIDI Festival 2011
When: 1pm-9.30pm, May 6-8
Where: Century Park, Pudong, Shanghai
What: As the oldest and most influential rock music festival in China, MIDI needs no introduction. However, it’s worth mentioning that this is the much anticipated debut of MIDI in Shanghai (the first attempt to host MIDI in Shanghai failed in 2009).
They say: ‘Just like at MIDI Beijing, the audience at MIDI Shanghai will enjoy a two-hour-long, concert-standard performance by Mr. Big.’
We say: First MIDI in Shanghai? We are in even though there are only two stages (Tang Stage for live music, Antidote Stage for DJs).
Don’t miss: Mr. Big, The Top Floor Circus, Miserable Faith, Good 4 Nothing.
Tickets: 150rmb for May 6; 80rmb for May 7 and May 8; 200rmb for three-day pass (ticket hotline 400 610 3721).
How to get there: Take Metro Line 7 and get off at Huamu Lu station.
