I know, I know, everyone is talking about the almighty Armin van Buuren at the moment, but seeing a world top DJ at M2 always implies a certain amount of strain - both physical and emotional - with hundreds of sweaty, clueless people pushing you around, leaving you no space to dance, no way to get a drink and thus very little chance to enjoy yourself. Unless you splash out a few thousand kuai on a table to gain some private space, that is.
 
That's why I'm putting my money on Richie Hawtin at MAO  Live House. There will be plenty of space (and no tables, woohoo!) for you to part-ay, the sound system is decent and the drinks are cheap. Truth be told, this is THE party that Shanghai's die-hard party animals have been waiting for: raw, crazy, cool - all in a warehousy environment. We haven't seen something like this since Absolut House closed.
 
Now back to the man himself: Richie Hawtin, the Berlin-based minimal master.With more than 15 years behind the DJ booth, he has been rocking clubs and festivals with his forward-thinking minimal techno sets all around the world. He played at bonbon in September, 2006, and SH interviewed him back then (http://www.shmag.cn/feature/richie_hawtin). That was a sold-out show all right. Now he's back after three years, with some hot new records up his sleeve. Be there or be square. - Stella Shu
 
Richie Hawtin China Tour, Dec 3, MAO Live House, Building 32, 570 Huaihai Xi Lu, near Hongqiao Lu. Tickets: 120rmb in advance / 200rmb at the door, including one drink. Call 6227 7332 or 138 1668 8774 for ticket booking and info.