Shortly before midnight on Chinese New Year Eve, I found myself standing in the epicenter of the annual Lunar New Year Fair in Victoria Park.

Despite the cold, damp weather, the yearly celebration was unbelievably packed. The large scale event, which takes place over the days leading up to Chinese New Year, draws several hundred thousand people who inch their way through aisles browsing New Year related merchandise.

At one point, with many of the aisles at a complete standstill, people continued to converge from every side. As the crowd piled up around me, I wiggled my arm free and was able to shoot a quick (and shaky) 360 degree video to capture the insane sea of people.

Soon afterwords I changed course to a less crowded route and made my escape!

Cutest merchandise for sale?

The items for sale this year included the usual flowers, plants, and objects specially crafted for their New Year symbolism. As we have just entered year of the dragon, many of the items had a dragon theme.

In keeping with modern traditions, there was other merchandise for sale based on current events. I spotted super-sized cheques for $6000 HKD, relating to the Hong Kong government’s payment to permanent residents this year.

Other items that appeared new (or perhaps that had gone un-noticed previously,) were scratch-n-sniff orange and banana tree pinwheels made of paper, as well as plastic cherry blossom pin-wheels.

The cutest find? A colorful over-sized camera (that was actually a giant plush hand-warmer, made to resemble a Colorware Leica!)

I think last year’s giant bubble tea is still the reigning champion of cuteness!

A quick word of caution

Though the police monitor every part of the fair, the sheer number of people pouring in makes it un-weildly. The truth is that it’s an impossible event to fully control.

Small children, babies, people in wheel chairs, strollers, and the elderly, should not visit the market at peak times of the night. Even with all of the precautions, there is a degree of chaos that leaves those more vulnerable at risk.

Have a look back at previous Lunar New Year fairs: 2011, 2010, 2008, 2008, 2007, and 2006.

Artist Sonya Fu is back at Above Second gallery for her sophomore solo exhibition titled “Obfuscating Stupidity.” Opening on Friday, January 20th, the artist’s paintings have a soft, dream-like quality to them that’s rare for digital art.

Sonya Fu’s work has been showcased previously at Above Second in a solo show titled “Skin Deep”

In addition to participating in group shows, Sonya’s work was highlighted in last year’s creative conference, Semi Permanent.

Special note: why not make Friday a night in Sai Ying Pun by heading first to Sonya Fu’s opening, and then on to nearby XXX gallery to hear music producer TEEBS!

Sonya Fu – Obfuscating Stupidity
Opening, Friday, January 20th, from 6pm to 10pm
Above Second Gallery
31 Eastern Street
Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Runs until February 25th

Critically acclaimed producer, TEEBS, who has released two major albums containing lush, sophisticated instrumentals, is making his debut in Hong Kong on Friday, January 20th. The contemporary, almost experimental music borders on Trip Hop, without any of the cliches.

The tools of choice for today’s musicians and composers are often samplers and sequencers found on a laptop computer. With the equipment to make music now more accessible than ever before, artists have become more free to experiment and develop unique sounds. The rigid categories that were once strictly enforced in music, have fallen away, leading to genre defying experimentation. The Brainfeeder label, home to TEEBS, as well as Flying Lotus and Samiyam, is a bastion of this sort of boundary pushing sound.

TEEBS has produced two well received albums, Ardour and Collections, both of which are musically rich, loaded with ambient sounds and containing downtempo, somewhat abstract instrumentals.

For a quick taste, have a listen to the song “Why Like This” off of his debut album Ardour.

On Friday night, expect to hear live remixes of songs from TEEBS previous albums, as well as some new, unreleased tracks from him and his Brainfeeder label mates. Also on the menu are sets from notable Hong Kong based DJs: Yao, K-Melo, Kid Fresh and Enso.

Recommended!

TEEBS
January 20th, 2012
plus DJs Yao, K-Melo, Kid Fresh, Enso and Casey
212 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan (at far edge near Sai Ying Pun)
XXX (remember, XXX is bring your own beer!)
$150 HKD

Doors open at 10:30pm

As Dubstep continues to gain traction on international dancefloors (and even begins to influence Pop music,) Skream and Benga, two pioneers who helped shape the genre, will be playing at FLY on Saturday, January 14th.

Only in their mid-twenties, both Skream and Benga have been active producer / artist / DJs, for over ten years. Skream is particularly in demand as a remixer, and his touch can be heard on numerous indie and underground dance hits.

The duo have put out a large body of music, both collaborating with each other and on their own.

Here’s Skream’s remix of Cassius – I Love You So. (It’s got a certain 90′s ‘Bizarre Inc. – Playing with Knives’ quality to it!)

Preferring the term U.K. Bass, rather than Dubstep, Skream and Benga are guaranteed to provide an education in the genre on Saturday night. For this style of music there aren’t two more influential djs you could hope to hear.

Highly recommended!

Skream and Benga
Saturday, January 14th, 2012
FLY
G/F, 24-30 Ice House Street
Central, Hong Kong

$150 HKD before 11:30, includes one standard drink
$200 HKD after 11:30, includes one standard drink

We celebrate the first post of 2012 with a look back in time. The South China Athletic Association’s bowling center used to be a hotspot of Hong Kong nightlife in the 1970′s and 80′s. Preserved on rows of lockers buried deep inside the building is unique evidence of the passions and interests of its former denizens. We’re talking about a fascinating collection of stickers that spans four decades!

The hundreds of stickers tell a story about what was cool or popular at the time. The bowlers plastered their lockers with stickers from the different brands, movies, singers, and magazines they liked, along with souvenirs from the places they traveled.

Check out the trailer from the 1978 Superman movie here!

Skateboarder Magazine sticker!

When the bowling alley was renovated last year, thankfully, they kept the old lockers.

For fans of Pop culture, the collection here is nothing short of dazzling! Among the many rarities are things that are so old they’ve been rediscovered again.

Representing the 1970′s we have movie icon Charles Bronson and the New York Cosmos! (The New York Cosmos were the first modern dream-team in sports and the legendary Pelé was their star soccer player.)

Here’s the TV commercial from the campaign!

For more info about the New York Cosmos, check out this documentary

Pele was also very popular in Hong Kong. Have a look at this 1980′s TV commercial with actress Cherrie Chung!

The bands from the early 80′s include Culture Club, Nakamori Akina, The Police, and the Thompson Twins! All are immortalized here in their original, sticker form.

Boy George!!!

Japanese singer, Nakamori Akina

The stickers aren’t confined to foreign stars either. There’s even 1990′s Aaron Kwok and Faye Wong!

Yes, there were Apple fan boys in Hong Kong even back in the early 80′s, when the company was still known as Apple Computer! These stickers typically came inside the box back when you purchased an Apple IIe!

The revolutionary Asahi Pentax camera also came with cool illustrated stickers!

Enjoy! Wishing you all the very best in the new year!

If you want to celebrate the new year and escape from the masses gathered in Lan Kwai Fong, Times Square, and Tsim Sha Tsui, head to XXX. The special New Year’s Eve party is a four-DJ Dancehall Reggae extravaganza.

Located in an obscure basement in Sheung Wan, XXX is far away from Hong Kong’s commercial nightlife, both physically and mentally.

Descend the steps and enter a world of underground music. There’s no table service, no Top 40, and no police barricades. Instead you’ll find experienced d.j.s and a crowd of friendly, open minded people grooving to music they’ve often never heard before.

Plus, XXX is B.Y.O.B., which means bring your own beer (or bottle of alcohol!) It’s almost like having a house party without having to clean up!

Recommended!

Future Dancehall feat. DJs Mafio, Enso, Blooddunza, and Yao
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
XXX
212 Wing Lok Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

$150 HKD cover charge
* Bring your own drinks! *

Experience a little bit of Jamaica this Christmas Eve, as True Skool, organizers of the popular rooftop Reggae parties, celebrate their second anniversary. As a special Christmas present to Hong Kong, they are featuring not one, but two major selectors – DJ Shabaga from Switzerland’s T.I. Sound, and DJ Man Logik from Lion Scratch in France.

Once again, on December 24th, they will taking over Central’s Pier 7 (above Star Ferry,) for a night of soulful Hip Hop and Reggae sounds. You can expect a fun, holiday vibe with the two international Reggae soundsystems keeping things hot!

(The DJ booth will be set up inside, though guests will have access to the rooftop throughout the night.)

Recommended!

True Skool Hong Kong 2nd Anniversary
Saturday, December 24th, 2011
Featuring DJ Shabaga, DJ Man Logik, supported by DJ Steffun, DJ NYC, DJ Blood Dunza
Rooftop, Pier 7 (Star Ferry)
Central, Hong Kong
from 10pm til late
$150HKD includes one drink, $250HKD after midnight

Racks MDB, the casual, unpretentious nightspot that brought billiards and beer pong to Central’s nightlife, is set to close its doors this weekend. After nearly five years of fun filled nights (and often hazy memories,) the final party will be held this Saturday, December 17th.

Racks won a loyal following by providing a friendly alternative to Hong Kong’s sleek and status-obsessed clubbing scene. The atmosphere at Racks was more reminiscent of a laid back college bar than what you typically find elsewhere in the city.

By providing pool tables as well as interesting music, the place was well liked by a diverse crowd. In fact, you never knew who you might spot at Racks. Major local and international celebrities could be found anonymously shooting pool. The place was a favorite among Hong Kong models and actors because of its low-key vibe. People like Hsu Chi, Aaron Kwok, Donnie Yen, Stephen Chow, Nicolas Tse and Daniel Wu all passed through their doors. M.C. Jin practically lived there for many months.

Saturday night marks the end of an era, so you can expect a big turnout of the many people who called Racks home over the last five years. Also expect an all-star cast of d.j.s paying tribute to the club on its final night.

For a look back at some of the good times at Racks, check out these Hong Kong Hustle posts: Racks Opening Night, Racks Calendar Launch Party, The Model’s Billiards Tournament, Galleri Magazine Launch, Halloween at Racks, Racks First Anniversary, Sh*t Sandwich, Import Models at Racks, and Mobb Deep at Racks.

Thanks again, and best wishes to Drafus, Alex, Damon and the entire Racks crew (past and present!)

Racks Last Stand
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Racks MDB
7/F, M-88, 2-8 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
“From 9pm til we run out of alcohol”

December at Cubic is packed with big names in popular Hip Hop and R&B. Macau’s high-end nightspot has transcended being the city’s top club and has become a regional powerhouse as a music venue.

In less than a year, Cubic has hosted acts that shape dancefloors worldwide including: Flo Rida, Lil’ Jon, Nelly, Ying Yang Twins, T-Pain, and Three 6 Mafia, to name just a few.

In December they will feature Chingy on the 7th, Fat Joe on the 10th, and Fabolous on the 17th.

Check out Cubic’s website for more details.

Read more about Cubic’s opening here.

Recommended!

Cubic
Level 2, The Boulevard
City of Dreams
Estrada do Istmo
Cotai, Macau
(Next to the Hard Rock Hotel)

Chingy


Fat Joe

Fabolous

It was technically Thursday morning when Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre took the stage at Dragon-i. The two Hip Hop legends had never before performed in Hong Kong, and judging from the turnout, an appearance was long overdue.

Dragon-i on Wednesday night was not a good place for claustrophobics. Despite the $1200 HKD cover charge, the club was packed literally body-to-body, with people leaning up against strangers. Those who had contemplated dancing, quickly gave up, as there was barely enough room to wiggle.

Most of the people jammed into the club had waited for over two hours for the stars to come on. The smart ones didn’t move for fear of losing their position. At a certain point in the night it was impossible to move in or out, and the wait staff risked injury just trying to make their way to tables.

After numerous false starts, Snoop finally appeared with his signature sneer and Southern California drawl.

Wielding a blinged-out ‘Snoop Dogg’ microphone, the veteran performer went through several songs, aided by two members of the Dogg Pound. Dr. Dre soon joined Snoop on stage and Dragon-i erupted.

The duo went into a long set that included several classics as well as popular newer songs. It’s impressive to count just how many hits they’ve been part of.

Half the club seemed to have their phones in the air taking photos and video during the performance. Hong Kong Hustle joined them!

Here’s Snoop and a member of the Dogg Pound…

The show was yet another memorable night in the long history of Dragon-i. Over the years, the club has consistently raised the standards of Hong Kong nightlife and brought big names to the city for the very first time. Happy Anniversary Dragon-i!