The Thurston Moore Band @ The Vine Centre – 8pm 24 February, 2015

Thurston Moore @ The Vine Centre - 8pm 24 February, 2015

Thurston Moore, the founder and ringleader of Sonic Youth, has been at the forefront of the alternative rock scene since that particular sobriquet was first used to signify any music that challenged and defied the mainstream standard. Thurston’s current band line-up includes Deb Googe (of My Bloody Valentine, bass, UK), Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth, drums, USA) James Sedwards ( Chrome Hoof, guitars, UK).

The Thurston Moore Band
When: 8pm 24 February, 2015
Where: The Vine Centre
How Much: $450 from eventbrite

Swans @ The Vine Centre – 8pm, 30 January, 2015

Swans @ The Vine Center - 8pm, 30 January, 2015

The Swans are one of the most influential experimental rock bands to emerge from New York. Originally formed in 1982 the line-up consisted of Michael Gira and a shifting selection of musicians. The band released 10 albums before Gira disbanded them in 1997 to explore other musical avenues.

After years of pursuing Angels of Light and recording and producing a diverse roster of artists for his Young God label, Michael Gira decided to bring back the Swans during an Angels of Light show. He stated that in the middle of playing a song onstage with “large chords that were very sustained and swaying, in this sort of slave-ship rhythm,” he felt “a nascent urge right then to re-form or reinvigorate Swans because I remembered how elevating and intense that experience was.”has decided to reconvene his legendary group Swans. As he says: “THIS IS NOT A REUNION. It’s not some dumb-ass nostalgia act. It is not repeating the past. After 5 Angels of Light albums, I needed a way to move FORWARD, in a new direction, and it just so happens that revivifying the idea of Swans is allowing me to do that.”

The Swans are: Michael Gira, Norman Westberg, Christoph Hahn, Phil Puleo, Thor Harris, Christopher Pravdica.

Swans Live in Hong Kong
When: 8pm, 30 January, 2015
Where: The Vine Center
How Much: $495 from eventbrite

The Bollands – Farewell Hong Kong @ Backstage Live – 10pm, 28 February, 2015

the bollands

The Bollands wish Hong Kong adieu with a final gig at Backstage Live. The New Zealand folk duo, who have gained a well earned reputation for their passion filled live shows, have been performing together since 2011 when Joyce, a classically trained pianist, met Christian, a hairy folk singer, at a campfire jam on a remote beach in their home country. They clicked instantly. Since that fate filled night, they have been playing their passion filled and heartfelt songs across the globe.

The Bollands – Farewell Hong Kong
Special Guests: The Privateers, Rich Phipson
When: 10pm, 28 February, 2015
Where: Backstage Live Restaurant
How Much: $100
More info: www.thebollands.com

This Week @ The AIA Great European Carnival

Hong Kong’s biggest outdoor carnival just got even bigger, with five more rides added to The AIA Great European Carnival this week, with more to come.

The AIA Great European Carnival takes on a new look this January as the Christmas wonderland theme makes way for its’ New Year incarnation – full of new attractions and some serious rides for the thrill-seekers amongst us. Included in the list of new additions are the No Limits (a maximum velocity spin and roll) and the Inversion XXL (another high-flying 360 degree ride). These join the Atmos Fear, Booster Max, and the Freak Out, which have already tested many of Hong Kong’s most bare-knuckled dare-devils.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of the Dodgem Cars, an all-time family favourite that came into operation this week. There are also several additional smaller rides for both children and the young at heart. There are six children’s rides for the 3 to 8 year old set, including the Gallopers (horse trail ride), Pony Express, and Kid Zone (Mini Miami – an introduction to a high flying ride for children). Plus there is a great variety of food and beverage outlets, all with their own European theme.

The AIA Great European CarnivalThe 14 rides currently in action include
Mach 5 (Booster Maxx)
Atmos Fear
Oblivion (Freak Out)
Gallopers
Cups N’ Sauces (Tea Cups)
Crazy Cars (Race-O-Rama)
Circuit 2000 (Formula)
Pony Express (Pony Adventure)
KidZone (Mini Miami)
Dodgems (Top Gear)
No Limit
Mini Paratrooper
Inversion XXL
Stage Coach

In January, the Carnival will also see more entertainment on the Live Stage with bands, choirs, and a wide variety youth performances. In addition local and international schools will visit the Carnival on educational excursions, and Hong Kong-based charities will also get a chance for their beneficiaries and volunteers to enjoy a big day out.

Expect more changes ahead as the Carnival moves into February and we approach Chinese New Year and the venue evolves once again. The finale of this wonderful winter event will be on 22 February.

There is a ride for everyone at The AIA Great European Carnival, so grab your friends and family and come on down!

Content sponsored by The AIA Great European Carnival