Critics' picks

Tonight

Arts: Is your holiday missing a little magic? Local magician Gary Yau presents illusions based on the trials of everyday life in The Escape. Today and tomorrow, 8pm. Star Alliance Theatre, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. Tickets: $50 from Ticketek, 3128 8288

Saturday

Arts: Ring in the New Year with some classical sounds. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is hosting three concerts featuring classical guitarist Karin Schaupp. In keeping with the festive spirit, there will also be a lucky draw for the audience. A programme featuring Strauss, Vivaldi and Bernstein is in store. Viennese New Year And The Glittering Guitar. Dec 29 to 31, 8pm. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Tickets: $90-$280 from Urbtix, 2734 9009

Nightlife: Legendary British DJ Carl Cox headlines the Loud and Proud party at Hitec alongside WestBam, Takkyu Ishino and local representative DJ Teng Boon. Tickets: $450 from all HMV stores

Monday

Nightlife: UK hip-hop star DJ Cut La Roc, Japan's house master Ko Kimura (left) and Odessa from Washington will have the North Point Ferry Pier pounding. Also on the decks will be local hip-hop guru DJ Tommy with a supporting cast that includes Joel Lai, Blackjack, LadyStar, Darryl Griggs, Kid Cal, Jean Paul, Tszpun, Sunn and Toby. Tickets: $360 from all HMV stores, $400 on the door

Tuesday

Food: Start the year with hot and spicy dishes from Texas and Mexico at Gripps American Bar and Restaurant at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. The dishes include crispy soft-shell crabs in coriander masa crust and lobster chorizo patties with lime sofrito. Available until January 31; phone 2113 3902