Outtakes
Bjork leads star lineup
It's shaping up to be a bumper year for live music in Hong Kong, and after the announcement of gigs by big names such as Santana, Maroon 5 and My Chemical Romance, we've got some more world-class shows to look forward to.
Icelandic songstress Bjork is expected to perform on February 28. The quirky, diminutive singer has built up a dedicated following since she emerged in the late 1980s as vocalist for the excellent Sugarcubes, and since going solo has turned her distinctive vocals to everything from pop and alternative rock to jazz and electronica.
No information about the Bjork gig has been released, but the show will probably be held at the AsiaWorld-Arena on Lantau.
And while your mum has probably never heard of Bjork, she'd probably be interested to hear that jazz pianist/vocalist Harry Connick Jnr will stage his first concert in Hong Kong in March. Throughout his two-decade career, Connick has been awarded with multi-platinum and gold albums, Grammys, Tonys and Emmys.
Connick and his big band will appear at the Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 19, with tickets from HK$290 to HK$690 at HK Ticketing and Tom Lee outlets.
Japanese in a spin at Heat
An event later this month will combine the main interests of many young men: DJs and Japanese women.
Featuring top Tokyo female DJs Yukki and Qurea, the party at Heat in Wan Chai on January 26 will offer an alternative to the usual testosterone-fuelled dance parties with its all-female lineup. Yukki is the organiser of renowned Tokyo events Shibuya Rockwest, Shinjuku Underground and Studio Coast Ageha, and has appeared alongside the likes of Japanese techno stars Q'Hey and Ryukyudisko. Qurea (left) is the woman behind the Famfetal club night, which is notable for being the only event in Tokyo run solely by women.
Completing the lineup that night at Heat (54-62 Lockhart Road) is top local female DJ Wendy Wenn, who is a regular at Yumla and Volar. Tickets at the door will cost HK$220.
DJ faces jail in Dubai
One DJ we will not be seeing back in Hong Kong for some time is British drum'n'bass pioneer Grooverider, who is facing up to four years in jail in Dubai for possession of drugs and pornography.
The DJ, born Raymond Bingham and who has appeared in Hong Kong several times, remains in custody in the UAE after he was arrested at Dubai airport on November 23 following the alleged discovery of pornographic DVDs in his luggage and a small amount of cannabis in his record box.
