PIC NIC FESTIVAL

Olé! Picnic Festival returns to Yuyintang for its second edition this weekend, offering a homely, stripped-down alternative to the big guns of MIDI and Strawberry...

Bringing together European DJs and local rock talent, Picnic claimed to have had well over a thousand revelers though the doors of Yuyintang last time around. With acts such as Duck Fight Goose, Rainbow Danger Club and Friend or Foe on this weekend's bill, along with instigator of the local electronic scene, DJ Ben Huang among others, they're hoping for even bigger and better things this year.

Rather than the standard Yuyintang rock show experience, the guys plan to provide an all-round festival experience, complete with food and entertainment and with a large section of the park to the rear of the venue opened up for visitors to enjoy.

We got hold of Rabshaka, the alien in charge of bookings, to get some more info…

Tell us about what's going down this weekend...

A celebration of Yuyintang and the fact that it has an awesome park in the backyard. The park will be for enjoying and chilling, and the inside will be for dancing, rocking out and drinking beer.

What was your experience of the first Pic Nic Festival and what will be different this time around? Any lessons learned?

The last Pic Nic surprised everybody with the sheer amount of people that showed up. I've been told it was the largest crowd in Yuyintang's history, which is a bit humbling. All the bands played great; we are happy that of those bands Rainbow Danger Club and Duck Fight Goose are back this year.

There will definitely be beer taps in the park. Last Pic Nic was awesome, and we really appreciated the way Shanghai came out to support local talent. Now we want to make it easier to quench your thirst.
 

For those not in shape to see out the whole marathon two days, what would be your picks?

That Sunday stretch of Heatwolves, Duck Fight Goose, Death to Ponies and then Ben Huang seems particularly awesome. Really, I want to see Death to Ponies again; the first two shows were amazing.

Also, I will not miss Nao Hai, simply because I've heard many people say they are great but haven't seen them yet.
 

Nao Hai - 维京杀手-排练录音

How do you plan to use the space at Yuyintang?

Bands will play music on the stage, the bar will sell beer and booze, and people will relax in the park, chat, and sneak off for secret liaisons.

There might be some other arty stuff planned but I'm not so involved in that. I'm there to listen to music and party.

Rumours abound with regards to yet another Friend or Foe bass player - anything you can confirm or deny?

He's going to die soon. We are just settling in on a time and place. But the death sentence has already been handed down.
 

And here's the schedule in full:

Saturday

4:00 PM: Capoira Act
5:00 Art Performance by Oscar and Celia
6:00 Nao Hai - Up and coming Chinese Rock and Roll Band
7:00 Didjelirium - Reggae, hip hop and energy all rolled up
8:00 DJ Bajo Tempo + Itchy Eye - Ibiza based DJ with special guest live vocals
10:00 Friend or Foe - Rock, Funk and Punk delivered by masked men
11:00 Rainbow Danger Club - Epic Indie Rock
12:00 Dj Miki Milk - Madrid based Dj coming to blow up the party
2:00 Dj Siesta - Ready to deliver a massive dose of drum and bass tillthe early morning

Visuals by Tina Sprinkles

Sunday

4:00 PM Paella Tasting - They say it cures hangovers but I think they lie!
4:30 Acid Pony Club - Deliver a dose they say will cure hangovers. This one might be true!
6:30 Biu Biu - New band with a powerful groove and a charming vocalist
7:30 Stegosaurus? - Known for goof ball antics and songs that infectiously blend Chinese and English
8:30 Heatwolves - Been blowing up the Love Bang parties as of late. Known to drop all kinds of head banging tunes
10:00 Duck Fight Goose - Fresh off a trip to South by Southwest and a new album, this is Shanghai's most talked about band
11:00 Death to Ponies - The live drum and bass band Death to Giants combine with the Acid Pony Club to make something new and special. Don't miss this one!
12:00 DJ Ben Huang- Taking us out in smooth style, Shanghai's much respected Dj Elder Statesmen.

Visuals by VJ Olivepixel
 

WORDS: S24/7 / RABSHAKA