February was short and hectic, especially with Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day happening in the same week, but it’s back to normal this month; and we’ve found 63 crazy, fun-filled events to mark your calendars with. You’ll find some days where you have to make the tough decision of picking one event over the other, but we’re pretty confident that there’ll be something for everyone. So if February was a let down for you, let this month be filled with live gigs, theatrical shows, arts events and loads of parties.
Peach Pit. Photo credit: Lester Lyons-Hookham (taken from Peach Pit’s Facebook page)
CONCERT
It’s the perfect blend of lazy summer feels and teen angst. Canadian indie pop outfit Peach Pit may have been around since mid-2016, but they’ve already amassed quite a sizeable fanbase because of their crazy fun live set. They’ll be performing at SLED Productions x Decline, promising nothing but good fun. Mar 1
FILM
The Singapore Committee for UN Women and European Union in Singapore, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, are teaming up to present Smash The Glass!, a film festival that will be presenting four films on women’s stories every Thursday this month. Mar 1, 8, 15 & 22
DANCE/THEATER
Part of this year’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of the Arts, Cut Kafka! is the cross-disciplinary production of dance and theater, and collaborative brainchild of T.H.E. Dance Company and Nine Years Theatre. The two performing arts companies will be interpreting the poignant works of literary icon Franz Kafka and put on a dreamy display of human nature and its many masks. Mar 1-4
[SPONSORED]
FOOD
In the heart of the Food District of Singapore, Katong Kitchen is located at Level 4 of Village Hotel Katong (formerly Paramount Hotel). Take your pick from an extensive international buffet spread with a focus on Peranakan, Macanese, Asian and local Chinese fare, inspired by the heritage of its surroundings. If you haven’t already tried, here’s an additional perk you’ll love; enjoy their newest two-for-two dinner buffet promotion when you pay with Mastercard. Promotion is valid for all Mastercard cardholders, available from Mondays to Thursdays. Terms and conditions apply. Through Mar 31
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FESTIVAL
Celebrate all things French at at Alliance Francaise’s Francophonie Festival. This year, they’ve teamed up with the French, Belgium, Canadian and Swiss embassies to bring you the best of Francophone culture through four conferences, nine premiere films, two workshops, an exhibition and a concert. Mar 1-28
DRINK
After Bee Bee’s short-lived stint over at Boat Quay, The Nanyang Club, a new bar that focuses on Southeast Asian inspired cocktails, has opened up in its place. Join them in their grand opening for a night of tipples, craft beer and music courtesy of Tiko Disko. Mar 2
TOUR
It’s one thing to take a walk through hell at Haw Par Villa during the day, and a whole other experience if you go at night. The twilight tour of Haw Par Villa is back—check out the infamous 10 Courts of Hell, King of Ghosts, the upcoming Hell’s Museum and the Aw family memorials. Mar 2
[SPONSORED]
#BuySingLit
FESTIVAL
This month, The Arts House will become the epicenter for the written word. Co-commissioned by The Arts House and #BuySingLit, and supported by the National Arts Council, the first-ever Textures – A Weekend with Words is a three-day festival that shines a light on the full spectrum of Singapore’s literary community—from writers and publishers to booksellers and editors—and their works. There are more than 30 programs to indulge in the beauty and power of words. Thumb through shelves of homegrown books at #BuySing Lit Bazaar, go for the a book launch or two, or check out Room of Lost Books and Wandering Writers, a showcase of local books published between the ’60s and ’00s. Mar 9-11
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PARTY
Minimal techno DJ-producer Jennifer Cardini grew up on the lo-fi box jams of late ’70s new wave, which has cemented her defining style of mixing up stripped down drum patterns and riveting grooves. She’ll be tearing up the dance floor over at Kilo this week. Mar 2
HEALTH
Calling all Star Wars fans who’re looking for a way to stay in shape—sign up for a SaberFit Fitness Class at Safra Toa Payoh, where you can reap the benefits of a full-on, high energy workout while living out your lightsaber-wielding and -fighting dreams. Mar 2
PARTY
Local party series Gimme Shelter is throwing the next soiree at everyone’s favorite rooftop carpark haunt, The Great Escape. Indulge in deep and groovy funk, disco, house and more as selectas from Australia and France dig deep into their crates for a uniquely all-vinyl night. Mar 2
[SPONSORED]
FOOD
Tucked away in the serene neighborhood and set amidst the lush greenery of Changi Village, Saltwater welcomes all, from the business traveller to families and holiday-makers. Guests can tuck in to their signature buffet spread that promises asian and local Singaporean food galore in the spacious indoor area, or dine alfresco, overlooking Changi Golf Club. Gather your friends and family for a sumptuous buffet spread with their latest two-for-two dinner buffet promotion. Promotion is valid for all Mastercard cardholders, available from Mondays to Thursdays. Terms and conditions apply. Through Mar 31
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PARTY
House music club and lounge Cato may have shuttered last year, but after months of hiatus, they’re back with a brand new location. Opening at Diners Building, they’ll be celebrating their reopening with a weekend of parties featuring Vanilla Twins on Friday and Orio and Robo X on Saturday. Mar 2-3
THEATER
Pangdemonium’s next play, a staging of French playwright Florian Zeller’s The Father, is a gripping look at dementia from the sufferer’s POV. It will explore the deteriorating mind of 70-year-old Andre, who begins to feel as if something sinister is happening in his home. Expect family drama, suspense, and a puzzling narrative, as Andre starts to bend under the weight of dementia. Mar 2-18
FILM
The Japanese Film Festival is back for its 21st edition, with 16 films of genres ranging from action to romance, comedies and even anime at the National Museum of Singapore. Check out our picks here. Mar 2-18
[SPONSORED]
CONCERT
Another big debut at the Esplanade Concert Hall comes in the form of the Grammy Award-winning Estonian National Male Choir. The chorus was founded by Gustav Ernesaks, an illustrious Estonian composer-conductor who was at the forefront of that style of choral movement, and which has since grown to become the world’s largest full-time professional male choir. For their first-ever concert, they’ll be performing a series of works by esteemed composers from the 19th century right up to present day, such as those from Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Henrik Odegaard and Galina Grigoryeva. Mar 27
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THEATER/DRINK/FOOD
Watch, dine and be part of the action in the upcoming theatrical dining experience, Diva to the Death. Held at Monti At-1 Pavilion, this 105-minute self-styled sexy comic romp showcases two characters with different music backgrounds—jazz and getai—working the crowd and entertaining them while they dig into some Italian/Singaporean fusion dishes. Through Mar 2
FESTIVAL
If you’re lovin’ all the festivals and block parties that Sunshine Nation throws (think IMI Festival and Sunshine Nation Break Party), then you know you’re in good hands when it comes to their now-annual electronic garden picnic. Now in its fourth run, Garden Beats returns with yet another great mix of local and international artists, as well as a whole slew of fringe activities to keep you occupied at Fort Canning Park. Mar 3
HEALTH
The message behind Run For Light is a little convoluted—it aims to align itself with positive imagery and inspire individuals to become “leading lights” in their industry—but hey, a run’s a run. The night run kicks off at Punggol Waterway Park, with a choice between 5km and 10km routes; there’s even an intriguing 1km Blindfold Walk. Mar 3
[SPONSORED]
PARTY
W Singapore’s Endless Summer series is back and it’s the first pool party of the year at WET®. Time to round up the crew and go on a wild ride back to the past with their Miami Vice themed pool party and yes, it’s free admission. Spend your Saturday basking in the sun rays and enjoy two drinks of your choice for $20. For those seeking an endless vice experience, bottles start from $140. To complement the booze, take your pick at a selection of meats, burgers and hot dogs sizzling off the grills from $15. RSVP here by Mar 2. Mar 3
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TOUR
OH! Open House is no stranger to immersive art experiences. Since 2009, the company has garnered a name for itself—for its art walks and tours that go deep into unexplored neighborhoods, and illuminate the heritage of the place from inside people’s homes. This year, however, OH! takes to Emerald Hill, for a provocative discussion of Singapore’s relationship with colonialism. And to kick it off, they’re turning Emerald Hill into a massive block party where you can take a sneak peek at some of the artworks installed at Chatsworth International School, as well as art and performances by Jimmy Ong, Gilles Massot, Isabelle Desjeux and more. Mar 3-25
DRAG
Drag superstars Kim Chi and Naomi Smalls, the iconic BFF Drag duo who emerged the top three in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8, will put the bass in their walk all the way to Kallang Theatre for a one-night-only comedy and lip sync show. Mar 4
FESTIVAL
The annual Singapore Design Week (SDW) organized by the DesignSingapore Council, returns in its fifth edition with a new plan to involve the public in their most frequented public spaces. This year’s initiative sourced ideas in an open call to the public—a first for SDW—placing more emphasis on “district activations” and interactive design trails. Mar 5-18
[SPONSORED]
FOOD
Located within Rendezvous Hotel Singapore, Straits Cafe offers a myriad of local and international fare with strong focus on cuisines from the Straits Settlement. Need a dinner plan with the family on a weekday night? You’ll love their latest two-for-two dinner buffet promotion. Promotion is valid for all Mastercard cardholders, available from Mondays to Thursdays. Terms and conditions apply. Through Mar 31
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FESTIVAL/COMEDY
Magners International Comedy Festival is back for its fifth edition in Clarke Quay, and this time, our very own Fakkah Fuzz and Samuel See will be joining an international mix of comedians the likes of US stand-up Doug Stanhope and Jim Brewsky from Hong Kong for a side-splitting weekend. Mar 8-11
ART
We’ve already seen a insiders’ look at Jurong, but the upcoming bi-annual Arts in Your Neighbourhood (AYN) returns this March and will spotlight the northside heartland of Ang Mo Kio. AYN celebrates its 10th anniversary in this neighborhood with nearly 50 activities, a third of which will draw inspiration from this district’s rich history. Mar 8-25
EXHIBITION
The problematic issues surrounding climate change and the ocean take center stage at this exhibition presented by the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. Featuring contributions by 12 artists, filmmakers, composers and researchers who made trips to islands in the Pacific, The Oceanic focuses on large-scale human interventions in oceanic ecospheres. Through Mar 8
PARTY
A-Trak, Canadian DJ-producer and owner of record Fool’s Gold, takes to Singapore’s skies this month as he helms the decks at Ce La Vi for a one-night-only set. Mar 9
BOOK
Book nerds and lovers of all things literary, check out all the book fairs and other literary activities lined up for the #BuySingLit weekend, an event organized by the NAC with more than 50 programs featuring literary non-profits, publishers and booksellers. More details here. Mar 9-11
i Light Marina Bay 2018: Milk Bottle Cows by BP Loh
FESTIVAL
Your favorite sustainable light art festival is back this month. i Light Marina Bay 2018 will once again bring together a vibrant display of innovative and sustainable light art installations. Artists from Singapore and around the world have been invited to transform the waterfront precinct for a visual showcase, along with music performances, a carnival, outdoor food fair and an interactive art inflatable park. Mar 9-Apr 1
PARTY
German trance DJ-producer duo Cosmic Gate is no stranger to Singapore. As one of the most consistent trance acts since their formation in 1999, they’re back at Zouk to drop some of the best uplifting and mesmerizing tracks of the past, present and future. Mar 10
CONCERT
Irish boyband Westlife, who was signed by Simon Cowell, did pretty well all over the world, but finally called it quits in 2012. Ex-frontman Shane Filan took the opportunity to launch his solo career right after. Now armed with three albums, he’s making a date with Singapore once again; and this time it isn’t a private showcase. Mar 10
PARTY
Electronic music producer DJ Tennis is returning to Kilo Lounge with a special four-hour DJ set. He started out tour-managing punk bands and organizing left-field music gigs in Italy for two decades, before shifting his focus and establishing himself as a DJ-producer eight years ago. Mar 10
I Love 90s: S Club
CONCERT
Nostalgia continues to trickle into 2018 as three big-ish ‘90s bands make their way here. We’ve already seen the likes of The Moffatts, Gun N’ Roses, Sum 41, Dashboard Confessional, Air and even Britney Spears perform here in 2017. Now, English pop trio 911, boy band 5ive (formed by the same team that managed Spice Girls) and pop outfit S Club will be coming to perform hits that made their careers (and the soundtrack of your youth) at The Star Theatre. Mar 10
PARTY
Anyone up for a daytime beach disco party? If that’s your jam, head down to Tanjong Beach Club as UK DJ-producer, remixer, and record label boss Dicky Trisco brings his magic to one of the hottest beach spots in town. Mar 11
FOOD
Food collabs don’t get any better than this. Lovers of burgers and modern yakitori dishes, this one’s for you. Check out the one-day-only Rosita’s Deluxe x Yardbird collab taking place over at Park Bench Deli. We highly suggest you get there early to avoid disappointment. Mar 11
EXHIBITION
In a stunning collab between National Gallery Singapore and the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, Claude Monet and his contemporaries grace our sunny island with over 60 Impressionist masterpieces in Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee d’Orsay, featuring works like the dreamy Le Bassin aux nympheas, harmonie rose. Through Mar 11
EXHIBITION
Lui Hock Seng, an 80-year-old self-taught photographer, will be showcasing more than 30 black and white photographs of Singapore from the ’50s to the 70s’ at Objectifs. It’ll be his first time he’ll be presenting his work; about 60 years after picking up the hobby. Through Mar 11
MUSICAL
The iconic original West End and Broadway production of Evita by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice is making its Asian premiere at The Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands. Even if you’re not a fan, you’ll definitely recognize classics like “Don’t Cry For me Argentina” , and “On This Night of a Thousand Stars”. Through Mar 11
Kumar. Photo credit: Dream Academy’s Facebook page
COMEDY
Kumar is turning 50 next year, but he’s far from a mid-life crisis. In fact, he’s teaming up with Dream Academy Productions to celebrate his 50th birthday with Kumar50, a jubilee drag show at Capitol Theatre where he’ll look back on five decades of growth as fodder for the entertainment. Through Mar 11
CONCERT
Soulful, vulnerable and romantic—three words that would perfectly sum up Canadian R&B and soul singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar. The 2017 breakout artist has already rounded up two Grammy nominations for best R&B album for his debut studio record Freudian; and best R&B performance for the song “Get You”, which features Kali Uchis. Tickets for both his first two shows at The Pavilion at Far East Square have sold out, but they’ve just announced a third show, so get em’ while you still can. Mar 12-14
FESTIVAL
Some of London’s best street performers will be entertaining crowds at Clarke Quay’s Fountain Square throughout the week. Catch contortionist Bendy Em twist and turn her body to fit into a small perspex box, be wowed by the stunts of Jump Stilts Extreme, Pancho Libre and escapologist Rob Roy Collins; or simply take selfies with The Tree. Mar 13-18
CONCERT
Even with Camila Cabello’s exit in 2016, Fifth Harmony has been going strong. The group was just here last April for “The 7/27 Tour”, but has since released a self-titled third album just five months after that. Now they’re back for their latest “PSA tour” performing songs from their current album like “Por Favor” and past hits like “Work From Home”, “Worth It” and “BO$$”, at Zepp @ Big Box Singapore. Mar 14
PERFORMANCE
Missed Mount Kimbie‘s performances the past few times they were here? Promoters Collective Minds Asia and Zouk Singapore are bringing the UK electronic music duo back to our sun-kissed land to perform live as part of their World Tour. Mar 15
FESTIVAL
Fancy yourself a creative creature with no outlet to express it all? Well, take it out on a bunch of seasoned improv performers at the Singapore Improv Festival. In its second edition, the festival celebrates the best of local improvisational theater, with a series of shows as well as workshops for those eager to get their toes wet. Mar 15-18
FILM
Co-presented with the Royal Danish Embassy, The Projector is curating their first ever Danish Film Festival with the support of the Danish Film Institute. Catch a glimpse of the best in Scandinavian furniture craftsmanship, contemporary installations of artist Olafur Eliasson and more art and design-focused films over one weekend. Mar 16-18
Escape 56: Marvin & Guy. Photo credit: Marvin & Guy’s Facebook Page
PARTY
Party non-conformist and organizer Zig Zach is at it again. Hot on the heels of his last party at The Great Escape, he’s been busying himself with the fifth edition of Escape 56. The last one saw us rolling down the hill and into a warehouse at Henderson Road to get lost in techno stalwart Roman Flugel‘s world, and we’re confident this one’s gonna be just as fun. While the venue is still pending approval from the authorities, Zach has confirmed that Italian “groovy techno” DJ-producers Marvin & Guy will be gracing the night. Mar 17
PARTY
If it’s one thing we love, it’s block parties. And party people Urban Ventures are coming through with the year’s first one by shutting down Keong Saik and Jiak Chuan road as part of Singapore Urban Design Festival 2018. Details are still in the works, but you can expect live music, an artisans market, free workshops, food and booze, and so much more. Mar 17
EXHIBITION
Curated by acclaimed art historian Lorand Hegyi, The Artist’s Voice brings together the works of 34 contemporary artists from around the world, to reflect on socio-political issues and the human condition through mediums ranging from sculpture to video. Through Mar 18
EXHIBITION
If you fancy yourself a cinema enthusiast, the Singapore Art Museum’s latest exhibition Cinerama: Art and the Moving Image in Southeast Asia is a must-go. In a series of immersive, multi-medium installations, the exhibition brings together the works of 10 artists and art collectives from across the region. Here are five you should check out. Through Mar 18
True Colours Festival: Redeafination at The Purple Parade 2016
FESTIVAL
The inaugural True Colours Festival, the largest Asia Pacific celebration of artistes with disabilities in the region, will bring together 20 artistes and troupes in over 30 performances, as well as a free-admission outdoor festival village with activities educating on disability. Check out our interview with local deaf dancer and choreographer Muhd Ammar Nasrulhaq here. Mar 22-25
CONCERT
Tinariwen, a Saharan blues group made up of Tuareg musicians from a tribe in the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali, is making their debut in Singapore at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Their music is rooted in traditional Tuareg style, combined with the sensibilities of music greats the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley. Besides their enthralling blues grooves, they also take pride in commanding stage presence and great showmanship as they perform songs of political awakening, repression, sovereignty, problems of exile and the continuous political conflict in their hometown, in traditional outfits and Tagelmust turbans. They’ve come a long way since their formation in 1979, and earned themselves a Grammy for their record Tassili in 2012. Mar 24
FOOD
Some of JW Marriott’s best chefs around the world will be descending upon the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach for Taste of JW, an indulgent weekend supper and performance. They’ll be presenting a five-course meal that incorporates elements of visual storytelling and music to bring you an immersive dinner experience you won’t soon forget. Mar 24-25
EXHIBITION
On the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore remembers 1942, with their first large-scale, blockbuster war exhibition featuring more than 130 artefacts from 10 overseas museums and institutions. It’s the biggest collection of war stories to date. Check out the exhibition to explore events and portrayals of World War II beyond just your textbook syllabus. Through Mar 25
CONCERT
Barely months after their sold-out show in August, Los Angeles-based indie pop trio Lany is returning to Singapore for a one-night-only show at Capitol Theatre. Expect the band’s same R&B-infused dreamy pop and atmospheric synths, bound to please even the most mainstream of Spotify users. Tickets are sold out, so you gotta find alternative means if you really wanna go. Mar 29
PARTY
One of our favorite things to happen on public holiday eves is Zouk’s iconic Mambo Jambo. Once a Wednesday staple at the old premises on Jiak Kim, the night will be filled with nothing but good vibes, synchronized dance moves and familiar tracks from yesteryears. Mar 29
THEATER
As part of Esplanade’s 15th anniversary celebrations, they’re putting five female artists into the spotlight with five special commissioned theater works under the program The Studios. This edition’s theme is “Between Living and Dying”—a seemingly morbid choice, but we’re looking forward to seeing how our local ladies delicately explore the universal question we all want answered: What makes life worth living? Mar 29-Apr 29
Michelin Guide Street Food Festival 2018: Char Signature Char Siew
FOOD
In an effort to make Michelin-starred cuisine more accessible (and to keep the hype train running), the inaugural Michelin Guide Street Food Festival took place in April last year to much deserved fanfare. This year, we’re looking forward again to tasting not just a few, but a lineup of 15 establishments recognized in the 2017 Michelin Guide all in one convenient place—Resorts World Sentosa’s The Coliseum. Mar 30-Apr 1
EXHIBITION
Singapore’s most esteemed disabled artists exhibit oriental works in a three-parts series at Hail, Chinese Culture!, organized by local charity organization Very Special Arts Singapore and Pan Pacific Singapore. Through Mar 30
TALK
Mobile human-loaning library Human Library is back for its fourth edition, this time returning to their usual location at The Red Box for lesser-had conversations. The initiative brings together people, called Books, from different backgrounds and experiences to share their stories and answer questions. This edition’s catalogue will be released soon. Mar 31
CARNIVAL
Get your adrenaline pumping at Singapore’s largest carnival. The massive Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will span across 25,000 sqm (or the size of three and a half football fields) at The Promontory and Bayfront, and boast more than 40 rides and games—most of which are from the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Through Apr 1
THEATER
Hot on the heels of The Imaginarium of Disco David, local nomadic theater group And So Forth is back with a new pop-up feast planned. Adventures in Grimmsneyland will focus on the darker sides of fairy tales—as evidenced by the reference to the Brothers Grimm, whose folk tales were anything but pleasant—and take audience members through various worlds. Through Apr 21
EXHIBITION
A cursed gem, a dodo and a giant stuffed sloth walk into a museum; the punchline is that they’re here to stay till the end of April. Treasures of the Natural World , the traveling exhibition from the Natural History Museum in London, makes its first and only stop in Southeast Asia at the ArtScience Museum, bringing over 200 of the London museum’s star artefacts Through Apr 29
EXHIBITION
You’d think a traveling exhibition from the London Natural History Museum would be hard to top, but ArtScience Museum’s upcoming shtick will trace 40 years of street art, from its controversial beginnings as expressions of counterculture, to its current standing as a major pillar of contemporary art. Art from the Streets will feature the works of the world’s top street artists, such as Magda Danysz, Banksy, Shepard Fairey and more. Through Jun 3
