Twenty years ago, China’s first music school dedicated to teaching blues, rock, and jazz — Beijing MIDI School of Music — was established. This unassuming private institution has, since hosting its first MIDI Festival on campus in 2000, become what countless music-loving youth regard as the “Whampoa Military Academy of Chinese rock.” After 13 years of steady development, the MIDI Festival has left its mark in cities including Beijing, Zhenjiang, Shanghai, Rizhao, and Guiyang, and this year, for the first time, the rock train rolls into Shenzhen.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of MIDI School, and the annual theme of the MIDI Festival has been set as “20 Years of MIDI School.” From May 3 to May 5, once again at Shanghai Pudong Century Park, the Shanghai MIDI Festival will return to the city amid the joy of the school celebration, using a carnival of tens of thousands to reaffirm the immortal legend of Chinese rock.
This year’s Shanghai MIDI Festival will feature three stages — Tang, Yuan, and Qing. The lineup will include dozens of popular and outstanding bands from Beijing, Shanghai, and surrounding areas, along with more than ten well-known bands from Europe and America lending their support. Musical styles will span pop rock, indie rock, hard rock, metal, hardcore, and electronic. The site will also feature themed interactive areas and supporting activities such as food zones and flea markets, highlighting the festive atmosphere.
Unlike previous years, the opening performance on the first day of this Shanghai MIDI Festival (Friday, May 3) will begin at 5:00 PM, when the Tang Stage will present a feast of performances by top overseas acts. Meanwhile, the Yuan and Qing Stages will simultaneously kick off with electrifying EDM shows and emerging rock talent. Local and nearby fans can easily come after work. Performances on May 4 and 5 will still run from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Tickets are now available for presale: 100 RMB in advance / 120 RMB at the door / 280 RMB for a three-day pass (limited to 3,000 sets). Damai Network remains the national ticketing agent for the Shanghai MIDI Festival. For booking details, visit China Ticketing Online - Damai Network http://www.damai.cn/ticket_48126.html or call the national booking hotline 400-610-3721. Additionally, you can download the “MIDI” app from the APP STORE to browse the latest performance info and purchase tickets online with discounts.
On the occasion of this 20th-anniversary celebration, MIDI School warmly welcomes MIDI alumni from the Shanghai-Suzhou area and rock fans from all over to attend, enjoy the performances, catch up with old friends, party through the night, and celebrate this milestone together.