Welcome to Weekend Warrior, where we offer you a few ideas to kick-start your weekend of mayhem. Warriors, go forth.
Friday
CULTURE: Suriyothai Ballet Opera
In honor of the Queen’s birthday, here comes the world premiere of a new ballet and opera, Suriyothai. Composed by the prolific Thai composer Somtow Papinian Sucharitkul, Suriyothai is a contemporary music drama fused with traditional elements. The ballet-opera has more than 200 performers, including a large symphony orchestra and masters of classic Thai instruments conducted by Trisdee na Patalung.
Until August 25. THB 500 to 3,000. Thailand Cultural Centre, MRT Thailand Cultural Centre station.
FAREWELL: Tom Middleton (Cosmos) at Bed
British house and techno legend Tom Middleton is descending the decks at Bed Supperclub for a bittersweet event – Champion Sound’s last party before the Bed closes later this month. Over the past 11 years, Champion Sound has put on over 200 shows at the nightclub, bringing in a laundry list of international DJ acts to the Land of Smiles. Join the boys behind Champion Sound for one last hurrah, and some guaranteed drunken shenanigans. Resident warm-up DJs Sarayu, Moodwax, Kimball Collins and Dan Buri will take their last turns playing back to back.
Shapes, a new party series at Glow, heads into its second installment, this time investigating the sonic geometry of a square. Resident DJ The Outsider teams up with Felix Moreno and Kimball Collins to deliver intelligent house and techno, shaping up this evening to be anything but, well, square.
10pm. THB 300 including one drink. Glow Nightclub, Sukhumvit 23. BTS Asoke station, MRT Sukhumvit station.
Saturday
SELF-DEFENSE: Personal Safety Awareness and Breakaway Skills w/ Aaron Le Boutillier
If you’ve got a couple hours on Saturday afternoon, here’s a chance to start thinking smart. Presented by Desperately Seeking Bangkok, this self-defense seminar is hosted by instructor Aaron Le Boutillier, who has over 20 years of experience delivering lectures on personal safety and awareness. The class fee is only THB 200 with all proceeding going to a charity that helps victims of local crime and abuse.
2pm. THB 200 donation to The Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women. Kent School of Languages, the Trendy building, Sukhumvit 13. BTS Nana station.
Over 30 artists from around the globe are hitting Impact Arena on Saturday for a one-day, all-out musical blowout. The performances span six stages and include international artists like Pit Bull, Far East Movement, Jason Mraz and Owl City. The most anticipated set comes from English alt-rock band Placebo, who take the Pow! Stage around 9pm. You’re sure to get a bang for your buck out of this event. For more details about Sonic Bang’s line-up, check out our preview.
10 am. THB 4,000. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.
If you’re looking for a tasty pre-drink to your Saturday evening festivities, Grease is looking like a solid bet. Be prepared to make it rain with a “prosecco shower” and free flow prosecco from 10 pm to 10:45pm. Music provided all night by DJ Plawan.
10pm. Free entry, free flow prosecco from 10pm to 10:45pm. Grease, Sukhumvit 49. BTS Phrom Pong station.
