For Your Diary: What’s On In Hong Kong for February

It’s February, the month of lurrrve! But if you’re not romantically inclined, there’s plenty happening around town this month, from art and live music to spoken word events. Last month was heaving with international live music acts, but this month is the perfect time to get to know the city better and try something different. Have a gander and see if any of the below inspires you!

Precious goods
European royalty will be in town this month! Yep, you read that right – Princess Ira von Fürstenberg of Germany is a socialite, actress and a jewellery designer among many other things. The elegant lady will be in town with her “Objects Unique” collection to share with us. The exhibition of these exquisite items will be taking over a boardroom at the Four Seasons Hong Kong, so pop over if you’d like to admire her precious jewels.

When: 2-4 February
Where: Boardroom I, Level 5, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free

Inside the White Cube
Two Chinese artists will have their works featured at the renowned art gallery White Cube gallery. Jiang Zhi’s collection, called ‘The Sight’, is feminine and floral, perfect to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day. ‘Unsettled’ by Shi Qing uses mixed media and focuses on different materials and their tools of thought. This one is worth checking out if you’re interested in knowing more about up and coming Chinese artists.

When: 3 February – 7 March
Where: White Cube Hong Kong, 50 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free

Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather
Jazz World Live Series presents two renowned musicians jamming together on stage: Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather. Carlton has performed with legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel and more, so you know he’s bound to be rocking great guitar riffs, while Lukather is a five-time Grammy Award winner. It’s bound to be a good night, especially if you love live music!

When: 5 February, 8.15pm
Where: AC Hall, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets start from $380 and are available from Cityline.

Bill Burr
If you’re in the mood for laughs, you’ve got to check out Bill Burr, stand-up comedian extraordinaire! He’ll be performing for one night only at new Mexican spot El Charro. The intimate venue is perfect for his kind of comedy – but you better sit towards the back if you want to avoid getting heckled!

When: 7 February, 9pm
Where: El Charro, Shop 208, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets are $550 and available from www.ticketflap.com.

Belle & Sebastian Live in Hong Kong
Indie darlings Belle and Sebastian are hitting the stage in the ‘Kong this month. You’ll be sure to hear tunes from their new album ‘Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance’, which was out this January. This is one classic band you’ll surely want to catch live!

When: 10 February, 8pm
Where: AsiaWorld-Expo, Asia World Summit, Lantau, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets are $760 and available from www.hkticketing.com or by calling 3128 8288.

India By The Bay
Asia Society Hong Kong have brought a vibrant and exciting festival to the city: India By The Bay. Enjoy an interview with Indian actress Shabana Azmi or the musical stylings of Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project. More details on other events here.

When: 11-13 February
Where: All around town! More details here.
How much: You’ll be able to register for most tickets here.

All Our Favourite Love Songs
Canadian singer Terri Oliver will be performing jazz hits at one of our favourite restos, Mano, this month. It’s part of a monthly (and soon to be more regular) series promoting live music around town, Jazz Kezhan. Indulge in dinner while Terri performs or simply pop in for a drink and enjoy her sweet voice.

When: 11 February, the first set is 7-8.45pm and the second set is 9.15-11pm
Where: Mano, G/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
How much: $880 with dinner, or $250 for tickets purchased in advance just for the show, $280 on the door. Call Mano on 2399 0737 to book your tickets.

How to Write A Love Letter
Receiving a lovey-dovey WhatsApp message in this day and age is just so unromantic! It doesn’t have the same effect as writing a beautiful and eloquent love letter… so we’re sharing deets of a letter writing workshop in the run up to Valentine’s Day! Join The Quick Word Company and learn to write a good old-fashioned love letter. See you there!

When: 11 February, 7.30-8.30pm
Where: The Hive, 21/F, Phoenix Building, 23 Luard Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $150 includes a glass of wine and chocolate. RSVP to [email protected].

Rhythm & Poetry
It’s International Black History Month, and Global Citizens Community is hosting an evening of Rhythm and Poetry. Explore the early roots of Black literature while you enjoy a drink or two at Orange Peel. Sounds like a great, chilled night out!

When: 11 February, 7-9pm
Where: Orange Peel Music Lounge, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry; two drink minimum

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
If you’re in the mood for a play within a play within a play within a play… oh goodness, we’re lost ourselves! This comedy by the Bard will undoubtedly have you in stitches as you try to keep up with the love triangle going on. Shax Theatre Group is performing it, and it looks like it’ll be a good one!

When: 11-13 February, 7.30pm
Where: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets are $96 for Fringe Club members or $120 for non-members, available from www.hkticketing.com or by calling 3128 8288.

The Vagina Monologues
Yep, it’s that time of year – Valentine’s Day. Cringe. Or you could turn it into a day of female empowerment and catch The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler. For those of you not in the know, this is a collection of experiences from women all around the world woven together for a moving and witty tale of sexuality. The perfect girls night out…

When: 11-14 February, 8pm
Where: Premium Sofa Club, Basement, Fui Nam Building, 212-216 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: $200 if you book online from here, $250 at the door.

The Reasons I Love You
We just can’t get away from February and Valentine’s Day celebrations! Check out The Grace Notes, an acapella act performing an evening full of love songs. There’ll be drinks and nibbles on the night at Club Lusitano, so grab the girls or the boyf and head over to listen to the sweet sounds of the choir.

When: 12 February, cocktails are at 7pm and the performance starts at 7.45pm
Where: Club Lusitano, 27/F, 16 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets are $450 for adults and $100 for children aged 11 and under.

Creative Mornings: Laurel Chor
Creative Mornings returns this month with Laurel Chor, an avid adventurer and journalist. She’s worked with gorillas in Central Africa, wild dolphins right here in the 852 and done an exciting documentary on the ivory trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She’s sharing her story with many others at this event. Check it out if you’re interested in gaining some inspiration!

When: 13 February, 8-10am
Where: Platform, 1/F, 120 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Free, click here to register.

Valentine’s Wedding Service and Banquet Expo
For brides-t0-be, the Valentine’s Wedding Service and Banquet Expo is the place to be! It’ll be great for researching dresses, venues, cakes and more for your upcoming special day. There will be 7 zones, each with a different theme to cater to all your wedding needs. It’ll have the trendiest and most up-to-date wedding-related news, products and services so you can make the most out of the weekend. At the expo, you’ve also got a chance to win some grand prizes including return air tickets to Okinawa and some shiny bling for your ring finger. For the newly-engaged (who may want to bring along their fiancé!), it’s the place to be!

When: 13-15 February
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $20 entry fee

Brady Toops Live in Concert
Singer-songwriter Brady Toops is doing an intimate gig in Quarry Bay, which totally suits his style. If you love live music and small venues, this is one to check out and Brady is an artist to watch. His baritone voice will give you chills and soothe you at the same time while he pianos it up. Enjoy!

When: 14 February, 7.30-10pm
Where: The Vine Centre, 29 Burrows Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets are $120 and available from www.ticketflap.com.

Hong Kong Stories: Kiss and Tell
This edition of Hong Kong stories is focused on love stories – from dating horrors to amazing nights out and more sultry, saucy affairs. Grab the girls, pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy the stories you’ll hear at Culture Club. Whether you’re loved up or in the mood for a bit of loafing around with your single gals, this will surely be a giggle!

When: 13 February & 14 February, 7pm
Where: Culture Club, 15 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Tickets are $100 and available from www.ticketflap.com or $120 on the door.

Hunter & Prey
Liars’ League HK are hosting a live literary night at the Fringe Club or Hunter & Prey. A spoken word experience, you’ll get to enjoy the team sharing this gripping tale. It’s definitely one not to be missed!

When: 23 February, 8-11pm
Where: Colettes, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free

Love Letters
You’re probably already sick of hearing it, but it is indeed February, the month of love, lust and everything in between. So why not check out a theatre performance of Love Letters by A. R. Gurney. It’s about young lovers who correspond by the lost art of letter writing (how charming!). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel all the emotions under the sun.

When: 25 February-14 March, 7pm & 9pm
Where: Premium Sofa Club, Basement, Fui Nam Building, 212-216 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: $200 if you book online from here, $250 at the door.

Roy Ayers Live in Hong Kong
Jazz legend Roy Ayers is performing in Hong Kong for one night only at Ovolo Southside. He’s one of the most sampled music artists in history and is an accomplished vibraphone player. This iconic man is definitely one to watch perform live…

When: 28 February, doors open at 8.30pm and the show starts at 9.30pm
Where: Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
How much: General advance tickets are $580 and available from www.ticketflap.com.