The rugby, a landslide of gigs and exhibitions hit Singapore in April – better prep up for a whole month of activities!
If you like your live music, sports, and museum trips, April is going to be a good one for you. With the Rugby Sevens in town, gig tickets to buy and loads of art exhibitions going on in our state-of-the-art museums, we reckon you’ll be a very busy person this month!
Treasures of the Natural World
Until 29 April
Definitely one to bring the whole family to – the exhibition will bring the wonder of the Natural History Museum in London to our very own ArtScience Museum. This year is the first occasion the museum has allowed its treasures to travel to Southeast Asia, offering an exclusive opportunity for visitors in Singapore to take in over 200 precious items from the Natural History Museum’s star collection: think animals and insects, works of art, gems and minerals, and books and artefacts belonging to some of the world’s greatest scientists, including Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace.
Treasures of the Natural World, 25 Nov 2017 – 29 Apr 2018 , ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Jazz it up!
6-8 April
Heads up, jazz junkies! Hope you cool cats are hanging tight because it’s finally official – the Singapore International Jazz Festival returns to Marina Bay Sands from 6 to 8 April. Keeping with the tradition of curating mega lineups, you can bet that Sing Jazz is one-upping itself yet again with a stellar bevvy of local and international musicians like Grammy Award-winners Estelle, Jamie Cullum and the epic Ms Lauryn Hill.
Sing Jazz 2018, 6-8 Apr, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956. Tickets are available via Sing Jazz 2018.
Stick to The Script
12 April
Seems like these Irishmen can’t get enough of our sunny island (just as Singapore fans can’t get enough of them): The Script returns for its fourth stage takeover. With its fifth studio album in the bag, the band plan to impress Singapore once more with some new material, but don’t worry, they’ll probably play the crowd favourites like “Breakeven” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” too.
The Script Live in Singapore, 12 Apr, Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets are available via Sports Hub Tix.
We’ll never tire of pop-up shopping
4 – 20 April
With fussy weather in Singapore, we’d like to keep what we wear quite the exact opposite. Hong Kong’s minimalist apparel label Grana will be bringing some wardrobe essentials to Singapore with a pop-up at hip estate Tiong Bahru. So instead of ordering your loot online and waiting around for the package to arrive, you’ll be able to pick and try your pieces in real life. Start queuing!
Grana Pop-Up in Singapore, 4-20 Apr, #01-65, 59 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160059
If you’re a pro at running…
8 April
Advanced runners, please stand up! The 2XU Compression Run returns to the F1 Pit building with three competitive categories: 21km, 10m and 5km. For professional athletes to beginners looking for a challenge, and everyone else in between, this advanced is sure to push you to the limit and feel the burn! Remember, pain is weakness leaving the body.
2XU Compression Run Singapore 2018, 8 Apr, F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
Enter Eguchi Ayane’s Wonderland
Until 4 April
In her third solo exhibition (and the first in Singapore) Eguchi Ayane presents new works inspired by her childhood, her recent residency in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and her inner thoughts. The character ‘KUMA’ appears in all of Eguchi’s paintings. According to the artist, ‘KUMA’ are things that live and die; they are everywhere and yet nowhere. Having a resemblance to kuma, the Japanese word for ‘bear’, they may look cute, but what is inside of them remains unknown. At a glance, Eguchi’s world is a candy-coloured whimsical wonderland but on closer inspection her paintings reveal a macabre narrative.
Eguchi Ayane: Ode To Wonderland, 3 Mar-4 Apr, Mizuma Gallery, 22 Lock Road #01-34, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108939
Welcome to Singapore California Girl, Katy Perry
8 April
It’s time to witness the litness! Mega pop icon Katy Perry returns with her highly anticipated world tour. The energetic, zany artist will be busting your fave tunes like “Firework”, “Roar” and “Dark Horse”, as well as club offerings from her latest LP release, Witness. If it’s anything like its razzmatazz 2015 Prismatic World Tour gig in Singapore, expect a full-blown sensory overload at the show.
Katy Perry Witness: The Tour, 8 Apr 2018, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk. Tickets are available via Sports Hub Tix and Apactix
Get artsy with insights into Italian Contemporary Art
All month
This Parkview Museum Singapore exhibition (the first major Italian contemporary art exhibition in Singapore!) reflects the fascinating, complex and eclectic Italian artistic practices from the 1960s until today. Presenting a number of fundamental works of artists from four generations spanning the artistic movements of Arte Povera, Transavantgarde, New Roman School, as well as artistic positions of younger generations, which emerged during the 1990s and 2000s.
Challenging Beauty – Insights into Italian Contemporary Art, 17 Mar-25 Oct, Parkview Museum Singapore, 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square Level 3, Singapore 188778
If you love Antiques Roadshow, you’ll love this
7-8 April
Cue nostalgia as some of the city’s best vintage vendors come together for a blast to the past weekend filled with rare finds and retro gems. The Vintage Fair pop-up returns to Journey East for the fourth year with the family-run vintage lifestyle boutique By My Old School, the Etienne Aigner collection of eelloo, the vintage Chinese enamel plates from Enamel Inc, preloved fashion pieces from Five Stones Vintage, as well as the mini terrarium gardens from Mossingarden. Heads up, it’s a cash-only event, old-school style so best be prepared with cold hard cash.
The Vintage Fair: A Walk in the Park!, 7-8 Apr, Journey East, #03-02, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074`
Luminous Birds
Until 8 April
Inspired by his recent travels to Indonesia, Chinese ink artist Wei Ligang’s recent works are filled with delicacy and spirituality, exoticism and naturalness, and an adventurous impulse. Wei’s wide-ranging inspirations include the colors of the tropical scenery, the patterns of batik fabrics, bronze artifacts from the Jogja National Museum, the local food and music, Borobudur and the ancient architecture of the region.
Luminous Birds, Gajah Gallery Singapore, 39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, #03-04, Singapore 089065
Get to know about the art of Batik with an iconic Singapore artist
All month
An exhibition of batik works by Sarkasi Said from the 1990s to the present, this exhibition follows the personal development of Sarkasi’s style and traces the history of his practice, from his days as a street artist, to becoming a prominent batik artist. This self-taught artist is also known in the arts community as the “baron of batik” and has engaged in the art form for much of his life. Like batik, which is rich in meaning, culture, symbolism and stories, Sarkasi’s abstract approach towards batik art is a personal response to the evolving cosmopolitan landscape, and the tensions that lie between traditional symbols and the loss of their transmission.
Always Moving: The Batik Art of Sarkasi Said, 22 Sep 2017 – 30 Jun 2018, NUS Museum, National University of Singapore, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119279
Get fit, get good at Metasprint
15 April
One for the seriously fit, the Metasprint series is not your average marathon. Instead, it comprises an aquathlon at Palawan Beach, a duathlon at the F1 Village and a triathlon at East Coast Park from February to April. Swimmers can enjoy a swim and run combo at its aquathlon, while its duathlon is best suited for beginners where the flat grounds and closed, smooth roads of the F1 Village is great for both running and cycling. But if you’re up for a challenge, its triathlon at East Coast Park involved the whole shebang: swimming, cycling and running individually or as a team.
MetaSprint Series, 15 April, various locations.
Counting stars with One Republic
23 April
If seeing them headline the Singapore Grand Prix last year (along with a handful of other stars) wasn’t enough, fans of One Republic are in for a treat. Now you’ll have them all to yourself for an intimate show at The Star Theatre. They’re not known for being anthem rockers for nothing, so sing along to their string of chart-topping hits like “Apologize”, and “Counting Stars”.
One Republic, 23 April 2018, The Star Theatre, #04-01, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617. Tickets are available at Apactix.
Arts and fun, DISINI
All month
DISINI is a curated festival consisting of a series of events, art exhibitions, outdoor sculptures and public engagements that will span nine months. Spurred by its locale, DISINI borrows its name from the Malay adverb ‘di sini’, meaning ‘over here’. Highlights include captivating outdoor artworks located across various spaces, a multi-functional artist-designed pavilion where a series of exciting and stimulating programmes take place, and curatorial-led showcases to capture your attention.
DISINI, 26 Jan – 30 Sep, Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Still jazzing around
14 April
Jump back in time with Johnny Hates Jazz as the British band performs in Singapore as part of its 30th-anniversary celebration. The Turn Back the Clock tour will see them perform hits from their multi-platinum debut album, including the mega unforgettable single “Shattered Dreams”.
Johnny Hates Jazz, 14 April 2018, MES Theatre at Mediacorp, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507. Tickets are available at SISTIC
Pop punk’s not dead?
30 April
Remember that pop punk phase you went through? Well it’s back to haunt you. Known for long song titles and campy performances, Chicago-based band Fall Out Boy will be making a comeback to our shores as part of their ‘M A N I A’ tour. Besides Patrick Stump’s impressive gut-wrenching vocals, guitar-swing Joe Trohman, Pete Wentz’ endless punk jump, the energetic drums of Andy Hurley, and coupled with a mega setlist of headbanging hits, there’s no denying that pop punk is still alive and kicking.
Fall Out Boy: M A N I A Tour, 30 April 2018, Zepp@Big Box Singapore. Tickets are available via SISTIC.
Celebrate 41 years of SIFA
Starts 26 April
Into its 41st year, the highly anticipated Singapore International Festival of Arts will return with 17 days of the arts. Watch a theatrical adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984, a big band concert by the Duke Ellington Orchestra at the Botanic Gardens, some flashy dance performances featuring acclaimed dancers and choreographers, a jazz gig by two-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier and a lot more to come.
Singapore International Festival of Arts, 26 Apr-12 May, various locations
Just sitting in a chamber, listening to chamber music
6 April
How often do we get to experience a magical evening of live chamber music in Singapore? Here’s your chance to enjoy a performance in an intimate setting. Myths and Legends will feature acclaimed musicians Kseniia Vokhmianina and visiting Swiss soprano Maria Gessler, revel in an evening of German Lieder celebrating two classic female characters – Mignon the dreamer and Lorelei the siren.
By Candlelight: Myths and Legends, 6 April, Living Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln, Singapore 179429
Singapore gets hit by a Bugg
28 April
Old soul and modern day Bob Dylan, the straight outta Nottingham Jake Bugg will be putting on a solo acoustic performance in Singapore. He’s come a long way from his highly successful debut album to the country-hued self-produced fourth album, released last year, ‘Hearts That Strain’.
Jake Bugg, 28 Apr, *Scape Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978. Tickets are available at Universe.
Bring on the rugby!
28 – 29 April
Probably the biggest celebration of rugby in South East Asia, the HSBC Rugby Sevens is an annual events all rugby fans anticipate. Featuring 45 fast and frenetic matches featuring 16 of the world’s best men’s rugby sevens teams, let’s see if the Canadian team can hold on to their championship title after their surprising win at last year’s edition. Not too keen with all the testosterone? Besides rugby, there’s live music, lots of food, and a energetic FunZone full of activities for all ages – Singapore Sevens is one for the whole family!
HSBC Rugby Sevens, 28-29 Apr, Singapore National Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, Singapore 397629. Tickets are available on the official Rugby Sevens website.
Street party time!
20 – 21 April
Well, if the weekend of 20 and 21 April 2018 is looking clear for you, round up your squad and check out the Armenian Street Party! Inspired by the Lion City and its colourful past, the whole shebang (aptly dubbed Balik Kampong 2.0. – Same Same, But Different) is one of the official closing events for Singapore Heritage Festival 2018 and is set to take place along – you guessed it – Armenian Street. You and the gang are invited to come dressed in reinterpreted outfits of yesteryear, so find yourselves some batik prints, sleek cheongsams, and intricate sarees. That way, you’ll all certainly be dressed for the occasion.
Armenian Street Party, 20-21 Apr, Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941
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