WHAT’S ON: THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND

MUSIC & DANCE Forwarding happiness

In front of CentralWorld Ratchadamri Road

Until Feb 28, daily at 6.45pm and 7.45pm

Back for the second year, the “CentralWorld Music Heals 2021” gathers musicians, composers and leading young artists from various popular music labels to perform popular songs with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. The songs are arranged into classical orchestra pieces and their performances are broadcast on CentralWorld’s online platform as well as on the Panoramix — the largest digital screen in Asia Pacific located in front of CentralWorld. Participating artists include Jaylerr, Ice Paris, Billkin, PP Krit, Trinity, and Zom Marie.

There is no admission fee. Visit facebook.com/CentralwOrld.

Royal concert Thailand Cultural Centre Ratchadaphisek Road Jan 7 at 7.30pm

To celebrate HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s birthday, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra presents “Royal Concert — Alice Sara Ott Plays Ravel” under the baton of Michel Tilkin. The all-French programme features Debussy’s Prélude Á L’après-midi D’un Faune and La Mer and Ravel’s Piano Concerto For The Left Hand performed by German-Japanese pianist Alice Sara Ott. The concert will conclude with Ravel’s one-movement orchestral work Bolero.

Tickets cost 800, 1000, 2,000 and 4,000 baht (half prices for students and the seniors aged from 60 years) from Thai Ticket Major booths (thaiticketmajor.com). Call RBSO office at 02-255-6617/8 or 02-255-9191/2.

Concert for young fans

Prince Mahidol Hall

Mahidol University, Salaya campus Phutthamonthon Sai 4

Jan 7 at 7pm and Jan 8 at 4pm

To celebrate the National Children’s Day, maestro Thanapol Setabrahmana will lead the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert titled

The Adventures Of Sandalwood Boy

which will bring stories based on the classic children’s tale, Pinocchio,

uniquely adapted in a new Thai setting. This is an opportunity to experience a never-before-seen adventure featuring Sema Thai Marionette, a puppet troupe, and local folk songs of Thailand and Nakhon Pathom.

Tickets cost 400, 600, 800, 1,000 and 1,500 baht from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit thaiticketmajor.com). Call 02-849-6565 ext 6604 or 6609.

Music from Vienna Siam Society, Asok Road Jan 12 at 7pm

Siam Society is hosting a classical concert titled “Music Of Darkness And Light From Vienna” performed by Siam Sinfonietta under the baton of Mickey Wongsathapornpat, with

Sasinee Aswajesdakul as soprano. The programme will feature orchestral and operatic masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss and Lehár.

Tickets cost 800 baht (600 baht for members and 200 baht for students). Reservations are required and no tickets will be available at the door. Email chuleeporn@thesiamsociety.org or call 02-661-6470—3 ext 201.

River camp fest

Chuen Rudee Land

Muang district of Kanchanaburi Feb 11-12, 6pm-midnight

Organised by Live Nation Tero Entertainment, the “River Camp Music Festival #2” will bring the best of live music performed against the backdrop of mountain landscape by the country’s leading acts and emerging artists. The line-up includes Scrubb, Zom Marie, Slot Machine, Better Weather and Electric Neon Lamp. During the day, campers can join a range of fun activities in the water including sup boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding and surf skating. A wide range of tents, sleeping bags and camping gear from top brands will be available and a caravan of food trucks will be there to serve sumptuous foods and drinks.

Tickets cost 900 baht per person per day and 1,300 baht per person for two days (1,100 baht if purchased by Jan 9). For campsite fees, visit thaiticketmajor.com. For updates, visit facebook.com/rivercampmusicfestival.

STAND-UP COMEDY A fun night with John Cleese Impact Exhibition Hall 5 Muang Thong Thani Jan 11 at 8pm

Global comedy superstar John Cleese will be in town to take Bangkok audiences to explore the imperfect world we live in during his stand-up show, Why There Is No Hope. This will be a night of laughter and insight shared by the 82-year-old British actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer best known for Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a television work featuring a surrealistic mix of verbal and physical comedy sketches.

Tickets cost 1,500, 2,500 and 3,500 baht from thaiticketmajor.com and via livenation.co.th. Visit facebook. com/LNComedyTH.

EXHIBITIONS Get nostalgic Hua Lamphong railway station Rama IV Road Until Jan 16, 9am-5pm

Held by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the “Hua Lamphong In Your Eyes” exhibition allows everyone to keep the good memory about this historic central railway station and its heritage through 10 iconic landmarks. The railway station was constructed during the reign of King Rama V and renowned for its outstanding architecture. Classical music is performed live in the afternoon on every weekend.

Visit bit.ly/3yWa82T or call 1690.

Body universe

HOP Photo Gallery, 3rd floor Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road Until Jan 30, 11am-7pm

“Body Universe” is a group exhibition by nine photographers from various fields who use different approaches, equipment and techniques to present the world they all have experienced, understood and been fascinated by. The exhibition points to how we see ourselves, the world, and our place in the universe. It shows that life and our surroundings can be something precious or meaningless depending on our perception and interpretation.

There is no admission fee. Visit facebook.com/hubofphotographybangkok.

Ever young

Tang Contemporary Art

Room 201-206, River City Bangkok Charoen Krung 24

Until Jan 30, 11am-7pm Tuesday-Sunday

“Ever Young” features 99 paintings and sculptures by Chinese art Shen Liang who used a variety of tools and mediums to reflect his two different personalities — one is peaceful and steady and the other is often excitable and joyful as a young man. His work has evolved from his early nostalgic paintings in thick oils, to the new phase which involves the use of brushes, acrylic paints, gel pens, paint markers, ballpoint pens and highlighters. His most recent evolution features a series of superlight clay sculptures.

Visit tangcontemporary.com or call 02-000-1541.

Installations in the dark

Xspace Art Gallery

Soi Pridi Banomyong 14 Sukhumvit 71

Until Jan 31, 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday

“Xhibition in the Dark” features experimental art by interior designer, illustrator and brand builder Chookiat Likitpunyarut who takes viewers to explore human beings, big data technology and the concept of kinetic space through his installations. They are showcased in a dimly dark space under four major themes — “Tree Of Knowledge”, “New York, New York”, “You Are What You Eat” and “Kinetic Space”. Also displayed are paintings, drawings and his book, Algorithm 2021, which records the creative notes he has collected throughout his career.

There is no admission fee. Email contact@xspacegallery.com or call 066-073-2332.

Spinning wheels Jim Thompson House Museum Kasem San 2, off Rama I Road Until Feb 28, 10am-6pm Wednesday-Monday

“Spinning Wheels” presents videos of performance art by Kawita Vatanajyankur who touches on materialism, labour issues, feminism, humanity and machines. She transforms herself into a hybrid of machine and organism, like a cyborg, and putting her body into arduous positions with repetitive motions. These actions are performed in quasi-nude form and set against a hyper-coloured painterly backdrop. Her performative oscillation between human and machine is suggestive of the possibility of human transformation and evolution.

Entry fee is 50 baht (free for members and students under 10 years). Visit jimthompsonartcenter.org or call 02-216-7368.

I am you RCB Galleria 2, River City Bangkok Charoen Krung 24 Until Feb 28, 11am-8pm

Presented by Trendy Gallery, “Uoy Ma I” features a cute collection of paintings, illustrations and sculptures by Wisut Ponnimit, a cartoonist, animator, and artist best known for creating Mamuang, a cartoon character of a cheerful and cute girl which has earned reputation in both Thailand and Japan. The exhibition is about self-reflection and the artist has chosen to use the ordinary habit of looking in the mirror to encourage the viewers to reflect on their own lives and connect them with Mamuang.

Visit rivercitybangkok.com or call 02-237-0077/8.

Delightful art

Baramee Dhamma Hall Baramee of Art

Ban Pho district, Chachoengsao Until March 5, 9am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday

“Greets” is an exhibition of more than 200 paintings by 150 artists who portray joy and delight through flowers. From budding to blooming, flowers symbolise beauty in each stage of life. Even when withering, they reflect the truth that nothing is permanent — be it objects, self, breath and whatever types of feelings. Everything with its own beauty changes and repeats; it comes and goes endlessly. Representing the existing beauty, the works are meant to forward happiness and encouragement to all viewers to go on with every moment of their lives.

There is no admission fee. Visit barameeofart.com.

Move art forward Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Pathumwan intersection Until March 6, 10am-7pm Tuesday-Sunday

“Art Move” is a fundraising exhibition featuring a variety of contemporary artworks by 49 recognised artists in Thailand who have reduced the price of their works as special offer for art enthusiasts and collectors wishing to help move the Thai contemporary art scene forward. Part of the proceeds will support the operation of the art centre. A virtual tour is available via bit.ly/3ygsdsh.

Visit facebook.com/baccpage or call 02-214-6630—8 ext 528 or 533.

FILMS French treat

Jan 9-16 at 7.30pm on weekdays and 3.30pm on weekends Presented by the French Embassy, in partnership with HAL Distribution, the “Celine Sciamma Retrospective (2007-2022)”, which will bring five selected movies of the French screenwriter and film director to House Samyan, Doc Club & Pub, Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon, and SFW Cinema at CentralWorld in Bangkok; as well as SFX Cinema at Maya Chiang Mai. The programme includes Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019), Girlhood (2015), Tomboy (2011), My Life As A Zucchini (2016) and Water Lilies (2007). All films have English and Thai subtitles. The week-long programme is part of the “French Cinema Season”, which presents over 70 French films at theatres and online until the end of February.

Visit bit.ly/32Cmwcu.

GET-TOGETHERS Kids funival EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road Until Jan 9, 10am-10pm

Held to bring joy and happiness to all children, the “Emporium EmQuartier Kids Funival 2022” features fun and creative activities in many zones. They include a Funival Go Round, a Kids Idol stage and shops offering foods cooked by little chefs at the “Funival Playland” at Quartuier Avenue, ground floor; edutainment activities for unlimited learning, special showcases, demonstrations and class trials at the Funival Playground” at Emjoy, 2nd floor; as well as a “Kid’s Fancy Paint” activity and the “Funival Balloons” photo corner at Helix Sky Dining, 8th floor.

Visit facebook.com/ EmporiumEmquartier.

Journey under the moon

Flora Park, Faprathan Farm Wang Nam Khieo

Nakhon Ratchasima

Until Jan 15, 6pm-9pm

“The Flora Park Moonlight Journey” is a light exhibition that invites visitors to follow Sky, a little rabbit from the moon, on a happy journey under the starry night where they will stroll along the blooming garden, witness a sea of fog, listen to the water, feel the wind and enjoy the picturesque floral sculptures that are illuminated with lights in an extravagant fashion.

Tickets cost 250 baht for both a day visit and a light exhibition (100 baht for children and the elderly). Visit facebook.com/FloraparkWNK or call 097-249-0980 or 096-859-0308.

Fun for kids and families SO Sofitel Hua Hin, Phetchaburi Jan 8, 10am-9pm

To celebrate the National Children’s Day, SO Sofitel Hua Hin is holding the “Kids Carnival & Night Market” which offers complimentary arts and crafts at the Kids Tent, including paper cup clown and paper plate crown making. Additional chargeable activities will be available such as beach bag painting and carnival jelly candle making. Families can also try their hands at the Knock Down the Can game on the Rabbit Lawn. The night market starts at 5pm and will feature carnival games, street food buffet, live music, unique arts, handmade crafts and selection of local products, at the hotel’s Beach Lawn.

There is no admission fee. Visit bit. ly/33hWqvr.

Street food market

Shangri-La Hotel’s Salathip

Soi Wat Suan Plu

Charoen Nakhon Road

Jan 15 from 7.45pm onwards Shangri-La Hotel will present “Raan Dung Ross Ded: RDRD Street Food Market @Salathip” offering a must experience of one-stop best-in-class of Michelin Guide Street Food from the different regions of Thailand, as well as art and handicrafts, and live music entertainment. Among the hand-picked selections are rice porridge by Jok Prince, khao soi by Lamduan Fah Ham, khao na gai by Sae Pun, pad Thai by the hotel’s chef de cuisine Yanavit Theerasomboonkun, kuay chup by Mr Jo, stewed pork knuckle by Charoen Saeng Silom and sweet sticky rice with mango by Kor Panich. The gastronomic delight starts from 100 baht.

Email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la. com or call 02-236-7777.

Seafront fest The Standard, Hua Hin Phrachuap Khiri Khan Jan 15-16

The Standard, Hua Hin’s newest resort, is holding “Sporty and Soaked”, a two-day seafront retreat featuring a wide range of water sports including a surfing master class by Tew Warintorn, one of Thailand’s top surfers and a member of the Kingdom’s national team. He will offer expert advice and give amateur surfers the chance to learn all the necessary skills. There are the “Water Sports Buffet” options such as a kite-surfing, wing SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) classes, sailing, jet skis and banana boats. The evening will see a beachfront party with DJs spinning upbeat tunes.

The fee is 2,000 baht for the surfing master class and 4,000 baht for the “Water Sports Buffet”. Visit standardhotels.com/hua-hin/happenings/ hua-hin-sporty-and-soaked.

FORUM Social welfare forum Marriott Hotel The Surawongse Surawong Road Jan 10, 8:30am-noon

Asean Training Center for Social Work and Social Welfare (Atcsw) is hosting a forum on “Social Work from Inter-disciplinary Perspectives and Integrated Approaches (From Policy to Practices)”. Speakers include social worker, economist, public policy analyst, educator, former MP, practitioners (MD), NGO/INGO, and media. The focus will be cross-sectors/disciplines in Asean region particularly Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Places for on-site participants are limited but everyone is welcome via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Visit facebook.com/ATCSW or email adm.atcsw@outlook.com.