Energy and good vibes dominate music fest

Fillded with hot dances and passionate songs, Huaqiangbei, one of the most crowded shopping areas in Shenzhen, was transformed into a vibrant party venue Saturday, ushering in one of this summer’s last feverish frenzies.

Mr. TyGer band performs at the opening of the 98 Music & Arts Festival in Hua-qiang Square in Shenzhen on Saturday. Cao Zhen

Young girls were screaming when the five members of Chinese boy band Mr. TyGer arrived at Huaqiang Square on Saturday afternoon. The band just emerged in the music scene earlier this year but has quickly won over the country’s teen audiences with songs that combine pop, R&B and hip-hop. Their dynamic performances with complicated choreography on stage spread joy and a sense of magic to both loyal fans who were clustered near the edge of the stage and passers-by in the shopping area.

In addition to Huaqiangbei, 15 other shopping areas including King Glory Plaza, Coco Park, Central Walk, OCT-LOFT and Sea World also set up open-air stages to join I Love Shenzhen 98 Music & Arts Festival 2018 on Saturday (“98” refers to Sept. 8). Presented by Alliance Art Group and True Color, the festival featured more than 100 hip-hop, rock, ballad and electronic music performances at shopping areas, bars and restaurants from Dongmen in the east to Nantou in the west.

“The 98 Music & Arts Festival is an event where local communities come together, have a great time and enjoy great performances free of charge. The main purpose is to give back to local music lovers and shoppers,” said Xu Xiaoying, executive director of Alliance Art Group. She said that the organizers were inspired by the Fete de la Musique in France and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Britain, two world-famous music celebrations where citizens play music outside in their neighborhoods or in public spaces for fun.

Now in its third year, the festival organizers also offered discounts to several popular restaurants and bars in town Saturday.