Fill up your calendar with these exciting events….
June 4
What: Short Film Festival
Where: Decibel Lounge, 79/2 Phan Ke Binh, D1; 7:30pm
About: Impressions Short Film Festival is a bi-annual film program that aims to showcase cutting edge Vietnamese and Southeast Asian short films from new, upcoming filmmakers. The first event, Voices through the Prism, is organized by Decibel Lounge with the collaboration of Yxineff and Saigoneer. This is the first screening and art event that focuses on short films that have been presented throughout the Yxineff online festival since it launched in May 2010. The films selected will run for around 90 minutes in total.
Contacts: Email project@decibel.vn or zelda.rudzitsky@saigoneer.com for details
June 5
What: Meet The Artist Reception
Where: 42 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2; 4:30pm - 7:30pm
About: The event will exhibit paintings from Quan Tho, an impressionist artist who has worked relentlessly painting nature and landscape. All visitors will enjoy finger food and wine, and can register for the drawing at 6:30pm for a chance to win prizes including a lamp from Couture Lamps, a set of two pillows, a two-hour interior design consultation with AHI Designer, or a USD100 discount coupon for upholstery and ceramic Buddha statue with special finishes.
Contact: Visit www.austinhomeinteriors.com for more details
June 6
What: F3 Saigon Hash House Harriettes
Where: From Saigon Star International School, Khu Dan Cu So 5, Phuong Thạnh My Loi, D2; meet at 6:30pm for a 7pm start
About: F3 Saigon Hash House Harriettes is the new chapter set up in April and organized by women but men are welcomed. It runs in the city or neighboring district on the first Friday evening of the month at 7pm - meet up location changes every month.
Contact: Visit www.saigonhash.com for details
June 6
What: Frenemies
Where: VinGallery, 6 Le Van Mien, D2
About: VinGallery presents a new exhibition by street artist and illustrator Kristopher Kotcher. Kristopher’s work is influenced by books and cartoons he loved as a child. He is also influenced by graffiti, lowbrow art and American folk art. He has practiced graffiti and street art for 12 years now, starting with traditional letter form graffiti and more recently, character street art. His street art name “Frenemy” was chosen because when people see street art they either hate it or love it, so Frenemy felt like the perfect fit. It is also the word he uses for his world of characters. Kris will be putting his stamp on the VinGallery space by creating an exciting mural using these characters. He will also be exhibiting some of his digital prints and gouache, ink and watercolor pieces.
Contact: Visit www.vingallery.com for details
June 7
What: Music Festival
Where: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh, D7; 4pm
About: Future Now Music Festival (FNMF) will be a one-night-only festival featuring DJ Afrojack who headlined both EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) NY and Las Vegas to over 300,000 people, as well as UMF (Ultra Music Festival) in Miami, and Tomorrowland (in Belgium). Spectators will also have a chance to enjoy many performances and the comeback of the American hip-hop band – Far East Movement. EDM DJs in Vietnam including the duo Slim V & Nimbia, Mike Hao, DuyDuy, Looze Khuong, and Brian Vo, in addition to dance-pop queen Thu Minh will also be there. Prices start at VND500,000.
Contact: Visit www.facebook.com/FutureNowMusicFestival for details
June 7-8
What: Dance Show
Where: Nha Van Hoa Thanh Nien, 4 Pham Ngoc Thach, D1
About: DanCenter presents 5, 6, 7, 8! - a full-length dance show about numbers, with 24 dance performances, 200 dancers on stage and seven featured dance styles. The show is set to take the audience on an adventurous exploration of numbers, with dance performances entitled The 7 Sins, 5 Senses, H2O, 911 and more. The 120-minute show will be infused with elegant jazz, graceful ballet, funky hip hop, energetic zumba, charming belly dance and soulful contemporary dance performances. All performances have been created by DanCenter’s talented team of choreographers, including choreographer and TV dance show consultant John Huy Tran, Linh Rateau, joint art director of the 2014 Charming Vietnam Show, Rosie Pollard, guest choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance Vietnam, and many more. The show will also feature a special appearance from Urban Dance Group, with top dancers from popular TV dance shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Got To Dance. The show will start at 7:30pm on June 7, and 3pm on June 8.
Contact: To book, email reservations@dancentervn.com or call 3519 4490
June 12
What: Hip-hop Performance
Where: Ben Thanh Theatre, 6 Mac Dinh Chi, D1; 8pm
About: The French Institute in Vietnam presents a hip-hop performance “silence, we turn!” with Pockemon Crew, the most titled in the world in the circuit of Battles. The choreography of Pockemon Crew is a combination of two very different things: hip- hop dance and 1930s silent movies. The combination is based on using the actions and movements from silent films to express the energy and dynamic of street dances. Sometimes gentle, sometimes frenzied, the energy of hip-hop is linked with the narrative power of the silent film.
Contact: Call 3520 6863 or email culturel@consulfrance-hcm.org for details
June 12-15
What: Saigon Players’ Show
Where: McSorley’s Square, 4 Thao Dien, D2; 7pm
About: A four-day art event that will showcase visual and performing artists from Ho Chi Minh City. Live performances include the Saigon Players’ production of Henrik Ibsen’s play, An Enemy of the People. Poets, filmmakers, dancers and musicians will also be featured. Proceeds from this festival will go to Helping Hand saigon and Little Rose Shelter. Ticket costs VND300,000.
Contact: Visit www.saigonplayers.com for details
June 14
What: Art Market
Where: Snap Cafe, 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, D2; 10am - 4pm
About: This is a great opportunity for art lovers to come and grab first-hand designs such as handmade arts and crafts, paintings, drawings and limited edition prints, ceramics, sculptures, handmade jewelry, homewares and gift items. Photographers are welcome to showcase their works.
Contact: Visit www.vingallery.com for details
June 14
What: Theatre Performances
Where: IDECAF, 28 Le Thanh Ton, D1; 8pm
About: The French Institute in Vietnam presents “Ulysses oi, where are you going?” from the Puzzle group and Thang Long theatre crew. The mythology of Ulysses will be redesigned and presented in a mixture of song and drama in the context of modern day Vietnam. A troupe of artists and an ensemble of musicians will present to the audience one of the greatest tales in ancient Greek mythology. The performances will be in Vietnamese and French and is free of charge.
Contact: Call 3520 6863 or email culturel@consulfrance-hcm.org for details
June 16-July 13
What: Summer Camps
Where: Bidoup National Park, Dalat - Ninh Binh
About: An adventure camp for kids from 11 to 17 years old, organized and operated by Asiamotions, is a great way for children to experience new activities, adapt to new situations, learn new skills and make new friends in a safe environment. Sessions will be held on June 16-22, June 23-29, June 30-July 6 and July 7-13.
Contact: Visit www.facebook.com/AsiaMotions for details
June 19
What: CBC Networking
Where: Boudoir Lounge, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan, D1; 6pm
About: Enjoy an evening of drinks and networking with CanCham. Meet some new people while reuniting with some familiar faces as well. Mix and mingle and share some stories while expanding your network and enjoying some canapés and drink specials. Come out and meet some new contacts from all different types of industry sectors and other business chambers. CanCham and co-hosting members are entitled to free admission provided they show their membership cards while non-members are charged VND50,000.
Contact: Email hcmc@canchamvietnam.org for details
June 19
What: Craig Thomas Gallery – 5th Anniversary Exhibition
Where: Craig Thomas Gallery, 27i Tran Nhat Duat, D1
About: To celebrate the fifth anniversary of its founding, Craig Thomas Gallery will be holding a group exhibition of 12 Vietnamese artists opening on June 19 and continuing through July 18. The work on display will include painting, sculpture and installation and will feature artists from throughout the country, many of whom have had solo exhibitions in recent years at CTG.
Contact: Visit www.cthomasgallery.com for details
June 20
What: Friendly Neighborhood Bike Ride
Where: Starts at The Bike Shop, 250 Nguyen Van Huong, D2
About: The Bike Shop is running its community Bike Ride every month to share the joy of cycling. The ride is organized in District 2 and ends up in a bar to share a drink and meet new neighbors. Bike enthusiasts from the age of 12 are all invited to join this fun event. Helmet, lights and smiles are mandatory.
Contact: Email thebikeshopvn@gmail.com for more info
June 21-22
What: Wedding Fair
Where: Grand Ballroom, Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan
About: Couples can check out wedding cars from Mercedes Benz, the latest wedding dress collection by Koyuki, Minh Loc Makeup & Wedding Dress in combination with stylist jewelries, wedding rings by Cuu Long Jewelry. Professional photographers from BL Duy Studio and Ngoc Huy studio will recommend you fashionable, creative wedding photography styles. Leading wedding experts and planners from Serenade, Chocolate Graphics, Y Tuong Card, and Vietnam Wedding Planner will help you plan your dream wedding. Future brides can have free consultation and special gifts from Lancôme who will reveal beauty secrets and makeup tips for your special day.
The Wedding Fair will feature lucky draw prizes. Exclusively during the event, guests can also receive 10 percent off on total bill for deposit for future wedding, 15 percent off on total bill for full payment of future wedding and complimentary upgrade to luxury suite for honeymoon stay including breakfast at Mövenpick Hotel saigon.
Contact: Email dung.ngo@moevenpick.com for details
June 25
What: AmCham Palooza Party
Where: InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Corner Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan Boulevard, D1; 6pm
About: The monthly Palooza Party is a platform to develop new friendships, networking opportunities and information exchange. People from all age groups are welcome to attend. Free admission for members and VND100,000 for non-members including free canapés.
Contact: Email contact@amchamvietnam.com for details
June 26
What: Canvas & Wine: Modigliani Self Portrait
Where: VinSpace Art Studio, 6 Le Van Mien, D2; 6:30pm - 9pm
About: Modigliani was a unique artist with a very particular approach to portraiture. With the help of a mirror you will have the fun experience of portraying yourself in his style. No previous experience in figure painting is needed.
Contact: Visit www.vin-space.com for details
June 28
What: Folks Blues Concert
Where: IDECAF, 28 Le Thanh Ton, D1; 8pm
About: The French Institute in Vietnam presents a Folks Blues concert with singer Mélissa Laveaux whose style is a combination of folk, indie pop and her signature percussive finger-style blues guitar all topped with her rich and gritty vocals. Born to Haitian parents in Montreal, Mélissa moved to France six years ago when she signed to No Format (also home to Chilly Gonzales and Julia saar) and in 2008 released her debut album Camphor and Copper. Her new album Dying Is A Wild Night gives an intimate insight into her difficult first few years in Europe. The title is borrowed from American poet Emily Dickinson’s Dying Is A Wild Night And A New Road, and is symbolic of her feeling towards cutting ties with her country. Entrance is VND100,000, 50 percent discount for students.
Contact: Call 3520 6863 or email culturel@consulfrance-hcm.org for info
June 30
What: Deadline for Registration for Saigon 7’s International Football Tournament
Where: RMIT, 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7
About: Football team Saigon Hotshots will hold its second annual Saigon 7’s International Football Tournament on September 20–21. The tournament will have two divisions - the Open and Masters Categories. The Open category is available to all teams with players aged 16+. The Masters category is available to all teams with all players aged 35+. Entry fee is VND12,600,000/team. Tournament fee covers pitch rental, referees, water stations on pitch, trophies for top finishing teams, captain’s meeting, opening party allowance and awards. The open registration payment deadline is June 30. Teams failing to meet the deadline will be accepted on a first come, first served basis after that until the roster is full.
Contact: Visit www.saigonhotshots.com for details