The best of the Shanghai 2010 Expo

With the 2010 Expo featuring six months of festivities, exhibits, performances, reviews, shindigs and shenanigans, and over 200 national and international organization pavilions, it's hard to know when and where to go. But don't worry, while details on Expo events are not all confirmed, Shanghai’s resident Expo pros have agreed to divulge to us their picks so far.

Adam Minter, writer, Shanghai Scrap

Expo event pick: Herbie Hancock and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
When: Thursday, May 13 (Herbie Hancock) and Friday, May 14 (Dee Dee Bridgewater), U.S. Pavilion.

"A member of the second Miles Davis quintet deserves the honors accorded a head of state on an official visit, and Herbie Hancock, doubly so. He is the epitome of all that is right and good with American music -- that is, all that is right and good with America. I'll be at both performances. Expo at its best."

Allison Lu, manager of entertainment operations, U.S. Pavilion

Expo event pick: BYU 'Living Legends,' New York Rhythm City Hip-Hop.
When: Saturday, May 15 (Living Legends), Monday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 26 (Rhythm City), U.S. Pavilion.

"While we are very excited to see all of our performances, the groups I anticipate the most are BYU 'Living Legends' and New York Rhythm City Hip-Hop, as I believe 'Living Legends' will showcase the roots and heritage of Native American, Polynesian, and Latin American culture while the latter group demonstrates the evolution of American dance during modern times." 

Angela Mou, Expo pro, City Weekend

Her Expo event pick: Italian fashion shows.
When: TBA, Italian Pavilion.

"Rarely do huge designers have shows in Shanghai, so I'm especially excited for fashion shows at the Italian Pavilion. Ferragamo and Prada have already confirmed [see venue website for details], and I can't wait to find out who else will show this year!"

Karen Li, marketing supervisor, China Spring Tour

Her Expo event pick: WWF's 30th anniversary event. 
When: Saturday, June 5, WWF Pavilion.

"I'm not going to miss the event organized by WWF [World Wide Fund for Nature] on June 5. The theme is 'Every time, every moment, for the Earth.' It seems like an interesting event and it will help people realize that the Earth is an important resource and the importance of environmental protection.”

Louisa Lim, National Public Radio (NPR) Shanghai correspondent

Her Expo event pick: India's Bollywood Extravaganza.
When: Saturday, July 17, India Pavilion.

"I'm looking forward to the Bollywood show. India is bringing in 50 of its top Bollywood stars and a team of special effects people for a big Bollywood extravaganza on July 17. I'm not sure exactly who is coming, but reporters were told that 'all the big names' will be there, bringing some Bollywood flair to Shanghai."

CNNGo's 2010 Expo events editorial picks

Well, it wouldn’t be the Expo if we didn’t include a Chinese spectacular, and as long as organizers are calling it "as exciting as the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics,” we’re there -- if only to see if they have human typewriters again. The festivities continue as 200 actors donning Olympic attire and traditional garments parade around the Expo site. 

What: The English National Ballet. 
When: Wednesday, September 8, UK Pavilion.

Coinciding with the Lord Mayor of London’s visit to Shanghai, the venerable dance troupe’s performance is sure to give a blast of class to Expo proceedings. It will be worth wishing them a happy anniversary, as 2010 marks the troupe's Diamond Jubilee -- its 60th year. Plus it’ll give us an excellent excuse to visit (or revisit) the UK Pavilion’s fuzzy landmark.

What: Legends of European Football in Action.
When: Saturday, September 18, location TBA.

Call it All-Star Fantasy Soccer Time. The Expo will pit names like Paolo Maldini, Luis Figo, and Zinedine Zidane against old-timer Chinese players in European Football Festival’s kick-off friendship game -- and it’s hard to say no. If you really squint your eyes, it’s almost like being at South Africa’s World Cup, right? Right??