Cao Zhen

    Caozhen0806@126.com

    AFTER signing with Modern Sky, China’s largest independent music company, in March, Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung has confirmed that she will participate in the Strawberry Music Festival in May, her label announced Friday.

    Beijing-based Modern Sky said in a statement that Cheung has set up a band and will perform at the festival’s Beijing and Shanghai gigs May 1-3. This will be the first time in a long time Cheung has performed at a rock music festival.

    The label didn’t reveal the name of the band, only saying it has five members and has been rehearsing for some time. “Maggie is taking her debut show at the Strawberry Festival very seriously, not just practicing with the band, but also taking time meeting with tech staff, discussing lighting, stage design, sound and many other details,” Modern Sky said.

    As the most popular music festival in China, the Strawberry Music Festival, founded in 2009, has become an influential rock event in the country, attracting throngs of young people every year. At this year’s Beijing and Shanghai gigs, French electronic band Justice, Finnish hard-rock band HIM, American post-rock band Explosions in the Sky and many others will perform.

    The Shenzhen gig will be held May 16-18 at Universiade Center in Longgang District. The lineup has not yet been announced.