Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party is turning its 40th birthday concert into a campaign showcase, a mood-setting move ahead of next year's local elections.

• The concert lands on the 19th, with candidates for mayor and county chief singing classic Taiwanese songs on stage.
• Women candidates, including Pingtung county chief Chou Chun-mi and New Taipei hopeful Su Chiao-hui, perform together as a "women's power" segment.
• Men candidates, including Taipei hopeful Puma Shen and Kaohsiung's Lai Jui-lung, sing a song built around themes of freedom and courage.
• Chupei mayor Cheng Chao-fang, a past broadcasting award winner and Golden Melody nominee, also performs a solo number.
• Surprise guests are promised, keeping attention on the party's social media in the run-up.

Outlook: Expect the DPP to keep blending culture and campaigning as the local election race heats up.