the Beijinger

Swedish heavy metal band Opeth will be taking the stage Saturday, February 11 at Tango. If you are in any doubt as to their metal credentials, consider that their drummer is named Axe. Gosh. They will be exposing Beijingers to their unique sound, which blends metal with softer elements such as folk, blues and jazz. Before that happens, we got guitarist Fredrik Akesson to offer some insight on the band's influences, fake blood and loud fans.

What's going on this week in Bars & Clubs? There are openings, dragons, qipaos, tattoos, love, hate, comedy and quizzes. Not all in the same bar, unfortunately.

Jorma Kaukonen, who will make his China debut on February 11 at Yugong Yishan, was a founding member of two legendary rock bands: Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. When the former debuted in 1965, they were the first San Francisco psychedelic band to make an impact, a few years before their friends in the Grateful Dead. They were also the only band to play at the three major '60s rock festivals: Monterey, Woodstock, and Altamont.

Eventually, the band split into two: the pop-rock Jefferson Airplane and the rootsy, blues-based Hot Tuna, featuring Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady. The pair still tour in both electric and acoustic settings, while the guitarist also enjoys a thriving solo acoustic career. He is also a popular instructor at the Fur Peace Ranch, a guitar camp he founded 15 years ago on his Ohio property.

Writer Alan Paul caught up with Jorma on the phone as he prepared for his short Asian tour of Japan and China.

With Valentine's Day approaching, new pasta deals at Flamme and much more to report, here we are with this week's roundup of the latest news, gossip and scandal from Beijing's restaurant scene. Let's go!

Last week we launched our first-ever writing contest, asking you to describe your Beijing in six words. The entries so far have been of a refreshingly high standard. However, we know that you've all got a little more left in the literary tank. You've got until 9am on Thursday, February 16 to tell us your tiny stories.

You can enter as many times as you like. The only rules are that each of your entries must be six words long – and that all of the words must be in English. Send them to sixwords@thebeijinger.com.

Here we are with the second of our two-part Valentine's Day dining guide. After yesterday's roundup of everything that isn't a buffet, today we present our list of all your options if you want an international feast of self-served, all-you-can-eat cuisine. One or two even have free-flow alcohol thrown in to help move your evening along ...

We're delighted to belatedly tell you what your great efforts at The Beijinger 2011 Charity Super Quiz raised. The grand total was a whopping RMB 28,042. Well done to everyone involved. We'd like to thank everyone who came out and attended the event. We'd like to thank the quizmasters (and Tuba John) for helping and Chocolate for hosting. Most of all, though, we'd like to thank the Holt Ping An Medical Foster Home for the good work they are doing with the money that you all raised.

What do fireworks, great action movies, fruit wrapped in baskets, fancy envelopes, new clothing and people getting fat have in common? You guessed it, they’re all things you see during Chinese New Year! As this year’s chunyun comes to a close, let’s take a minute and look back on some of the impressive figures that were rung up during the CNY period.

Do you love exploring the city to find new restaurants and dining options? Do you like the grubby alleyway dives as much as the high-end venues? If you have a way with words and never tire of talking about food, then the Beijinger wants you.