Weekend Live Music Roundup: Tang Dynasty, Xie Tianxiao, Carsick Cars

Who's the best Swedish drummer in Beijing? Jonathan (Tan Tan) from P.K.-14 must be popping into many of your heads. But, there's a girl I like better than him. Last year, I saw her at this random gig at MAO, it was so powerful and energetic, and I was totally shocked that all this was from a doesn't-seem-strong-at-all girl behind the drum kit. I didn’t even remember the name of the band, while I somehow remembered her nationality. A year later, morning while I was on my way to work, I noticed this girl in standard professional outfit: white shirt, skirt, heels, was walking in front of me, and it was this awesome chick-drummer. I talked to her a little bit and told her that I think her drumming skill is amazing. She looked so happy and surprised... I think that made her day. That was when I found out that the band’s name is Nakoma, who will be playing at 13 Club Saturday night (Aug. 21) and MAO Livehouse on Sunday night (Aug. 22).

Besides this, there will be more cool gigs going on this weekend. Max Star Festival is coming to the last and best 3 days. All the top Chinese bands such as Carsick Cars, Xie Tianxiao and Tang Dynasty are finally coming up to the stage. Then the Arrtco 2010 Down Town Life Concert at Yugong Yishan, which got postponed to this Sunday because of the national silence tribute thing last weekend. Perdel, The Dancers and Pet Conspiracy are going to make this free event a great one.

Check out the full listing here:

Friday (August 20)

Shonen Knife
Japanese chick rockers, one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite bands, in a very small venue. Hedgehog opens.
RMB 150, RMB 100 (advance). 9:30pm. MAO Livehouse

Mademoiselle et son Orchestre
They love "boum-tchick", "swing" and "choubidou wah".
RMB 30. 9.30pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Xiao Meng
Young Chinese folk singer plays guitar without a pick.
RMB 60/50 (advance). 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club

Wu Kejia, Gao Bo
They cover old folk songs from the north west China and old Chinese pop songs.
RMB 30. 9.30pm. Zuiyuefang Bar (6405 4482)

Long Jin
The reggae band is back after 6 months' quietness.
Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club

My Music
New perfume, Moka and 2 other bands playing pop rock.
RMB 50/40 (advance, students). 8.30pm. Mako Live House

Su Xing
Second place in the “Super boy” competition, "little prince" of R&B.
RMB 280. 8pm. The Star Live

Saturday (August 21)

Da Biao's Birthday Party
They say Da Biao is a legend among Beijing rock fans. The Lifeless, Dexter, Nakoma and Saw play for him.
RMB 50. 9.30pm. 13 Club.

7th Punk Festival
12 punk bands gather to prove that MAO is built for punk, including a band called Nazidogs from Germany.
RMB 60/50 (advance, students). 6pm. MAO Livehouse

Zhang Liangying
Currently one of the most rapidly rising stars in Chinese pop music, the woman called Jane brings her "I Believe" tour to Beijing.
RMB 1380-280. 7.30pm. Wukesong Arena (6417 0058)

Purple Smog, Zhang Si'An
Summer's winding down. Enjoy the dog days of August with these two bands.
RMB 40. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (5820 7100 ext 827)

No Name Quartet
Swinging French gypsy jazz.
RMB 50. 8pm. Yugong Yishan

Shan Ren
Chinese folk music it is. Shan Ren makes unique music with distinctive instruments.
RMB 50/40 (advance). 9.30pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Bo Zhong Zhe
A group of guys expressing themselves in the simplest way.
RMB 60/50 (advance). 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club

ACID Live
Funk, house, trip hop, dub and electro.
RMB 50. 9.45pm. V.A. Bar

Christmas, Soul Doctors
Chinese and Foreigners getting funky together.
Free (minimum consumption: RMB 30). 9pm. Hot Cat Club

The Sweet Escape, Point Eight, Xiari Buluo
Pop punk, pop punk and pop punk.
RMB 40/30 (advance) 9pm. Gulou 121

Lin Junjie
Pop singer from Singapore. Tickets at 400 810 1887.
RMB 180-1280. 7pm. Capital Indoor Stadium

Dolan
Bass player from the metal band Ego-Fall plays Mongolian folk music with his homies.
RMB 30. 9.30pm. Zuiyuefang Bar

Sunday (August 22)

Arrtco 2010 Down Town Life Concert
Pet Conspiracy, Perdel, The Dancers, Long Kuan and Shao Xiaomao rock Yugong Yishan.
Free. 9pm. Yugong Yishan

Yoshida Tatsuya, Ryoko Ono
Japanese indie musicians joined by Yan Jun. RMB 50. 8pm. Raying Temple

Don't Call Us Foreigners
Is any of your friends in these bands: The Flying Mantas (You Mei You), Nakoma, X-Doctor, Soul Doctor, Not There.
RMB 50/40 (advance, students). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse

Mississippis For Sleeping
The electronic folk band goes on stage to help you sleeping, joined by Song Dongye.
RMB 30 +15 (Beverage +CD). 8pm. What Bar

August 16-22

Max Star Music Festival
Six days of music brought to you by Scream Records. Each day has a theme, e.g. pop, rock and that popular genre, party. Expect many of the usual festival suspects. Fri-Sun: RMB 80/60 (advance)/40 (students). Ditan Park. (6421 4657)