Weekend Live Music Roundup: Namo, Bigger Bang and Secret band at Old What

I'm going to start with MAO Livehouse this week. Did you go there last Saturday? Omnipotent Youth Society played and ex-Joyside's Bian Yuan warmed up for them. Next time they put out such an attractive lineup, please expand the place. I got there at around 9.30 and missed Bian Yuan, and then all I could see was head after head in the cold light, and occasionally a corner of the stage – around 700 fans got in that night, and many others waited outside before they had to leave.

The Omnipotent surely deserved the crowd and the four Midi award nominations they received in the nomination list released this week. My only issue was that it seemed unfair to the young bands that they are one of the nominees for "Best New Artist," since they've been influential for over a decade, though admittedly they have just released their first album.

Which brings us to tonight and one of the other nominees for "Best New Artist" – Namo (often called Nanwu by mistake) takes over MAO and shows us some "Influential Sound & Vision" from the younger generation. The series of events is organized by Nanwu's new label Shixi Music.
Another band with a new label is Bigger Bang, now signed to Modern Sky. The first show the band plays under their new contract will be a free one. Dance with them at The One Club tonight, along with Today is Autumn and Me Guan Me.

And there's a rumor going around about the gig at Old What tonight – read the listing below to get a clue:
(For venue details, check the Beijinger Directory)

Friday (December 17)

Acid Live
You can't ever have enough acid jazz, but this is their last show of the year. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 9pm. Yugong Yishan

Bigger Bang, Me Guan Me, Today Is Autumn
Party with the new rock generation. Free. 8pm. The One Club

Birdstriking, Chuiwan, Zhang Shouwang
Plus secret debut of an old band's new lineup. RMB 20. 9pm. What Bar

Buyi
Hard rock or gentle folk, which side will Buyi show tonight? RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Influential Sound & Vision
Second hit of the series of events, features Buddhist rock band Namo’s album release. RMB 59, RMB 49 (advance, students). 9pm. MAO Livehouse

Liu Kun
It's a folk night at Wudaokou. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22

Ma Tiao
Top folk bands and musicians gather to celebrate his album launch. Lineup includes Wan Xiaoli, Chuanzi and Shanren. A free CD with every one who buys ticket. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). 8pm. the Star Live

Not There, Fruit Salad, Reggae Band
Indie, brit-pop and reggae. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club

Yao Zheng
The rock one from the "Super Boy" competition releases a new album. RMB 80, RMB 70 (students), RMB 60 (advance). 8.30pm. Mako Live House

Saturday (December 18)

Demerit, Flyx, Trash Cat, Soju Legion
How can you say no to Soju in winter, especially when it comes with punk? RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22

Ember Swift
It's new? It's cool? It's classic? Ember Swift gives you more than that. RMB 40. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar

Longjing Shuochang
The hip-pop group’s album release. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance, students) 9pm. MAO Livehouse

Made in Ningxia
Wu & The Side Effects and Buyi tell you stories about the northwest. Rock it up and folk it down. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas

Song Dongye
He promises to warm you with only an acoustic guitar. RMB 30. 9.30pm. Zuiyuefang Bar

Xiaohe
I want to call him a folk musician, but he’s so much more than that. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Sunday (December 19)

Bloody Woods
Ease your nerves with some folk songs. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 9pm. D-22

Gangzi
Enjoy the Mongolian khoomei. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar

Indie Night
Indie pop, indie folk, indie rock. Indie bands keep you company. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance, students). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse