Local record label Maybe Mars is a bit obsessed with distinguishing generations lately. Their new release Generation Six just came out recently, twelve songs from four bands (Rustic, Birdstriking, Flyx, Old Fashion) make up this album; left people wondering what the other five generations are. Half of the question is getting answered tonight. Three bands of three different generations gather at Yugong Yishan tonight: Mr. Graceless didn't make their songs to the Generation Six album but got to represent them with Carsick Cars and Post-rock icons P.K. 14 representing two older generations.

Earlier this week a weibo (微博) post by folk/rock band Buyi stating that their gig tonight at Jiangjinjiu will probably be their last at the venue set off a swirl of speculation that the popular Gulou area club had closed down and was set to be demolished – a rumor that was dispelled (somewhat) the following day when the band explained they had merely heard that Jiangjinjiu will be torn down in March. The management, for its part, claims no further knowledge and says it will remain open until the wrecking ball comes.

Once again, many of us will be reminded that there are not enough cabs in Beijing tonight. While walking might become the fastest way of transportation, it's lucky for those of you who live in the Gulou area – you don't have to join the "Taxi War" to find good parties. And you will feel even luckier if you are into punk rock: MAO Livehouse goes punk from Friday all the way to Sunday. Long term punkheads Brain Failure lead the scene tonight; a few D-22 regulars will come down to Gulou and host the “last big punk party” of the year on Saturday, and Japanese top punk band Good 4 Nothing keeps the same spirit rolling on Sunday.

If you don't have any interest in Michael Learns to Rock, tonight is a good night to have a listen to the young powers. Bigger Bang and a few other young acts gather at MAO. And Jiang Hu will start early to celebrate the World's Aids Day. At the same time, D-22 and 13 Club remain punk and metal at Wudaokou.

I know it's getting freezing outside, but we don't have time to let the coldness hold us back. beside the local acts, brave westerners are coming to town to warm up the party season. French duo Curry & Coco suggest peopel to wear nothing at their gig (see our interview with them in the magazine). Get ready to dance hard if you are really going to do so tomorrow night. Yugong Yishan's heating is strong, but probably not that strong. The same night, Swedish black metal band Marduk takes over MAO Livehouse, and I don't think they will accept you being too cool over there.

The temperature may be dropping into the below zero range, but some of Beijing's best acts are just coming back to the city, while others are moving to even colder climes. Our "queen of XXXXing everything" and her band Subs take over Yugong Yishan tonight. MAO Livehouse is going to be packed with skater punk boys and young girls on Saturday because their favorite pop punk band Reflector has finally finished their national tour. They'll be having a final celebration of their "new album" with their hommies, although the album is not so new anymore, since it has been out there for more than six months. Meanwhile Lure, another local pop punk band formed in the '90, just finished their new one, and will celebrate in the same venue on Sunday.

There are more local acts this weekend, but let's talk about laowais.