2011 Feb 25 Weekend Live Music Roundup: Shinichi Osawa, Pacalolo, Buyi
While you can still spot the remnants of Spring Festival in the occasional red decorations in the streets, Beijing gets back into operation real fast –maybe a little too soon, for some people. Are you overwhelmed all over again by the massive crowds? This weekend's live music gigs are set up to calm your nerves with jazz musicians and folksters leading the way. In addition to the regular jazz sessions, such as the ones at Wudaoying Hutong's V.A Bar and Houhai's East Shore Live, we have Nancy J. Brown from England presenting her debut album, and Japanese jazz master Shinichi Osawa, who wants to make you dance.
Dongmianhua Hutong's Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar is always a good place to go for an easy night – folky rockers Buyi meet you there tonight and Beijing Alchemists will bring their global folk sensibility on Saturday. The centrally located What Bar hosts its first folk night of the year on Saturday too. They'll be preceded there tonight by Pacalolo, the local electronicists with the danceable beats.
If you are committed to heavier tunes, you're pretty much stuck on Guloudong Dajie, where MAO Livehouse is the place to go. Featured tonight is a lineup of industrial metal and heavy metal, followed by a rock tribute to the Rolling Stones on Saturday, and a Garage Night on Sunday.
Here comes more: (For venue details, check the Beijinger Directory):
Friday (Feb 25)
2011's First Metal Party
Siwu, Army of Jade Kirin and more metal diehards gather to make the night unforgettable. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
The Ah-Q Jazz Arkestra
An eclectic mix of straight-ahead, modern, funk and Latin jazz. RMB 50. 9.45pm. V.A Bar
Buyi
Rock it up and folk it down, it's always a pleasure with Buyi. RMB 50. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)
Christmas
All original, all Chinese songs, all crazy, they are Christmas. 9pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)
Jacky Dannny, Xiao Kuai Shou
Pop punk bands gather. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)
Fabão
Samba and Bossa-Nova bring your mind to Brazil. Free. 9pm. Alanting Bar & Café (8571 5168)
Nancy J Brown
a night of funk-edged blues, slick soul vocals, samba-tinged pop & jazz-soaked grooves with UK songstress Nancy J Brown. Free. 9.30pm. Ciro's Pomodoro (5208 6008)
Pacalolo, Baijin, Baimianbao, Boy Number 6
Indie rockers and electronica players gather near the Forbidden City. RMB 30. 9pm. What Bar
Shinichi Osawa
Japanese jazz master heats up Beijing with his dance music series. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). 10pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)
Xia Jia Piano Trio
Original jazz tunes with feelings of electro, drum & bass，funk. Free. 10pm East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)
Saturday (Feb 26)
Beijing Alchemists
British, US and Asian blues and folk traditions are combined. RMB 30. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)
Blue Mantra
Rock, blues, trip hop, jazz and yet to be named world influences. Free. 9pm. Alanting Bar & Cafe (8571 5168)
Folk Night
First folk night near the Forbbiden City of the year. RMB 40 (include a free drink). 8.30pm. What Bar
Jordan Mitchell
Singer/songwriter Jordan Mitchell mixes original folk with reinterpreted classics. 8pm. The Bookworm (6503 2050)
Liu Yuan Jazz Quartet
Saxophonist Liu Yuan brings his jazz regular. Free. 10pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)
Love's Tourettes
From punk to hip hop, from neo-soul to Aussie "pirate rock." RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A Bar (5844 3638)
Old Fashion, Double Long, End of the World, China5
Wudaokou's punk routine continues. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)
Soundbloom Spring
Soundbloom (声演坊) set up a free show to welcome the spring. Buyi's Wu Ningyue and a bunch of indie popsters come to celebrate. Free. 4pm. BO House (400 880 2880)
Tribute to the Rolling Stones
Young rockers from Los Crasher, Jacky Danny and OOC s show their respect. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
Wang Yuqi & Band
Former guitarist of Second Hand Rose Wang Yuqi tells his own indie story. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)
Wanting Qu & Sean Zhang
Pop singer/ song writer Wanting Qu takes her voice to Wudaoying hutong. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A Bar
Wuhuaguo
Local folksters bring their originals. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance, students). 9pm. Zuiyuefang Bar
Sunday (Feb 27)
Garage Night
Garage rock and pop punk bands keep the night loud. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
Lantern Festival, Bai Mianbao
Get some plinking and twinkling new sound. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)
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