We'll start this week's roundup with a fond farewell to a popular Nanluogu Xiang spot. Ned's is set to close this Friday (April 8), although since the plan is to drink everything left in the bar, they might well go on until Saturday. Then again, they are Aussies ... Don't get your hopes up for a new bar opening in Ned's current location - I've heard the space is to be taken over by a currency exchange.

On a cheerier note, a happy birthday to 1F, who last night held their first anniversary bash and will no doubt be continuing the celebrations over this weekend. It's one of the few bars in Beijing where you can walk in and be pretty sure somebody will know your name. OK, it's not Cheers, but boss Jack Zhou is one of the best bartenders around - and he does look a little like Ted Danson in his 1980s pomp.

Tomorrow night, if you were planning on going to Shin Nishimura's set at The House (RMB 80, free before 11pm), the event will now also double up as a charity night, with CD copies of Acupuncture Records' Three-Year Anniversary album being sold to raise money for victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The CD will be on sale at RMB 30, with all proceeds from CD sales going to the Red Feather Community Chest Movement Japan. All donors can leave their email address and will be sent a receipt confirming the transfer of donations to the charity. 

Also on Friday night, DJ Wordy is back at Punk for Hot Pot - that's RMB 50 after 11pm. Look out for DJ Wordy launching his latest album in late May. Kokomo's Mo Lounge has the Wasabi Sound guys back on Friday (April 8) for more spicy electronic sounds, with Eddie Lv welcoming Donald Summer for the second in the Eddie's Weekend series on Saturday. Both nights will get going around 10pm, and entry is free. At The House on Saturday, Acupuncture's X.L.F. is at the decks (RMB 50, free before 11pm).

Recently relaunched Renaissance Capital Beijing bar R Lounge has a DJ battle on Friday night, with four decksmen spinning from 10pm onwards. Entry is free and drinks specials include RMB 40 cocktails, and RMB 250 "shooter pallet" and RMB 500 bottles of liquor and champagne.

Saturday night, DJ Slide and Steve Barker get behind the decks in the basement of Siif for another No Go Die session of afrobeat, funk step and any other genre you care to mention. OK, perhaps not Merseybeat, but you never know with that pair. Entry's free and kickoff is around 10pm.

Cafe-bar Alanting has live music every weekend, with Brazilian tunes a recurring theme. Fabão plays Brazilian music this Friday from 9pm, with Hannah Nieh & the Flying Pigeons on Saturday and Sunday night's "Groove Session" starting from 7pm.

Finally, Bob Louison and Spirit It!'s next cocktail class will be held on April 30 (RMB 160, 6.30-8.30pm), when Bob will be focusing on cocktails featuring Beefeater 24 gin. Space is limited, so if you're interested, email bobspirit.it@gmail.com to get your name on the list.

That's it for now, enjoy your weekend.