Weekend Live Music Roundup: 'dazeFEAST 2012, Fete de la Musique and Rock Rhinos

Two musical celebrations this weekend amongst a host of shows. One is down to France as Beijing embraces World Music Day (or Fete de la Musique) for the first time. The other is the brainchild of music blogger and friend of the Beijinger, Badr Benjelloun. His 'dazeFEAST 2012 sees 17 bands performing across 12 hours, but more of that a little later. This weekend's offerings get going on Thursday with Fete de la Musique. The Gulou neighbourhood will host 20 performances across its many livehouses to mark China's first ever celebration of World Music Day. The lineup is pretty impressive as you can see here making this a fine warm-up for the weekend. And, lest we forget, Friday is a day off for most of us, so we're given extra license to enjoy the evening.

Elsewhere on Thursday night there's an interesting looking night of improvised music at the Miji Concert at 2 Kolegas. In addition to a set from Phil Minton and Audrey Chen, the organizers will be holding a pre-performance workshop to get the audience warmed up. Be prepared for some degree of participation.

After rising from a glorious lie-in on Friday, you can head down to What Bar to pick up where you left off with a reggae-themed party with the Meiwenti Sound crew, or alternatively there's a hard-hitting dollop of rock from Wang Wei and the Rock Rhinos over at Hot Cat Club.

Make sure you keep something in the tank for Saturday. Badr's warning that it's "going to get messy" should be heeded given past editions of the 'dazeFEAST. A host of top local acts will come together for a third anniversary of BeijingDaze. Click here for the full lineup. But with SUBS and Fever Machine over from Shanghai especially for the show, it's sure to be a top afternoon-slash-evening over at 2 Kolegas.

Finally, if you still have anything left come Sunday, you can join the grunge night at MAO Livehouse to firmly put your weekend to bed.

Enjoy the weekend. It promises to be a cracker.

JUNE 21

Fete de la Musique

Celebrate World Music Day across Beijing’s musical heartland as Gulou’s venues host more than 20 performances to mark China’s debut celebration of Fête de la Musique. Free. 6pm. Gulou

Miji Concert no. 9: Voice and Electricity

Audrey Chen & Phil Minton team up, as do Li Jianhong & the Mars Impro Committee for a show for a night of eclectic song as part of the UK Now series. RMB 60. 8.30pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

JUNE 22

Reggae Party featuring Meiwenti

The Meiwenti Sound Project hosts another reggae jamboree at What Bar. Free. 9.30pm. What Bar (133 4112 2757)

Turtle Egg Murder

A night of rock from local group Turtle Egg Murder supported by american singer-songwriter Jonathan Kaiman. RMB 40. 9pm. Jianghu Bar (6401 4611)

Wang Wei and the Rock Rhinos & VHR

Veteran hard rocker brings his Rock Rhinos and their French friends VHR down to the hutongs. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

JUNE 23

Beijing Punk Gathering

Early Bus, Trouble Trouble and Discord get together to rain a storm of punk. RMB 30. 9.30pm. What Bar (133 4112 2757)

Brand New You’re Retro #5

Another exploration of world folk music. RMB 50, RMB 30 (advance). 9.30pm. Temple. (131 6107 0713)

Djang San

The electro-folk artist returns to the drive-in to cap a busy weekend, this time supported by Me Too. Free. 9.30pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Duanwu Folk Festival

Ma Di, Song Dongye and Liang Zi feature in a line-up marking the traditional Dragon Boat Festival. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

I Rock For Orphans

Get to hear good music and have a great night while helping the lives of others. The gig is in aid of parentless children and the lineup features Nancy J Brown amongst others. RMB 35 (before 8pm). RMB 50 (after 8pm). 6pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Olivier Roussel Duo & Li Daiguo

Jazz duet and multi-instrumentalist Li Daiguo combine for what’s sure to be a jaw-dropping show. RMB 50, RMB 30 (advance). Time TBD. Temple (131 6107 0713)

’dazeFEAST 2012

The third annual ’dazeFEAST goes ahead with a host of top local acts set to mark the anniversary. Free. 4pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

JUNE 24

Looking For A Lost Melody
A celebration of the cream of Beijing's grunge rock scene RMB 60. RMB 40 (advance). 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)