Our friend and colleague @BeijingDaze has the ultimate Midi post with everything you need to know for the big show:

MIDI is arranging a bus for festival-goers: It will be in the public square just outside the A exit of Beitucheng stop on subway line 8/10 (across from the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium). The shuttle service starts at 9:00am and will run every half hour until 2:00pm. The return trips start at 8:00pm, running every half hour until 11:30pm. The trip will cost you 20rmb each way and will take about 1.5 hours in either direction.

The good folks from SmartBeijing also have this to add: Alternately, you can take the 852 express bus from the Dongzhimen bus station. That will cost 15rmb and will take about an hour to drop you off at Shiji Guangchang (世纪广场站), the big public square in Pinggu. From there head to the southwest corner of the square, where you can buy a MIDI ticket (if you haven’t already) and, ticket in hand, jump on a free shuttle to the festival grounds. To get back to Beijing, you can take the free shuttle back to the public square and get back on the 852. Be aware that the Beijing-bound 852 stops running at 6:30pm, so if you want to stay out later than that you’re pretty much limited to the MIDI bus (or staying the night in Pinggu).

Another option is to book yourself in hotel for the duration of the festival. These are telephone numbers for hotels located in the town of Sanhe ca 12Km from the venue, there are plenty of 4 seater (motor) rickshaws and it’s 30 RMB per rickshaw to get to the venue one way. 

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The will.i.am concert rumored to be in the works since this summer has finally been set. The show, to benefit and raise awareness for the 100,000 Strong Initiative, will take place on Saturday, December 17. The Black Eyed Peas singer will be joined in Beijing by fellow bandmate apl.de.ap, the Bucky Johnson Band and singer-songwriter John Legend.

This November, the Beijinger took it upon ourselves to attempt a world record or two. Our valiant efforts (read all about them here on issuu.com) sadly fell short - but then again, we never tried enlisting the assistance of Akon. Last night (Nov 4) at Mastercard Arena, Akon proved just how easily he could rock a stadium and set a number of somewhat kooky world records*.

World Record #1: number of Chinese people simultaneously screaming "ghetto"

High school is long gone, but who says we no longer need to hear the bitter love songs of nerd boys? With their catchy lyrics and maverick violin, Yellowcard broke out in the middle of the last wave of pop-punk. After a two year hiatus, they’re back and they’re riding the genre’s next wave.

In case you didn’t read this article from CNN, Will.i.am is coming to play in Beijing, in a concert with other US and Chinese pop stars, which will be organized by Americans Promoting Study Abroad. According to the rapper from Black Eyed Peas, they want to help American kids to “become responsible global citizens” and let more of them to “have the opportunity to study and travel abroad.” Coming along to kick it with Will is none other than Hillary Clinton. Word.