Weekend Live Music Roundup: Ditan Folk Music Festival
What a long weekend that was. As always, there was too much wind and too much sand on the music festival fields, then you ended up drinking too much (and forgot about the music) or, worse still, did not having enough booze (it was a downer that no alcohol was provided at the Music Valley Music Festival). But the sun finally shone through the messy clouds and polluted air, and we managed to keep on rocking. A great time was achieved after all. Now the Strawberry team is taking a rest and the Midi crew is moving to rock Shanghai for the very first time, and what can we look forward to in Beijing?
Maybe it's time to have a break from the hard rock. To serve such purpose, what suits better than the annual gathering of folk musicians at Ditan Park? The lazy weekend is to be set with Xiao He, Shanren, Wan Xiaoli an more local and international folksters. When the night comes, jazz and indie pop get to lead the trend for the next few days in Beijing's live music bars and clubs, except the never ending punk parties at Wudaokou's D-22.
By the way, if you have a favourite venue then why don't you vote for them in our Bars & Clubs Awards?
Friday (May 6)
Ajinai
Pure music from inner Mongolia. RMB 50. 9pm. Aluss Art Photography Space (8400 2628)
Birdstriking, BeYoung, Sgt. Pepper, Irregularities
They promise to bring high-school noise and some punk spirit. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)
Chapelier Fou
French talent leads you down a road of electronic classical music. White+ and We Are Not Invited join in. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)
Olivier Roussel Duet
Get some modern jazz from France. RMB 50. 9.45pm. V.A Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)
The Hot Club Beijing
They aim at giving a 100% swing to its audience through Gipsy Jazz standards. RMB 50. Free (CD Blues members). 9.30pm. CD Blues Cafe and Bar (6506 8288)
Trainspotting Cultural Salon
Experimental music by Song Yuzhe, Li Tieqiao, and more. RMB 50. 9pm. Trainspotting (6406 0658)
Xia Jia Piano Trio
Some classics and some originals, all jazz. Free. 10pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)
Saturday (May 7)
Amped
The Beijing Beatles Band sings your favorite tunes from the Fab Four. Free. 8pm. The Bookworm (6503 2050)
Christmas
The pop phenomenon continues their invasion. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)
Devils at the Crossroad
With a sound that combines blues, punk, stoner and good ol' hard rock, Devils at the Crossroad plays balls to the wall, pure energy, Rock N' Roll music! Free. 9.30pm. Alanting (8571 5168)
Discord, Gumbleed, Labor Glory, Cold Case
Punk regulars gather. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)
Jurat Band
Indie rock with spirit from Xinjiang. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A. Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)
Mademoiselle et son Orchestra
The gypsy jazz band releases their album, Cafe Pour Deux. RMB 40. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)
Sen
The singer debuts in Beijing with a four-piece band – rock, electronic and some folk. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
Saturday & Sunday
Ditan Park Music Festival
The biggest annual gathering of China’s folksters. Lineup includes the legendary Xiao He, Shanren, Travelers and many more. Tickets at 6403 0513. RMB 80 (per day), RMB 60 (per day, advance purchase), RMB 120 (two days). 3.30-9.30pm. Ditan Park (6421 4657)
Sunday (May 8)
After Strawberry
Young rock bands gather to keep the festival mood going. RMB 40. 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
Photos from Ditan Park Music Festival, Pangbianr.com and Christmas