Talking Tunes: New Music Showcase Prepares for Blast Off
Do you have your tickets for the Beijinger New Music Showcase yet? If not, why not? But there's no time to waste with excuses, quick, head along to any of the venues around town selling tickets and pick one up. If you do it today, you'll get it for 50 kuai cheaper than the rabble who turn up at the door come Saturday.
While were on about the Showcase, one of the bands who will feature on Saturday, Bad Mamasan, are set to release their new EP "Darwin Backfire" on September 1. Brace yourself for night of hot metal at the Temple bar of doom.
Apart from our Showcase, there are other things going on this weekend. Not least on Friday night when And So I Watch You From Afar finally play their hugely anticipated show at MAO Livehouse. With support being lent by Glow Curve, it's a show well worth checking out, and a steal at RMB 80.
Rearrangements for some of the headline acts of the ill-fated Fun Music Festival have been announced. True Live, Marie Madeleine and Sir Alice will now play with Mr. Graceless on one bumper night at Yugong Yishan on August 29 before hitting up a cluster of other Beijing venues in the first week in September. More details of those shows closer to the date.
And on September 15, Don, Raul, Gringo and Jorge (aka The Beijing Beatles) will re-enact the famous Apple Studio rooftop gig at new Sanlitun haunt 99 Degrees.
In that spirit, here are the Fab Four singing Get Back during that legendary gig.
Below are a selection of some of the musical highlights until we meet again. Don't forget to our Events section is jam-packed with ideas on how to kill time.
Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to drop by on Saturday. See you there.
Thursday August 16
Bob Coecke
The Belgian one-man industrial guitar band performs. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)
Celebrating Mary Quant: 50 Years of Mini Skirt Girl Night
A celebration of the mini-skirt. Wear one (even if you’re a guy) and get a buy-one-get-one-free cocktail, with DJ Peter Stone blasting beats. Free. 9.30pm. Modernista (136 9142 5744)
Powerman 5000
Industrial metal band whose front man, Spider One, is Rob Zombie’s younger brother. RMB 200, RMB 150 (presale). 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)
Friday August 17
Knucklebone Oscar & Not There
If Chuck Berry went electronic, this is how it would sound. Finnish electro-rockers return to China with support from local livetronica group Not There. RMB 40. 9.40pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)
Marketa Irglova
Twenty-three-year old Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Marketa Irglova, of Once fame, starts her first China tour. RMB 150, RMB 100 (advance). 8pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)
And So I Watch You From Afar
Northern Ireland’s premier instrumental rock outfit continues its tour through the west of China. RMB 80, RMB 50 (students). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
Whai
Experimental electro folk rock. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)
Wu & The Side Effects, The Beijing Beatles & Mademoiselle et son Orchestre
An eclectic night of aural delight. RMB 60. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)
Saturday August 18
Elliot the Bull
The six-piece from the Central Coast of NSW are a melting pot of muses – fusing folk, rockabilly, punk and indie pop to create a pleasurable sound. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Jianghu (6401 5269)
The Beijinger’s Summer 2012 New Music Festival
A day of craft beer, artisanal food & the best new music in Beijing! Showcasing some of the brightest new talent in the city. RMB 150. 4pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)
The Red Pirates, Liu Yusi, & 16 Minutes
Yaoyao (drummer of the Red Pirates) and Yusi celebrate a birthday, and want to celebrate with a show. Friends of the Pirates will also join the party. Free. 9.45pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)
Sunday August 19
Elliot the Bull
See Aug 18. RMB40. 10pm. V. A. Bar (5844 3638)
Wednesday August 22
Peaches DJ Extravaganza
Canadian electronic musician known for brash lyrics and in-your-face beats returns for a DJ set. RMB 220, RMB 160 (presale). 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)
