Experience Live Shows Without Leaving the House

There is still no clear end in sight for when current restrictions will be lifted which can feel incredibly frustrating. However, if there is one positive to be had it’s showing how resilient and creative businesses and organisations can be in the face of such adversity. 

With live performances an obvious no-go in the capital a number of establishments are offering livestreaming events instead, ensuring that we can all remain entertained without leaving the house. 

Music Dish

It seems that nothing can stop local music agency Music Dish from bringing live shows to Beijing’s many music fans. From impromptu riverside jam sessions streamed on their WeChat Channel to official shows live from their studio, this is one of the best places to get your music fix. They have two future livestream shows coming up, the first on May 20 is Live From the Studio: Italian Pianist Fabrizio Paterlini. The second, on May 22, is an at home show called Vol.1 Fresh Out the Pot which will feature music from band The Clinic, from which you can anticipate “lots of post-punk, a dash of techno and Synthwave”. 

Live From the Studio: Italian Pianist Fabrizio Paterlini
Time: May 20 8pm
How to watch: On Music Dish’s official WeChat channel (MusicDish独立小炒 Dúlì xiǎochǎo)

Vol.1 Fresh Out the Pot
Time: May 22 8pm
How to watch: On Music Dish’s official WeChat channel (MusicDish独立小炒 Dúlì xiǎochǎo)


Cinker Pictures – Showing of Manhattan with Live Jazz Music

If you’re a fan of jazz music and classic movies, then Cinker Picture’s livestream of Woody Allen’s Manhattan accompanied by live jazz music for the soundtrack is not one to miss! Making up the live jazz band is singer Susan Wong, trumpet player Noah Hocker and guitarist Doug Martin. This is the second of Cinker Picture’s live jazz music and classic movies livestreams (the first was Casablanca) so be sure to watch out for more in the future, it looks like while things are locked down, they will be running one every Wednesday.

Woody Allen’s Manhattan with Live Jazz Music
Time: May 18 8:30pm
How to watch: On Cinker Picture’s official Douyin account (@三克映画(北京)Sān kè yìnghuà (běijīng)) or scan the QR code in the poster above.


Peking Opera 

Never had the chance to experience Peking Opera, or want to relive that experience again? Well, Jingju Theater Company of Beijing will be livestreaming a performance of the Peking Opera Changbanpo Hanjinkou on May 21. In collaboration with the National Grand Theater, where the performance will be staged and livestreamed from, Jingju Theater Company will perform this Peking Opera which tells the story of a famous battle between Liu Bei of Shu State and Cao Cao of Wei State during the Three Kingdoms period.

Peking Opera Changbanpo Hanjinkou
Time: May 21 7:30pm
How to watch: On National Grand Theater’s official WeChat Channel (国家大剧院 Guójiā dà jùyuàn) 


Jay Chou in Concert

Calling all Jay Chou fans! This coming weekend there will be livestreams of not one, but two Jay Chou concerts. Now, technically these are not actually live, instead TME (Tencent Music Entertainment) will be streaming two previously recorded live performances from what are considered two of Jay Chou’s greatest tours.

The first on May 20 will a recording from his 2013 Ferris Wheel World Tour and on May 21 a recording from his 2019 Carnival World Tour. What better way to celebrate 520, one of China’s many Valentine’s Days, while stuck at home than singing your heart out to some Jay Chou?

Jay Chou 2013 Ferris Wheel World Tour
Time: May 20 8pm
How to watch: Scan the QR code in the poster above and choose one of four streaming options

Jay Chou 2019 Carnival World Tour
Time: May 21 8pm
How to watch: Scan the QR code in the poster above and choose one of four streaming options


Other shows to watch out for

With no clear end to current restrictions in sight there are already more livestreaming performances in the works, here are a few to watch out for:

  • Nugget – Livestreamed “Music Festival” featuring seven local Beijing bands
  • Soi – Regular Jam Sessions being livestreamed on their WeChat Channel Warehouse 

READ: Get Cultural From the Comfort of Home With These Virtual Events

Images: Courtesy of the venues, Unsplash John Matychuk