Cui Jian meets SambAsia at the Worker's Gymnasium this Saturday

It’s a new year – specifically, a very important year for this fair city – and things are shaping up for some excitement. China’s rock and roll icon is certainly taking advantage of this auspicious year and starting things off with a bang – this Saturday, Jan 5, Cui Jian will make his triumphant return to the Beijing stage, presenting an “Evening of the Era” (Shidai de Wanshang). Though the title of the concert may sound slightly nostalgic, the gig comes just several months after Cui’s appearance at the third Beijing Pop Festival – the first official outdoor performance in the capital of his career. With the announcement of this high-profile show at the Worker’s Gymnasium (the recently reopened venue, of course, where Cui made his large-stage debut over 20 years ago), it appears as though Beijing and Lao Cui are starting things off swimmingly in 2008.

Onstage, Cui will be joined by his regular band, including long-standing guitarist Eddie Randriama and drummer Beibei. East Shore Jazz regulars Liu Yuan (on sax) and Liu Yue (on bass) will be there, as well as Xia Jia on piano. And, as a special treat, SambAsia will share the stage with them for three numbers: It’s Not That I Don’t Understand (Bushi Wo Bu Mingbai), To Get Over That Day (Caoyue Nei Yi Tian), and Once Again (Cong Tou Zai Lai).

The SambAsia drummers – featuring a full 17 member bateria – will help kick off each set and perform several short interludes throughout the night, giving both the celebration and Cui Jian’s songs plenty of Samba flavor. They will also showcase a short set featuring their own songs and singers.

As expected, tickets have been going quickly. At the time of writing, discount tickets have been sold out up to the RMB 280 level, so act quickly if you want to start off 2008 in the proper rock and roll fashion.

Cui Jian
Tickets available at 8528 5344 and 8528 5628. RMB 100 (sold out)-800. 7.30pm. Worker's Gymnasium (6501 6300)