Weekend Live Music Roundup: Bands from Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Europe
There are many bands trying to mix as many elements as they can with rock music, with the result that they often sound tragic. But a Hong Kong band called Chochukmo has done a surprisingly good job of adding jazz, phunk, and electro to their songs. It’s just that the singer’s voice sounds too much like the guy from Billy Talent. See them at MAO Livehouse on Saturday and you will agree with me.
They’re not the only Hong Kong people in town this weekend – another HK girl, Audrey Lily wants to tell you how she "misses u more than cigarettes" tonight at Mako Live House, along with two Beijing girls. They all seem very quiet and like telling people about their feelings to soft relaxing folk music, though it wouldn't surprise me if they all smoke. I'm not sure if you are aware of this: the population of smokers in China is bigger than the whole population of the USA.
Speaking of population, Ned's (one of the smallest bars in town) at Nanluogu Xiang will have its first live performance this weekend. A seven feet tall Aussie will squeeze in there and entertain people with his one man band. I'm really curious about how will that work at a place that's full with 5 people.
It’s lucky we have all these visitors coming to help keep the weekend vital, as most of Beijing’s locals are taking a rest, probably because of the seven-day Max Star Festival coming next week. More on that in a post tomorrow. But pop rock band Gustu from Norway and Italian punks Kalashnikov are planning to have some fun at 13 Club on Saturday, while Shanghai Band Pairs will make some noise in Tongzhou on the same night.
Friday (August 13)
Long Shen Dao
Have a relaxing night with the Beijing reggae band.
RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan
VOCES8
Eight-person choir from England, songs from jazz to pop.
RMB 160/180/200. 7.30pm. NCPA
Sugar Plum Ferry
Post-rock instrumental band from Taiwan, another option for relaxing.
RMB 100/80 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse
Zhang Guonian
The over-age-teenager tells you about his sadness and broken heart.
RMB 60/50 (advance). 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club
A Vane, Audrey Lily, Dong Jiajia
Girls sing folk songs about cigarettes and something else.
RMB 50/40 (advance, students). 8.30pm Mako Live House
Mademoiselle et son Orchestre
6 musicians bring you gypsy jazz.
RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A bar
Die Ernte des Tageslichtes
Six metal bands gather at their headquarters. Metal is going darker.
RMB 50. 9.30pm. 13 Club
Outdoor folk night
Six folk musicians play at a two-day event. Friday night features Chen Hao, Gangzi Tuliguer and Zhou Shengjun.
Free. 7.30-9.30pm. 751 D-Park, 798 art district.
Saturday (August 14)
Oct Music Festival
Line up includes: Twisted Machine, Lucky Monkey, Army of Jade Kirin and more. Musical styles from metal to pop-punk.
RMB 80/70/60150 (members/advance/VIP). 8pm. The Star Live
Chochukmo
Hong Kong indie-rock band starts their mainland tour in Beijing.
RMB 60. 8pm. MAO Livehouse
The No Name Trio
French style jazz.
RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A Bar
Heath Marshall
One man band from the down under, likes entertaining people with noisy blues.
Free. 9pm. Ned’s
Pairs
Noisy pop punk band from Shanghai come to have some fun.
RMB 20. 6pm. Raying Temple
Outdoor folk night
Second day of the two-day event. Bai Shaonan, Xiao Yang, Zhu Guangyu plays bring you fold music on Saturday.
Free. 7.30-9.30pm. 751 D-Park, 798 art district.
Gustu, Kalashnikov
Pop rock from Norway and punk from Italy.
RMB 50. 10pm. 13 Club
Liu 2 (Liu Dongming)
He reminds me of Phoebe in “Friends”.
RMB 50/40 (advance, students). 9.30pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar
Qingtian
Another young folk musician from China.
RMB 60/50 (advance). 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club
Sunday (August 15)
New Generation
Five young bands representing the "new generation"; punk, metal, grunge included.
RMB 40. 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse
Li Xintong
Folk night at Jiang hu. Free.
9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar
