Plans this weekend?
Lots of big happenings this past week: The National Grand Theater opened its doors at long last, the air pollution index hit a loogie-inspiring 421 (on Thursday, December 27), and the CCTV towers were connected with all the necessary official pomp and circumstance (although we saw them holding hands a few weeks ago). And for those of you who haven’t escaped to warmer locales, even more big happenings are in the works for this weekend:
This weekend is prime market-browsing time, with artsy fare awaiting at the booths at Fengguo Flea Market in Zhongguancun. Over at Ditan Park, the Book Fair (running until January 3) promises not only hundreds of thousands of titles, but also a delightfully geeky-sounding Book Olympics – a book-binding race and poetry competition.
Then, on New Year’s Eve, you have your pick of Beijing’s best: Joyside and Carsick Cars at D-22, Subs, Re-TROS and Reflector at Yugong Yishan, Hedgehog at MAO Livehouse, a Yen party and an Acupuncture tech blowout both in 798 (and let’s not forget the bizarre triple f-bomb Jonty Skrufff manning the decks at Song).
Some select events from this weekend - for more see the 7 days newsletter:
Until Dec 31
Fengguo Flea Market
The Fengguo flea market, showcasing the work of local creative designers (fashion, graphic, furniture, or whatever), has already established its reputation among the capital’s hipsters with its previous incarnations. This time there will be more than 90 booths, including some from CAFA (Central Academy of Fine Arts) and Africa. The World Bank will be sponsoring several charity booths at the event. Free. Until Dec 31.
Zhongguancun Burenjie (Zhongguancun Market)
Until Jan 3
Ditan Book Fair
Calling all Beijing bookworms! More than 200,000 titles can be found at this book fair at Ditan Park. This fair should offer better bargains than its big brother last fall. What’s more, the organizer is holding a “Book Olympics," which will include a poetry competition and book-binding race – yes, a modern bookworm needs both physical and cerebral capabilities. Until Jan 3.
Ditan Park (6421 4657)
New Year's Eve
Candy Monster, Casino Demon, and Hedgehog
Ring in the new year with some of Beijing’s best bands. RMB 60. 9pm.
MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)
Joyside, Carsick Cars, Guai Li, Tookoo
D-22’s new year offering, featuring some of their ol’ favorites. RMB 20-30.
10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)
Subs, Re-TROS and Reflector
Both “r” bands haven’t been seen on the scene for a while, so catch them while you can. Plus, Kang Mao will be there. RMB 50.
9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)
Ballet: Swan Lake
The Mariinsky Theater (previously known as the Kirov) continue their opening gala residency at “the egg” – their reputation alone should give their performance of this all-too-common ballet some added gravitas. Until Jan 2. Tickets at 6417 7845. RMB 280-1,280.
7.30pm. National Grand Theater (6655 0000)
Genesis 2008
Acupuncture’s techno hardliners bump in the New Year at a 4,000sqm Bauhaus-style workshop in 798. See here for details and directions. Presale tickets available at www.clubzone.cn. RMB 70 (advance), RMB 100 (door).
10pm. Originality Industry Garden (138 1034 7555).
Jonty Skrufff
Bizarre London-based DJ with a Ministry of Sound radio show plays at DJ Lychee’s intimate new joint in the basement (B108) of The Place. RMB 100.
9pm. Song Music Bar and Kitchen (6587 1311)
Yen Countdown
DJs Mickey Zhang, Dio, Yang Bing, Elemental, Patrick Yu, and Flo Eysler gang up for the event that drew nearly 2,000 heads last year. RMB 70 (advance), RMB 100 (door), RMB 250 (VIP).
9pm. 706 Factory, 798 District (136 7130 4233)
National Grand Theater’s New Year Concert
The egg at its most musically festive to date: a lineup of stars, being billed as the National Grand Theater’s “first international concert.” Guests include everyone from China’s Lang Lang and Russian violinist Vadim Rapin to American soprano Kathleen Battle. The China National Symphony is the only regular thing on the revolving door-style program, held together by guest conductor Seiji Ozawa. Until Jan 1.
8.05pm. National Grand Theater (6655 0000)