Weekend Live Music Roundup: Singin' the Blues, Win Tickets in Twos and Saying Zai Jian to Voodoo Kungfu

Time for another scout report on the weekend's aural offerings. And it's a full gamut being proffered this weekend. It kicks off tonight with a show by electro folkster Jean-Sebastien Hery (aka Djang San, aka Zhang Si'an). Taking a break from some of his other side projects, it's a night of straight up romantic electro folk at Blue Stream Bar.

Moving on to Friday and the start of the newly itinerant Beijing Blues Festival. Though its spiritual home (the erstwhile CD Blues Cafe) has relocated to the great music district in the sky, the show must go on. And so it does in 798 art district. Over 20 international and local acts covering the whole spectrum of blues, will come together for the three-day celebration of all things musically cerulean. Acid Live, DH and the Chinese Hellcats and Rolling Bowling will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Chicago-based Shun Kikuta and Funky from Japan amongst a host of other international acts. For the full lineup and ticketing information click here.

While were on about tickets, the organisers of the Beijing Blues Festival very kindly gave us two pairs of tickets to give away to two of you who can answer this question correctly: In what year did blues legend Muddy Waters die? If you know the answer, shoot us an email with your name and contact details at win@thebeijinger.com before 12pm on Friday (May 25th) and you could be in with a chance of winning passes for Saturday and Sunday.

Elsewhere on Friday, Menba folk singer Yunggiema performs at Yugong Yishan. She sings tales of her ancient clans-people passed down by her grandmother, and who doesn't like listening to their granny's yarns. Get along to Gulou to check out hers.

On Saturday, Brain Failure give a rare acoustic performance at Blue Stream Bar, while Longshendao provide a night of electric-free reggae rock at Temple.

Sunday marks a sad day as Voodoo Kungfu play their farewell show at MAO Livehouse. Do metalheads cry? Can they? Sunday may well be the best chance you'll have to find out. If you'd prefer something a little more upbeat, there's always Eluvia. The Beijing-based folk rockers are preparing to release their first album and will no doubt be wanting to give some of their new material a road test.

Now, if there's not enough there to slake your choral cravings, the you're a very greedy person indeed.

Peace out.

MAY 24

Djang San
Electro-Folk set from the long-time Beijing stalwart. Free. 9pm. Blue Stream Bar (6403 2597)

MAY 25

2 Kolegas 7th Anniversary Party
Buyi, Bad Mamasan and Devils at the Crossroad are amongst the acts that will mark 2 Kolegas' seventh birthday. RMB 60. 9pm. 2 Kolegas (8196 4820)

Beijing Blues Festival
"Let's talk about the blues" is the slogan for this annual three-day event, and with a host of the city's top blues turns in attendance, there'll be plenty of opportunity to do just that. RMB 300 (three-day pass), RMB 150, RMB 130 (advance). 2pm. Yan Club Arts Center, 798 art district (6506 8288)

Mademoiselle et son Orchestre
The Beijing-based gypsy jazz outfit bring their distinct stylings to V.A. Bar. RMB 40. 9.45pm. V.A. Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Shaddai
This Bob Marley cover group offer up the great man’s roots reggae sound. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Slap Band
Funky rock on offer at the courtyard venue. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 9pm. Jianghu Bar (6401 4611)

The Red Pirates
Groovy rhythms, bluesy riffs, and dancing feet will feature heavily, as will support act Wang Wei and the Rock Rhinos. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Yunggiema
Sparse traditional arrangements and more modern beats provide the backdrop to a night of songs and stories. RMB 80. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

MAY 26

Beijing Beatles
Exactly what it says on the tin. Beijing’s Mersey Beat flagbearers recreate the ’60s sound. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A. Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Beijing Blues Festival
See May 25

Brain Failure
Veteran Beijing punk rockers mellow out at the stream with an acoustic set. RMB 60, RMB 50 (students & advance). 9pm. Blue Stream Bar (6403 2597)

Longshendao
A rare acoustic set from the reggae rockers, their only scheduled one in 2012. RMB 80 (including one free beer), RMB 60 (advance). 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Old School Punk Night
A trio of Beijing's oldest punks wind back the clock to go at it old school-style in Xicheng district. RMB40 (includes a drink). 9.30pm. Old What? Bar (133 4112 2757)

MAY 27

2Late Band
Blues rock band from Warsaw. RMB 80. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Beijing Blues Festival
See May 25

Eluvia
Folk rock with rhythm 'n' soul over in Gulou. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 8pm. Blue Stream Bar (6403 2597)

Voodoo Kungfu
Beijing metal heads look to go out with a bang as they rock MAO one final time. RMB 150, RMB 120 (advance). 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Photos: Zhangsian.com, the organizers, The Boston Phoenix and beijingdaze