Weekend Live Music Roundup: Simon Ting, Snapline and Isbells

This week's roundup kicks off with a rare fill for a Thursday night, well and truly setting you up for a full weekend of music to enjoy. Californian hip-hop star Simon Ting performs at Yugong Yishan tonight. His shows comes highly recommended and his blend of hip-hop, dance and live instrumentals make it a unique spectacle. It will be his first show in China so get along and check him out.

If hip-hop ain't your bag, Hitweek China 2012 kicks off at Tango. The two-day American festival features bands from Italy, as well as a slew of homegrown talent.

On Friday, Shanren get in on the second night of the Hitweek shows at Tango, while those old Devils At The Crossroad fame treat the Temple crowd to a night of bluesy punk. Elsewhere, there's a night of tribute to the fallen Dee Dee Ramone at Hot Cat Club, and Mademoiselle et son Orchestre bring gypsy jazz back to the drive-in at 2 Kolegas.

Saturday sees the weekend's offerings click into overdrive. Rock legend Hugh Reed drops anchor at Hot Cat Club, while an altogether more ambient experience awaits at the Old What? Bar where Cloud Choir take to the stage. Arguably the highlight of the weekend's offerings sees Snapline officially unveil their new album Phenomena with a launch party at Yugong Yishan. Elsewhere, Texan outfit Noise Revival Orchestra hit Beijing as part of their world tour.

Your Sunday can go either way, with a growling bout of American hardcore from Thick as Blood at MAO Livehouse on one hand, and a stripped down evening of Belgian folk on the other with Isbells at Yugong Yishan.

Wherever your weekend's listening takes you, have fun.

MAY 31

Hitweek China 2012
Day one of American festival Hitweek reaches China featuring performances from Italian groups Subsonica, Negrita, and La Fame Di Camilla as well as local Acts Shanren and Zhou Yunshan. RMB 200, RMB 150 (advance). 8pm. Tango (6425 5677)

Simon Ting
California hip-hop sensation brings his unique show to China for the first time.
Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

JUNE 1

Devils at the Crossroad
Devils + blues + punk + hard rock = one of the most energetic shows you’ll see. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Gang of Gin: Tribute to Dee Dee Ramone
Dead Johnny’s Pistols, Dr. Liu & The Human Centipede, Bedstars and Rolling Bowling come together to pay tribute to the Ramone. RMB 30. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Hitweek China 2012
The second of two nights of sounds from Italy and China featuring Shanren, Negrita and La Fame de Camilla. RMB 200, RMB 160 (advance). 8pm. Tango (6428 2288)

Hot Club of Beijing
A night of jazz swing around Gulou. Free. 9pm. Tushuguan 98 (8400 1532)

Mademoiselle et son Orchestre
Gypsy jazz band brings their unique French flavor to the drive-in. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

JUNE 2

Cloud Choir
Let the ambient duo relieve you of the stresses of the big city. RMB 30. 9.30pm. What Bar (133 4112 2757)

Hugh Reed and the Magic Band
Rock legend Hugh Reed (formerly of “and the Velvet Pants”) and his Magic Band hit Hot Cat Club. Free. 8pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Noise Revival Orchestra
Visiting from Austin, Texas, the ten-piece orchestral pop outfit continues a world tour. RMB 50 (includes one free beer), RMB 30 (advance). 9pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Reggae Party
Meiwenti Sound hosts a night of reggae at the drive-in. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Reloadz
A night of psychedelic garage. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Snapline Album Launch Party
Beijing stalwarts officially release their latest offering. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance and students). 9.30pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

JUNE 3

Isbells
Pensive Belgian singer/songwriter provides a night of acoustic mastery. RMB 60. 8.30pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Thick as Blood
American hardcore band Thick as Blood continues their China tour. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)