Noise Pollution: Immanu El, Zhang Yao, Dianne Reeves, Birdstriking, Starcardigan, Glow Curve
Grab some zongzi, work that upper body, and drown some poet in the river – just your usual Dragon Boat Festival holiday. And while finding a genuine poet may be tricky these days, this weekend has in store a whole slew of singers, headbangers, and rockers who could use a good dunking or two. So head forth this holiday, throw a potato sack over your favorite artist and head on down to Houhai and get festive! (Editors’ Note: Will may be a little hazy on the whole Dragon Boat Festival thing)
Friday, May 26
Blackwater, The Guzzlers at School
Things get extra boozy at School (HA!) as premier Irish rockers Blackwater laid down the law with their playful infectious take on Irish music. They’re joined by flamboyant rock and roll disarray of The Guzzlers led by ex-Rustic frontman Lucifier. Free
Immanu El (Sweden) at Yugong Yishan
Dream pop pioneers Immanu El - one of Scandinavia’s most prominent bands, who besides touring together with Explosions in the Sky and headlining festivals in Europe and the US, have made the trip to China twice already, return again to present their latest grandeur masterpiece Hibernation. 150 RMB
Gao Jiafeng, Zhao Cong, DJ Muren at Fruityspace
Saxophone freak in bed Gao Jiafeng brings a digital hardcore improvisational performance - mixture of songs, noise and stand-up comedy - to Fruityspace in support of his latest collection of works. He’ll be joined by Zhao Cong of Not in Catalogue and DJ Muren for some offbeat shenanigans. 40 RMB
Struggle Session, Own Up, Return The Truth, ShengJiao at Hot Cat Club
Bitter about the way things are going on Fangjia Hutong? Then head over to Hot Cat Club (through their back door mind you) and let out those feelings in the best possible way – a hardcore house party! Featuring Struggle Session, Own Up, ShengJiao, and Return the Truth there’s not better way to let off some steam. Free
Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen at Jianghu Bar
Veteran blues rock outfit Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen look to bring the good vibes to the cozy Jianghu Bar – harmonica, acoustic guitars, and some very merry singers. These cats are pros and have been working the crowds for ages – expect nothing less than a harmonica-infused evening of homegrown blues. 100 RMB
White Papers, By Dream at Temple
A evening of post tunes as post punk outfit The White Papers bring their theatrical electro-infused brand of post punk and By Dream get all post rock on everyone. Free
Liu Donghong and The Sand at Mogu Space
Blues-ridden singer-songwriter Liu Donghong and his band The Sand have been known as one of the most important rock 'n' roll artists in China since their formation in 1998. Catch them give a special unplugged performance this evening at Mogu Space. 88 RMB
Black Mint at Modernsky Lab
Veteran blues and funk infused hard rock outfit Black Mint who have been steadily but surely building up their fan base for the past half decade kick off their nationwide tour with a home send off at Modernsky Lab. 100 RMB
Cool Rhythm Band at Yue Space
Blues and funk group, consisting of four experienced musicians – female guitarist Gong Diao, one of the most talented blues harmonica in China, Zhang Xiaosong, jazz drummer Wu Zhijun, and bass player Sheng Zhi. The band releases their much-labored EP tonight at Yue Space. 100 RMB
Zhang Yao, Bian Yuan at DDC
‘An accordion, two violins, two guitars, an organ, a keyboard – the makings of a classic tour’. Accordion player and folk singer-songwriter Zhang Yao hits the road in support of this latest album. The artist who invokes classical folk of Eastern Europe in many ways will be joined by ex-Joyside member Bian Yuan.
Ashram (IT) at Tango
Italian trio Ashram featuring pianist Luigi Rubino, tenor Sergio Panarella and violinist Alfredo Notarloberti (also a member of Argine) will appear for one night only at Tango. The band’s power rests in the clean, simple arrangement of their pieces – just piano, violin and the human voice. 150-200 RMB
Amandine Ley (FR), Florent Brannens (FR) at La Plantation
It’s a violin duet as two of France’s top violinists, and members of the French National Orchestra perform everything from Mozart’s The Magic Flute to Prokofiev. Masterclass stuff really. 200 RMB
Nick Parsons, Darren, Heike Kagler, Jurat T.T at 69 Café
69 Café brings its array of regulars for some acoustic fun including Nick Parsons, cellist Heike, Xinjiang rasied singer-songwriter Jurat T.T and more. 60 RMB
Dianne Reeves (USA) at Blue Note
One of the pre-eminent jazz vocalists in the world, Dianne Reeves, a three-time Grammy award-winning singer has been stunning audiences for years with her ‘breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings.’ 360-660 RMB
Saturday, May 27
Birdstriking, Lonely Leary, Future Orients at Yue Space
Local independent record label Maybe Mars celebrate 10 years of harboring some of the scene’s best indie acts with a killer showcase that includes the hot blooded noise punk favorites Birdstriking, as well as two of the label’s newest acquisitions, post punk scrapper Lonely Leary, soon to unleash their debut and dance punk up and comers Future Orients, who released their debut last fall. 90 RMB
Macondo, Peppercorns, Ambient Intelligence at Hot Cat Club
Everyone’s favorite power post-rock outfit Macondo headline a Fangjia remembrance bash at Hot Cat Club. Commiserate the slow demise of one of the city's favorite streets with a rocking lineup that also features the Peppercorns and up and coming synth duo Ambient Intelligence. Free
The Meantraitors (RUS), The Sino Hearts at Caravan
Russian psychobilly trio The Meantritors return to Beijing after their whirlwind tour of China and they’re ready to go out with a bang. The band has been a staple of the European punk scene for over twenty years, and have the scars to prove it. With the ‘roots of 50's rockabilly multiplied by aggression and amplified by contemporary sound systems’ these guys are not to be missed. They’ll be crashing the joint at Caravan alongside power pop trio The Sino Hearts. 60/80 RMB
The Harridans, The Paramecia at DDC
Big bands, big sounds – head on over to DDC to catch the soulful psychedelic art rock of The Harridans, who’ll be sporting a whole new set of songs alongside rising folk rock trope The Paramecia, who have been having a truly fine year. Epic jams for a most epic holiday. 100 RMB
Secret Club, The Twenties, The Beauty at School
Longstanding Britpop inspired indie rockers release their debut EP Teenage Dream at School tonight with an array of friends and guests. The genuinely sweet-natured boys will have you cracking a smile alongside labelmates The Twenties and indie rockers The Beauty. Sounds like good fun. 80 RMB
Locomotive Gentlemen, Diagon Alley, Summer Sunshine, Time Street, Eat With China at Modernsky Lab
Get ready for summer with this festive lineup featuring introspective indie rockers Locomotive Gentleman who’ll share the stage with Britpop Harry Potter fans The Diagon Alley, pop punk outfit Summer Sunshine, 8-bit pop rockers Time Street and expat group Eat With China. 120 RMB
JFI, Fencha, iimmune, Yue Xuan at Fruityspace
One of the electronic scene’s newest labels Prajnasonic celebrate the release of their labelmates JFI’s debut North Temperaten – minimalist and colorful electronica with an environmental bent. He’ll be joined by fellow mates iimmune, Fencha, and Yue Xuan. Impressive sounds on hand here for sure. 50 RMB
Djang San, Carlo, Nick Parsons at 69 Café
After a tour of South Korea, eastern-western fusion rocker Djang San gives a special solo outing at 69 Café alongside drum mate Carlo and Nick Parsons. 66 RMB
Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies at Modernista
Inspired by all things classic, pop, and big band, Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies bring ‘a vintage approach to contemporary music.’ Enjoy classic reimaginings from the ever-expanding trope at Modernista as the shoots their first official music video for their single "Love’s Warp Speed" – so dress to impress! Shooting from 4pm onwards into the merry night. Free
Starcardigan (RUS), Anxt at Temple
Russian electronic pop outfit Starcardigan, from Vladivostok, return for the millionth time to Beijing – swell cats they are, I’m glad they can’t get enough of the city. Probably already have a swarm of groupies doing their bidding. Drool. Free
Landlord’s Cat at Yugong Yishan
Rising Wuhan folk act Landlord’s Cat, the latest college-bred sensation led by ethereal lead singer Wang Xinyi and guitarist Wu Peiling performs at Yugong Yishan as apart of their nationwide tour. 120 RMB
Humanity at La Plantation
‘From the heart of China, from the soul of mountains and the musical oral traditions, Humanity take you to a trip thru the villages and rice fields. Four nationalities on stage, one common language: music. An eclectic collection of sounds, instruments, and cultures, including the Bulang, Yi, Lisu, and Han cultures, expect the unexpected this evening. 7pm start. 150 RMB
Joe Louis Walker (USA) at Blue Note
'A true powerhouse guitar virtuoso, unique singer and prolific songwriter,' Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner, brings his legendary status to Blue Note for two days. 280-480 RMB
Nathaniel Gao Trio, Half Note Quartet at Chao
Renowned Beijing saxophonist Nathaniel Gao, warms up for the Half Note Quartet, a new Beijing-based band with a multicultural story and music background, that blends jazz, funk, and the blues. Free
Sunday, May 28
Run Run Run, Boiled Hippo at Fruityspace
Fresh off their Wetware Festival set last weekend, Guiyang psychedelic noise rockers Run Run Run give a special showcase at Fruityspace. Inspired at the rock of the 60s and 70s, the bands is a free form of styles and grooves. They’ll be joined by noise gazers Boiled Hippo – their first show in over a year since the band went on hiatus. 40 RMB (4pm start)
Glow Curve, The Twenties, Wonder Sea, Best In Team, Laisee, 16th Floor, Default at Mao Livehouse
Just about the sexiest lineup this weekend, all going down at the venue that refuses to die – Mao Livehouse. With powerhouse post rock groovers Glow Curve joining indie rockers favorites The Twenties, as well as new coming shoegazers Default and hardcore ruffians Laisee, lots of bang for your buck here. Dip in. 100 RMB
Kawa at Omni Space
Yunnan reggae troupe Kawa which features members of the renowned Shanren, bring their electric groove to Omni Space fusing together the sounds of Jamaica and Yunnan into one intoxicating dish. 100 RMB
FanMiangEr, Quick Shot, Plateau, Labor Glory, 0190 at School
Rock and roll brings out some of the punk and rock scene youngest party crashers including hardcore punk trio FanMianEr, riot girl act Quick Shot, psychedelic pop act Plateau, mohawked punk rock dudes Labor Glory, and the ever scrappy 0190. 70 RMB
Starcardigan (RUS) at DDC
Russian electronic pop outfit Starcardigan, from Vladivostok, return for the millionth time to Beijing – swell cats they are, I’m glad they can’t get enough of the city. Probably already have a swarm of groupies doing their bidding. Drool. 70 RMB
Dan Taylor, Darren, Wu Gui, KeZhi, SiJin, ZhengZhangBao at 69 Cafe
Dan Taylor, Shannon Leftbridge, Jordan Darling, Qian yin, Wu Gui, Nick Parsons, Qi Ming, Xu Jun, and many many more set up shop at 69 Café over the three-day holiday. 66 RMB
Ma Yuyang, Ma Xiao, Football Hooligans, Ni Jian, Zeng Yixiong at Yue Space
This Dragon Boat Festival, Yue Space looks to bring you a warm evening of tender folk. Five of the scene’s most sought after folk pop acts including Ma Yuyang, Ma Xiao, Football Hooligans, Ni Jian, and Zeng Yixiong perform and will use their guitar chords and poetry to entice audiences. 80 RMB
Monday, May 29
Teknoprisoners, Horse Feathers, Blackwater, Hannibal’s Elephant at Omni Space
Celebrate Europe Day 2017 with an afternoon-into-evening musical affair hosted by the European Young Community at Omni Space with swing dancing, wine tasting, beer pong, and pub quizzes – basically the only things Europeans like (though pretty sure the US has beer pong claimed). Music courtesy of left-field rockers Teknoprisoners, Irish champs Blackwater, Horse Feather, Hannibal’s Elephants, and more. Sounds like good clean Eurotrash fun! 50 RMB (comes w/ drink)
Human Centipede, The Diders, The Sino Hearts, The Flyx at School
According to School Bar, punk + free = riot. Can’t really argue with them there and with a lineup this devilishly fun, featuring hardcore punk favorites Human Centipede (headed by School owner and shit stirrer Liu Fei), scrappy jet punk trio The Diders, up and coming power pop trio The Sino Hearts, and one of the scene most underrated punk bands, The Flyx – yeah, it may just turn into a riot. Free
Bad Mamasan, Never Before, Logic Control at Mao Livehouse
Long-standing (infrequently playing) old school metal outfit Bad Mamasan, some of the baddest mother truckers in Beijing, bid farewell to one of their members with one last show at Mao Livehouse alongside friends Never Before and Logic Control. 100 RMB
Solaris, Macondo at DDC
Genre-bending showcase featuring show stoppers Macondo, continuing their reign of righteous power post rock, who’ll be joined by neo-psychedelic outfit Solaris, one of the scene’s more unique bands out there. 60 RMB
Via, Wang Yawei, Li Yu, Dimo, Only Jane, Tsering, Haozi, Zhouwang Lao Hu, Xiao Meng at Yue Space
Snail Hostel, the little hutong venue that’s been actively supply Beijing’s budding folk scene for years celebrates in style their sixth anniversary with a blow out folk party at Yue Space featuring some of the establishment favorite players – from Tibetan folk singer Tsering, young reggae-infused folk songwriter Haozi, female singer Via, and much more. It’s a two-day fest so if you’re itching for more be sure to grab a two day pass. 150 RMB
Convention Theory, Hard Candy Revolution, MFmachine at Modernsky Lab
Modernsky Lab throws a Dragon Boat Festival school party! Free admission for those in school uniforms, expect a fun zongzi themed activity, half-priced drinks and great bands like post-rockers Convention Theory, female-fronted hard rock band Hard Candy Revolution and psychedelic Britrock inspired MFmachine getting those hormones going. 3pm start. 50 RMB
Liu Xiaoguang, Shao Haha, Li Xiaochuan, Ji Peng, Sedar Chin at Jianghu Bar
Jianghu Bar throws a Dragon Boat Jazz Festival holiday weekend – catch this foursome of expertise jazz musicians headed by trumpet virtuoso Li Xiaochuan. 80 RMB
Jordan Darling, Kamau, Reese, Scott, Xu Jun, Nick Parsons, Danzeng Zhouga at 69 Cafe
Dan Taylor, Shannon Leftbridge, Jordan Darling, Qian yin, Wu Gui, Nick Parsons, Qi Ming, Xu Jun, and much much more set up shop at 69 Café over the three day holiday. 66 RMB
Wang Wu at Mogu Space
Northeastern Chinese singer-songwriters, Wang Wu, whose loose hair and vibrant voice made him one of the finalists on one of the country’s top rated American Idol clones performs. 50 RMB
Tuesday, May 30
Earl & The Steadies at Modernsky Lab
Prominent, award-winning Canadian songwriter Earl Pereira brings his latest band, island rock outfit Earl & The Steadies back to Beijing for one last showcase before they head home – the band’s unique sound which mixes pop-rock with funk and reggae, will having audiences dancing and singing along at Modernsky Lab. 100 RMB
Ambulance of Love, Ghetto Blaster, Derby Day at School
Ambulance of Love, the up-and-coming and already hyped punk rock dudes formed by members of Skin Bad, Russian Roulette, and more join bluesy rock outfit Ghetto Blaster and indie rock dudes Derby Day. 40 RMB
Ren Dong, Da Fei, Liang Zi, Xiao Pu, Xiao Cha, Moli Seng, Zi Fu, Qi Yi, Cao Cao at Yue Space
Snail Hostel, the little hutong venue that’s been actively supply Beijing’s budding folk scene for years celebrates in style their sixth anniversary with a blow out folk party at Yue Space featuring some of the establishment favorite players – from folk pop singer Xiao Pu, grizzled veteran poet Liang Zi and much more. It’s a two-day fest so if you’re itching for more be sure to grab a two day pass. 150 RMB
Shannon Leftbridge, Nathan Borokfa, Michael, Pu Han, Qi Ming, XiQingNian, 69 Cafe
Dan Taylor, Shannon Leftbridge, Jordan Darling, Qian yin, Wu Gui, Nick Parsons, Qi Ming, Xu Jun, and much much more set up shop at 69 Café over the three day holiday. 66 RMB
Phew! Still hungry for more? For events, videos, and photos from Beijing's thriving music scene, head over to Live Beijing Music or check out all of our live music listings here.
Images: SNSOS, courtesy of the organizers
