Beijing Beats: California Love, Ben Huang Returns, Sinjin Hawke, 算盘 Social, Hip-Hop Party

Beijing Beats brings you the best in Beijing nightlife each weekend so that you can soothe the woes of a long and stressful week with some out-of-body gyrating and some experiences you'd rather forget come Monday. Check the weekend's full list of nightlife events here.
 

Thursday, Aug 24

Geotheory
The Drop will bring 21-year-old rising music producer Geotheory from New York City to Dada this weekend to share his uplifting and nostalgic sound with Beijing. Having been active in New York’s music scene for years (despite his young age), Geotheory has racked up quite the collection of merits and acknowledgments, including signing with Fool’s Gold records and playing SXSW’s Euphoria Showcase in March. His “lush synths and energetic drops” stay centered around positive vibrations with a hint of nostalgia that will keep your body and spirit moving. 10pm-late. Price TBA. Dada
 

Friday, Aug 25

California Love Party
It’s common knowledge that the West coast is the best coast, but rather than start a rivalry over here on China's eastern seaboard, V Plus Lounge is bringin’ us all together for some peace and love, maaaan. A generally California-themed party will take place on Friday, complete with West Coast hip-hop, Latin tracks, bikinis, and Coachella gear. If you’re an East Coast loyalist, perhaps you can be enticed with free stuff – prove you’ve spread the word about the party on social media for free drinks at the bar, or enjoy free tattoos at the party (it's unclear if these tattoos are permanent or temporary). Dress code: California, however, you may interpret that as you wish. 9pm-3am. Price TBA (free until 10.30pm). V Plus Lounge

Sahara Nights at Vic's Club
Vic’s takes you to the Sahara with the last edition of their special summer nights. DJ Crow, DJ Mitchel, and MC Alpha G will take you through an evening of special cocktails, belly dancers, games, shisha and sweets, playing rap, hip-hop and Middle Eastern music all night long.

Ko:Yu Live!
Ko:uU (also pictured at top) AKA Deniz Koyu is a Turkish/German DJ and electronic dance music producer who specializes in progressive house and electro house. Ko:YuU is supported by Calvin Harris, Tiesto, Avicii, Axwell, Ingrosso, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Nicky Romero, Hardwell and more. He made his China debut a few years ago at the iconic TingDong Music Festival in Gongti Workers Stadium, which got him featured on MTV China. Clocking up hundreds of shows over the past few years, Ko:Yu has brought his unique style of dance music to the world’s most iconic festivals and clubs. 10pm-3am. RMB 100. Elements

Ben Huang
Ben Huang got his start in our fair city in the ‘90s, pushing clubs to play more internationally-based and influenced deep house music instead of the overplayed top-40 pop of the era. Though he has since relocated to Shanghai, he will be back to check on the status of his formative club scene by DJing with DJ Watermelon and Migas staple Boflex on our favorite rooftop hangout. Read about his rise and reign here. 10pm. Price TBA. Migas
 

Saturday, Aug 26

 Afternoon rooftop party at Moon Bar
It's August, the season of the pool party. But few of us are ready and willing to head out to a sprawling aquatic complex on the outskirts of the city, only to share the water with loud, drunk, and too-numerous strangers. Moon Bar at Vue Hotel, located in the Yangfang hutong, offers the perfect reconciliation of the two extremes. Stay cool with free flow sangria, beer and soft drinks on the rooftop patio, while things heat up in the cozy, intimate digs with views of what is probably Beijing's most charming scenery. Bring your own towel and enjoy the poolside drinks and DJ all afternoon. RMB 150 at the door.

算盘 Social at Zarah
This Saturday, 算盘 (suànpán) hosts its first social gathering at Zarah to kick off a series of parties and events being organized over the coming months. With plans to bring DJs from around the world to play Beijing clubs and parties (the next being JD Twitch and JG Wilkes (AKA Optimo) at Dada on September 8), the social will show what they’re about with an eclectic blend of tunes from local heroes Tanner and Juhstynn, and guest spots for Boflex, DJ Watermelon, Club Paradise’s Chloe, and more. There will also be a barbecue fired up with plenty of meat and vegetarian options available, and some very nice drink offers courtesy of Zarah to keep you ‘hydrated’ throughout the day.

Underground Movement X Juliana Lima Birthday Bash
Underground Movement will take over the main room at Lantern this Saturday, with Eric Lee, El-Mar b2b Danny Flora, Edison, Weng Weng and Eva Xu spinning tunes. Much-beloved Lantern regular Juliana Lima will hold her birthday bash after-party in the bar room with Jackson Lee, Hamoudeh, Kimo and Pump Su on deck. 10pm-late. RMB 50. Lantern

Thuvdr and The Drop Present Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones
Thuvdr and The Drop unite to present Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones from Fractal Fantasy. Sinjin Hawke has brought his dark, powerful, blaring-brass sound to collaborations with Just Blaze, DJ Rashad, and MikeQ, paving his way to producing for Kanye West and Frank Ocean. Sinjin’s best partner, Zora Jones, has used her prowess in contemporary sound design to establish herself as one of the most intriguing technicians of sound. Their pair will perform at Dada on Saturday, supported by Oshi, Luxixi, Joy Ginger and Puzzy Stack. 10pm. Price TBA. Dada
 

Sunday, Aug 27

Let the Good Times Roll Hip-Hop Party
Hit Yue Space on Sunday afternoon for a flea market of generally cool, but not limited to hip-hop-related things, like vintage clothes, “modern gadgets,” electronic cigarettes, food, and even tattoos. Stick around after the market to see performances from old-school aficionado Itsogoo, 五石散 (wǔ shí sàn), 无糖可乐 (wú táng kělè), and 轨道游击队 (guǐdào yóují duì AKA Orbital Guerillas, according to Google Translate, AKA Chinese Rub-a-Dub). 3pm-11pm. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). Yue Space

Images courtesy of the venues