Noise Pollution: DDC Re-Opening Party, SHA!, Rhonda, Liu Donghong, B’Rock Orchestra, Pu Han
If you’re anything like me then you’re probably desperate for some live music. Really doesn’t matter what it is either. Anything with a tune will do. I’ll even bring my speaker box to every grannie corner if I’ve got to. And looking at this weekend’s slim pickings, as most venues won’t return until March, it may just come to that. But for those willing to explore new sounds and new surroundings, there’s just enough bubbling at the surface to save us from Chinese New Year. So have at it.
Friday, February 23
No Trace, OOC, Dan Taylor & Band, Sisi and Fan at DDC
DDC looks to capitalize on audiences desperate need for music with a killer re-opening party featuring a bit of something for all musical types with Celtic-inclined folk rock from Dan Taylor and friends, cozy indie folk from Sisi and Fan, bone-cracking, blues-charged hard rock from veterans OOC, and industrial alt-rock from No Trace, a band that I imagine will be making some noise in the Year of the Dog. RMB 70
Eric Allen, Rudra’s Sage at Mogu Space
In the spirit of classic folk, cowboy country, and southern blues, singer-songwriter Eric Allen brings the soulful sounds of America's heartland to the Beijing stage alongside sitar and folk musician Rudra’s Sage, evening in Xizhimen. RMB 60
Zhang Ziwei, Yu Ziqun, Wang Yang, L&Z at Jianghu Bar
Mellow out with this folk-rock lineup and catch up and coming artists like Zhang Ziwei, Yu Ziqun, Wang Yang and L&Z as Jianghu Bar continues to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a collection of free shows. FREE
Hou Kang, Kalie at 69 Café
Since touching a guitar at the ripe age of seventeen in 2014. The Beijing-based artist Kaile has performing non-stop in venues and events. He’s joined by producer and performer Hou this evening at the Wudaokou space. RMB 60
The Hunters at Modernista
One of Beijing’s best foreign cover bands, The Hunters combine ‘old-school funk, soul, and rock classics with modern hits, all mixed and served in an intoxicating and action-packed delivery.' FREE
Saturday, Feb 24
Rhonda, Sunn E))) at Temple
Things get epically deviant as Temple welcomes back drummer Alex Stevens for a special showcase featuring the ex-Beijing hard-edged and extremely satisfying instrumental rock outfit Rhonda, who traded in the former drummer for a new one and haven’t looked back since. A drum-off will ensue perhaps but fret not as the return of Alex means the return of Sunn E))) – the batshit crazy Sunn O))) influenced psych outfit. As with all reunions, expect hijinks and rowdiness of the highest order. FREE
Hyph11e, Rui Ho, Dirty K, Kilo Vee, Tavi Lee at Dada
Though I’m not one to put the spotlight on Beijing’s increasingly seductive electronic scene (Beijing Beats covers that pretty dang well) perhaps use this weekend to see what all the fuss is about. One of the labels I’ve been digging as of late is the Genome crew out of Shanghai, whose dark-minded, bombastic, artistically elevating brand of electronica is downright hypnotic. They’ll be in town with members Tavi Lee, Kilo Vee, as well as Hyph11e, Rui Ho, and Dirty K from Nanjing all fresh off of stellar releases from 2017. Read up on our recent interview with Kilo Vee for more. RMB 60
Liu Donghong at 69 Café
‘China's answer to the West's spate of mysterious, minimalist classic rock troubadours like Leonard Cohen and Rodriguez’ catch the seasoned blues-ridden singer-songwriter Liu Donghong at the intimate Wudaoku space this evening. RMB 77
Siberia Cocklebur at Jianghu Bar
Indie pop outfit Siberia Cocklebur, who have been grinding away at the scene for nearly a decade bring their smooth, melodic tunes to Jianghu Bar this evening. RMB 80
The Mac Daddies at The Bricks
Get a taste of the riotous Louisiana culture as Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies take their Mardi Gras Show on the road to Sanlitun for an ‘authentic Mardi Gras style celebration, complete with free masks & beads and New Orleans Bourbon Street Hits!’ FREE
Horse Feather, Great Buffalo Blues at Modernista
Folk alt-funksters Horse Feather play an infectious mix of classics and originals and look to keep the mood light and fun this evening on Baochao as they join the new equally funky blues-rock trio the Great Buffalo Blues. FREE
Sunday, Feb 25
SHA!, Meng Qi, Miaoshui Hui at DDC
Improvisational rock trio SHA! claim that their love of music stems from their shared appreciation of '70s psychedelic rock, which they do their best to throw in the blender. That has taken as far as to rearrange orchestral music in hopes of capturing "the unspeakable uplifting energy without bounding and restricting themselves by solely trying to represent certain styles of music." They'll be joined by the electronic maestro and similarly experimental Meng Qi as well as indie rockers Miaoshou Hui. RMB 60
B’Rock Orchestra at the NCPA
While rock music isn’t in abundance this weekend there’s plenty of chamber music to around including this intriguing troupe rolling through the National Center for the Performing Arts – the Ghent based B’Rock Orchestra that focuses on the renewal and rejuvenation in the world of Early Music with historically informed performance practices. They’ll appear with soloist Rodolfo Richter for a programme including Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and much more. RMB 80-400
Samaga at DDC
Considered by many as one of Beijing’s most underrated musical acts, world music act Samaga has been infiltrating venues across Beijing with their happy marriage of musical traditions from India, the Middle East, and more, utilizing the sitar, the oud, and other Middle Eastern percussion instruments. RMB 70
Seigo at Modernista
Japanese jazz master Seigo returns to Modernista with his drum set once again as well as his latest craze - techno fusion. Color me intrigued. FREE
Cao Qin at Snail Hostel
Toted as one of the folk scene’s best newcomers in 2012, the northwestern singer-songwriter Cao Qin has been building quite the fanbase with his melodic and soulful tunes filled with steadfast tenderness and poetic poise. RMB 80
Yu Zeyang, Lei Feng Mao at Mogu Space
The 19-year-old singer-songwriter from the Communications University of China brings some pop flair alongside Yu Zeyang and others at this Sunday’s unplugged session at the Xizhimen space. RMB 60
Mojo Hand at Jianghu Bar
Blues supergroup made up of some of the skilled rockers of the Beijing scene, including OOC frontman Cheng Chen, bassist Wang Zheng, and guitarist Wei Wei bring their richly flavored Chicago blues to Jianghu for Sunday jam night. FREE
Pu Han at 69 Café
Pu Han, who often plays a unique blend of Kazakh and Tuva folk pays tribute to one of his biggest influences – Leonard Cohen - as he performs a set of Cohen covers and Cohen-inspired originals at 69 Café. RMB 66
Images: Live Beijing Music, courtesy of the organizers
