Weekend Live Music Roundup: A Naughty Few Days - Hellcats, Acid and Omnipotence

First to some domestics. We've had some exciting news about prospective visitors next month. We've been advised to expect a trio of top international acts in August with American industrial metal outfit Powerman 5000 in line for a Beijing jaunt. So too Canadian electro queen Peaches (again) and French-based experimental duo CocoRosie (also again). Add to that the news that regular Beijing visitor DJ Shadow (for the umpteenth trip) has confirmed a show at Yugong Yishan in August, and the visit of American hard rockers Megadeth and we have ourselves a month of eclectic excellence to look forward to.

While we're housekeeping, are you - or do you know of - any aspiring musicians who would like a slot at our inaugural new music showcase on August 18 at 2 Kolegas? We're on the hunt for the next Kurt, Karen or Cliff and would like to hear from you. Click here for more information.

On to the here and now. The Tiger Translate Battle of the Bands competition continues tonight. It's been a drawn out affair, but we're starting to get to the business end of the contest now, and the cream should have risen to the top by now. You be the judge at VA Bar tonight.

On Friday night DH and the Hellcats play a poignant show at 2 Kolegas supported by Rolling Bowling. They're sure to rock the drive in to mark their special '3 Weddings and a Farewell' night. Meanwhile, arguably the hottest turn in China right now, Omnipotent Youth Society, play Yugong Yishan. I haven't had the chance to see them yet, but they're creating quite a buzz and will be well worth checking out if the hype is to be believed.

Saturday night sees a 'by popular demand' return for Acid Live at Yugong. It's always a great show from the acid jazz outfit and you can't go wrong there. I, however, have been listening to The Beatles all afternoon and am now in a suitable mood to get along to Modernista to check out the finest Beijing copycats on Saturday night. Elsewhere the Rock Nadaam tour continues as Mongolian rockers Mohanik go toe-to-toe with Banana Monkey and Shanghai's Scary Magic at Temple.

XP's popular matinee series continues on Sunday as they present a Shoegazer Afternoon. If you haven't checked out their student-friendly afternoon performances and are in the mood for a Sunday soul search, it's the place for you. Later that night at Yugong Yishan Mamer + IZ return to offer some Kazakh folk.

Here's a cool U.N.K.L.E video of DJ Shadow at his best to get your long weekend off on the right foot.

And here's DJ Shadow at his best.

Enjoy the weekend ahead.

JULY 5

Tiger Translate Battle of the Bands 2012

Another in the series of battles taking place as part of the annual series. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 8pm. VA Bar (5844 3638)

JULY 6

3 Weddings and 1 Farewell

A night of swing and rockabilly to mark DH and the Hellcats moving on, ably supported by Rolling Bowling. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 10pm. 2 Kolegas (8196 4820)

Omnipotent Youth Society

Currently one of China’s most lauded bands, the OYP are supported by Sugar Plum Ferry for a night of explosive rock. RMB 150, RMB 100 (advance). 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Residence A

The darlings of the Beijing underground strike the hutong again. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

JULY 7

Acid Live

Back by popular demand, Acid Live return with some fresh material featuring guzheng player Zhang Wei from the legendary Beijing band Buyi as well as French MC Felix. RMB 70, RMB 50 (advance). 10pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Beibang 3rd Anniversary

A celebration of Chinese metal and hard rock with a stellar cast featuring seven different acts. RMB 150, RMB 100 (advance). MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Dwaas and The Incisors

Two local expat/mixed rock groups with edgy indie sound. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Reggae Party

Ska from Skarving among others, presented by Meiwenti Sound. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (135 5227 6845)

Rock Nadaam

The rock cultural exchange continues on its way through Beijing with Mongolian outfit Mohanik alongisde Banana Monkey and Shanghai rockers Scary Magic. RMB 50 (suggested donation). 10pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

The Beijing Beatles

The city's top Merseybeat group return to pay homage to their scouse heroes. Free. 9.30pm. Modernista (136 9142 5744)

JULY 8

Chinese Rocks

A night of tribute to Jim Morrison featuring Rolling Bowling and Los Crasher. RMB 40. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Mamer + IZ

Xinjiang outfit Mamer and IZ return with their brand of original folk music: Kazakh folk with a fusion of national, industrial, noise, and post-rock. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). 9.30pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Shoegazer Afternoon

XP's successful Sunday afternoon matinee series continues as they host an afternoon of introspective rock. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 3pm. XP (6404 9947)

Summer Breeze and David Colp

Chinese indie kids meet folk troubadours from the US. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)