Christmas Live Music Roundup: Voodoo Kungfu, DH & Chinese Hellcats, Hedgehog

Somehow Christmas in China has become as ear-torturing as it is in the West – all the malls, restaurants and markets play only Christmas music around this time, and the only Christmas song they know is "Jingle Bells." One day, over a single meal, I heard at least 20 different versions of "Jingle Bells." How creative! Finally, the actual holiday is at the door. Besides the feast you are giving your stomachs, your ears deserve a treat too.

2 Kolegas will actually have a feast. Roast lamb will be served on Saturday with tunes from Subs, Skarving and Candy Monster. On the same night, it’s very likely that some people will struggle outside of D-22 trying to get in to see Hedgehog, White and Mr. Graceless. If you prefer staying downtown, DH & Chinese Hellcats and Omnipotent Youth Society will lead The Final Christmas Carnival at Yugong Yishan.

The metal heads are starting the celebrations earlier than everyone else. Death metal Voodoo Kungfu gathers their followers at MAO Livehouse tomorrow (Friday), while that same night Four Five will lead the celebrations for Wudaokou’s metal base’s birthday - 13 Club is seven year old this weekend.

Read on for more good music - Merry Christmas!

Friday (December 23)

13 Club's 7th Anniversary/Christmas party
An early Christmas party with metal force Four Five and some young Chinese rebels. RMB 50. 9.30pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)

Bedstars, Syringe, Dirty Seed, Youxi
A showcase of young rock powers. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Liang Jun Jazz Quartet
A night of classical jazz tracks. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A Bar (5844 3638)

Punk Night
Six punk bands gather. The friendly bar is getting serious. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Voodoo Kungfu
This Beijing-based death metal band claims to use the most extreme lifestyle to create the darkest world music. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Saturday (Christmas Eve)

Ajinai
Pure Mongolian folk tunes for a peaceful Christmas. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance, students). 9pm. Blue Stream Bar (139 1120 4906)

Christmas Feast
Celebrate with Subs (punk), Skarving (ska), Candy Monster (dance rock) and free roast lamb. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Christmas Party
MAO's Christmas party aims to gather headbangers, party goers and indie kids all together. RMB 100. 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

The Final Christmas Carnival
Record label Robust Husband assembles their best bands and best friends for a grand party. Lineup includes Omnipotent Youth Society, DH & Chinese Hellcats, Steely Heart and more. RMB 150, RMB 100 (advance). 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Hedgehog, White, Mr. Graceless
Two leading bands headline. Christmas at Wudaokou’s rock base is going to be crazy, again. RMB 60, RMB 50 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Merry Christmas!
Blaque and Blunt cheers for a merry night with their folk tunes. Free. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Rockbj.com's Sixth Anniversary
The website has gathered ten fine punk and metal bands to present a grand celebration. The lineup includes A.J.K, Soju Legion and more. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 9pm. Mako Live House (5205 1113)

Sunday (Christmas Day)

Christmas Party
Celebrate Christmas night with post-rockers Fuzzy Mood, bluegrass from Randy Abel Stable and more. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22

Christmas-core
Five young hardcore bands take over. RMB 60, RMB 40 (advance, students). 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Ma Di, Song Dongye, Wang Jia
Three cynical folk musicians get together for an easy night. RMB 30. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 5269)