Talking Pints: Sanlitun Safety, Little Boots and Birdy Nam Nam

In this week's Talking Pints: Little Boots (pictured above), Birdy Nam Nam, Digital 21, Eddie Lv and much more. But before we get into this weekend's nightlife events, a reminder to look out for yourself when you're out at night in Sanlitun.

We got a call on Wednesday from a contact who was assaulted while walking on the Sanlitun backstreet running from Nearby the Tree, past the Paradise CVS (aka Heaven Supermarket) liquor store and out to Xindong Lu. Our contact was making his way along that street alone around 3am on Tuesday evening. He passed "four or five Chinese guys, who were leaning against the wall near the bike repairman." He then felt a blow to the back of the head ("I'm not sure what it was, but it was more than a fist") and was knocked to the ground. The assailants grabbed a few hundred kuai from his pocket before he fought them off and fled.

Another source (both wished to remain anonymous) says he's heard of several incidents similar to this one in exactly the same area over the past few months. In addition, there were also reports a few months back about a spate of attacks on women happening around that same street. No need to panic, but certainly be on guard and if you're around that area keep some friends with you and stay on guard.

Now, what's on this weekend? Birdy Nam Nam are at Yugong Yishan tonight (RMB 200, 9.15pm). On Friday, Spanish visual artist Digital 21 teams up with Science of Sounds hosts a conference event at Instituto Cervantes (free, 7pm) before a live DJ set at Haze (RMB 60, 10pm until late). At Lantern, Acupuncture are teaming up with local designers for a "Party People With the Bad Taste" party on Friday.

On Saturday, Beijing electronic scene veteran Eddie Lv launches his new album at Haze (free, 10pm), while DJ Chozie guests with Wasabi Sound at Mo Lounge. If you like secrets, email su-mo1@live.com with "Secret Saturday" in the email title and they'll get back to you with details of the monthly Secret Saturday party. At School, Black Mansions and Verktyget present their monthly "skweee" party ()

Finally, a big one on Sunday night as MTV Europe awards-nominated UK electropop star Little Boots plays Yugong Yishan (RMB 150, 9.30pm).