Weekend Live Music Roundup: Acoustic Spring & Autumn, Dazefeast, Brain Failure

While the heat keeps driving me away from big crowds, those quiet folk bars in the hutongs starts to look even more attractive. But I've been told that I missed the best: River Bar in Sanlitun. Too bad that I didn't have the chance to witness the historical moments created by true musicians like Xiao He, Wan Xiaoli and Wild Children. That folkster's favorite would be 10 years old this year – if it hadn’t closed down in 2003.

Many of those River Bar veterans are getting more and more recognition these days, but the scene has changed completely. This week, however, some of them are getting together at Mako Live House to reminisce, with the celebration starting tonight, led by Xiao He, Wan Xiaoli and Zhou Yunpeng. The party continues into Friday with Wu Tun and more sensitive folk souls playing at Mako Live House.

Luckily, there are more and more new options to get good music in the hutongs. On Friday, metal band Spring & Autumn's lead singer Yang Meng brings his acoustic project to another bar in the Gulou area. This time, it's right next to the Drum Tower at Jiangjinjiu Bar. As he’ll be supported by bandmates Kaiser Kuo and Kou Zhengyu, you can call it a rare acoustic Spring & Autumn gig – don't expect anything too heavy.

Google tells me that Beijing is going to be sunny and cool on Saturday, which makes it only natural to include the Dazefeast in my weekend planning. Music blog Beijing Daze has assembled 14 bands to play the “feast” and aims to fill the whole day with good music and good fun. Dazefeast takes place at 2 Kolegas, and you can read all about it here. It seems the organizer is looking forward to a rocking old time.

Are you up for rock too? Other options are on Gulou Dongdajie or over in Wudaokou: Punkheads Brain Failure take over MAO with their Beijing rock spirit, supported by a few other bands, and Residence A leads a show of great young powers at D-22.

Thursday (June 23)

Brave Face, Peplica, Little Smart
The hardcore rockers are back to Wudaokou. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Ember Swift, Jess Meider
Two of Beijing's most talented ladies. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Papier Tigre
French post-hardcore band going on the third tour in China. Invitation available at Yugong Yishan and Alliance Francaise Beijing. Free. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

To The Memory Of River Bar (Day 1)
Xiao He, Wan Xiaoli, Zhou Yunpeng, the three most influential folk musician gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their favorite bar in memory. RMB 100-180. 7.30pm. Mako Live House (5205 1112/3)

Friday (June 24)

DH & Chinese Hellcats, Skarving
Get your dance shoes ready – you know you want to swing. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Life Journey
The influential local pop-rockers present their new album. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Me Guan Me, Residence A, Streets Kill Strange Animals, Zebra Run!
Some of Beijing's best young rock bands. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

My Little Handsome
Bluegrass, folk and jazz get together acousticly. RMB 20. 10pm. Aluss (8400 2628)

To The Memory Of River Bar (Day 2)
Folk masters, Wu Tun, Zhang Weiwei & Guo Long remind you the old days at River Bar. RMB 100-180. 7.30pm. Mako Live House (5205 1112/3)

Tribute To Beyond
Young rockers cover the masterworks of the iconic Hong Kong band. RMB 70, RMB 50 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Trio B
One of the most creative jazz bands in Beijing. RMB 30. 9.45 pm. VA Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Yang Meng
Metal favorite Spring & Autumn's leadsinger's solo acoustic project with support from their two guitarists Kaiser Kuo and Kou Zhengyu. RMB 30. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)

Saturday (June 25)

Bedstars, Chaos, Flyx, Nucleus
Fresh grunge and punk from the Beijing underground. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Brain Failure, The Lones, Dancers, Casino Demon
The most “Beijing” rock spirit sets up at Gulou Dongdajie. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Daze Feast
Beijing Daze assembles some of the niubi-est local/ laowai bands. Free. 3pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

My Little Handsome
Your second chance to get some acoustic bluegrass, folk and jazz this weekend. RMB 30. 9pm. Jianghu Live Show Bar (6401 4611)

Slap
The most sarcastic rockers in China irritates your anger. RMB 50, RMb 40 (advance). 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)

Sunday (Jun 26)

Metal Night
Death metal and metal core lovers assemble. RMB 40. 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080).

Photos from douban.com/brainfailure, Xiao He, douban.com/yangmeng and douban.com/heimaogu