A relatively slow weekend – but don’t let that distract from the fact that there are some big mamas of shows to be had as October proves to be to month of releases from everyone favorite artists. Get at it.

FRIDAY

Suave local guitar shredder Wu and the Side Effects bring their whirlwind psychedelic-tinted blues to Dos Kolegas for a rocking set along with ska instigators Toyhead and End of the World – really this is what Dos Kolegas does best – unpretentious tunes that look to get your feet moving. Grunge and punk courtesy of The Pace of Time and Joking Tasty at the Old What? Bar – expect fiddle playing, punk anthems, crooning and more at Beijing’s most underrated venue. Mongolian folk rocking throat singing Gangzi finds refuge in the cozy Jianghu Bar while over by Lama Temple, ex-Joyside crooner Bian Yuan brings the ballads to School. Down the hutong VA Bar is in for some trouble as English blues trasher Guiguisuisui brings the pain alongside the enigmatic electronic Dee. Things get light and poppy over at Mao Livehouse as The Truth, L-Gentlemen, Magic Mama, and The Pisces get audiences moving. And finally you can’t go wrong with some gypsy jazz action with The Hot Club of Beijing at Temple.

SATURDAY

Over at Mao Livehouse, Casino Demon, who make some of the simplest, catchiest, direct, light on its feet indie rock in town reelease their latest album, Do You Still Love…? – a few of the tracks have surfaced on their douban page and I’m digging it – and if that wasn’t enough, I have to add – Casino Demon groupies are rabid – once they get started there’s no stopping them. Another release happening across town is indie folk outfit Low Wormwood’s at Mako Livehouse – the Maybe Mars Lanzhou-based group who have been riding waves of acclaim since their 2011 release Lanzhou Lanzhou connecting with the youngins across the nation with their blend of earthy rock and roll, sly lyrics, and all-togetherness. Their latest, The Watcher – looks to continue kicking up dust with crunchy country invoking, up-tempo jams – preview some tracks here. Split Works’ brings US synth pop artist Nite Jewel to XP for a night of funky, minimalist, R&B 80s pop. Swedish heavy metal group Soilwork hopes to having you moshing at Yugong Yishan with their power-groove riffs and classic metal sound – Ego Fall supports. Alternative rock outfit OOC (Out Of Control) brings the attitude to Temple along with XJBN. It’s gonna be a Catalonia hoedown at Dos Kolegas as visiting ska outfit Deskarats brings their Spanish-flavored romp of a good time to the drive-in. Rock and roll and nothing more ta School with Rolling Rolling, Emitter, Mama’s Mud, and Final Message. If you need a little more pop with your music then check out Billow’s Fairy Tale at 69 Café or Time Capsule and Self Portrait at the Hot Cat Club. Lastly, for you piano freaks – catch acclaimed painst Lou Ning at Jianghu Bar.

SUNDAY

I’ve been meaning to check out School’s folk night for some time – the idea of School laying out some tables while some dudes get their serenade on with acoustic guitars bewilders me – tonight Wenjie and Zhang perform – just look at this blurb– “Two men, two guitars, boring product angel and the goddess of fortune bet lost.” Fucking marvelous – that sentence is packed with layers. Avant grade Mongolian entourage Mongolia Symptoms performs at the cozy Zajia Lab, while international traveling bossa nova group The Daily Prophet bring the fun to Yugong Yishan. Last, catch Hong Kong folk star Jing Wong at Jianghu Bar and Sweish melodic rockers H.E.A.T at Mao Livehouse.