And so it goes – another week taking it from the man only to throw it all right back at him. Screw the haters, cynics, and buzzkills – it\’s summa and it\’s time to get our music on. Any of these should do nice. Check the calendar for more.

LBM Mixtape #12 by Livebeijingmusic on Mixcloud

Friday May 16th

I know I say this every weekend but School is gonna be packed for this one – trust. Casino Demon, one of the joints many resident bands, comes out of the woodwork for a special performance. It\’s no secret how infectiously I adore the now four piece (they just added an ace keyboardist whom I’m quite fond of for his video work), no bullshit, indie rockers whose crisp, straight forward, catchy beyond belief tunes are a nice reminder of rock n roll at its most pure and basic. Musicians through and through, they\’re joined by new School regulars Secret Club, who make no secret as to where their aspirations lie. It\’s gonna be a sauna folks, bring the aqua. Ever wondered what \’My Heart Will Go On\’ would sound like covered by Twinkle Star? Or Brother Louie’s Modern Talking as covered by Residence A? Well look no further folks as tonight’s evening of covers let a host of established bands, including emo sensations Twinkle Star, Christian rockers (for real) Tookoo, party rockers Candy Monster, pop songstress Wangshang and more give their takes on pastime and modern favorites. The influx of talent from around China continues – the latest import is the dirty, scrappy, up-to-no-good punk outfit Pumpkins who hail from Xinxiang – word is they kill it. And if seeing XP get torn up isn’t enough, they’re be lent a helping help from local trio Shochu Legion and newly formed Bastards of Imperialism. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch Beijing’s top notch insanely addictive live electronica band The Junglemico Project who have blown my mind more than once – performing dubstep, techno, drum n bass – whatever genre of club wets your whistle – live in front of your very eyes. And it’s fucking grand people – just wait till you get a load of the drummer – seriously some of the most wicked musicians in town. Ska, rockabilly, screw it – music tailored made to get you moving over at the one and only Dos Kolegas with Early Bus, Rolling Bowling, and new outfit Tinnie W Hollie. Parisian electro rock group Juveniles swing through Yugong Yishan with support from our own synth rock patrons The Big Wave. Heavy post rockers Nakoma pefrom at Hot Cat Club while up and comers get their kicks down at Mako Livehouse including Drink, Hot Line, Spiral, and Jajatone. Indie pop takes a wrong turn and ends out at punk haven DMC – see if they make it out alive. Finally catch folk singer Liu Donghong at 69 cafe and the groove collective bring the soul to Jianghu Bar.

Saturday May 17^th

Lotta screaming coming out XP this weekend – tonight finds everyday man (ha!) Guiguisuisui sharing his 8-bit, skateboarding pickin, demented blues alongside one of Beijing’s more unsullied doses of anti-establishment punk, Gum Bleed, as well as new scene makers Luv Plastik, whose bombast garage rock will surely leave ears ringing. Note: dying to see that last group. As I mentioned earlier this week, I didn\’t grow up with Texas based Tortoise or heck, even discover them at any point till it was announced a couple months back – back based on my close friends’ reactions to the group and the bits and pieces I’ve heard thus far, this is gonna be a doozy. Ambient, post rock, who gives a shit – this is music at its purest most lush – basically 101 for all the folks out in China pursuing this avenue of music. Speaking of trouble, it\’ll be in spades over at Dos Kolegas where stoner rock outfit Devils at the Crossroad join rowdy ska joint End of the World and sludge metal group Never Before. Acclaimed industrial goth metal outfit A.J.K give a special performance at Mao Livehouse – expect mosh upon mosh at that one. Xinjiang punks The Pumpkins continue their blitzkrieg upon our city, throwing down at School alongside Free Sex Shop and Bastards of Imperialism. The mohawks don\’t stop there – Hell City will be bringing the pain at Temple. Finally, bilingual singer-songwriter Ember Swift shows a rocking good time at Blue Stream Bar while Liu Yusi presents his latest material at 69 Café, and pop rockers Noise Jelly and KB Kangaroo perform at the Old What? Bars.

Sunday May 18^th

Taiwan\’s top pop punk group Reversing The Future bring their skateboarding, youthful brand of pop punk to Mao Livehouse along with Larry’s Pizza and LxTxNxS. Folk night at School with Yulin and finally catch Liu Donghong perform at Mako Livehouse.