Weekend Update (06/03-08/03)

And like that we’re back in the Beijing grind – no more coconut cocktails; no more sunbathing; no more fresh air. And worse still, the government thought it’d be dandy if they went ahead and cancelled a slew of shows – yup, the Beijing grind. Well at least LBM has a brand spankin new calendar and a new hosting server – so there’s still hope folks. So shake off those cobwebs and get out there, no matter how grim it may seem.

Friday March 6^th

I know – recommending a show at Dada. What gives? Well, there’s something about American born Shanghai based producer Damacha’s music that speaks to me. The idea of absorbing what’s around you and turning it into music, in an age of where most electronic music is simply regurgitating, well, it’s refreshing. And well Damacha’s wheelhouse is prominently hip-hop, he attacks that genre with a playful Chinese bent that feels right. He’ll be joined by some of hip hop’s youngest pioneers including Shackup, Puzzy_Stack, Bloodz Boi. Could it truly be the year for hip hop? In concurrence with Women’s Day this weekend, Mako Livehouse is throwing a three day rager chock full of female talent – tonight sees New Cake, Time Street, Self Portrait, Air Wall, Yan Liang, and Hard Candy Revolution perform. Swedish metal band Adept brings their mainstream appeal to Yugong Yishan while trance electro rock outfit WHAI return for the millionth time to Temple. Britpop darlings V-Day perform at the cozy 69 Café while old time bluesmen Zhenren get down at DDC. Finally catch The Beijing Beatles at Jianghu Bar and get in your old school rock and roll courtesy of Xiao Jia at School who’ll be DJing the night away.

Saturday March 7^th

Everyone’s favorite renegade zombiefied 8-bit dreaming bluesmen (and sometimes aspiring rapper) Guiguisuisui returns to Temple after a two-month jaunt across Asia. Dude’s been infecting just about every country and he’s bringing back the goods and using all that life force stolen aboard to rip a black hole in Temple’s floorboards. Don’t expect any survivors. Support in the form of hard-edged post rocking trio Nakoma, who are getting nice and busy this year and for good reason. They kick all sorts of ass. Rock it. Nu metal scene shakers Beijing Thug Brotherhood celebrate the Year of the Ram with a hefty lineup of metal and hard rock bands at Yugong Yishan including nu metal outfit Mega Soul, who caused quite a stir last year with their debut, Army of Jade Kirin, one of the scene’s most reliable acts, reggae act Longjin, as well as new blood in the form of Painted Skin and Drunkard. Expect head banging of the highest order, and tons of sweat. It’s good to have you back School! The haven of debauchery and rock n roll is getting back in the mix of things with a night of righteous (and free!) rock and roll with a diverse lineup of 70s style punk rock courtesy of The Diders, shit eating grinning rock from Chinese Modern Guys, as well as Britpop good times from Secret Club and more from Hot Wave. New sounds, up and coming bands, and plenty of beers to go around. Day Two at Mako Livehouse brings these female-led performers including Angel Wing ,Temple , Silent Elegy, Nightingale, and Lee Thing. Down in Guomao at the HIVE Club, Bian Yuan gives a special performance. Finally, catch grizzled folk singer Sand at 69 Café, The Hot Club of Beijing at DDC, and Zhenren at Jianghu Bar.

March 8^th

It’s Women’s Day – check out what those these lady-centric shows. Best of the bunch is DDC’s event where rising indie pop singer Wang Shengnan joins art rock trio Girl Kill Girls for some action. Meanwhile at Mao Livehouse, Twinkle Star, Cake Bomb, Sutang, and Ai Missy & Cao Ran Ran bring their prowess to the stage. Over at School, it’s time to hear it for those expat ladies including The Plum Trees and The Sleep Walkers. Finally, Mako Livehouse closes out with a kick ass lineup that features Candy Ray, Red Cash, Mr. Honey, The Truth, and Mr. Snowman.