Omnipotent Youth Society 万能青年旅店
7月6日 五 北京愚公现场 – July 6th @ Yugong Yishan
150 预售100 – 150 ( presale 100)
http://www.douban.com/event/16501922/

The boys from Shizi will be playing Yugong Yishan on the 6th of July according to their latest weibo/douban posting. Tickets are 150 on-site, 100 pre-sale so if you care, you know what you should do.

( Hat tip to City Weekend for the Heads Up)
For that price, you get two days of music with Joss Stone, Jesus and Mary Chain, White Lies etc….
It’s only available until May 18th, so get ‘em while they’re hot.
Here is the extra info from Send Me Tickets:

The full lineup will be 8 groups of international artists, 8 groups of Chinese artists and several electric and jazz artists. They will present wonderful performances from May 18th to 20th.
The lineups are:
International Artists:
Legendary Scottish band: The Jesus and Mary Chain; UK R&B diva who sold over 11 million records worldwide: Joss Stone; The UK pop icon: Pixie Lott; Top level European rock band from UK: White Lies; The famous Scottish band: Glasvegas; Electric rock band: Friendly Fires; Fantasy rock band from NYC: School of Seven Bells Electric pop band from Finland: Husky Rescue
Local Artists:
Two of the biggest mainland China rock superstars: Xu Wei & Wang Feng Indie Rock Star from Taiwan: Mavis Fan & 100% Female Eason Chan from Hong Kong: Kay The most influencing indie DJ in mainland China: Youdai Beijing Brit-pop rock band: The SuperVC Electric Band: Nova Heart The New Generation Jazz Band: Li Gaoyang Jazz Tribe Chinese Princess Mermaid: Blanda Sun Beijing new band: G11 Mainland Top DJ: DJ-A.M.U Beijing electric music producer: DJ Howie Lee
More fun this year: campsite added, festival land expanded, performance quality upgraded

no idea what prompted such a reduction in prices… I’m sure some folks will be ticked off if they already got theirs at the full price but hey, a good deal is a good deal. I’m considering it for day two on its own.. will have to see!

立東乐队新专辑主打歌《小牡丹》（新专辑宣传片）
http://video.sina.com.cn/v/b/76909195-1639810542.html

I’ve heard Li Dong do this song so many times by now, I don’t appreciate it as much as i should. Hearing others singing it just puts it all in perspective. I love the XTX take and Lao Da versions…. just tons of fun. If you had any doubt that the Ningxia gang would stand behind this one 2000%, think again! The supporting cast will include everyone and their mother from Hanggai, Dongzi, Lao Da, Buyi and more… Let’s not forget the mandatory side of Ningxia noodles and roast lamb.

I can promise you one thing folks, Saturday night at 2 Kolegas will be epic!

Thursday May 10:

The Stanleys, another Your Town Touring band, hits Mao live with help from 16mn, Perpetual motion Machine and Summer Sunshine. It’s an interesting little combo of power pop punk that might work out as a good transition for the weekend.

Flau Night at 2 Kolegas: This Japanese experimental label has been earning rave praise day in day out with their artists. It could be an interesting evening. Flau’s owner, aus (Yasuhiko Fukuzono) will perform, together with two other Flau artists, Cokiyu and Cuushe. It shhould be good but then again, remember, I have no understanding of electronic experimental stuff.

Friday May 11

Jungle Mico celebrates their one year anniversary at 2 Kolegas. They’ve steadily built up one hell of a reputation in Beijing combining instruments and beats for some interesting sounds. They have impressed a lot of people and i want to be next!

Juratt & Mamer come to Zajia Labs for a little up-close acoustic session. They used to hold these as a background to folks sipping on a single malt at Amilal. Zajia is intimate enough for them to pull off something interesting and magical. Expect more melodies and folk than industrial rock.

Hot Cat is putting on a Bob Marley tribute night with an interesting motley crew of bands: Twinkle Star, Liu Yusi, Bedstars and more… This might be a good alternative to the other Bob Marley tribute taking place at Yugong Yishan.

Former Tang Dynasty axeman, Zhang Ju, will be celebrated at Mao Live with a tribute gig that will see some old school heavy rockers come out and play. Interstingly enough, his former band is not listed and a lot of people i’ve asked have not heard a crackle about this gig. Knowing the local PR skills, they probably don’t think they need to advertise it.. right? if you play, they will come.

Saturday May 12:

The Beijing Beatles, Mademoiselle and Rolling Bowlling descend onto the drive-in for a night of fun, drinking and dancing like you only get in that side of town. It’s a party where you’re expected to take off your shoes and hit the grass chilling. It’s also the return of Marie Claude to Beijing after a long long 2 week tour of Vietnam. We’ve missed her! The Beatles no longer need introduction in Beijing: They know how to bring on the good times. It’s gonna be a party at 2 Kolegas

Ember Swift, our favorite Rock Mama, come out saturday to play at her favorite spot in town: Jiangjinjiu. Yeah, it’s still there and it’s still rocking. so should be Ember and her band.

If you’re in the mood for something quieter, head over to Zajia again for a little session with Bye bye and Thank You for the Fish. The SUBS’ side project is coming along nicely and i love hearing their soft delicate side. It’s funny how shy they get ahead of these gigs, fully playing the part.

As always, mileage might vary so feel free to check out other venues for some extra gigs… we’re never short of music in Beijing!

Zippo sponsored a whole series of events a few years back.
Tiger beer went out and organized their own battle of the bands.
Converse reached out to Da Bang/Bigger Bang last year.

Adidas made a splash by getting the extremely independent SUBS to be featured in their line of Adidas Originals. ( ht/ Neocha)
and now, just this week, I noticed Gap has picked Muma alongside starlett Juliet Simms

sure, I hate to see rock n roll’s image compromised and tainted with commercialism but when it’s done properly, I like it and think it fits.

There will be a full review of the show at some point but i can tell you I’m already looking forward to the next one.

From Weibo:

曾经的CD咖啡就要成为历史的上一页,这个承载了很多人音乐梦想的沃土将因政府改建被农展馆收回.但我们的音乐梦想还在延续新的CD BLUES也将很快与大家见面.2012年5月5日我们在被断电的情况下租了发电车,这一天也将成为这所老房子营业的最后一天.希望所有与老房子有情缘的朋友都能来参加这最后一次盛会.

Address and Directions at http://www.cdbluescafe.cn/

So if you have time tonight, stop by for one last drink and one last dance…
another one bites the dust

There quite a few bands worth watching and the lineup is equally strong on both days… but what got me even more excited is the following bands:

Rhythm of Rajasthan – India
http://www.rajfolkseries.com/
Rhythm of Rajasthan offers characteristically lively folk music from Rajasthan, India. The band performs richly varied music and dance, representing the distinctive styles of the two different groups that make up Rajasthan’s desert lands: the Langas and Manganiyars. Both the Langas and Manganiyars communities comprise of Muslim musicians, but many of their songs are in praise of Hindu deities and celebrate Hindu festivals, such as Diwali and Holi. With this lively and inclusive offering, the group has proven popular around the world. They have performed in various venues across many countries, including Superbowl Live in Hollywood and the Kennedy Centre.

Yemen Blues – Israel
http://wanted-int.com/yemenblues/
Yemen Blues is an eclectic ensemble of musicians from Israel, powered by lead singer Ravid Kalahani. The band delivers a raw yet refined sound, produced from drumming on olive cans, hitting elusive microtones, and singing in invented languages. Yemen Blues is more than just music though; it’s a deep invocation. Kalahani sings of his love for the African desert, about the unity of language and experience, and of gratitude for life’s gifts. Yemen Blues’ concerts are a real treat, not least because of their musical variation and the energy – almost magic – that takes place on the stage. Audiences around the world love the unique mixture of African grooves and Yemeni song – a mixture of innovative sound and a strong message. Expect the unexpected!

Soul of Dolan – Xinjiang China
(not to be confused with the band named “Dolan”)
A band of passionate folk artists, The Soul of Dolan Ensemble present Dolan Muqam, a traditional hybrid of music-poetry that has been transmitted orally for centuries in Makit County, Xinjiang. The unique environment of China’s far western province has bestowed on the Dolan people a distinctive culture, which is reflected in the sound of this very special band. The ensemble creates a trance-like atmosphere with the use of traditional instruments and a chorus of their own enrapturing voices. Audiences will be drawn in as the musicians beat hand drums, and perform the traditional qalun dulcimer, the Dolan rawap (a plucked instrument) and the Dolan ghijak (a vertically-held fiddle). It’s a unique, passionate folk music – not to be missed.

Tiloun – Reunion
Tiloun hails all the way from St Denis on Creole’s Reunion island. His songs fall under the genre of Maloya, folk music native to his homeland that is comparable to the Blues. Tiloun was initiated into music from childhood (dancing, playing drums, singing – it is in his blood!). However, he only began to explore Maloya and its philosophy as an adult. Local riots of 1991 triggered in him the need to express himself, and singing gave him that voice. Through his songs, Tiloun recounts the rich history of Reunion, an island diverse in culture. His fragile yet striking voice stays true to the uncluttered and harmonious sounds of Maloya. Since the 2011 release of his second full-length album, “Kas in poz”, Tiloun has played live in numerous venues, and is now also gracing the stage of the World Music Festival in China.

Of course, having Hanggai on there, Ajinai, 9 Treasures, Lidong, Shanren and all the others is just as much fun….
I expect this one to be a feast for the ears and the eyes alike folks… Keep in mind festivities start early by Beijing standards

What: Hanggai 2012 World Music Festival
Where: Mako Livehouse ( Shuanjing, Beijing)
When: Saturday May 5th, Sunday May 6th 2012
Ticket: 200RMB Per day / Advance Ticket: 150RMB Per day / 2Day Pass: 300RMB
buy here：http://www.damai.cn/ticket_36189.html

See you there.

well, the baby is out on bandcamp and you can go download it:
http://coreinchina.bandcamp.com/album/core-in-china

lyrics & credits:
http://wiki.rockinchina.com/w/CORE_IN_CHINA_(VA)

Track Listing:

1.Why Lazy – Dying in the dream 04:35
2.NewTank – The Dreamer 04:22
3.Meat Sucks – Buried the Truths 04:54
4.Ordnance – Ask for a justification 03:44
5.Partisan – Selfish 03:18
6.Monkey King – Until You Come 05:31
7.Multi-Ego – End of Me 04:01
8.Mensheng – 故謠 Ballad of Fallen 04:54
9.Die In Velvet – 每天生每天死 03:59
10.Ashtemato – Joker 05:06
11.Saving Molly – To My Friend 02:58
12.Luktomo – We Are Luktomo 06:41
13.Beyond Cure – Self Destruction 04:34
14.DustFall – Dawn Late 06:02
15.Thyhazard – Liar 04:58
16.King Ly Chee – 在路上 feat. Andrew Neufeld (Comeback Kid) 03:29
17.Shut Up! Shut Down! – Bros Holds On Firm Bloods 03:14
18.Raving Jokes – No Vain 04:07
19.The Falling – Circle II Circle 04:50
20.Mary Dolls – 2012 04:14

I haven’t gotten around to listening to it but i can see some tracks that have peaked my interest. It’s also good to have the reigning kings of Hardcore in the the greater China included in there, namely King Ly Chee. Get downloading..

Thursday May 3rd

Bad Apples @ Temple:
Them bad apples are back again after a few months hiatus.. why do i feel like i wrote this before? They’re a good band that is fun to watch but extremely frustrating to me because they can’t seem to get to the next level despite all the talent they have. Here’s hoping this time around, the troops are ready for a good battle and they can get over the hurdle. Temple is not a bad place to get started. I expect Kris to be shredding his new baby for it’s first field test.

Friday May 4th

Iz @ Mao Live
One more chance to watch the masters of modern progressive dark folk at work. I’ve heard some pretty good things about the shows these guys have done over the past week and I’m quite excited to see them in a place like Mao Live where the sound will resonate nicely. I might even be tempted to grab the new Mamer records but i’ll have to get over that freaking price tag he put on them. Apparently, the band has a few tricks up their sleeve for this gig folks… I’m really curious!

The Argies @ 2Kolegas
Argentinian punk ska coming to visit Beijing… I don’t think i’ve ever seen an Argentinian band before, ever. That’s enough of a novelty factor for me to go catch them.
They’re currently touring all of Asia behind their latest release and i’ll be curious to see how it’s going for them. I like checking out hungry new bands like The Argies when they visit town as it gives me a good basis for comparison with local acts as far as musicianship and general skill levels. Update: The K and Early Bus will be on hand to open the festivities.

Saturday May 5th

Book Swap & Board Games Meeeting @ Sequoia Cafe
The monthly meeting where you get to chill for an afternoon, drink some coffee/juice, and exchange books or play some board games with cool people. You can’t go wrong… Come and chill!

Hanggai Festival Day 1 @ Mako
The throat singers have outdone themselves this year with tons of really cool acts on the bill. I’ll have a more detailed post later about it presenting the band but if you’re not at the bookswap, you better be there. It Starts early folks but it’s gonna be rocking.

Flaming Bday @ Mao Live:
Ruby has her Bday folks and we’re gonna celebrate it in style: The Onfires ( “the bastard lovechild of the B52s and the Sex Pistols”), REsidence A, Amazing Insurance Salesmen and Twinkle Star all on the same bill.
That’s basically some of my favorite bands in Beijing and we’re gonna have one hell of a party over there, bar none. Actually, Bday or no Bday, this is one hell of a rocking party and it would be a shame for you folks to miss it. See you in the mosh pit!

Sunday May 6th

Hanggai Festival day 2 @Mako
I’m actually looking forward to this one even more than day 1. The bands on here are some of the most intriguing i’ve seen in a long time. await my next post folks.