Weekend Update (11.27-11.29)

Think I spoke to soon last week about it being cold – cause that was nothing compared to the temperature drop we’ve been experiencing this week. It’s psychotic. And the only cure for that is a hefty dosing of live music straight into the blood stream. Or not — that could easily backfire in which case, embrace the insanity and wild out with the best of them. It’s the weekend ain’t it!

Friday November 27th

Brandt Brauer Frick (DE), None of Them (SW), Re-TROS, Huzi at Yugong Yishan

China Drifting Festival, an event connecting and cross-pollinating Europe and China, returns with a hell of lineup featuring too notch acts from both sides on the world. Most notable is German outfit Brandt Brauer Frick who produce techno with classical instruments and who based on this video alone has me sold. They join Bauhaus-invoking post punk firecrackers Re-TROS and Swede indie rock group None of Them. Expect a surprise collaboration set with Huzi of Pet Conspiracy, Hua Dong of Re-TROS, and members of Brandt Brauer Frick. Dig it. 180 RMB

Zhangzhi & the Travelers at Mako Livehouse

Mako Livehouse is back in business and this evening sees Xinjiang wanderers Zhang Zi and the Travelers, whose world music has won acclaim here and aboard. An expert at guitar, dombura, bass and keyboard as well as other instruments, Zhang Zhi was the lead singer and bassist for a psychedelic band, and even organized 9 Songs Music Festival in Karamay, Xinjiang. Dude knows his stuff. Expect lush soundscapes for this one – probably the sleeper gig of the weekend. 120 RMB

The Harridans at Temple

Straight out of a 60s/70s time warp, psych folk rock minstrels The Harridans play one of their last shows for the year. It\’s been a hell of a year for the saxgasmic, funk spiked, good times rolling group so catch them before they go into hibernation. FREE

Zhou Yun Peng, Sound Fragment at Beijing Century Theatre

One of China\’s most humanistic folk song-songwriters since 2002, Zhou Yun Peng, teams up with all time indie rock outfit Sound Fragment for their first ever nation tour together – kicking off at none other than the lush historic Beijing Century Theatre. 180/380 RMB

Time Capsule, Dream Garden, Black Mint, 4U, Poshangcun, Liu Song at Mao Livehouse

It\’s an indie pop lovefest at Mao Livehouse as Time Capsule, Dream Garden, Black Mint, 4U, Poshangcun, and Liu Song of Namo take stage to celebrate seven years of \’University Rock\’ nights.

LiJianhong x Ziheng Wang + 工工工(Cheuk Ki Tom Ng & Joshua Frank) at fRUITYSHOP

Getyour experimental music on at the one and only fRUITYSHOP where everyone’s awinner. Joking aside, I love what they’re doing over there — this week’s seesguitar shredder Li Jianhong join saxman Ziheng Wang as well as the new duo fromJosh Frank and Cheuk Ki Tom Ng. Should be interesting FREE

That Fuckin Tank (UK) at School

UK slash-and-dash DIY classic rock outfit kicks off their first China tour at none other than School. Opening set from Nakoma — continuing their November tear before taking a winter break. 50 RMB

Emilie Calmé Jazz Quintet FR) at DDC

Luscious jazz tunes led by acclaimed jazz singer and flutist Emilie Calmé to ease the frigid air away. 50 RMB

Logic Control, Tarot Saint, SAW, Painted Skin, 641 at 13 Club

The stronghold of the Wudaoku area, 13 Club is alive and well these days – this evening they\’re serving up the latest DimeFest, featuring a host of hard edged rockers including 641, Logic Control, Tarot Saint, SAW, and Painted Skin. 80 RMB

Vintage Future, Pacalolo at Hot Cat Club
Get your modern futuristic beat on with these two retro, keyboard-wielding, party monsters at Hot Cat on Fangjia Hutong. FREE

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Saturday November 28th

Duck Fight Goose, Alpine Decline at School

Shanghai indie rock favorites Duck Fight Goose, give their yearly tribute to Beijing. The band has been tinkering with their dense soulful electronically charged sound, most reminiscent of TV On The Radio, since their acclaimed debut Sports. Before putting the finishing touches on their next opus, the band wants to present their latest material at School. The show also marks the return of Beijing dystopian buzz and fuzz duo (now trio) who are also putting the last coat of paint on their record, which is indeed a grand thing. Besides having Yang Haisong take the role of bassist, the band will only be performing new songs. Sweetness indeed. 80RMB

Yishi at Modernsky Lab

Acclaimed folk rock collective made up of members out of Yibin, Sichuan, and Guangdong celebrate five years of engulfing audiences with their gorgeous, thoughtful, and upbeat brand of folk at the Modernsky Lab. 100 RMB

MC Pact at Yugong Yishan

Rising underground rapper MC Pact, out of Xi\’an, who first burst onto the scene in 2010 present with the hip hop crew NOUS UNDERGROUND, presents his solo debut outing this evening. 60 RMB

Dark Lake at Mako Livehouse

Wildly impressive Xinjiang rocker Jurat T.T has rounded up a horde of skilled musicians for his latest project Dark Lake and it\’s debut release. Xinjiang flavored psychedelic rock for all you Dark Side of the Moon fans out there. 60 RMB

Die From Sorrow, Dream Spirit, The Sweet Escape, The Noblemen, Scar Constitution at Mao Livehouse

Crush your soul with this pitch black evening of rock\’s hardest contenders including Die From Sorrow, Dream Spirit, The Sweet Escape, The Noblemen, and Scar Consitituion. 100 RMB

Zhang Qianqian at 69 Cafe

Folk veteran songstress performs at the ever cozy NGLX joint 69 Cafe – get comfy on their couches and sit back and enjoy. 50 RMB

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Sunday November 29th

Euphoria (JP) at Yugong Yishan

Japanese post rock crushers, out of Tokyo, bring their crusading walls of sound to Yugong Yishan. Having played with some big names, including The Album Leaf and Tarental, expect some heavy lifting. 150 RMB

Wusuozai, Mr. Honey, Baxian Chophouse Toss, V89, The Prozax at Mao Livehouse

Celebrate the possibilities of 333 meaning ‘I love You’ in the texting world, with a rock filled evening that includes rising stars Wusuozai, TOSS, V89, Mr. Honey, Baxian Chophouse, and The Prozax. Think first 33 tickets are 33 rmb or something. Solid lineup there. 60 RMB

Lyric Dubee (CA) at Temple

Lyric Dubee is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist artist from Canada brings his deep appreciation of rock, pop, and blues and his own take on them this evening at Temple. Free