Quickslants: Charity, Heavenly Beginnings, Rolling Metal, Taste of Orient and More

We’re hitting the quickslant early this week because there’s a lot of awesomeness in Beijing from an artistic point of view and a charitable one. Without further due, here’s what’s kicking ass and taking names:

Wednesday March 23

The Heavenly Stems @ Yugong Yishan:
Jess Meider is having a coming out party for her new rock trio. It’s a bit of a departure for Jess from her Jazz/folk into the world of electric guitars and power chords. I was lucky enough to get a preview and quite liked it. Jess is blessed with one hell of a voice as well as an amazing range…. this could turn out to be intriguing.

Earthquake Benefit Dinner @ Mosto & Modo
These 2 fine establishments are offering elaborate feasts, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the United Nations World Food Program and the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation aid program in Japan. Call now to reserve your place. RMB 490/person (Mosto, includes five-course meal and wine), RMB 390/person (Modo, includes seven plates for two plus wine). 6.30pm. Mosto (5208 6030), Modo (6415 7207)

Thursday March 24

Punk Carnival @ Mao:
I actually have not gotten around to catch some good old Oi Punk in a while. This thursday’s lineup at Mao with The Dancers, Misandao, Early Bus and Gumbleed sounds like the right opportunity to make up for it. I’ve been itching to catch Gum Bleed over the past year since the last time i saw them play at the Old What bar. They’re nasty and fun! Misandao doesn’t need introductions anymore as the premiere punk band in Beijing. I think I’m sold!!

Erez Eisenman & Buyi @ Yugong Yishan:
Buyi is on fire since they got Li Na back and the little bit i saw of Erez a few weeks ago left me wanting more. I’m probably gonna end up at Mao but that’s mostly because i’ve seen Buyi a few times over the past few weeks and I need to avoid overdoses. That said, this is a weird pairing: Erez has that bluesy growl whereas Buyi is more high octrane. Should be a good show anyways.

Friday March 24

ChunQiu, Bad Mamasan & SAW in Tianjin
BD is going on tour folks. We have rolling Heavy Metal bus headed over to Tianjin for a whole lotta fun. I’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time and by golly I will try to get the bands to do “cover of the Rolling Stone”. There are a few spots left on the bus so if you’re interested in joining the party, please contact me ASAP. The ride is free but you still need to pay your ticket for the gig ( RMB 50)

Earthquake Benefit @ Mako
wow..did I just write Mako? yup, they’re still around and still doing things. This friday will bring together tons of old friends from the folk world like Dongzi, You Zhunpeng and more. Last earthquake benefit at Mako saw tons of band plan until the wee hours of the morning and was an absolute success. This year should prove no different! I really wish i could make it for that.

Saturday March 26

nothing of consequence. DH & the Hellcats @ 2Kolegas would be my pick if i was in town

Sunday March 27:

Abaji @ Jianghu:
Jue brings us one of the most talented musicians to come out of the Orient: Abaji! I marked this one on my calendar the moment i saw it listed. For fans of world music, it’s pretty much a can’t-miss. I’m hoping that Jianghu is big enough to accommodate the crowds on this one. His 2000 record, Bedouin Blues, is on my all time favorites list.