-
Dec
29thQuickslants: Mantas Release, D22′s Last Stand, Ningxia Returns and moredamn damn damn… another year goes down, another calendar thrown out, a few more gray hairs and it’s the end of 2011 folks! Let’s see it go down in flames. Last year, the lineups for NYE shows were mighty impressive and it was pretty darn hard to pick one. This time around, it’s a bit less mind blowing but nevertheless solid… The big big big event is of course what is being advertised as The Last Big Shows at D-22 with their prodigal children sending the place off with the right fireworks…. so, let’s see what we got! Thursday Dec 29th: I don’t Rock @ Mao: This is actually called “I don’t rock but I’m truthing” which makes me wanna throw a bunch of jokes in there regarding the musical ability of some bands on the lineup… but I won’t! Residence A is the sure highlight of the show but you also have Lazy Camels, Gray, Elenore and You Xi that could prove half decent. Either way, it’s really the only decent gig in town that I am aware of. Friday Dec 30th: Gar, Snapline, AVO @ D-22: One of the last two giant nights at D-22 with some interesting performances. Gar is a mysterious band that keeps us guessing with rare appearances. I’m still not 100% sold on their so-called influence but they have a decent record. Snapline is bleeh but AV Okubo is a force to be reckoned with. The wuhan kids are rarely in Beijing and worth [...]
-
Nov
9thQuickslants: Brain Failure, re-TROS, Wu Hongfei, Fish and Low Wormwood…last week was a small but fun set of musical offerings that culminated with 2 fun performances by La Pegatina and some pretty crappy stuff b Ma Tiao and Mitabe…still, I won’t let that get me down a look forward to some good rock n roll in the next few days starting tonight! Some interesting gigs with RE-TROS, Novaheart, brain failure, flying mantas as well as Low Wormwood to look forward to. Let’s see how it all adds up: Wednesday Nov 9: F**king the Trouble @ Mao: Residence A and Flying Mantas headline a nice heavy night at Mao where I coincidentally have not been for a long time. It might be time to head back over there! Both Ruby and I are extremely taken by that band’s live performances and I’m dying to catch the Mantas with new bass player. The lineup also includes some new names: Illness Sickness and Pirate Pistols. Not a bad wednesday offering. Liu Yusi & friends @ Jianghu: human boombox, Liu Yusi, headlines this now weekly series every wednesday at Jianghu with local country bluegrass roots acts. It’s also free which ain’t bad y’all. Tonight’s guests are the Ring Road Ramblers…. nice name! Thursday Nov 10 Ding Fenghua @ Jianghu: Film director, producer and folk guitarist, Ding Fenghua, is your host for this calm and quiet night over by the hutongs. I have not had the pleasure of seeing him before but by all accounts, it sounds like it could be special. One of [...]
-
Nov
4thQuickslants: Grassland Rumba, Autumn Descends, Ido Balance and Book SwapIs it already late thursday/early friday? goodness this week has flown by! They say that’s what happens when you’re busy having fun so here is hoping i had tons of fun because it did freaking fly by. So, another weekend looming with some pretty sweet and diverse choices to pick from. Let’s kick it! Friday Nov 4th: La Pegatina & Hanggai @ Mako: If you haven’t heard of “la Pegatina”, do yourself a favor and look them up. This Spanish motley crew has been heating up stages all over the world and they’re about to give Beijing a little taste of what the rest of China has seen over the past week that they been touring here with Hanggai. It’s a little rumba, some meringue, a side of Ska, a dash of reggae and a sprinkle of Cumbia just to name a few. Buddies Hanggai, who don’t really need an introduction anymore, are also on the bill and word is they’ve collaborated on a special version of Jiu Ge ( drinking song) just for tomorrow night’s shindig. Well worth the trek to shuanjing. See this Global Times writeup or check out this video from their performance at West Lake festival in Hangzhou Chun Qiu @ Temple: Kaiser and the boys are taking this thing seriously now after just floating around for a few years. The band is hungry and has new songs, picking up where they left off with their album. This show has been fairly on the radar over [...]
-
Oct
27thQuickslants: Halloween Comes Early, Ghools, Circus, Moliere and moreHello Halloween! This is the one weekend of the year where audience members might actually out wear better attires than the band members. Sure enough, after last week’s low key offerings, we’re back to having a huge musical weekend. Let’s get going! Thursday Oct. 27: New Forces of Rock @ Mao: A bunch of youngish rock bands take the stage at Mao hoping to pay their dues and gain some experience. I’ve heard some of these names thrown around and I’m quite curious. 16mn, Cheery Mor, Illness Sickness & Pirate Pistol, just to name a few. a good chance to find that diamond in the rough. Le Malade Imaginaire @ The EGG: yeah, it’s not pure rock n roll but Moliere was one of the original rock stars in my book. His play, Le Malade Imaginaire, is being performed at the Egg ( National Center for Performing Arts) from thursday to sunday by one of the best theater groups in the world. Tickets a bit steep with only 400+ remaining for sale. Definitely worth it if you’re a theater fan. Friday Oct. 28: Halloween Comes Early @ Yugong Yishan: Not There, The Randy Able Stable and Christmas join forces for this early halloween edition. Bluegrass, electronica and indie under one roof with a costume contest as well. This might be a fun one if for no other reason that some good musicians are on board and it’s a grassroot show put together by the bands themselves, not some shady promoter. [...]
-
May
19thQuickslants: Hanggai, Mantas, SUBS, Ghosts, Kingdoms, Hellcats and return of the ArrowHolly smokes is this looking like a busy weekend in Beijing… stop me if you’ve heard this before but there’s a whole lotta rocking to be done. I’m almost glad I won’t be here for this as the ‘daze crew if off checking out the rock scene with our buddies from DUDE. Still, for those of you in town, there’s a lot to see with some impressive lineups throughout the city. I mean you can’t go wrong with any venue this end of the week starting today Thursday May 19 oh man… I don’t wanna be in your shoes Beijing. There are some tough choices to be made tonight with what seem to be a bombastic lineup Flying Mantas @ Mao Live: Our buddies on the Mantas, along with The Clamps, bring out the retro sounds on them Burns guitars for some old school goodness! I’ve heard reports of their mini tour in Beijing and that it’s going fairly well with the Mantas on fire but The Clamps side a bit off. Still, if it’s good music you’re after, this is not a bad place to be. Hanggai & Christian Zehnder @ 2Kolegas: The inner Mongolians have been spending a lot of time at 2 Kolegas lately with more shows there that before I reckon. Tonight (Thursday), they’re joined by Swiss Jazz virtuoso Christian Zehnder. It’s a bit unclear as to whether they’re playing together or if there’s separate sets but it might be a good opportunity to check them [...]
-
May
12thquickslants: Noisey, Yang Meng, Hao Yun, Morlocks and moreFestivals are behind us, for now and we’re getting ready to get back on a more regular steady diet of performances. How is it all looking this weekend? Pretty darn good! Thursday May 12: Noisey.com Launch @ YGYS: So the website aims to make people discover new music… I can swing with that! They’ve set up an interesting lineup at YGYS with Hedgehog, Offset:Spectacles and PK14. It’s technically free but you have to get an invite from the organizers to go in. Friday May 13: Black friday baby… this one is filled with cool shows all over Beijing. Can’t really go wrong with any of them but some might be better than others. Yang Meng @ Jianghu: Good friends ChunQiu are opening for their lead singer, Yang Meng, who’s releasing his solo CD. expect melodic folk, harmonies and good times. I really enjoy the acoustic side of ChunQiu so it’s double fun for the night! Jacky Danny, Me Guan Me, Bad Mamasan @ 2 Kolegas: Some of my favorite bands are getting together to rock the drive-in and we’re gonna have some old fashioned fun there! Steely Heart and Candy Monster are also on the bill so it might be possible to start the night at Jianghu and head over to 2 Kolegas for more sonic goodness. Retro Burns Night @ D-22: While I’m not gonna swing this one, it worth mentioning that the Flying Mantas and Friends are gonna take you back a few years and surf rock your [...]
-
May
9th‘daze FEAST: A day of Music and CelebrationYes folks, after threatening to do this for a while, we’ve take the plunge thanks to great friends all over Beijing that will make it possible! I’m announcing the first ( and probably only) ‘dazeFEAST to be held at 2 Kolegas Saturday June 25th 2011 What: ‘daze FEAST – A Celebration of Music & Fun When: June 25th, 2011 Where: 2 Kolegas – Liangmaqiao How Much: NO COVER ( buying CD from a participating band encouraged) Summary: Throughout the past two years, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet amazing people in this town in and out of concerts. The musicians, the fans, the friends, the venues have filled my life with enough memories for a few lifetimes. Well, now, these people are getting together to celebrate in Beijing for a whole day of music and fun at my favorite venue in town: 2 kolegas! This is a No Cover celebration but I’m hoping all of you will support the musicians, who have all gracefully donated their time and skill, by purchasing one or more of their CDs at the door. These cats have spent a lot of time and energy bringing you the fun and the music, they deserve the recognition. The Confirmed Lineup ( with many surprises coming up) * Mademoiselle et Son Orchestre * Dude * The Flying Mantas * Zhang Si’An * Black Cat Bone * Maggie Who * at least 2 more acts to be announced * There will be a lamb roasting in the pit [...]
-
Apr
27thMusic Tidbits: Rustic Cancellation, Residence A Record and Flying ToursRustic Heartbreak: They must have had a premonition when they named the album: City of heartbreak and Horror!! By now, most people already know that Rustic’s much anticipated album launch at Yugong Yishan last Friday didn’t happen. The official reason was “Technical problems”. That’s the venue’s story and they’re sticking to it! I’m not even gonna bother pretending or dissecting this one, suffice to say that whatever “the problem” was, it’s been fixed. The band did go ahead and post a really nice note on their douban that showcases how far they’ve grown as people and certain realities facing musicians in China. 北京专场 取消事件 2011-04-26 21:40:20 大家不要有太多的担心和误会，Rustic也不会因为这么突然的事件灰心或者打不起精神来。 士不可以不弘毅，任重而道远.在中国做摇滚乐，就是要肩负起这样或那样的挫折，这一切都是摇滚女皇送给我们的礼物， Rock n Roll loves the boys,the boys gonna face the troubles. 我们认为摇滚的魅力并不只是表现在舞台上，他更反映在舞台下，反映在乐队需要面对的一系列的挫折里，这更是一个好的开始，一个让Rustic乐队走的更远的开始。我们谢谢当天来到现场的每一个朋友们，那个为了看演出而无法去飞机场接自己心爱的女朋友的帅小伙，那些个从张家口做4个小时火车才能赶到北京西站我曾经的同学们，我们挚爱的那帮永远出现在我们现场的亲生兄弟们，以及那些关心我们甚至不熟悉的面孔们，谢谢你们，你们让乐队重新回到了电影里，重新认识了摇滚乐。6月份 2011年这个炎热的夏天 咱们在相逢！ The general feeling is that people want this one to pass…. so All I’m gonna say is “see you in June for the rescheduled date and rock on” Residence A LP Remember Residence A? They were the band that got famously disqualified from the GBoB for using pre-recorded sounds and going overtime. Well, their Record is ready and their about to embark on a long ass tour of China. It was produced by the one and only Martin Rawlins who has previously done some great work on the Queen Sea Big Shark record and also been involved with Abigail Washburn, ChunQiu and tons of other big names. Not a bad person to get aboard. I’m actually listening to it right now and liking what i’m hearing. I’m not [...]
-
Mar
2ndRolling Stones Tribute: OOC, Maggie Who, Jacky Danny & Flying Mantas give us satisfactionI briefly referred to this gig on yesterday’s news post in passing but this is actually the full review of the gig which saw some of Beijing’s most fun bands pay tribute to The Rolling Stones. I got to Mao just as Maggie Who was launching into their first song. This was my first time catching them with new Bass player, Nick, whom I had seen before playing for Bad Apples and Vital Time amongst others. I hadn’t seen the boys in quite sometime so I was stoked to see how they had progressed and hear their take on some classic Stones songs. Musically, they’re as good as ever but I had the impression they were just a bit off during the first part of their set.. Almost asleep with Brian looking bored as he sang the songs… and then they kicked it up a few notches and started really rocking the place like they should. They played their usual songs and added Jumping Jack flash + You Can’t Always Get What You Want which Brian sang solo and hit some good notes in. The highlight of the night for them was their outstanding version of Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm” that they changed and reworked completely into a much heavier and darker song.. it was pretty darn good if you ask me and I’m looking forward to hearing it again. Out of Control was up next… and they were the F*cking BOMB…. I cannot describe their performance that night in [...]
-
Feb
28thNews and Ramblings: Thank you for the Fish, 10 Years of 330 Metal , hedgehog and moreI love it when there is action in Beijing’s musicverse.. quite a few news to chew on! Mao Live is really stepping up their game with great shows lined up throughout March. I’ve been there over the past 2 weeks for a few of their events and it’s all been happy happy. Looks like they might even be paying more attention to the bar lately. From the looks of it, the tribute series is gonna keep going on a regular basis: After Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones, they’re lining up a Kurt Cobain tribute along with a Joyside tribute. good stuff!! Hedgehog has been putting some new songs on their douban lately. They’re gearing up for a China Tour that kicks off March 12 at Tianjin’s 13 Club and end in Beijing with a homecoming performance at Mao Live April 22. New Songs are slightly heavier and darker than the typical Hedgehog song.. I like that! Kang Mao and Wu Hao, 2/3 of the SUBS have a new side project with the funny name of Thank You For All The Fish 拜拜，多谢你们的鱼！… They’re gonna premiere it at Yugong Yishan next week, March 8 along with Bigger Bang + DH and The Hellcats. The sound is described as Nice and Evil.. I’m not sure what that means but I hope that it is something that can showcase Kang Mao’s singing ability! She’s so much better and can hit a wide range of notes if she wants to. As much as [...]
- ‹ Older Posts
The Mini Skinny
What once started as my personal ramblings has morphed into the number one collective resource about underground live music in Beijing and China. All bands, all music, all Rock n Roll, all the time with a little side of eclectic topics.. best of all, it's still as BIASED as ever
Ganbei!!!!
'dazeFEAST 2012 - June 23rd at 2 Kolegas.
17 Bands, Roast Lamb & All FREEWhat’s on Offer?
- 10 Questions (31)
- Album Reviews (22)
- Beijing 人 (44)
- Belly Ties (52)
- blabbers (326)
- Book Review (1)
- Chinese Through Lyrics (2)
- Freeloading (34)
- Geek matter (17)
- Gig Reviews (58)
- Need'em liquids (9)
- On The Road (3)
- Outsourced Blabbers (21)
- Provincial Restaurants (15)
- Quickslants (64)
- Roaming Around (11)
- Tunes under the moon (524)
looking for something?
Ingredients
2 kolegas Amazing insurance salesmen Bad Mamasan Beijing 人 black cat bone Brain Failure buyi Chunqiu DH & the hellcats Dude Ember Swift Flying Mantas free the birds GAWTMY Hanggai Hedgehog iz Jacky Danny Kaiser Kuo Kick Ass Lidong live music mademoiselle Maggie Who Mamer Mao Livehouse MIDI Miserable Faith Nanwu Nucleus Omnipotent youth society provincial restaurant randy abel stable Residence A rustic skarving Steely Heart SUBS Suffocated The Redbucks voodoo kungfu whai wu & side effects xiao he yugong yishanFresh Pills
- Quickslants: Tambours du Bronx, New Shanren, Painkiller Fest and more
- Mamer & Song Yuzhe: opposites attract at Jianghu
- Dreamer Festival 2013 – Azure Ray, Shan Ren, Omnipotent Youth Society and More
- PS: You Rocked Me – Abaji, One Drop, Devils, Yungiema etc..
- Quickslants: No Dong, Some Punk, a Little Ordnance and more
Can of Worms?
- Joann on Quickslants: Jurat, PiL, XTX, Yangjima for a Loaded End of Week
- On The Scene: 2013 Strawberry Festival Day 1 | Live Beijing Music on MIDI 2013: Anywhere, Anytime, Thanks for the Rock n Roll
- ex virility pill on Quickslants: Jurat, PiL, XTX, Yangjima for a Loaded End of Week
- ruby on MIDI 2013: Anywhere, Anytime, Thanks for the Rock n Roll
- Beijing Daze on MIDI 2013: Anywhere, Anytime, Thanks for the Rock n Roll