Santacon | BeijingDaze

Dec
6thQuickslants: Chasing Stars, Demon Launch, Ningxia Tag Team and more..

long time no quickslants… well, maybe every post this week will start with “long time no..” I had a couple of weeks off just jetting around the old world and been running around like a chicken with its head cut off since i got back. Still, manage to make it to plenty of shows and I hope i’ll have reviews up soon enough. You can already get started with last friday’s gig review from the PK 14 gig at Yugong Yishan. So, what’s on the menu for the next few days? some intriguing and interesting options are available: Thursday Dec 6 WHAI + Chasing Star @ Yugong Yishan now this is a show where I’m open minded.. 2 bands with people i like and appreciate playing a genre of music i don’t usually care about. However, in this case, both bands do it well enough that i can’t help but like it. WHAI has changed a lot in a year and their last gig at 2K was apparently one of the best ever. I can’t wait to see how this change comes through in the music. As far as Chasing Star goes, it’s looking like they’re getting pretty serious about putting that record out finally. They sound nothing like that band i heard back in 2006, especially music wise, after they added so many electronic elements. I haven’t seen them play in over 2 years now so I’m curious about more potential changes. Tuleger @ Jianghu The artist formerly known [...]
Dec
9thQuick Slants: Lao Da, Li Dong, Santas on the Run, Omnipotent Youth with 80′s Flair

Quite a busy weekend shaping up for beijingers with options all over the spectrum. Looks like at least 2 good events per day so get your subway cards , patience and stamina ready cause you might need all of them. Thursday December 9: Purple Smog @ VA: Chances are this might be the last ever performance by Beijing’s one and only Jimmy Hendrix cover band. The guys are talented and it’s always a good time with friends coming out and singing along to good old classics. I just wish it didn’t take place at VA but I’ll take it like a cowboy and check it out. You know Ruby will definitely be there. Friday December 10: Li Dong @ Jianghu: Think of this as the folky version of Nucleus. They’re actually really good with honest folk rhymes and rhythms. I heard some of their stuff recently over at 2 Kolegas late one night and was pleasantly surprised at Li Xia’s voice. I expect good times and drunk Ningxia Boys. Lao Da (Zhao Yi Ran) @ 2 Kolegas: Gao Feng told me about this one a month ago and promised that there will be a roasted goat on the premises.. just don’t quote me on that. Lao Da is a fixture at 2 Kolegas, one of those bluesy folk types whose voice carries the pain and emotion of generations. This record, live in 1988, has been a long time coming. You can bet that the rest of the Ningxia boys will [...]
Dec
19thFrontline action: santacon in beijing

4:29 pm – santas enjoying some liquid refreshments at Drum n Bell bar in Gulou! the crew is a bit tired and hungry! captain morgan to the rescue 3:55 pm – first reindeers getting to Drum n Bell! need refreshment, food n warmth 3:43 pm – met the haidian santas at tiananmen! now headed to gulou! the square was never this much fun! 2:58 pm – can’t find SAKURA. seeking shelter at qianmen hostel! Chaoyang Santas rule. 2:30 pm – haidian santas still not at tiananmen -headed to SAKURA for drinks 2:00 pm – santa red army at qianmen 1:30 pm – santa red army at the shuangjing subway! ok folks, Daze disco santa is running wild in Beijing for santacon. we’re starting the day’s festivities at The Brick in shuanjing. a good 12 santas are starting the festivities so far with hot toties n hot cocoa!