Beijing Blues Festival 2012: Still Standing!
with the untimely demise of CD Blues Cafe, there was a lot of doubt as to whether or not their yearly Blues Festival would go ahead. I mean, how can you organize such a thing when your location is shut down? Well, the guys behind the place and the festival have not given up and their perseverance has paid off. The festival will go on, albeit a little further away at the Yan Club Arts Center 仁俱乐部… yeah, never heard of it either! Most of the bands will be playing there over 3 days (May 25, 26 and 27) with a couple of minor shows held over at Yugong Yishan, jianghu and the Yi House Hotel.
I was never a fan of CD Blues for my own personal reasons but I’m really happy that the festival is going ahead.. I hope it gives them the boost they need to open their new place. Here is the tentative schedule:
download here:
Friday May 25th
19:30 – 音乐节开幕仪式 Openning ceremony special performances
20:00 – Peter Murchison Band
21:30 – 2Late (Poland)
22:45 – Shun Kikuta & Funky
24:00 – “Boogie with DJ B.O” Dance Party + JJ Vicars & Rolling BowlingSaturday May 26th
13:15 – HOHNER harp Clinic with Zhang Xiaosong followed by Harp Competition;HOHNER 琴学习班，初学者口琴大赛
14:30 – Lisa & The Laoshis Band
15:45 – Werner Fischer w/ Eric Yu
17:00 – Japanese all star gopsel group
18:00 – acoustic blues set Sarah & richard Hosting
19:15 – Dazekuan & BOBO STOMP
20:30 – Annie & Decree
21:30 – JJ Vicars & Rolling Bowling
21:45 – Matt Cooper Band
23:00 – Big John Blues Band
00:45 – 16 mins & Elephant freshSunday May 27th
13:00 – 布鲁斯吉他英雄会 Blues Guitar Hero Show w/ the STRANGERS Dazekuan; Shun Kikuta; JJ Vicars;Wangchao(LOVE); Robin; & Guitar China artists etc.
14:45 – Tore Down
16:00 – Emma
17:00 – Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen
18:15 – Lao Liu & Sand
19:30 – ACID LIVE
20:45 – Shun Kikuta
22:00 – DH & The Chinese HellcatsPrice List:
Single Day Pass: Pre-sale 130rmb, Door price 150rmb
Three Day Pass: 300 rmb
More Info: http://www.bluesfestival.cn/index.aspx
I don’t know what the venue is like but the lineup sounds fun… if the weather permits, it’s a great way to spend the weekend. Let’s not mention a fantastic opportunity to check out some fine musicians! I’m surprised someone like Wu Kejia, a huge fan of blues and one of the finest axemen in Beijing, is not on there somehow…
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The Yan Arts Club used to be a fine venue 10 years ago, great stage and sound system. I had thought they had closed. Matt Cooper will be a great act.. i actually have a CD of a recording of him. He used to play with Curtis King here in Beijing in the 90’s.