The best gigs and parties this weekend

Featuring The xx, Diamond D, House Shoes and more

It's cold, we get it, but there are still plenty of brilliant musos and DJs heading to the capital every weekend. And with this lineup, you'll be getting sweaty on the dancefloor in no time.

GIGS

The xx

Beijing Exhibition Center. Sat 3. 480-1,680RMB

First bursting on the music scene after releasing their self-titled debut album back in 2009, British indie-pop trio The xx would go on to have one of one of the great sleeper hits of the last decade, nabbing them the Mercury Music Prize in 2010. Playing at Beijing Exhibition Center on Saturday, this performance marks the first time The xx have performed in China and will also be their only performance on the Mainland as part of their I See You tour.

Diamond D

Yue Space. Sat 3. 200RMB; 150RMB (presale)

One of the founding members of the Diggin' in the Crates Crew, New York City hip-hop producer and MC Diamond D was an integral part of the '90s golden era of rap, producing several acclaimed LP's like the Fugees' The Score and A Tribe Called Quest's The Low End Theory. He's joined on Saturday night by local rap boys Purple Soul, plus fellow countrymen Half A Blunt, Believe and DJ Kut Daily.

Loston Harris

Blue Note. Fri 2-Sat 3. 380RMB

Loston Harris' piano playing has been described as 'percussive' and 'incredibly fluid', his vocals noted as 'suave'. Originally a percussionist, Harris later shifted to the piano and now plays primarily from the Great American Songbook in a traditional style.

She Never Sings Our Songs

School Live Bar. Fri 2. 380RMB

Highly-respected instrumental post-rock outfit She Never Sings Our Songs (SNSOS) release their debut album Friday night at School Bar. Formed in 2013, the band has been fairly quiet as of late putting the finishing touches on the album. Join the band as they debut their record and set the stage for what's sure to be a big year.

PARTIES

Jauz

One Third. Fri 2. 180RMB; 100RMB (presale)

Having already garnered support from industry heavyweights like Diplo, Zedd and Skrillex due to addictive releases like 'Feel the Volume' and 'Hella Hoes', LA-based DJ Sam Vogel (aka Jauz) heads to One Third on Friday night as part of a gnarly 11-city, 11-day tour.

Aurora Club soft opening

Aurora Club. Fri 2. 80RMB; 50RMB (presale)

The latest addition to Beijing's nightlife scene, Sanlitun Bar Street newcomer Aurora Club opens its doors this Friday night. In celebration, German DJ Youandme (stylised youANDme) is set to perform, alongside local turntable heroes Pancake Lee, Mario Yu, Tucoco and Sunk.

House Shoes

Dada. Sat 3. 100RMB

Self-styled Detroit hip-hop ambassador and a producer who has worked with the likes of J Dilla, Danny Brown and Quelle Chris drops in to Beijing for a big night of quality beats and rhymes with the Come Correct crew.

Jammerz at Soi Baochao

Soi Baochao. Fri 2. Free

DJs Jia-Rule, Issa Rice, and Ms. Molly Percocet will be manning the decks at Soi for a night of unironic throwback hip hop classics (with some new stuff mixed in) that'll have everyone droppin' it like it's hot, shaking their tail feather, and maybe even taking their shirt off and spinning it 'round their head like a helicopter.

For more live music this weekend, hit 'Read more'.

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