The best gigs in Beijing this weekend
The best live music in the capital
Wednesday's the weekend, right? Here in Beijing, it is for anyone that wants to head out tonight to see Wolf Alice perform at Tango. Luckily, there are also great bands performing across the city after the weekday hump, so check out our list of some of the best live music in town.
FRIDAY
Ulysses Owens Jr
With Ulysses Owens Jr. on the drums, Rueben Rogers on bass and Joel Ross on the vibraphone, this trio brings years of Grammy-winning experience to Beijing. Owens and Rogers began working together on Owens' third album Onward and Upward. Since then, the drum and bass duo have performed across the world, enlisting Ross before the creation of their first trio album. Catch these jazz masters on Thursday or Friday night at Blue Note.
Byebye Noise & The Diagon Alley
Celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day with a handful of the best bands in Beijing that will get you dancing. Performances by Byebye Noise, The Diagon Alley, Brickleberry, and last but not least, Jeaqi. Get two tickets for you and your lovebird for 77RMB (this goes for same-sex couples as well).
The Power
Yugong Yishan. Fri 17. 150RMB; 100RMB (presale)
A night of music from up-and-coming Chinese rappers at Yugong Yishan. The lineup features Hong Weihao, YZ Yuzi, $ugar Boi Station, Young Gorilla, Sean Zh, ACK and Laoz G.
SATURDAY
Black Art Jazz Collective
Blue Note. Sat 18. 400RMB
The Black Art Jazz Collective has a simple vision: bring together musicians to collaborate in music and advocate black culture and politics. Using their jazz talents, the accomplished ensemble promotes the recognition of modern black racial and political identity through their collective sound. With Wayne Escoffery on sax, Johnathan Blake on drums, James Burton III on trombone, Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Vicente Archer on bass and Danny Grissett on piano. Check them out at Blue Note this Saturday.
Florent Mothe + Mikelangelo Loconte
Tango. Sat 18-Sun 19. 580RMB
French singer and actor Florent Mothe is best recognized for his portrayal of Salieri in Mozart, a l'opera rock. As a solo artist, he creates summery, up-tempo French pop that's fun to bop along with - regardless if you're a francophone or not (see 2016 single Quoi de neuf). He's joined by Italian singer, musician and fellow cast member Mikelangelo Loconte for an evening of catchy Euro pop-rock.
SUNDAY
Vancouver Sleep Clinic
Dusk Dawn Club. Sun 19. 180RMB; 150RMB (presale)
The brainchild of Australian singer-songwriter Tim Bettinson, Vancouver Sleep Clinic's music is best described as Bon Iver meets Sigur Rós, with a sound that's lead to a highly acclaimed debut on Sony Records and collaborations with the likes of Drew Love and Gnash. After getting embroiled in a bit of a battle with his label last year, Bettinson arrives in Beijing on the back of comeback EPs Therapy Phase 01 and Therapy Phase 02.
For other great live music in Beijing this month, hit 'Read more'.
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