Beijing Weekly Gig Guide: May 10-16
May 12: Hot Club of Beijing
DDC is reopening on Friday. Beijing music lovers had quite a scare last week when the venue was suddenly and unexpectedly shut down. But DDC assures us that they'll be up and running just in time for the weekend. To kick things off gypsy-jazz band Hot Club will be performing on Friday.
Fri May 12, RMB40 (presale) / RMB50 (door). DDC, 4 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号(6407 8969)
May 13: Gate to Otherside
Comprised of veterans of Beijing’s music scene (Turner and vocalist-guitarist Sun Heting previously played in Carsick Cars; drummer Jiang Mengyang is a member of riot grrrl punks Free Sex Shop). The band's sound marries psychedelia with heady hooks was no doubt inspired by Maybe Mars stalwarts. The trio have succeeded in their goal of “trying to make a specific world with every song.” Already live favorites in Beijing’s underground scene, the group hope to reach new fans with the release of their debut disc, Dragon Bus Terminal. The album was recorded and produced by co-founder of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Ricky Maymi, who will also produce the sophomore disc for labelmates Birdstriking. To support the disc, the group is embarking on their first national tour, which stops off at School Bar on Saturday.
Sat May 13, Time and price TBD. School Bar, 53 Wudaoying Hutong 东城区五道营胡同53号(6402 8881)
May 13: Painkiller Fest 2017
Festival season starts with the [head] bangin' Painkiller Fest 2017. Organized by China's first heavy metal music magazine Painkiller, headliners include “melodic death metal band” Insomnium (pictured), Australian band Orpheus Omega and Brazilian metal heads Krisiun + Nervochaos.
Sat May 13, 8pm. RMB280 (door), RMB230 (advance). Yugong Yishan, 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu 东城区张自忠路3-2号(6404 2711)
May 13: The Mac Daddies 2-Year Anniversary
Can you believe it? It's been two whole years since Stevie Mac & the Mac Daddies first came on to the Beijing music scene. And they're celebrating this huge milestone with a gig at Temple on Saturday. But this isn't just any normal show, the band will be premiering some new tunes and be showing a new music video with a song off their 2017 EP. And, of course, there will be plenty of drink deals and dancing.
Sat May 13, 10pm. Temple, 202, Building B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, by Baochao Hu Tong 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B楼202, 近宝钞胡同(131 6107 0713)
May 14: The Notwist
The 27-year story of German indie rockers The Notwist shares similarities with many of the world’s best indie bands: a breakout album, a move from rock toward electronica, etc. But thanks to a knack for reinvention and a virtuosic musicality, they’ve maintained a creative edge, solidifying their status as a perennial underground favorite. The Notwist’s most recent album, 2016’s Superheroes, Ghostvillains + Stuff, was recorded live, complete with crackly audial imperfections and audience cheers. In addition to their expansive, genre-crossing music, The Notwist is known for the unique lyricism of Acher, who writes and sings in English rather than German. The band will be stopping off in Beijing as part of their first ever China tour on Sunday May 14.
Sun May 14, 9pm, RMB120 presale, RMB150 door. Yugong Yishan, 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu 东城区张自忠路3-2号(6404 2711)
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