Beijing Weekly Party Planner: May 18-24
May 18: Nathan Fake
Having stalled for four years after his third album, British musician Nathan Fake suddenly found new inspiration in the Korg Prophecy mid-90s synth. Pushing the instrument to its technical limits, Fake decided to build a whole record around it. Providence was complete within six months. The deep, soaring sounds of a Korg Prophecy are woven conspicuously through each song. The record sees Fake distort and manipulate the synth into undulating cacophonies of noise, which he then feeds through his distinct brand of progressive techno. Reviews of Fake's most recent performances – especially at non-club venues, like London’s Institute for Contemporary Arts – speak of a more hypnotic, low-tempo affair. The British musician has added visuals to his show, and he’ll be accompanied in China by his “friend Dan,” who will operate them. Read our interview with him here.
Thur May 18; Price TBD; Dada, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie 鼓楼东大街206号B楼101室(183 1108 0818)
May 19: Developer
Co-founder of the first techno record distributors on America’s West Coast, Developer is one of the most important figures in LA’s electronic music scene. And he's landing at Lantern on Friday.
Fri May 19; Price TBD; Lantern, Worker Stadium west gate forward north 100m 朝阳区三里屯路33号(139 1120 7198)
May 19: Stray
Having long been associated with drum ‘n’ bass, Stray has been spreading his wings of late. Whether the hip-hop influences on Paradise or the footwork sensibilities of Matchsticks, his recent output has been refreshingly varied. It is a fitting booking for Beijing promoter The Syndicate, which has diversified its musical palate beyond the drum ‘n’ bass parties it was once known for. The show marks the Beijing leg of this year’s Outlook Festival launch tour. Support comes from The Syndicate’s resident DJs and turntablist DJ Fu.
Fri May 19, Price TBD. Dada, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie 鼓楼东大街206号B楼101室(183 1108 0818)
May 19: Beyond Yakitori Terrace Opening Party
Beyond Yakitori - one of Topwin Centers many new(ish) restaurants) - is throwing a big bash this weekend to celebrate the opening of their terrace. The dress code is "party": so interpret that however you'd like. There will be free Kirin draft beer as well as plenty of food, including Beyond Yakitori's signature skewers.
Fri May 19, 7pm-late. Beyond Yakitori, 3/F, Topwin Center, 1 Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯1号通盈中心三层3-5(5780 9033)
May 20: Slow Boat Closing Party
If you haven't heard the news yet, Slow Boat Taproom on Dongsi Batiao is being forced to close up shop. At this point it remains uncertain if or when the taproom will reopen. This is just the latest casualty of the city-mandated brickings and renovation fervor that has swept over Beijing in the past couple months. But Slow Boat is taking the news like a champ. They'll be celebrating five years by offering pints of their Monkey’s Fist IPA for RMB5 on Saturday.
Sat May 20, 2pm-late. Slow Boat Taproom, 56 Dongsi Batiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四八条56号(6538 5537)
May 20-21: Great Wall Run Festival
Boom's Great Wall Run Festival is picturesque music festival combining electronic music, sick views and physical activity (note the run in the title). Electronic geniuses Oliver Heldens, Fritz Kalkbrenner and Ben Klock (pictured) headline, while local acts include Pancake Lee, Ou Yang and Huang WeiWei. Early bird tickets are sold out but GA tickets are still on sale for RMB500 upwards. The festival will be located at Beijing W Town.
Sat-Sun May 20-21. Beijing W Town, Simatai Village, Gubeikou town, Miyun county 密云县古北口镇
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