2009.09 p61-73 B&C - The Beijinger

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www.thebeijinger.com September 2009 / the Beijinger

NIGHTLIFE

P62 BARS & CLUBS

Plastered and Carsick – a deadly combination. See Music Events, p77; photo by Lisa Liang

P74 MUSIC

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the Beijinger / September 2009 www.thebeijinger.com

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Hello there, fun fans. If you’re all partied out after a summer of hedonism, you’re in for some very bad news. The party just don’t stop, as a rapper might well say.

The biggest news of the month for drinkers is the chance to enjoy half-price drinks at the Den permanently. To do this, you’ll have to sell your soul to the Beijing Devils as a social member. Sign up at the Den on September 5.

The full-time funsters behind the recent Great Wall Beach Party and the Great Island Beach Party are at it again. This time they’ve procured a disused aircraft carrier for the proceedings (Sep 19). If you’re not sure what to expect or what to wear, revisit Cher’s video for “If I Could Turn Back Time.” At time of press there was no word whether the fourth Great Fortification Party will be held in a nuclear bunker.

Professional party people Acupuncture Records are celebrating two years of bringing you the finest electronica in China. Seeing as they’re so nice and all, they are letting you join in on their festivities. That’s taking place on September 5 and, if the past is any yardstick, it’s going to be big. Check out our interview on p66.

Bad news from the last month or so includes the Stumble Inn and White Rabbit shutting their doors for the final time. The Lucky Street nightspots seemed to have been under the same pressure that led to the demolition of Super Bar Street earlier in the summer. (Fortunately, there is only one new US Embassy so hopefully it’s only the greater Liangmaqiao area where you can no longer have fun.) Both are actively seeking new homes. Good luck to them.

Even while homeless, the unstoppable White Rabbit continues to bring world-class DJs to the capital. Berlin’s Sascha Funke is next up from them at ChinaDoll (Sep 4). The Syndicate, too, have continued at the same pace despite the loss of the city’s premium underground venue. This month they’ve secured Brazilian drum & bass pioneer DJ Bungle to get crazy at Yugong Yishan (Sep 4).

Yugong Yishan prove that having to move house is not the end of the world. They celebrate their fifth anniversary on September 18. Finally, amidst all these birthday celebrations, Frank’s Place will turn 20 in October. Twenty years is older than some of you readers, and if you’re named Frank and you were born in Beijing in the last two decades, you might want to wonder where you may have been conceived. Jonathan White

Sep 19: DJ MIA

Don’t miss her in action. Or else. See listing, p63.

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DISTRACTING BARS Sometimes your drinking companions are boring and you need something else to occupy your mind. Sometimes you’re drinking alone and there are no listings magazines to distract you. Either way, you need something to look at. Thankfully, there are bars in Beijing that offer such visual relief. Here are five.

Lan ClubAcclaimed designer Phil ippe Starck is responsible for the astonishing interior. Of course, they’d never mention that.4/F, LG Twin Towers, 12B Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5109 6012/13) 朝阳区建国门外大街乙12号LG双子座4层

Manchester Pub Not for the posters of the finest bands in Manchester – as well as Oasis – but for the bathroom, where every available inch is plastered in graffiti.9B Yinding Qiao Hutong (near Hutong Pizza), Houhai, Xicheng District (134 2640 0005) 西城区后海银锭桥胡同乙9号

Nanjie There was a time when every man and his dog had scrawled on the walls here. You may well need a torch to make out some of the handiwork.Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (opposite Banana Leaf), Chaoyang District (6413 0963) 朝阳区工体北路4号院(蕉叶对面)

Super Ganbei A gallery within a bar or a bar within a gallery? You decide.Inside the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, 798 art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8675 1138) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区尤伦斯当代艺术中心内

Zeta Bar If you think the oversized birdcages are post-modern and avant-garde, wait till you see the bathrooms.2/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (5865 5050) 颐达吧, 朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号希尔顿饭店2层

Starck raving mad Lan Club

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Sep 4Crispy CreamAll the hotness fresh out of the box, spun by DJ Bite-size Buddha. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)Sascha FunkeWhite Rabbit and ChinaDoll join forces to bring over Berlin’s DJ. Support from Yang Bing and Donald Summer. RMB 100. 10pm. ChinaDoll (5136 5871)Search for a Bikini GirlHave you got it what takes to rock a bikini and be ogled by a crowd? The answer to that question might be worth RMB 10,000 worth of prizes. RMB 50 (entry fee). Register at 150 1052 5870 or 138 1108 1896. Free. 9pm. The Beach at Block 8 (6508 8585)Stella Artois Draught MasterCan you pour a beer? If you can prove it, you stand to win big. To enter, visit a participating bar. Details at www.vdgcn.com. Free. 4pm. 3.3 Shopping MallThe Syndicate presents BungleBrazilian drum & bass DJ Bungle gets hype on the decks. Support from Blackie, Slide, Kay C and Ya Dong. RMB 60. 10pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 5Acupuncture Records Second AnniversaryParty through the night with the local electronica pioneers. Weng Weng, X.L.F., ELVIS.T, Pancake Lee, Terry Tu, Patrick Yu and Ouyang will spin with support from VJs Markus Schneider, Double Vie Groupe and Elixer. See Clubhouse, p66. RMB 150, RMB 70 (advance). 9pm. Image Base, CNEX Saloon (8721 5576; see Cinema/InPrint directory)Back to School PartyGet back in the school mood, kids. Just don’t forget your uniform or it’ll be detention. RMB 50, free (before 11pm, in uniform). 9pm. Bling (5905 6999)Beijing Devils Registration NightA chance to purchase a Den card and, if you're drunk enough, to join a rugby team. There will be a scrum at the bar. All welcome. 4pm. The Den (6592 6290)Enough of Samba – Brazilian Rock There’s more to Brazil than samba and beaches. Rock out to DJ Team Zou Bah two days before National Day. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Hot Pot: PunkDJs Wordy and Lomang reunite like the Spice Girls but with more rap music. Free. 10pm. Punk (5820 7100)I Don’t Do Him, I Do “G”Free wine and bubbly for the ladies. Guest DJs spin the tunes. Free. 9pm. Scarlett (6552 3600) Sonic DeviationElectronica goes eclectic with T-Paulitics. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)Sep 6KraftwerkBoth Beijing and Berlin start with the letter B. Celebrate with German house. Free. 5pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Sep 9YellowBen Huang brings the electro, downbeat and the like from Shanghai. Free. 10pm. Punk (5820 7100)

Sep 11GayographicLucky draws for great prizes – and half-price drinks while you’re waiting – all in a man-friendly atmosphere. Time and price TBD. Lan Club (5109 6012)Martini FunkGet funky, and a little drunk, with DJ Martin Star. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)RiddimMikey Dee and Svaigs will be joined by a surprise guest to blend African drums and European breaks. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Super MilkmanA super name hides beatboxer Diqwon Le Chef and DJ Ghostmen. They’ll dig in the crates and milk the crowd with their genre- busting set. Support from DJ Ouyang. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 12FameA rare house party with Romantic Couch playing live. Free. 9pm. ZetaBar (5865 5000)Goethe Fun PartyParty like only an institute knows how. Berlin’s MyMy are joined by DJ Youdai, Weng Weng, Ben Huang, ELVIS.T and Terry Tu. Free. 2pm. Originality Square at 798 art district. Info at [email protected]! Ole!Latin music and drinks specials all night long. Free. 9pm. Scarlett (6552 3600)Retrodance 2.0 QianCedric, Moonfire and Demone get all manner of electronic on the decks. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Zin TonicDJ Zin is just the tonic on the turntables. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)Sep 13Meiwenti Dubwise Reggae BBQReggae? BBQ? Meiwenti. Free. 5pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Sep 18Beijing CallingHello, this is Beijing calling, do you like rock music? You’re in luck. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Diplo and Steve AokiDJs Diplo and Steve Aoki get a chance to show China why they’re world-renowned. RMB 100, RMB 60 (advance). 10pm. Tango (6428 2288)Sonic DeviationDeviated from Sep 5. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)Yugong Yishan Birthday PartyThe fifth anniversary of YGYS. Joining the party are DJs from Retro Dance, YEN, Meiwenti Sound, The Syndicate and White Rabbit. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 19Crispy CreamCrispy like Sep 4, no less. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)DJ MIAThe hottest DJ in LA takes a break from working with the Black Eyed Peas and MTV. See photo, p62. RMB 80. 9pm. Bling (5905 6999)Great Aircraft Carrier PartyFirst the Wall, then an island, now an aircraft carrier. Wherever

All event listings are accurate at time of press and subject to change

For venue details, see directories, p70Send events to [email protected] by Sep 7

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Fubar 福吧Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-4am. Behind Stadium Dog, Gate 10, Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District (6593 8227)朝阳区工体东路工人体育场东门内10号进口

Fubar is a hushed, high-ceilinged cavern hidden behind an electronic door in Stadium Dog. A raised platform at the back leads off into a cozy, secluded side room; there’s also a raised stage that is set to host a live jazz band. Fubar is styled as a speakeasy and this feeling is enhanced by the eccentricity of its stock; the Serdar Turkmen vodka features the visage of the late Turkmen president-eccentric Saparmurat Niyazov. Manager Chad Lager, of Rickshaw and Tun fame, offers 42 Below and Bombay Sapphire as house spirits, reasoning that they are less counterfeited in Beijing. Mixed drinks come in at a very reasonable RMB 30. Fubar is an experience that won’t be secret for long. Iain Shaw

Hot Cat ClubDaily 10am-late. 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of Guozijian Jie), Dongcheng District (6400 7868) 东城区方家胡同46号艺术园区(国子监南临)

Dedicated to jazz, blues and reggae, Hot Cat is a new live music venue hidden in the hutongs between Yonghegong and Andingmen. During performances from Monday to Thursday, the city’s unknown musicians sing blues/reggae covers of Chinese folk and ’80s pop, whereas week-ends give a fresh taste of rock, jazz and blues from Beijing’s burgeoning scene. Film screenings occur daily, with themes that vary by week. The decor is bracingly red, yet the cozy layout provides a chilled out environment, with sofas scattered around the dance floor. An extended dining section is separated from the staging area, offering a quiet corner to gather together. Tsingtao is sold at the agreeable price of RMB 15; there’s coffee and soft drinks for the teetotal. Wang Ge

INGDaily noon-3am. 55A Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District (6401 7769) 东城区五道营胡同55A号

Tucked away near the Lama Temple, ING provides a welcome escape from the noise and bustle of Beijing life. The tiny tea-shop/bar hybrid is quiet and cozy, with a uniquely animal take on décor (live goldfish swim below your feet, a mynah bird sings and there’s also a couple of iguanas) that can be enjoyed from the comfy loft. ING’s small menu is all in Chinese but staff can recommend tasty cocktails (from RMB 25) to complement beers (from RMB 10) and bar snacks. If the absence of an English menu doesn’t turn you away – which it shouldn’t – ING is a great place to spend a quiet evening with friends … at least until Wudaoying becomes the next Nanluogu Xiang. Trip Smith

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SuzumeiMon-Sat 5pm-midnight (or until last customer leaves). 1/F, 17 Sanyuanli residential compound (north side), Chaoyang District (6466 0204)朝阳区三源小区6号楼1层北侧

Come clocking-out time in Japan, it’s not uncommon to see workers head straight for the izakaya, the traditional bars where you can snack and drink the night away. Do likewise in Beijing at Suzumei, where their beer selection includes Kirin and Asahi (RMB 18), plus Yanjing (RMB 8) in an ode to China. You can also find sake (RMB 16-68/flask, RMB 130-650/bottle) and Japanese cocktails like Choya plum wine & soda and shochu & oolong tea (RMB 12-23). Or concoct your own spirit from distilled liquor (RMB 15-35 per glass) and lemon, plum and/or soda water (RMB 2-10 for each add-on). The only unconventional touch to this adorable hole in the wall is the reggae that owner/sushi chef Omori Toshiyuki insists on playing. Lisa Liang

Salud Daily 4pm-late. Opposite Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6417 7055) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里对面

Whereas the original Salud stands out among Nanluogu Xiang’s collection of bars, the new location – right in the middle of the Luga’s/Pure Girl strip – blends in more happily with its unpretentious surroundings. Far from implying that it’s a Pure Girl-style dive offering dubiously cheap Tsingtaos, we merely mean that Salud à Sanlitun is all about simple, stripped-down fun. The interior retains the essence of the original, albeit crushed down into a narrow strip complete with bar stools and a small back room. Draft Tsingtaos are RMB 20, and the rum cocktails (RMB 35), sangria (1 liter jug for RMB 120) and sushi-heavy tapas menu distinguish Salud from the pack. God help us if the neighbors attempt to replicate those famous infused rums (RMB 20, rack of ten for RMB 180). Iain Shaw

The Door 门Daily 6pm-2am. Sanlitun Houjie (next to Fish Nation), Chaoyang District (133 1136 6410)朝阳区三里屯后街

With its infused rums and tapas, the new Salud brings some finesse to Sanlitun Houjie. Around the corner, it’s business as usual with new arrival The Door. Predictably eschewing innovation, The Door borrows its neighbors’ familiar mantra of “Give them cheap drinks, rudimentary terrace seating and convenient access to lamb chuan’r, and they will come.” Beijing draft is RMB 20 (admittedly, there is cheaper beer around), standard mixed drinks taste trustworthy at RMB 20, and cocktails start at RMB 30. Inside, two bars and framed dorm-room posters give The Door the appearance of a student flat whose residents have won the lottery. As the weather cools, huddle around the secluded tables in the nook at the back and go to work on a rack of the lethal shooters (RMB 100). Iain Shaw

RasMon-Fri 10.30am-late, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. 7 Sanlitun Lu (next to the Friendship Supermarket), Chaoyang District (6468 6053)朝阳区三里屯北路7号(小友谊超市旁)

Anyone intrepid enough to venture out to the Lido incarnation of Ras was rewarded with some traditional dancing and tasty, authentic Ethiopian food. Manager Danny had the good fortune to move to Sanlitun Beilu and give more people the good fortune to taste Ethiopia in this central location. Not one to rest on his laurels, Danny has quickly added a covered outdoor bar to this spot – draft Tsingtaos (RMB 10), gin & tonics (RMB 35) and reggae abound. The relaxed vibe is set to continue when the downstairs of the restaurant becomes a lounge proper and chilling out heats up for the winter. The half-price happy hour (4-8pm) certainly won’t damage sales of food; you’ll be starving and what better place to find bar snacks than a restaurant? One love. Jonathan White

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CLUBHOUSE

PRICKING THE SURFACEAcupuncture Records plans to go global

by Carissa Welton

Local music makers Acupuncture Records are getting ready to party. Since their first anniversary blowout bash last September, the DJ team has released three original singles in

addition to ELVIS.T’s full-length CD, Nil. They’ve also managed to pull off the INTRO 2009 festival, which could come to be looked on as a turning point in the development of electronic music in China. We spoke to the Acupuncture team as they prepare to turn two on September 5.

tbj: Is Acupuncture the sound of Chinese techno?Miao Wong: Original techno tracks are just starting to emerge from China, and a unique “Chinese sound” hasn’t quite been identified yet. We aren’t trying to fake style or authenticity by forcing traditional Chinese elements into the music.

tbj: Acupuncture’s DJ Pancake once said DJing was like a relationship with a woman. Girlfriend, lover, wife or mother?Weng Weng: Wife.ELVIS.T: In the beginning it was more like a lover or girlfriend, but now it’s like my wife.Terry: Girlfriend.X.L.F.: Lover.Pancake Lee: Lover.Ivan: Wife.

tbj: Did obstacles come up with May’s INTRO festival? Weng Weng: Organizing a festival is so complex. Licenses, finance, security, promotion, staging, weather … all of these things are critical. Although it was a very tough mission and we went through so much, it was certainly rewarding.

tbj: What’s the plan for developing the festival when you host it again next year? Weng Weng: We’d like to expand INTRO into a bigger festival with a more varied lineup and more activities. [We also want to get] more industry-related organizations involved. We’re going to make INTRO the largest platform in China for electronic music.

tbj: What’s ahead for Acupuncture going global?Miao Wong: One of our visions has been to put China on the world’s

“Acupuncture is the niu dan of this city – you guys represent Beijing’s manhood”

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electronic music map. Now, with our international releases and collaborations [with overseas artists], we feel we’re not only speaking about Acupuncture’s global standing, but more broadly, presenting China to the rest of the world.

tbj: What’s the greatest compliment you’ve received as a DJ?Weng Weng: The crowd not leaving the party until after sunrise.Terry: I was in Shanghai on the label tour when this guy from New Zealand told me after the party, “I’ve been listening to techno for 16 years and that was the best night ever.”Ivan: “Acupuncture is the niu dan (bull guts) of this city – you guys represent Beijing’s manhood.”

tbj: As children, did you dream of being DJs? Weng Weng: When I was a child, I had never heard of such a thing as a DJ. So maybe that’s why I didn’t have a dream until I became one.ELVIS.T: I wanted to be a trash truck driver. When the truck comes

into the neighborhood, it plays loud music to tell people to carry out their trash. I thought that was pretty cool, but my dad thought I was crazy.X.L.F.: I wanted to establish a band like Pink Floyd. Pancake Lee: I wanted to be a mathematician.

tbj: What are your dreams for Acupuncture in 2010?ELVIS.T: I want my music to be heard in every corner in the world. Acupuncture will also let the whole world hear electronic sounds coming from China.X.L.F.: I plan to play a set purely of my own tracks. Miao: My dream is that Acupuncture will make electronic music a cultural phenomenon in China and spread original Chinese electronic music to the rest of the world. We’ll keep doing what we do, seize every opportunity and make the most of it.Ivan: This will be the year we go further; we’ll do bigger events in and outside of China.

Acupuncture Records’ Second Anniversary Party takes place on Sep 5. For details, see listing on p63.


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PARTY LIKE AN ARTISTInspired by Beijingtext by Jonathan White; images by Joey Guo

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What if some of the great artists of the past were living in the city now? Where would they go and what might their works look like?

Henri de Toulouse-LautrecMidgets. Dancing girls. A love of absinthe and cognac. Alcoholism. Syphilis. Where’s a chap like this to go? Chocolate.

M.C. EscherA quiet life suggests the love of a quiet pint and where better than the Drei Kronen 1308/Danger Doyle’s complex? They’ve European beer aplenty to suit the nomad and more adjoining staircases than anyone can comfortably render uncomfortable.

Andy WarholIn the middle of his 15 minutes of fame, Warhol did, in fact, once visit Beijing. There were no bars to speak of at the time so it might all come as too much of a shock. He’d be best off in Bed Bar. It’s also the ideal place to film a sequel to Sleep.

Vincent Van GoghThe Dutchman’s love for a drink is well-known but he could do with laying off the harder stuff. Wine seems to be the way – and affordable wine at that. He was a penniless artist, after all. Raise a glass at La Baie des Anges

To locate these drinking establishments, see our directory listings, starting on p70.


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next? DJs Mickey Zhang, Blackie, Patrick Yu, El-Mar, Ouyang, Carlo, Suki and QQ. Buses leave Workers’ Stadium from 2pm and Wudaokou from 5pm. RMB 250. Info at 136 8126 3981 (English)Sep 21-26OktoberfestCelebrate Oktoberfest even more efficiently than the Germans by doing so in September. Fun and games are led by a Bavarian band. RMB 298. 6pm. Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing (8498 2288 ext 7204)Sep 23YellowStill not blue or red, same as Sep 9. Free. 10pm. Punk (5820 7100)Sep 25Crispy CreamCreamy like Sep 4, no less. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)GayographicAs manly as Sep 11. Time and price TBD. Lan Club (5109 6012)GOA Productions Psytrance NightPsychedelic trance music from Michael, Gotama and Pete. Drinks specials. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)the Beijinger Happy HourFinish work early and we'll sort the drinks specials. Free. 5pm. ClubJuicy Spot (6593 0610)Sep 26Absolute-ly GFree flow of Absolut vodka cocktails for RMB 200. Free. 9pm. Scarlett (6552 3600)RiddimAs bad boy as they were on Sep 11. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Section 6Homegrown hip-hop from the Beijing Live Hip-Hop Experience. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Zeta Bar 3rd AnniversaryCelebrate Zeta turning three with a live house DJ and an open bar until midnight. RMB 200. 9pm. Zeta Bar (5865 5000)Zin TonicThe tonic flows like Sep 12. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)Sep 27Meiwenti Dubwise Reggae BBQStill not a problem, like Sep 13. Free. 5pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)

Sep 30TittsworthThe man they call Titts is back in Beijing and with the skills that could make even a free show a sell-out. Free. 10pm. Punk (5820 7100)Every MonBookworm Pub QuizAsk a silly question, get a trivial answer. Prizes to be won. Free. 10pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)Quiz NightHow many staircases does one pub need? Free. 7.30pm. Danger Doyle’s (6591 3337)Every TueQuiz NightHow many, when and where? Free. 8pm. Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q (6591 9161)Every WedCollege FormulaBanging hip-hop from Jcue and Weschen. Free-flow booze for the college kids. Bring ID. RMB 160. 9.30pm. Bling (5905 6999)Dirty LaundryVery cheap drinks and some electro-rock. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)Frank’s QuizWhere are you now? Win money. RMB 20. 8pm. Frank’s Place (6437 8399)I Love Ladies NightFree drinks for ladies, and surprise roses. (Surprise spoiled.) Free. 10pm. ChinaDoll (0140 2188)Ladies NightThey say, “As long as you are a beauty, you can always get a free cocktail.” Try it out. Free. 8pm. Double Coffee (6417 2181)Lush Pub QuizHow many students does it take to change a light bulb? Come early for a seat. Winners take home a bottle of Jack. Free. 8pm. Lush (8286 3566)Paddy’s QuizWhich quiz host swears the most? Prizes for every round. And lots of alcohol in between. Free. 8.30pm. Paddy O’Shea’s (6415 6389)Pomegranate QuizHow do you spell pomegranate? Free. 8pm. The Pomegranate (8046 2558)

Sep 30: Tittsworth

His friends call him Titts. Childish. See listing, this page.

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Beilu (to the right of Chaoyang Theater), Chaoyang District. (6507 1013) 朝阳区东三环北路36号朝阳剧场东边3

8gua A quiet place to gossip. Daily 2pm-2am. 6C Houhai Ya’er Hutong, Xicheng District. (6401 8080) 8 卦, 西城区后海北沿鸦儿胡同后丙6号

Absent Nightclub Sleek Russian club. Nightly shows. Daily 6pm-late. B1, Huash-eng Plaza, 12 Yabao Lu (next to the Brazil-ian Embassy), Chaoyang District. (5120 6538) 大笨象, 朝阳区雅宝路12号华声大厦B1

Acoustic House West Street, Dashanzi art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6437 9079) www.acoustic-house.com 生活家的院子, 朝阳区朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798大山子艺术区西街

Alfa A mix of young expat professionals, students and local club-goers. Daily 4pm-2am. 6 Xingfu Yicun (in the alley opposite the north gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District. (6413 0086) 阿尔法, 朝阳区幸福一村6号工体北门对面的胡同里

All-Star Sports Bar & Grill See Dining Directory under “American.” Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am. Bldg 5, 1/F, Solana Shopping Mall, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6999) www.all-starclub.com 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区 5-1

Amilal This quaint but nice Mongolian owned bar presents scotch, imported beers, and an impressive selection of Latin American wines. Entertainment: Mongolian and Kazakh bands. 2pm-late. 48 Shoubi Hutong (southeast of 66 Gulou Dongdajie), Dongcheng District. (8404 1416) 东城区鼓楼东大街66号东南侧寿比胡同48号院内

Andalucia Manhattan loft vibe with regu-lar events from live music, art lectures, to indie movie screenings. Daily 10am-midnight. 26 Mao’er Hutong, Dongcheng District. (6405 0279) 行走的阳光, 东城区帽儿胡同26号

Angel Angel one-ups Babyface on several counts: more seating, more lights, more staff and more space. Larger private rooms have their own DJ decks; otherwise, lounge in the dim lights, sleek decor and giant scale. Just be cool. Daily 8.30pm-2am. 6 Gongti Xilu (between Gongti 100 Bowling and Bellagio), Chaoyang District. (6552 8888) www.michengclub.com 唐会, 朝阳区工体西路6号工体100和鹿港小镇之间

Aperitivo Shrub-lined patio, continental atmosphere and Italian-themed drinks menu. Daily 10am-late. 43 Sanlitun Houjie (next to Tongli Studio), Chaoyang District. (6417 7793) 意式餐吧, 朝阳区三里屯后街43号同里旁边

Aria See Dining Directory under “Europe-an.” Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm; bar 11am-midnight. 2/F, China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 2266 ext 38, 6505 3318) 阿郦雅, 朝阳区建国门外大街1号中国大饭店二层

Armaini Lasers, smoke-machines, a hy-draulic dance floor, Euro-mix music, and a mostly Chinese crowd have taken over this cursed disco space that was once Fu-sion. The name, staff claims, is like the brand. Daily 8.30pm-late. 8 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区工体北路甲8号

Babyface More provincial than its old Gongti siblings. Daily 8pm-2am. Babyface West, Triumph Plaza, A143 Xizhimenwai Dajie (west of Beijing Zoo), Xicheng Dis-trict. (8801 6848) www.babyface.com.cn 西城区西直门外大街甲143号凯旋大厦

Ball House This difficult-to-find establish-ment bills itself as a pool hall, but only three pool tables and a haughty air keep things from getting rowdy. The high ceilings and artfully designed lofts, like the clientele, are attractive. Ball House is located in a residential area – so don’t expect to stay up late and holler. Daily 2.30pm-late. In a small alley directly east of Zhonglou, Dongcheng District. (6407 4051) 波楼, 东城区钟楼湾40号钟楼东边的小胡同里

Bar Blu One of the best terraces in town, with something going on every night. Daily 5pm-2am. 4/F, Tongli Studio, Sanli-

tun Houjie, Chaoyang District. (6417 4124, [email protected]) 蓝吧, 朝阳区三里屯后街同里4层

Bar One Neon hop meets brandy-sipping old boys’ club meets Maggie’s. Daily 7.30pm-late. 100m east of the Hilton Ho-tel, Dongsanhuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (8455 2611) 朝阳区东三环路希尔顿饭店向东100米

Bar Promise Salaryman hang-out offers se-rious whiskey, a bartender with a serious collar, and tennis-ball sized ice-spheres in the drinks (seriously). Mon-Sat 5pm-2am. 1537, 2/F, Bldg 15, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5900 0151) 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外Soho15号楼2层1537

The Bar Located in the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace, this hotel bar styles itself as a fun pub for the after work crowd. 5pm-1.30am. G/F, Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing, 12 Qisheng Middle Zhongjie, Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang District. (6452 1806) 朝阳区朝阳区东北三环七圣中街12号北京新云南皇冠假日酒店大堂1层

Bed Minimalist decor is centered around beds (obviously), and cement. Daily 4pm-late. 17 Zhangwang Hutong, Xicheng District. (8400 1554) 床吧, 西城区旧鼓楼大街张旺胡同17号

Beer Mania Spacious it ain’t, but Beer Mania has got everything it needs to play the role of Belgian beer purveyor par excellence. Daily 2pm-late. 1/F, Taiyue Fang, Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6585 0786) 麦霓啤酒吧, 朝阳区南三里屯路泰乐坊1层

Beijing Okhotsk Beer The three sizeable copper vats behind the bar of this micro-brewery help to create one of Beijing’s most unique drinking experiences. Daily 11.30am-late. 7 Shangye Jie, Phoenix City, 5 Shuguang Xili, Chaoyang District. (5866 8552) 北京欧可啤酒, 朝阳区曙光西里甲5号凤凰城凤凰新天商业街7号

Bla Bla Bar Offers co-eds budget booze and unbridled fun. Daily 2pm-2am. Inside the Beijing Language and Culture Univer-sity, Haidian District. (6239 7033) 海淀区语言学院内

Black Sun Bar Bargain-basement drinks, a pool table, darts, foosball, the origi-nal caipirinha recipe and a patio. Daily 4pm-3am. West gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District. (6593 6909) 黑太阳, 朝阳区朝阳公园西门

Bling Hip-hop club with a Rolls Royce Phantom DJ booth. Exclusive selection of premium single malts, cognacs, and cigars. Wed-Sat 9pm-late. Solana 5-1, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6999) www.all-starclub.com 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区 5-1

Block 8 Lively dance floor and a serious cocktail selection. Daily 6pm-2am. Block 8, Apartment 8 Complex, Chaoyang Gongy-uan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6508 8585, [email protected]) www.block8.cn 朝阳区朝阳公园西路8号公馆

Blue Frog Cocktail-heavy drinks menu. And a patio. 1) Daily 10am-1am. L312, Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Zhen, Shunyi District. (8046 6337); 2) Daily 10am-2am. S4-30, 3/F, Bldg 4, The Village at Sanlitun, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang Dis-trict. (6417 4030) www.bluefrog.com.cn 蓝蛙, 1) 顺义区天竺镇欲翔路99号北京欧陆时尚购物中心(欧陆广场)L312室; 2) 朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里屯Village4号楼3层S4-30

The Boat A double-decked club-on-water. Daily 11am-2am. 8 Liangmahe Nanlu (west of Sanlitun Beijie), Chaoyang Dis-trict. (6460 5512, [email protected]) www.myspace.com/theboatbeijing 朝阳区亮马河南路8号（三里屯北街西边）

Boutique Wine Cellar Cozy wine bar. 10.30am-3am. 7 Sanlitun Beili (behind 3.3 Shopping Center), Chaoyang District. (6416 2375) 朝阳区三里屯北街7号3.3购物中心后

Bubble Cafe & Bar See Restaurant Direc-tory under “Italian.” Daily 10am-10pm. 2/F, Bldg 8, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsan-huan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5869 2770) 泡点, 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外

District. (6617 5558) 前海北沿15号, 西城区前海北沿15号

180° Looming between neon pillars along Zhongguancun Beidajie is the monolithic 180°, the largest club in Haidian. 180°’s biggest asset is space, and even with several hundred clubrats dancing to the standard mix of hip hop/techno it doesn’t feel too crowded. Daily 8pm-5am. 18 Zhongguancun Beidajie, Haidian District. (8261 3366 ext 702) 海淀区中关村北大街18号

2F Cozy spot serves ample measures and has hourly drinks specials on the chalkboard. Mon-Fri 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun 6pm-4am. Sanlitun Houjie (south of 3.3 Shopping Center), Chaoyang District. (6416 4549) 贰楼, 朝阳区三里屯北街3.3服装大厦南侧

2 Kolegas Intimate music venue. 21 Li-angmaqiao Lu (inside the drive-in movie theater park) north of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District. (6436 8998, [email protected]) www.2kolegas.com 两个好朋友, 朝阳区亮马桥路21号（燕莎桥往东1500米路北汽车电影院内）

31Bar You’ll pay RMB 20 for a Tsingtao at this Houhai hang-out. The price buys nightly live music of the flamenco variety from 9pm. Daily 4pm-late. 16 Nanyan Lu, Houhai, Xicheng District. (6616 4210) 西城区后海南沿16号

3rd Cellar Intimate Japanese bar with a selection of beers, wines and sakes. Daily 6pm-1.30am. 3/F, 36 Dongsanhuan

BARS & CLUBS101 Lounge Close to the 798 district, this hotel bar specializes in top-class wines from all over the world and live music. Jazz standards are arranged by Kenny Cheng for the resident Latin four-piece. Noon-1am. Courtyard by Marriott – Bei-jing Northeast, 101 Jingshun Lu, Dashanzi, Chaoyang District. (5907 6666) 朝阳区京顺路101号

12SQM If my home were a tiny Australian bar, this place would feel just like home. Daily 5pm-midnight. Corner of Nanluogu Xiang and Fuxiang Hutong, Dongcheng District. (6402 1554) 东城区南锣鼓巷福祥1号

13 Club Hefty, dark and covered in graffiti. Featuring mostly rock, metal and punk bands, with shows almost every night. Daily 6pm-late. 161 Chengfu Lu (Lanqiying bus stop; doorway is recessed in a small alley next to Da Waguan Restaurant), Haidian District. (8261 9267) 13俱乐部, 海淀区成府路蓝旗营车站下车，马路南边即是(瓦罐饭馆的西边)

1/5 Mixes contemporary with classic styles. Stripper poles in the loft. Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am. 1949–The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (behind Pacific Century Place), Chaoyang District. (6501 1949) 朝阳区工体北路4号院(盈科中心背面)

15 Qianhai Beiyan Super-swank bar with an aristocratic view of the lake. Daily 5.30pm-late. 15 Qianhai Beiyan, Xicheng

Every ThuBingo Bonanza!Bingo games every half hour. Win a round of shots. Free. 4pm. The Rickshaw (6500 4330)GayographicNo surprises what chaps you might meet down here. Drinks specials. Every last Thursday of the month is La La Lantung for the ladies. Free. 8pm. Lantung (5905 6213)Girls’ Night OutFree vodka drinks from 10pm-1am for the ladies. Free. 10pm. Xiu (8567 1108)Ladies NightThe only night with a dedicated girls-only zone upstairs; happily, there's men downstairs. Free, RMB 50 (men). 9pm. Zeta Bar (5865 5050)Old-School PartyRemember the 20th century? Rock out to the sounds of the past. Free. 10pm. ChinaDoll (0140 2188)Every FriCrazy Froggy Friday Wine specials until the bar closes. Now that’s a happy hour. Free. 5pm. La Baie des Anges (6657 1605)Every Fri & Sat’80s NightLike the ’80s but with fewer mullets. DJs Side B, The Spinster, Vinyl Richie and Sweet FA spin. Free. 10pm. Alfa (6413 0086)Bartending Flair ShowAlcohol and fireworks … watch out. Shows at 8.30 and 9pm. Free. 8.30pm. All-Star Sports Bar & Grill (5905 6999)Femme FataleFree cocktails for the fairer sex. Free. 8pm. Danger Doyle’s (6591 3337)HaremChaps finally get the chance to enter the forbidden world. DJ Master Suiki picks the songs while you worship the women. Free. 9pm. Fez (6559 6266)Thank Funk It’s FridayFunky music from DJ Florian to make you unwind after a less groovy week. Free. 8pm. Zeta Bar (5865 5000)

Thank God It’s FridayDrinks specials from 6-10pm, then DJ Cool C starts the party. Buy five drinks coupons, get one free drink. Free. 6pm. Scarlett (6552 3600) Every Fri, Sat & SunThai Me UpPre-party like it's Pattaya. RMB 100 for all-you-can-drink mojitos. 7pm. Lantung (5905 6213)Every SatALiveDJ Maxwell is joined by a different live act every week for some French house fusion. Free. 10pm. Scarlett (6552 3600) Back to the BasicsDance anthems. Ladies drink free all night. Free. 9pm. Alfa (6413 0086)OasisAndalusian tribal house beats and drinks specials. Free. 5pm. Fez (6559 6266)Punk X Beijing ZooGet animal with DJ Lomang’s hip-hop throwdown. Free. 10pm. Punk (5820 7100)Every Sat & SunThai HaoDrinks specials on the moon deck. Free. 7pm. Lantung (5905 6213)Every SunDeliciousGeorge gets behind the decks to mix jazz as well as he does drinks. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)Half-price SundayOrder a drink and pay just half; same goes for food. Free. 6pm. Scarlett (6552 3600) Lush Open Mic Show off your talents for fame and a free beer. Past acts have ranged from freestyle rap battles to tap dancing. RMB 10. 9pm. Lush (8286 3566)Sundays On TopSummer fun with Patrick Yu and Gao Hu taking you from the afternoon through the evening. Free. 4pm. Kokomo (6413 1019)Whisky TastingA tour of the highlands and islands with four selections and tasting notes. Reservations preferred. RMB 140. 6.30pm-2am. Glen (6591 1191)


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Buzz Chill out and relax in this intimate bar that features signature cocktails and an extensive collection of premium whis-keys, cognacs, wines and ports. Daily 7pm-1am. 1/F, The Westin Beijing, 9B Financial Street, Xicheng District. (6606 8866 ext 7825) 西城区金融大街乙9号北京金融街威斯汀大酒店1层

Cafe del Mar A spot for the Lido crowd to relax. Drinks are fairly cheap. Daily 9am-2am. Hairun International Apartment, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (5135 7028) 海润天缘, 朝阳区将台路甲2号海润国际公寓

Cafe Heaven and Earth Between Heaven and Earth lies a wide variety of herbal teas, coffee, beer and cocktails as well as Chinese and western food. Also sports a newly attached Japanese mini-restaurant, free Internet and fine views. Live music at night. Daily 4pm-4am. 2 Qianhai Beiyan, Xicheng District. (6657 1870) 天与地茶餐吧, 西城区前海北沿2号

Cappuccino Newly installed svelte pole-dancing beauties and a racy new format of the bar bring new life. 78 Sanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6586 5020) 音乐西餐酒吧, 朝阳区三里屯南路78号

Cargo Club Regularly hosts some of the best international DJ acts that make it to Beijing. Crowds are predominately local and flashy. Daily 8pm-late. 6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6551 6898/78) 朝阳区工体西路6号

Casa Habana Cigars and rum. Daily 9am-midnight. 1/F, Jinglun Hotel, 3 Jian-guomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6595 0888) 哈瓦那之家, 朝阳区建国门外大街3号京伦饭店1层

Cashmere A small but slick cigar bar. Daily 2pm-12pm. 44 Guanghua Lu (behind Sequoia Cafe), Chaoyang District. (6503 5050) 凯士酒吧, 朝阳区光华路44号（尊伯英式后面）

Cave Cafe Befitting the arty-industrial labyrinth that is the 798 arts district, Cave Cafe is a hip, inviting hangout. The decor is minimalist: exposed brick walls, unvar-nished wood floors, and black and white tables and couches. Jazz is played at the perfect volume, while the proprietors’ funny little dog Yeahbee struts around like he’s the real owner of the joint. Daily 10am-11pm. Next to 798 Space, Dashanzi art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8456 5520) 洞房咖啡, 朝阳区酒仙桥4号798大山子艺术区时态空间旁边

CD Jazz Cafe Jazz gigs on Friday and Saturday. Daily 4pm-late. South of the Agricultural Exhibition Hall main gate, Dongsanhuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (6506 8288) CD爵士俱乐部, 朝阳区东三环路农展馆大门往南300米

Centro Always busy. A surprisingly com-fortable spot to down drinks and do your best Cary Grant impression. Daily 24hrs. 1/F, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6561 8833, ask for Centro) 炫酷, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心饭店1层

Champagne Bar With its vibrant ambiance, this bar is the place to be on Wangfujing for Champagne, fine wines, top-end cigars and great music. Daily 5pm-2am. Crowne Plaza Beijing, 48 Wangfujing Avenue, Dongcheng District. (6513 3388 ext 5) 香槟吧, 东城区王府井大街48号国际艺苑皇冠假日酒店内

Charlie’s Maybe, once upon a time, there was a Charlie. What’s there now is a quiet lounge bar. 9am-2.30am. 1/F, Jianguo Hotel, 5 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6500-2233 ext 8038) 朝阳区建国门外大街5号建国饭店1层

Chateau Blanc The specialties of this small Gulou bar include a spectacular view of the Bell Tower from their second-floor deck, a BYO-meat grill that can be used for free by customers, and reasonable prices (RMB 50 pitchers, RMB 15 draft beers). Daily 3pm-late. 52 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District. (6404 5189) 大白房子, 东城区钟楼湾胡同52号

China Bar The best view in town. Defi-nitely a place to impress. Daily 5pm-1am. 65/F, Park Hyatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie,

Chaoyang District. (8567 1234) 朝阳区朝阳区建国门外大街2号

ChinaDoll Decorated with a cornucopia of color, Chinese furniture and specially com-missioned pieces by Chinese artists (which are also for sale), the club is 100 percent made in China yet in no way convention-al. Dig extravagant VIP rooms, the lounge, or the dance area for lavish events and big-name DJs. Sun-Thu 6pm-late, Fri-Sat 9pm-late. 5/F, 3.3 Shopping Center, 33 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District. (5136 5871/72, [email protected]) www.chinadollclub.cn 中国娃娃, 朝阳区三里屯北街33号3.3服饰大厦5层

Chocolate Join Napoleon through his con-quests in this Russian bar and squat on the gold-tiled squatters. Live music and drinks at RMB 38-48. Daily 11am-6am. 19 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (8561 3988) 朝阳区日坛北路19号

CJW Cigars, jazz, wine. 11am-2am. L-137, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6587 1222) www.cjwchina.com 雪茄爵士酒吧, 朝阳区世贸天阶 L-137 光华路9号

Cloud Nine Bar This upscale bar in the Shangri-La Hotel has it all – swanky interi-or, an incredible drink list, and regular live music. Daily 8pm-2am. Shangri-La Hotel Beijing, 29 Zizhuyuan Lu, Haidian District. (6841 2211 ext 2723) 九霄云外, 海淀区紫竹院路29号，香格里拉饭店内

Club 95 A strobe-lit glimpse of Beijing’s nightlife past. Daily 9pm-late. 2/F Tai Yue Suites Palace, 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6586 9595) 朝阳区三里屯南路16号泰悦豪庭2层

Club Juicy Spot Daily 5pm-late. 2-3/F, 2 Chaoyang Xilu (30m east of Chaoyang Park West Gate), Chaoyang District. (6593 0610) 朝阳区朝阳公园西路2号楼2-3层 (朝阳公园西门往东30米)

Club LA Young hip cats, sipping on gin and juice, enjoying the tracks and hitting the dance floor. Come join in at the latest hip-hop hangout. Daily 10pm-late. 8 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6552 9998) 朝阳区工体西路8号

Club Taku With all-you-can-drink nights, this is a good place to stay up late, get toasty, and dance. Daily 8.30pm-late. 16 Zhixin Lu (just west of the intersection between Zhixin Lu and Zhixin Donglu), Haidian District. (no tel) 海淀区志新路16号（志新路和志新东路的路口往西）

Coco Banana GT Banana-lite. Daily 9pm-late. 8 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (8599 9999) 朝阳区工体西路8号

Cosmo Bar Daily 10am-11.30pm. 1/F, Pull-man West Wanda Hotel, 18 Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan District. (8868 1188) 石景山区石景山路18号北京万达铂尔曼大饭店1层

Crystal Bar A place to indulge in fine champagne, matured cigars and aged ports. Daily 8am-1am. Ritz-Carlton Beijing, 1 Jinchengfang Jie, Jinrong Jie, Xicheng District. (6601 6666 ext 6231) 西城区金城坊东街1号北京金融街丽资卡尔顿酒店大堂

Cutie Club Similar to most of the other venues that make up the strip of clubs alongside the west gate of the Workers’ Stadium: dazzling lights, pounding house and hip-hop beats, brash 1980s-inspired decor complete with smoked glass pan-eling, neon lighting, and an upscale(ish) clientele. Daily 9pm-late. 8 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6552 9988) 美丽会, 朝阳区工体西路8号

D-22 A venue for new and experimental music. Tue-Sun 7pm-2am. 242 Chengfu Lu (two doors west of 13 Club), Haidian District. (6265 3177, [email protected]) www.d22beijing.com.cn 海淀区成府路242号

Danger Doyle’s Beers, sports and pizzas. Plus a great terrace. Daily 10am-1am. 3/F, Bldg 5, China View, 2 Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District. (6591 3337, VIP Hot-line: 136 0139 1308) 朝阳区工体东路2号中国红街大楼5号楼三层

Davidoff Lounge Cigars, KTV and luxury. Daily 9pm-2am. China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (5908 8070) 朝阳区华贸中心建国路甲83

D Bar 4/F, Renaissance Beijing Capital Ho-tel, 61 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区东三环中路61号北京富力万丽酒店4层

The Den Watch sports until dawn; stick around for brunch. Daily 24hrs. 4 Gongti Donglu (next to City Hotel’s main en-trance), Chaoyang District. (6592 6290) 敦煌, 朝阳区工体东路4号城市宾馆正门旁边

Desert Oasis Set within the charm of the Nanluogu Xiang-area hutongs, this cozy three-floor bar aims to evoke the ambiance of exotic locales. Offering spe-cialty beverages such as refreshingly tart raspberry juice (RMB 20/cup, 40/pitcher), Xinjiang iced yogurt (RMB 15), and Lhasa Beer (RMB 15), as well as a range of west-ern food such as pizza and pasta, DOB also features a roof terrace and numerous comfortable nooks making it a laid-back venue for breezy bull sessions. Mon-Thu 4pm-2am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. 3 Shajing Hutong, Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (6403 7856) 山木蓝, 东城区南锣鼓巷沙井胡同3号

Destination Men frequent this disco, and women who don’t want to be hit on do too. Destination packs in a rowdy crowd and is bursting with testosterone on weekends. Daily 8pm-late. 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6552 8180) 目的地, 朝阳区工体西路7号

Downtown Cafe & Bar Those in the know say this is the place for some of the best food on bar street. Watch DVDs during the day; catch belly-dancing performances from 9pm on. Daily 10am-2am. 26 Sanlitun Beilu (North Bar Street), Chaoyang District. (6415 2100) 骊姿园, 朝阳区三里屯北路26号(北酒吧街）

Drei Kronen 1308 Brauhaus Sun-Thu 11.30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 11.30am-late. 1/F, Bldg 5, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District. (6503 5555) 皇冠自酿啤酒坊, 朝阳区工体东路中国红楼5号楼1层

Drum and Bell The rooftop patio is a great place to catch some sunshine. Daily 1pm-2am. 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District. (8403 3600) 鼓钟咖啡馆, 东城区钟楼湾胡同41号

Durty Nellie’s Beijing’s first Irish pub. Daily 10am-late. 1/B Liangmaqiao Flower Market, Chaoyang District. (6593 5050, [email protected]) 爱尔兰酒吧, 朝阳区亮马桥花卉市场B1层

East Shore Live Jazz Cafe Go for the music, the vibe and the panoramic views of Qian-hai. Daily 2.30pm-2am. 2/F, 2 Qianhai Nan-yanlu (just to the west of the post office on Di’anmenwai Dajie), Xicheng District. (8403 2131) 东岸咖啡, 西城区地安门外大街前海南沿2号楼2层

Enoteca Daily 10am-2am. The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6587 1578) 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶

Entero Cool like bebop and sunglasses and bongos. Daily7pm-3am. 1 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District. (8451 0554) 朝阳区新源里1号

er Intimate cocktail bar. Japanese bartend-ers ensure quality pours, including over 100 types of whiskey. Daily 6pm-2am. 1/F, Longbao Dasha, 36 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District. (6591 5926) 朝阳区麦子店街36号龙宝大厦1层

Face An upscale bar but you can find a pint of Tetley’s. Voted “Outstanding De-cor” in our 2009 Restaurant Awards. Daily 2pm-late. 26 Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu,

Chaoyang District. (6551 6738) www.face-bars.com 妃思, 朝阳区工体南路东草园26号

Fez Bar Sip on Jackie Ho’s award-winning cocktails at this Moroccan-themed terrace bar at Ch’ien Men 23. Daily 6pm-1am. Ch’ien Men 23 (part of the Hex, Shiro Matsu, Agua complex), 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. (6559 6266) 东城区前门东大街23号

The First Lounge Has a sophisticated yet earthy feel. Daily 9am-midnight. Inside Park Plaza Beijing, 97 Jinbao Jie, Wang-fujing, Dongcheng District. (8522 1999 ext 3607) 首酒廊, 东城区金宝街97号北京丽亭酒店内

Flames Flawlessly mixed drinks. Live per-formances add an air of relaxation. Daily 11am-1am. Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 Wangfujing Dongjie, Dongcheng District. (5812 8888) 东城区王府井东街8号北京王府井西尔顿

Frank’s Place Lido-area sports pub. Daily 8am-2am. Jiangtai Xilu, west of Rosedale Hotel, Lido area, Chaoyang District. (6437 8399) www.franksplacebeijing.com 朝阳区丽都将台西路

Fu Thoughtful, educated clientele – and art by the owner and his friends on the walls. Daily 11am-midnight. 71 Chaodou Hutong, Nanluogu Xiang, Xicheng Dis-trict. (6403 3595) 西城区南锣鼓巷炒豆胡同71号

G9 An open lounge fitted with plush red sofas and white drapes.Get wallet friendly and unique mixed drinks at RMB 50. If you are feeling brave, try the wasabi-infused devil mojito. Daily 6pm-2am. Bldg 8, Julong Garden, Xinzhong Jie (southwest side of Workers’ Gymnasium), Chaoyang District. (134 6677 9993) 朝阳区新中街（工人体育馆东南边）聚龙花园8号楼

Gallery Lounge Lobby bar. Noon-1am. 1/F, Holiday Inn Lido Beijing, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (6437 6688) 画廊酒吧, 朝阳区将台路6号1层北京丽都假日酒店

Ginkgo Elegant yet comfortable bar. Second floor serves fine Mediterranean cuisine. Daily 10.30am-3pm, 6pm-2am. 199 Andingmennei Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6402 7532) www.ginkgobeijing.com 东城区安定门内大街199号

Glen The finest collection of single malts in the city. Luxurious. Daily 6pm-2am. 203, Taiyue Suites, 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6591 1191) 格兰高地, 朝阳区南三里屯16号泰悦豪庭2层203

Goose ‘n’ Duck Pub Beijing’s biggest sports bar. Daily 24hrs. S1, Green Lake Interna-tional Tower (east side of Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang District. (5928 3045, [email protected]) www.gdclub.net.cn 鹅和鸭, 朝阳区朝阳公园桥东侧路北观湖国际大厦1号写字楼首层

GT Banana Pulsing beats, dancers in cages and a whole lot more ... World-class DJs play when they come to town. Weekdays 8.30pm-4.30am, weekends 8.30pm-5am. Scitech Hotel, 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6528 3636) 巴那那, 朝阳区建国门外大街22号赛特饭店1层

Hai Bar Great terrace and view of Houhai. Secure the table in the turret to drink in grand views. Daily 11am-2am. 36 Yandai Xiejie, Xicheng District. (6403 4913) 海吧, 西城区烟袋斜街36号

Hanabi Shot Bar Daily 7pm-2am. Rm 101, Bldg B, Ruichang Huiguan, Guandongdian Beijie (north side of Chaoyang Beilu, 100m west of Dongsanhuan), Chaoyang District. (5138 9870) 花火, 朝阳区关东店北街核桃园30号瑞昌会馆B座101（朝阳北路东三环往西走100米）

Happiness Lounge Act classy and live it up at this seven-star hotel bar. The view over the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube won’t disappoint. Daily 3pm-2am. 20/F, Pangu 7 Star Hotel, 27 Beisihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5906 7888) 朝阳区北四环中路 27号

Havana Bar 22 varieties of rum. Tapas at the bar and cigars in the cigar divan. Daily 5pm-1.30am. Grand Millennium Beijing, Fortune Plaza, 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (6530 9383) 朝阳区东三环中路7号财富中心


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For a comprehensive directory, see www.thebeijinger.com

Hex Has a space-age beehiveish look which sets the mood for a night out. Enjoy the view of the “infinity pool” with Jackie Ho’s signature drinks. Daily 6pm-1am. Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongda-jie, Dongcheng District. (6559 6266) 东城区前门东大街23号

Hidden Dreams A classy establishment with the possibility of tango and romance. Mon-Fri 9am-11pmi, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. Zhangzizhong Lu number 3, Dongcheng District. (6403 0688) 东城区东城区张自忠路3号

Higher & Higher Miniature two-room dive. Daily 5pm-late. Sanlitun Houjie (opposite Tongli Studios), Chaoyang District. 朝阳区三里屯后街同里对面

Hooters It’s Hooters, just in Beijing. Daily 11am-1am. Rm 201, Bldg 1, China View, intersection of Gongti Bei and Donglu, Chaoyang District. (6585 8787) www.hoot-erschina.com 朝阳区工人体育场东路和工人体育场北路交接口，中国红街1号201

Hope Bar Tropical plants, large rattan chairs and a standard-issue chill out soundtrack make you feel like you’ve landed in Ibiza or French Colonial Viet-nam, with the exception of the decidedly affordable drinks. Daily 2pm-2am. 20 Hou-hai Nan (150m west of Yinding bridge), Xicheng District. (6613 6209) 后海吧, 西城区后海南20号银锭桥往西150米

Houhai Paradise Mega-dance club on the Houhai strip. Daily 6pm-3am. 31 Di’anmenwai Dajie, Xicheng District. (8401 5076) www.houhaitiantangbar.com 后海天堂, 西城区地安门外大街31号

Hutong Bar One of the few bars in the ‘hood that has paid more attention to the space between its walls than space beside the lake. Daily 2pm-2am. 8 Houhai Nan-yan, Xicheng District. (6615 8691) 胡同写意, 西城区后海南沿8号

Huxley’s Shut Up and Drink: Not much more need be said, really. Daily 6pm-late. Yandai Xiejie (the street running diago-nally between the Drum Tower and Yind-ing Bridge), Xicheng District. (6402 7825, [email protected]) 德彼酒吧, 西城区烟袋斜街16号

Ichikura This tiny bar packs in as good a variety of single malt whiskies as you’ll find in Beijing. 2/F (entrance via stairs at south wall of Chaoyang Theater), Chaoyang Theater, 36 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区东三环北路36号

IN A typical Nanluogu Xiang bar. Daily 2.30pm-3am. 17-1 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (8402 2050) 东城区南锣鼓巷17-1号

The Irish Volunteer This Irish bar stays true to the Irish culture, Guinness included (RMB 60). This two-room saloon also offers food. Daily 9am-2am. Jiangtai Lu (opposite the east gate of the Lido Hotel), Chaoyang District. 朝阳区高家园小区平房311号(丽都饭店东门对面)

Jazz-Ya This comfortable bar and res-taurant maintains the look and feel of a Japanese diner, complete with the clien-tele and Japanese pop music (interspersed with some great jazz). The main room has a bar and large wooden tables, while off to the side is a smaller restaurant area where they serve everything from Tokyo noodles to spaghetti carbonara and tasty Long Island ice teas. Daily 11am-2am. 18 Sanlitun Beilu (North Bar Street), Chaoyang District. (6415 1227) 爵士, 朝阳区三里屯北路18号

Jerry’s Bar A nice place to drink classy alcohol, in the Wu. Daily 10am-midnight. 1/F, Wenjin International Hotel, Tsing-hua University South Gate, Chengfu Lu, Chaoyang District. (6261 8592) 朝阳区成府路清华大学南门文津国际酒店1层西侧

Jiangjinjiu Bar This intimate space offers laid-back jam sessions and often hosts ethnic minority bands. Daily 2pm-2am. 2 Zhongku Hutong, (between Drum and Bell towers on the west side, a few doors south of The Drum and Bell), Dongcheng District. (8405 0124) www.jiangjinjiu.cn 将进酒吧, 东城区钟库胡同2号 (鼓楼北门)

Jimmy’s Thai Kitchen Local groups perform live jazz and world music. Beer, wine and

and reasonably priced. Daily 2pm-late. 55A Wudaoying Hutong (west of the Lama Temple), Dongcheng District. (139 2692 4563) www.maomaochongstore.com 东城区五道营胡同甲55号(雍和宫西边)

M Bar This posh, expensive, decadent, wal-let-emptying, cushioned, elegant womb has prices for royalty. Daily 6pm-2am. 6th floor Tower C Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District. (8599 6666 ext 6525) 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C座六层

Meli Melo Champagne bar. Daily 2pm-1am. 16 Yonganli, West side of Jianwai Soho, Chaoyang District. (8521 9988) 朝阳区建外大街永安里16号CBD国际大厦

Mesh Equally at home to post-retail therapy or a night on the tiles. Daily 5pm-2am. 1/F, The Opposite House, Bldg 1, The Village at Sanlitun, 11 San-litun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 6688, [email protected]) www.theop-positehouse.com 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village1号楼瑜舍1层

MGM Hong Kong-designed but unmistak-ably Beijing. 8.30pm-late. Inside the west gate of Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang Dis-trict. (6552 5556) 朝阳区工体西门内

Mix (Gongti) Like Vics. Daily 8pm-late. In-side the north gate of Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District. (6530 2889) 密克斯, 朝阳区工体北门内

Mix (Westin Chaoyang) Live jazz in the evenings and an extensive selection of champagnes, wines and whiskey. Daily 5pm-midnight. 1/F, Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (5922 8000) 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀酒店1层

Nanjie Two floors packed with exchange students. Low prices. Daily 5pm-5am. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (opposite to Ba-nana Leaf), Chaoyang District. (6413 0963) 南街, 朝阳区工体北路4号院蕉叶对面

Nashville Bar & Restaurant 20 percent country, 80 percent classic rock. Daily 11am-3am. Haoyun Jie, 29 Zaoying Lu, Chaoyang District. (5867 0298) www.nash-ville.com.cn 乡谣, 朝阳区枣营路29号好运街

Nearby the Tree Beer and pizza, plus waf-fles. Daily 10am-2am (restaurant closes at 10pm). Xingfu Sancun 3 Xiang (behind Yashow, west of Tongli), Chaoyang Dis-trict. (6413 1522 / 87) 树旁边酒吧, 朝阳区幸福三村三巷三里屯南33号院内(雅秀后边同里西边)

Ned’s Run by Aussies who love to drink. Daily 6pm-late. 84 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. ([email protected]) 东城区南锣鼓巷84号

Night Club All the usual flotsam of high-rolling Beijing entertainment. Daily 9pm-late. 4 Gongti Beilu (200m south of Nanjie), Chaoyang District. (6501 6698) www.98nightclub.com 夜未英, 朝阳区工体北路4号（南三里屯机电院内）

No Name Bar Chillout lakeside lounge. Daily noon-2am. 3 Qianhai Dongyan (next to Kaorou Ji restaurant), Xicheng District. (6401 8541) 无名酒吧, 西城区前海东沿3号烤肉季隔壁

Obiwan A natty little bar in which to unravel away an afternoon and make a night of it. Daily 2pm-2am. 4 Xihai Xiyan (300m from Jishuitan subway station), Xicheng District. (8322 1231, [email protected]) www.clubo-biwan.com.cn 西城区西海西沿4号

Ocean Butterflies Red Opened by an

Thai snacks are among the refreshments. Daily 11am-1am. 1/F, Bldg B (across from Baskin-Robbins), East Gate Plaza, 19 Dongzhong Jie, Chaoyang District. (6415 5157) 朝阳区东中街19号东环广场B座南门1层

Jimmy’s Thai Kitchen & Lounge Daily 11am-1am. 1/F, Bldg B (across from Baskin-Robbins), East Gate Plaza, 19 Dongzhong Jie, Dongcheng District. (6415 5157) 东城区东中街19号东环广场B座南门1层

Kai Club Cheap drinks, indie rock and a comfortable lounge upstairs. Mon-Fri 7.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 7.30pm-5am. Sanli-tun Beijie (around the corner from Poach-ers Inn), Chaoyang District. (6416 6254) 开, 朝阳区三里屯北街友谊青年酒店拐弯处

Kilimanjaro African Bar A cool place to relax and chat. Cocktails are beautiful. Mombasa street snacks are on the menu as well. Daily 2pm-1am. 138 Jiaodaokou Nandajie, Dongcheng District. (8404 2298) 非洲风情吧, 东城区交道口南大街138号

King’s Bar A Shunyi local. Daily noon-midnight. South gate of Capital Paradise (across from Lion Mart), Shunyi District. (8046 5456) 老K酒吧, 顺义区名都园南门

Kokomo Top-class terrace and qual-ity cocktails. Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-4am. 4/F Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District. (6413 1019, [email protected]) www.koko-mobeijing.com 朝阳区三里屯后街同里4层

Ku-18 Hosts mostly live music and elec-tronica shows. Daily 2pm-late. 18 Original-ity Square, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (138 1077 8398) 18库, 朝阳区酒仙桥路798创意广场18号

La Baie des Anges Bright and breezy courtyard wine bar. Tue-Sun 6pm-2am. 5 Nanguanfang Hutong (just south of Hutong Pizza), Houhai, Xicheng District. (6657 1605) www.la-baie-des-anges.com 天使港湾休闲酒吧, 西城区后海南官房胡同5号（胡同批萨南边）

La Bamba This two-story restaurant and bar offers RMB 10 drink specials, hearty food, a pool table, foosball table, darts, and tv screens. Daily 10am-6am. Wudaok-ou, East gate Huaqing Jiayuan, Haidian District. (8286 6755) 海淀区五道口华清嘉园东门，五角星酒吧2、3层

La Cave This refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city has all that one would expect for an relaxed evening with friends or a significant other; delectable fare and over 150 different wines. Refined and discreet décor meet the attentive multi-lingual staff. Enjoy their lunch special complete with a glass of house wine, or come later to sample the Korean noodles after 10pm. Daily 11.30am-3pm 5.30pm-1am. Jiangtai Xilu (west of the Rosedale Hotel), Chaoyang District. (6437 1242) 朝阳区将台西路珀丽酒店西侧

Lan Club Luxury venue with a restaurant, jazz lounge, oyster bar, a cocktail bar, a cigar room and 45 private VIP rooms. Daily 9am-11pm. 4/F, LG Twin Towers, 12B Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (5109 6012/13) www.lan-global.com 兰会所, 朝阳区建国门外大街乙12号LG双子座4层

Lantung This three floor bar, lounge and restaurant is a breezy retreat for some spicy Thai cuisine. By night, the large lakeside seating and plush couches are perfect for a drink or two. Daily 10.30am-2am. Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6213) 兰棠, 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区

Le Le Bar Across from BISU, distractions are a plenty with great music bumping while you drink those eight shots and go “Around the World.” Daily 1pm-3am. 194 Chaoyang Lu (opposite BISU), Chaoyang District. (6576 5987) 朝阳区朝阳路194号（北京第二外国语学对面）

Lobby Lounge A great place to meet for high tea or something a little stronger. Daily 6-10.30pm. Tower 1, 25 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District. (8889 8000) 大堂酒廊, 海淀区海淀区远大路25号，福朋喜来登酒店1楼

Local A spot for students to sip beer, eat food and listen to (mostly South Korean) pop music. Bring a Korean friend if you want to be sure of getting in. Daily

11.30am-2am. Inside Bldg 4 of the Xijiao Hotel, Wudaokou, Haidian District. (6232 2288 ext 4989) 赛亚咖啡厅, 海淀区五道口西郊宾馆4号楼

Loco Shoot the breeze, smoke a hookah pipe or play boardgames. Daily 5pm-2am. 1/F, Bldg 4, Xijiao Hotel, 18 Wangzhuang Lu, Wudaokou, Haidian District. (6232 2288 ext 4989) 海淀区五道口18号王庄路西郊宾馆4号楼1层

Logos Looks like a rock star’s dream.The VIP room is floored in sheepskin. Daily 2pm-2am. Behind Oriental Qicai World, facing Nurenjie, Chaoyang District. (8448 0880) 锦衣玉食, 朝阳区星吧路2号(女人街对面东方七彩大世界后面湖边)

Long Long Ago Courtyard A slightly excessive mix of East and West, but nevertheless is a fine place to relax. Daily noon-3am. 111 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (6402 9788, 6404 9088) 红人坊, 东城区南锣鼓巷111号

Loong Bar A large, classy bar with the size, ambition and prices to be Centro redux. Daily 5.30pm-2am. 2/F, JW Marriott Hotel, 83 Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District. (5908 8906) 龙吧, 朝阳区华贸中心建国路83号JW万豪酒店2层

Lotus Blue Bar and Restaurant Tintin-in-spired bar that serves up Thai dishes and live music. Mon-Fri 1.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11.30am-2am. 51-6, Di’anmen Dajie (Qianhaixiyan), Xicheng District. (6617 2599/2733) 蓝莲花餐吧, 西城区地安门西大街51-6号（北海北门对面天荷坊14内）

Lotus Lane The Lotus Lane strip (and it can only be described as a strip) is home to a row of bars of comparable luxury. Though anyone used to Houhai’s other spots will find these bars excessive and then some, they definitely fill a certain niche. Qianhai Xiyan, 51 Di’anmen Dajie, Dongcheng District. 天荷坊, 东城区地安门大街51号前海西沿

Loveshine Gum-chewing staff begrudg-ingly preside over the wooden interior decorated with sofas. Film buffs take note: Loveshine screens two movies per night. 1pm-4am. 12 Houhai Beiyan, Xicheng District. (8400 2941) 七月七日晴咖啡屋, 西城区后海北沿12号

Lugar Catering to mature area clientele, Lugar is a non-smoking Vietnamese ta-pas bar focusing on hard-to-find wines and whiskeys. Daily 6pm-late. 70 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. (6709 1383) 东城区鼓楼东大街70号

Luga’s Beer and Mexican food. Daily 24hrs. Opposite Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District. (6416 5154) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里对面

Luga’s Villa More beer and Mexican food. Daily 11am-2am. 7 Sanlitun Beijie (behind 3.3 Shopping Center), Chaoyang District. (6416 2575) 朝阳区三里屯北街7号3.3购物中心后

Luna Lounge Following in the footsteps of Bed. Daily noon-2am. 138 Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District. (8402 4417) 潞娜, 西城区旧鼓楼大街138号

Lush A caffeinated study spot by day and by night a place to cut loose. Daily 24hrs. 2/F, Bldg 1, Huaqing Jiayuan, Chengfu Lu (across from the Wudaokou light-rail sta-tion), Haidian District. (8286 3566) www.lushbeijing.com 海淀区成府路华清嘉园1号楼2层（五道口城铁站对面）

Maggie’s Legendary hot dogs. No joke. Sun-Wed, 7.30pm-4.30am; Thu-Sat, 7.30pm-5am. South Gate of Ritan Park, Chaoyang District. (8562 8142/8143) www.maggiesbar.com 美琪, 朝阳区日坛公园南门

Manchester Pub English pub with table football, good tunes, and generous drinks. Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. 9B Yinding Qiao Hutong (near Hutong Pizza), Houhai, Xicheng District. (134 2640 0005) 西城区后海银锭桥胡同乙9号

MAO Livehouse The capital’s premier music venue. Daily 4pm-late. 111 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. (6402 5080) www.maolive.com 光芒, 东城区鼓楼东大街111号

Mao Mao Chong Thoughtful, well-rounded


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entertainment conglomerate, this joint brags a live band playing international pop hits, food with a Malaysian twist, and a slide that takes your drunken inner child from the balcony to the stage area. Club prices on a mediocre drink selection. Daily 10am-late. Room 301, 2 Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District. (6506 7737) 海蝶红, 朝阳区工体东路2号301室

The One Bar Four story flair bar playing hip-hop and r&b. Chill music upstairs, dance floor and a pond in the base-ment with plenty of plush red couches to relax on. Daily 6pm-2am. 2 Diaoyutai Shanzhuang (south of Hangtian Qiao), Xisanhuan Lu, Haidian District. (8802 8021/8023) 得湾酒吧, 海淀区西三环航天桥南50米路东钓鱼台山庄2号别墅

Paddy O’Shea’s In the heart of the capital, Paddy O’Shea’s caters to all things Irish. With the best-poured Guinness in town, and an afternoon long happy hour, you can easily get trapped into what may be the first genuine Irish pub to hit Beijing. Free quiz nights every Wed from 8pm, with well-sponsored prizes. Daily 10am-late. 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6415 6389) www.paddyosheas.com 朝阳区东直门外大街28号

Palette Vino Oenophile recommended. Daily 11am-10pm. 5 Dongsi Shiyitiao, Dongcheng District. (6405 4855) www.palettewines.cn 派乐坊, 东城区东四十一条5号

Pass By Bar A favorite for expats in the neighborhood and backpackers on the China granola circuit, this bar is an ideal place for intimate conversation. Tibetan prints and wooden masks adorn the walls and there’s a selection of reading material to browse and borrow (if you donate three books). Daily 9.30am-2am. 108 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (6400 6868) www.gk01.com 过客, 东城区南锣鼓巷108号

Pavillion Relaxed, high-end bar for the sports and late night crowds. Daily 10am-2am. Gongti Xilu (opposite west gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District. (6507 2617) www.pavillionbeijing.com 万龙腾飞, 朝阳区工体西路（工人体育场西门对面）

People’s Bus Bar Cleaned-up beer fun. Daily 5pm-late. Inside the Longbo Com-pound, 16 Nongzhanguan, Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang District. (8705 6011) 朝阳区东三环农展馆16号隆博广场内

Pepper The boy band of the Beijing bar scene – renowned for their nightly cock-tail shows. Daily 7pm-late. North of Xijiao Hotel, Wangzhuang Lu, Wudaokou, Haid-ian District. (8237 2963) 辣椒, 海淀区五道口王庄路西郊宾馆北边

Pig & Thistle English Bar An English pub offering a variety of imported beers and snacks. Daily 5pm-2am. 1/F, Holiday Inn Lido Beijing, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang Dis-trict. (6437 6688) 英式酒吧, 朝阳区将台路6号北京丽都假日酒店1层

Pipes This indie dive is best known for the sapphic soirees that take place on Satur-day nights. 6pm-2am. Gongti Nanmen, Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6593 7756) 烟斗, 朝阳区工体南门富国海底世界往东100米

Plan B Daily 7pm-2am. B/1F, Tsinghua Tongfang Bldg. Square, 1 Wangzhuang Lu, Haidian District. (150 1088 5542, 131 4132 1744) 海淀区王庄路1号清华同方大厦科技广场

Plush Filled with natural light and over-looking a modern zen garden. Daily 7am-1am. 1/F, The Westin Beijing, 9B Financial Street, Xicheng District. (6606 8866 ext 7825) 西城区金融大街乙9号北京金融街威斯汀大酒店1层

Poachers Inn Consistently packed with young things flirting and dancing on the tables. Not the place to discuss Kierke-gaard. Daily 8pm-late. 43 Bei Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 2632 ext 8506) 友谊青年酒店, 朝阳区北三里屯路南43号

The Pomegranate All about carbo-load-ing with the draft beer and the sports channel here. Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am-2am. 19 Kaifa

live music shows provide entertainment, with a menu of bite-size snacks too. Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. 2/F, Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 1 Xinyuan Nan-lu, Chaoyang District. (5922 8888 ext 8112) 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀酒店2层

Tree House A bar-cafe with a funky living room feel and a gnarled jujube tree as neighbor. Good drink prices, free Wi-Fi, a collection of Chinese books and films with regular cinema and art events. Daily 2pm-1am. 81 Xiaoju’er Hutong, Dongcheng District. (6407 1665) www.treehousebei-jing.com 菊儿小树, 东城区小菊儿胡同81号

The Tree Specializes in Belgian beers and wood oven-fired pizzas. Most nights find it packed with a lively, conversant crowd. Daily noon-2am. 43 Sanlitun Beijie (100m west of Sanlitun North Bar street, Youyi Youth Hostel, behind Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. (6415 1954) www.tree-beijing.com 隐蔽的树, 朝阳区三里屯北街以西100米Poachers后面三里屯医院旁

Tun A large, cavernous space with a sofa-equipped mezzanine and two big screens for watching sports. Daily 6pm-late. Courtyard 4 (20m south of Salsa Caribe), Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6585 5866, [email protected]) 屯, 朝阳区工体北路4号院

Vics Like Mix, albeit with a slightly more expat crowd. Daily 8.30pm-late. Inside the north gate of the Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District. (5293 0333) vics.com.cn 威克斯, 朝阳区工体北门内

Wain Wain A Japanese karaoke bar set up perfectly for a great party. Daily 11am-2.30am. SOHO Xiandaicheng, 88 Jianguo Lu, Building A, Room 3512, Chaoyang District. (8589 4383) 朝阳区建国路88号SOHO现代城A座

What Bar An excellent place to get ac-quainted with Beijing Rock. Every seat is a front-row seat! Daily 4pm-late. 72 Beichang Jie (just north of the west gate of the Forbidden City), Xicheng District. (133 4112 2757) 什么酒吧, 西城区北长街72号(故宫西门往北)

w xyz Music and cocktails flow freely. Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight. 1/F, aloft Beijing, Tower 2, 25 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District. (8889 8000) 海淀区远大路25号2号楼雅乐轩酒店1层

Xin Bar Tucked away just off the main road, near the Drum and Bell towers, this tiny little gem is a cozy place to kick back and relax on a hot summer’s night. The jumble of colorful Yunnan decorations complement the bar’s distinctly old Beijing feel. Daily 11.30am-late. 152 Jiugulou Da-jie, Xicheng District. (6400 7571) 润心阁, 西城区旧鼓楼大街152号

Xiu A summer-friendly terrace plus much more in the luxuriant lounge. Mon-Wed 5pm-2am, Thu-Sat 5pm-3am. Park Hyatt (entrance across from the hotel lobby), 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (5867 1108) 朝阳区朝阳区建国门外大街2号

Yugong Yishan This live music venue features a variety of local and interna-tional bands, and film screenings. Weekly themes are still in the works, but now is a perfect spot for more discriminating drunken debauchery. Daily 7pm-late. 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu (100m west of Zhangz-izhong Lu subway station), Dongcheng District. (6404 2711, [email protected]) www.yugongyishan.com 愚公移山, 东城区平安大道张自忠路3-2号(地铁五号线张自忠路站往西100米)

Zeta Bar Boasts style, chrome cages that house the extensive wine collection hang from the high ceiling. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sun 6pm-3am, Sun close. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (5865 5050) 颐达吧, 朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号希尔顿饭店2层

Zhongyu Hanging Gardens Finally, a proper hanging garden to drink. Come for the drinks and stay for the killer view. Daily 10am-2am. Gongti Bei Lu Building 6 six, Zhongyu Plaza seventh floor, Chaoyang District. (8523 6616 ext 6677) 朝阳区工体北路甲6号中宇大厦7层

Lu, Xibaixinzhuang, Hou Sha Yu, Shunyi District. (8046 2558) 石榴园, 顺义区后沙峪西白辛庄开发路19号

The Pool Bar Chill pool fun. Daily 6pm-2am. 106 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. (8404 7956) 东城区鼓楼东大街106号

Propaganda Expect a student-heavy at-mosphere. Mon-Fri 8pm-4.30am, Sat-Sun 8pm-5am. 100m north of the east gate of Huaqing Jiayuan, Wudaokou, Haidian District. (8286 3991) 海淀区五道口华清嘉园东门往北100米

Provincia Beijing’s first bar and kitchen theater is quite the spectacle. Relax with offerings from the extensive wine list and cocktail menu. Mon-Sat 5pm-1am. Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall, 7 Jianguomen Nandajie, Chaoyang District. (5811 8888 ext 8233) 朝阳区建国门南大街7号北京万豪酒店

Punk A mixture of urban and neo-Gothic where big name DJs spin an eclectic mix. B1/F, The Opposite House, Bldg 1, The Vil-lage at Sanlitun, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6410 5222, [email protected]) www.barpunk.com 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village1号楼瑜舍地下1层

Pyro Pizza Classic thin-crust pizza served up with a good selection of affordable draft beers. Daily 4pm-late. Happy hour daily 10pm-midnight, RMB 25 pitchers and RMB 15 mixed drinks, 6 tequila shooters for RMB 50. Daily 11am-3am. B1/F, Bldg 12, Huaqing Jiayuan, Wudaokou (5 min from Wudaokou subway station), Haidian District. (8286 6240) 海淀区五道口华清嘉园12号楼地下1层

Q Bar Quality tunes and top-notch cock-tails. Nice terrace. Daily 5pm-2am. Top floor of Eastern Inn Hotel, 6 Baijiazhuang Lu (the south end of Sanlitun Nanlu), Chaoyang District. (6595 9239) www.qbar-beijing.com 朝阳区百家庄6号（朝阳门医院北门东100米）三里屯南路逸羽连锁酒店顶楼

Red House In Wudaokou at the Red House you can find everything you need for the night: thin crust pizzas, Belgian beers, sandwiches, pasta, and shots. All of which are for great affordable prices. Daily noon-midnight. Wangzhuang Lu (20m north of Chengfu Lu intersection), Haidian District. (6291 3350) 海淀区五道口王庄路（成府路路口往北20米）

Redmoon Redmoon at the Grand Hyatt includes a wine bar, sushi bar and cigar lounge, all sleekly designed to cater to the executive set. Daily 5pm-1am. 1/F, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Beijing Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang’an Jie, Dongcheng District. (6510 9366) 东方亮, 东城区东长安街1号东方君悦酒店大厅

Rendezvous Meet up with like-minded exchangers of language for a beer, or forgo the chitchat and drink in the Ameri-cana decor. Daily 10.30am-1am. B/1F, Urban Backyard, 248 Chengfu Lu, Haidian District. (159 0122 2700, 150 0104 7436) 海淀区成府路248号都市后院地下一层

Republic Coffee Specializes in hot bever-ages, as well as boasting a diverse dessert menu and a private library. Daily 10am-5am. 72 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (8402 0835) 载巷, 东城区南锣鼓巷72号

The Rickshaw Happy hour daily 4-8pm, with RMB 10 Tsingtao and half-price drinks. Daily 9am-5am. Sanlitun Nanlu (north of the turn-off to The Bookworm), Chaoyang District. (6500 4330) 朝阳区三里屯南路滚石西门中旅大厦旁

The Ritz-Carlton Bar Light live music and a lounge atmosphere. Daily 5pm-1am. The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, 83A Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District. (5908 8131) 丽思卡尔顿吧, 朝阳区朝阳区建国路93号华贸中心

Ruby Khi Daily 6pm-late. 3/F, Block 8, Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6508 8585) 朝阳区朝阳公园西路八号公馆3层

The Saddle Cantina Prime summer-time bar-estate. Daily 11am-late. West wing, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu (south of 3.3 Shopping Center), Chaoyang District. (5208 6005) www.beijingsaddle.com 朝

阳区三里屯北路81号北京那里花园内西侧二层小楼.

Salsa Caribe A raucous blend of sweat, sin and extremely tight pants. Daily 6pm-2am. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (across from The Loft), Chaoyang District. (6507 7821) www.caribechina.com 卡利宾拉丁舞俱乐部, 朝阳区工体北路4号院（藏酷斜对面）

Salud Fine rums. Weekdays 3pm-late, weekends noon-late. 66 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (6402 5086) 老伍, 东城区南锣鼓巷66号

Scarlett An intimate wine bar, which also specializes in tapas. Daily 7am-2am. Hotel G, 7A Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6552 2880) www.hotel-g.com 朝阳区工体西路甲7号北京极栈内

Sino-Chu Wine Bar Home to Beijing Tan-go’s regular Sunday night parties, this cozy bar also offers some decent, well-priced European fare. Daily 10am-2am. 18 Liangmahe Nanlu (behind the Australian embassy), Chaoyang District. (8532 2418) 亮马河红酒屋, 朝阳区东直门外大街亮马河南路18号

Song Music Bar & Kitchen A “living art” space with a hive-like ambiance. Daily 10am-2am. B108 The Place, 9 Guang-hua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6587 1311, [email protected]) www.songbeijing.cn 朝阳区光华路九号世贸天阶B108

The Star Live The only real medium-sized live music venue in Beijing. Hosts local pop and international acts. Spread over two floors, the VIP section is upstairs while the open space on the ground floor is satisfy-ingly close to the stage. Opening times vary. 3/F, Tango, 79 Heping Xijie (50m north of Yonghegong subway station), Dongcheng District. (6425 5677) www.thestarlive.com 星光现场, 东城区和平西街79号糖果三层（雍和宫桥路北50米）

The World of Suzie Wong Club Part 1930’s Shanghai opium den and part postmod-ern lounge. Daily 8.30pm-late. 1A Non-gzhanguan Lu (west gate of Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang District. (6500 3377, [email protected]) www.suziewong.com.cn 苏西黄, 朝阳区农展馆路甲1号朝阳公园西门

Tango Karaoke, with a nightclub at Yonghegong. Daily 24hrs. 1) South Gate of Ditan Park (next to Jin Ding Xuan res-taurant), Dongcheng District. (6428 2288); 2) Gongti Xilu (beneath Gongti 100 bowl-ing alley), Chaoyang District. (6551 9988) www.tanguo.com 糖果, 1) 东城区地坛公园南门; 2) 朝阳区工体西路工体100保龄球馆下面

Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q Tim’s has moved, the meat-eater friendly restaurant has packed all its authentic high-plains kitsch flown in from the Lonestar State. 2 for 1 Happy Hour every Monday-Friday from 3-7pm. Daily 9am-midnight. 14 Dongda-qiao Lu (on the corner of Guanghua Lu), Chaoyang District. (6591 9161) www.timsbarbq.com Tim’s 熏烤房, 朝阳区东大桥路14号贵友大厦正北200米

Tiny Salt Coffee Club Large and open space with Hollywood blockbusters after 6pm. Relax and avoid the rush with Tsing-taos for RMB 8. Weekend live music. Tue-Sun 11.30am-late. Rm 2308, Bldg B, North Tower, Soho Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5900 0969) 朝阳区东大桥路8号Soho尚都北塔B座3层2308

Together For folks in search of beer and classic Wailers tunes. 5pm-1am, week-ends 5pm-2am. 500m south of China World Shopping Mall, east side of Dong Sanhuan, Chaoyang District. (8771 4865) www.togetherbar.com 朝阳区国贸商城向南500米东三环外侧

Tonic Lounge A modern, cozy bar offer-ing a selection of mixed drinks, wine by the glass and aperitifs. The bar is well designed with a stunning bar counter, a low ceiling and comfortable lounge seat-ing. Daily 10am-12.30am. Lobby Level of Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Chaoyang District. (5865 5000 ext 5060) 汤尼酒廊, 朝阳区北京希尔顿酒店大堂

Touch A cutting-edge lounge with 88 kinds of vodka, and a wide selection of vodka-infused cocktails. DJs and regular


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Good music is in the ear of the listener. And this month, to each his own.

There will be jazz in the forms of classic, acoustic, big band and acid happening throughout the month and all around town. And if all else fails, just head to East Shore Live Jazz Cafe, which holds regular live sets every Thursday through Sunday.

Metal also enjoys a fruitful month, with visits from Urban Decay (Los Angeles), Stratovarius (Finland), Kreator (Germany) and Exodus (San Francisco). Plus, Demerit’s on the scene (Sep 23), and two nights dedicated to Metallica (Sep 11-12) goes down at 13 Club – which is also where the two-day Darknight Enchantment concert (Sep 30-Oct 1) will end the month on a bang. Probably from an instrument being broken over somebody’s head.

There will be blues from Black Cat Bone and Wu & The Side Effects (see Feature, p76). There will be hip-hop a la the boys of Section 6 (Sep 26). Reggae from Beijing and Shanghai face off on September 25 (Long Shen Dao and Lions of Puxi), while world and folk pop up in every part of the city you can think of.

Tizzy Bac makes another attempt to come to Beijing – if you feel like you didn’t get your money’s worth because they broke their InMusic Festival promise, the indie rockers from Taiwan will try to make it up with a duo of shows (Sep 19-20).

Speaking of money’s worth, what’s 50 kuai to you? Because if you fork out to enter the international Global Battle of the Bands competition, you might end up turning that RMB 50 into RMB 680,000. Plus a record deal. See Q&A on p78 for details.

But don’t let money distract you from remembering to say happy birthday to Yugong Yishan (Sep 18). Five years after opening (and two years after their move from Dongwai to Dongnei), they’re still going strong. Turning out to rock the spot will be your favorite local DJs – Yen, Acupuncture, Meiwenti and Upstepper Sound, and regulars of the late, lamented White Rabbit.

It might be a good idea to head on over to Yugong Yishan the following night as well (Sep 19), which is rumored to be the last Carsick Cars show of the year. They are slated for an international tour for the lattter half of 2009.

Also going on tour is Hanggai. The Inner Mongolian folk band is having quite a year – by December, they’ll have visited 30- something cities worldwide. They’ll be making the rounds at a few US folk festivals later in the month, but you can catch them on September 11 at the Tiny Salt Coffee Club. It may be Tiny, but Hanggai is going to be huge before you know it. Lisa Liang

Sep 6, 7, 13, 14 & 20: Global Battle of the Bands

This could be you. See listing, this page.

All event listings are accurate at time of press and subject to change

For venue details, see directories, p70Send events to [email protected] by Sep 7

Sep 1Cardiac Murmur, Fat City, Shou WangD-22’s Tuesday noise rock series starts with regulars and the Carsick Cars’ frontman. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 2MBeewanAcoustic reggae. Free. 9pm. Salud, Nanluogu Xiang (6402 5086)The Offset: SpectaclesThe Velvet Underground kids jam with friends. RMB 30. 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 3Girls Are Waiting To Meet You… to the tunes of this mini folk-rock orchestra. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Kylie Minoise, MafeisanThis experimental noise may or may not cause permanent damage to your ears. RMB 50. 8pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Xiao Meng, Xiao FangNew faces sing acoustic folk. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Yoyo & Mars Party, Xue Zhonghua, Li Mo, Mr. RodentMellow out with indie rock. RMB 40. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 4China Drummers Eight Year AnniversaryA night of acoustic guitaring and drumming. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance, students). 8pm. The Star Live (6425 5677) Flamenco Music BandBig band from Xinjiang with a Latin twist. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Handsome Furs, Guai LiCanadian couple rocks electro while Guai Li’s Wen Jun turns it up full blast. RMB 80, RMB 70 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Shochu Legion, The Urbis, Cold CasePunk goes old school. RMB 30 (includes a drink). 9.30pm. What Bar (159 0123 6743)Urban Decay, Demerit, The NonameL.A. punk rockers on their China Armageddon Tour are joined by likeminded locals. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Sep 5April, G-Eleven, Kamutang, Steely Heart, Flying Midnight, PerdelThese rocker boys and girls are ready to start the party. RMB 60, RMB 40 (advance), free (born on Sep 5, bring ID). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Cold Case, The Flyx, Rustic, Thee MisfitsStreet punks meet emo rascals. RMB 50. 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Dirty DeedsBeijing’s AC/DC cover band back for a one-time only reunion. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)FigMellow rock with a folk twist. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Huo YeNu-metal band turns four years old. RMB 40. 9pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)Mademoiselle et les ChinoisGypsy jazz from Quebec. RMB 30 (includes a drink). 9.30pm. What Bar (159 0123 6743)

Steely Heart, The Fire Balloon, Rolling Rolling, CarelessA night of garage rock. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Zhong TongxiAcoustic fills the office block. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club (5900 0969)Sep 6Dombura SessionKazak sounds. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)GangziMongolian folk. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)StratovariusFinnish melodic metal band shows you goth with elegance. RMB 230, RMB 180 (advance), RMB 500 (VIP). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 6, 7, 13, 14, 20Global Battle of the BandsHave you got what it takes to be a rock & rolla? The Beijing leg of the international competition includes four heats, and then a final on Sep 20. The ultimate prize: USD 100,000 and a ten-date London tour. Register your band at www.gbob.com/china. See Q&A, p78. RMB 60. 7pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 7The RedbucksCountry band starts the week off easy. Also see Sep 14, 21 & 23. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Sep 8Bird Striking, Lu Xin Pei, Soviet PopMembers of Carsick Cars team up with up-and-coming noise rockers to create sounds from outer space. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Deb FungEasy listening sounds a la Australia. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 9Cold Case, Old Fashion, Pork, Rustic, My SeptemberAnother university rock night. Also see “Plastered Rock Weekend” listing (Sep 18-20). RMB 20, RMB 10 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Nancheng Erge, Sky, ShishahaiErge brings the Beijing flavor, and a few indie pop kids join him. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)No Name TrioGypsy jazz fills the alleys of Nanluogu Xiang. Free. 9pm. Salud (6402 5086)Sep 10CamelIndie rock warms up the weekend. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Da Ya BandFunky rockers from the south release their debut album. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)New Perfume, The Wild Time, Candy Monster, Toyhead Ska and garage make peace. RMB 40. 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)PanjirUygur folk bring Xinjiang to Gulou. Also see Sep 17 & 24 listings. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)The PropellerReggae night. Also see Sep 24 listing. Free. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Music

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REVIEWS

This experimental duo, consisting of Ho Shan and Lam Ah-P, originally

got together to watch films by Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky. The meeting led to jam sessions pairing Ho’s complex guitar work with Lam’s poetry recitals. This one-off album was released on July 1, 2009, only four days before the band “dismisses forever,” to quote Ho.

Opening with experimental guitar and cold electronica in the haunting “Give Him a Job,” the album gradually warms with playful melodies, sharper social/political criticisms expressed in sarcastic overtones, and ends with the carni-val-like “Half-Nude X’mas Party.” This track derives from the band’s notorious themed party, which was renamed “Healthy & Moral X’mas Party” after a ban by the Hong Kong police.

The band might be no more, yet you can still catch Ho and Lam in indie bands PixelToy and My Little Airport respectively, or cop their collaboration at www.zoo-records.com. Wang Ge

Look, The Setting Sun Is Upon Those Double Flying Swallows Forever Tarkovsky Club

Nil ELVIS.T

Mere months after the release of his Hare EP, Acupuncture label co-

founder ELVIS.T follows with his first full-length album, Nil. The minimalist approach hinted at in the title may be the main critique – songs are often too vacant and lacking that moment of climax house lovers crave. Without it, the music verges on lounge, the background to a conversation rather than the type that gets you off your feet and moving.

There is a sense that Nil progresses from day to night, starting off with the carefree playground feel of “Intro 2009” and “Denny’s,” then growing gradually deeper and more industrial. The album as a whole could benefit from more cohesion, but there are standalone highlights (“A House Is A House Is A House,” in particular, rivals that which might be found on Café del Mar). All in all, Nil demonstrates a promising foundation for homegrown house. Lisa Liang

Fish Outta Water Chali 2naLike his “F*ck George Bush” remark on the opening track, this first solo effort from Jurassic 5 frontman Chali 2na feels a bit belated – Fish Outta Water was rumored to have been well in the works since J5 went defunct two years ago. But better late than never, one assumes was the logic.

After a few uncharacteristically profanity-ridden songs about “ladies having babies,” the deep-voiced MC returns to his old self for the rest of the album, which contains an overall agreeable balance of club-friendly numbers, lighthearted funning and thought-provoking storytelling. Sadly, no J5 members make any appearances, save one sound byte from DJ Numark, but notable guests like Talib Kweli and Damian Jr. Gong Marley more than make up for it. Lisa Liang

Lungs Florence + The MachineIt’s clear Londoner Florence Welch has little in common with some of her chart-topping bubblegum contemporaries. Fine-spun and ethereal when purring about cosmic romantic dalliances, and monstrously dark and pained when howling a sermon on the beastly transformation of a loving

relationship, she and her “Machine” (the sobriquet given to her backing band) combine ghostly harmonies with gothic style-instrumentals to fine effect. Apart from a superfluous cover version of Candi Staton’s “You Got the Love,” Lungs is a splendid effort – and a real contender for the Mercury Prize for which it has been nominated. Paul Ryding

Man Overboard Ian HunterIan Hunter released this solo album only a few months before the forthcoming reunion of Mott the Hoople, which he fronted in the 1970s. He keeps his voice hoarse over strongly strummed country-esque acoustic guitar, which gradually converts into simple rock & roll love wails with piano and orchestral

entries. His songwriting talents have withstood the winds of change, though he’s more “mellow yellow” when compared with classic Hunter (he actually sounds like Cat Stevens on “Win It All”). Now 70, he’s less of a social critic than a ballad ambassador – but good for him and good for all the young dudes in search of the glamour of ’70s London. Wang Ge

Wind’s Poem Mount EeriePhil Elverum’s publicist would say this album was inspired by two years of standing in the backyard. But the opener, “Wind’s Dark Poem,” with its maelstrom of bass and drum, hints that the Pacific Northwesterner is at the edge of something much bigger, with eyes narrowed and fists clenched.

The epic, headphone-demanding album owes less to “black metal” (publicist) than to “black wood” (Elverum) or maybe “black mettle” (mine). After channeling the wind in “Summons” – which takes the logic of Jay Z’s kiss-off “Song Cry” into the woods – and invoking, quite literally, the Twin Peaks theme in the hypnotic “Between Two Mysteries,” Elverum sounds wearier but humbler and wiser. He sings of the awe the world inspires when we get close enough, and the threats it poses if we stop caring. Alex Pasternack

Wilco (The Album) Wilco What is it with Wilco, the indie rock cowboy of bands? They’ve dabbled in everything from alter-native country rock to Americana to experimental, with Jeff Tweedy’s distinctive cocoon of a voice the only thing holding steady. But the band that resists definition triumphs on their seventh album. Wilco (The

Album) has everything – wrenching heartbreakers (try “Solitaire”), themes of martyrdom and homicide, a duet with Feist on the love ditty “You and I,” and some self-aware humor. Just as the lyrics reassure you in “Wilco (The Song)”: “Do you dabble in depression?/ Are you being attacked?/ Wilco will love you, baby.” Jessica Pan

Th i s d e b u t f r o m Guangzhou-based folk duo Wutiaoren comes

in highly convoluted packaging – inside an airmail envelope and containing a pseudo “little red book” and mock newspaper as its album booklet. Hardly typical for “world music” musicians.

Despite the elaborate packaging, Wutiaoren is simpler than expected – a two-man band playing acoustic guitar and accordion, with occasional drop-ins of harmonica and hand drums. Lyrics are sung in their native Fukienese (a dialect spoken in Fujian, certain parts of Guangdong and Taiwan).

Renke and Ah Mao have lived and performed in Guangzhou for three years, but this debut is released by Beijing-based folk label Demo Dance Records. While they do have a presence around the city, the band also hosts regular concerts back in their hometown of Haifeng, Guangzhou. There’s something comforting in the thought that there are still musicians out there too stubborn to refuse to leave home completely. Wang Ge

A Tale of Haifeng 县城记 Wutiaoren 五条人

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FEATURE

The breeze at 2 Kolegas is mixed with the smell of barbecue and fresh grass, with music echoing in the air. Wu

Kejia, Checo and Morris are sitting quietly in a corner. Just a few minutes ago, they were smashing the stage with noisy riffs and grungy solos. Not exactly pure blues, but catchy rhythms nonetheless.

“We understand that blues is a system, which means every blues band sounds similar,” explains bassist Checo. “However,

THEFUNKY SIDE EFFECTSWu Kejia and his mates make blues go wildby Wang Ge

wasn’t good enough, but it just felt right when we started jamming.

“And we both love beer,” he adds.This launches Checo into a f lash of

nostalgia. “When I first met him,” he recalls, “he was like ‘Do you know this song?’ and I was like ‘F*ck, man! You know that song?’ … I real ized this guy’s knowledge and understanding of blues is pretty cool, and I’m telling you as a real fan of the genre who lives right next to Texas.

“I was originally a guitar player,” Checo continues. “It was Wu Kejia who got me out of it. He opened my mind to being a bassist. That’s also the reason why we are called Wu & The Side Effects, because it’s Wu’s music – he comes up with the main ideas of most of the songs. We learn from Wu.”

Compared to Wu and Checo, drummer Morris is relatively quiet – perhaps befitting of his German pedigree – but that doesn’t make him any tamer than his two band-mates. “I played in a lot of swing bands in Germany, and from that I got into ska,” says Morris. “I came to China three years ago and was introduced to these guys by [founder of 2 Kolegas] Liu Miao … The three of us really derive from different musical backgrounds, but we sort of have similar influences – like funk and blues.”

Beijing’s thriving music scene is starting to offer Wu & The Side Effects opportunities to make some magic happen. The band is fast approaching the release of their debut album (“Last time we were in the studio, we recorded for 16 hours!” claims Wu) – which will include not only the songs that usually make up their set, but also a remix CD which Morris (a former DJ) has been busying himself with. The second disc will feature the band’s songs against reggae beats and drum & bass instrumentals. “I remixed this one rockabilly song with a really slow reggae tune from Germany,” says Morris, for example. “I just hope everybody can get a different perception of what we are in the end.”

“The thing is, we’re not counting on making money out of this band,” Wu adds. “We all have day jobs. Wu & The Side Effects is really all about what we want to do. All three of us have the spirit of rock & roll. We’re a band of brothers.”

And at three in the morning on the grass of 2 Kolegas, the night still feels young.

Wu & The Side Effects perform at 2 Kolegas and D-22 on Sep 12, then back at 2 Kolegas on Sep 18. See listings, p79. Watch out for their debut album, set for release by early October.

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you can put your motion into it, by bending notes, by mak ing more distort ion, by screaming in a different way and making pulses, whatever you might [think to] do.”

Ningxia native Wu Kejia is the lead vocalist and guitarist. Normally, he has a miserable expression on his face, perhaps because he’s full of dynamite. “Back when I met Checo, I had a punk band called Easygoing,” he says in a voice almost broken from the show. “My music wasn’t good enough, and his Chinese

“That’s why we’re called Wu & The Side Effects.

We learn from Wu”


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Sep 11Acid LiveThe local acid jazz series continues. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)G-Eleven, Perdel, Lucky Monkey, MC Tiger, The MailmanJazz ensemble releases their debut EP, with unlikely support from indie rockers and hip-hoppers. RMB 60, RMB 40 (advance, students). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)HanggaiCatch Ilchi and his mates and their Inner Mongolian sounds before they head off on their tour of the States. See photo, right. RMB 40. 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club (5900 0969)HummingbirdBeijing’s own salsa band. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Mam’s Mud, Fangke, Hongshaorou, Iron KiteRock veterans gather with their new crews, with DJ Weng Weng on support. RMB 60. 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Super Milkman, LISTThe London duo and Norwegian duet join forces at YGYS, with support from DJ Ouyang. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 11-12Tribute to MetallicaBeijing metalists honor the legends with covers. RMB 50 (per day), RMB 40 (before 9pm). 9pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)Sep 12Bigger BangBeijing’s best warm-up band finally headlines a show. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Joyside, Muma & Third PartyGlam rock heroes unite. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 9.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Re-TROS, 24 Hours, Wu & The Side EffectsPost-punk anarchists march to garage, joined by blues-rockers Wu & The Side Effects (see Feature, p76). RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Wan XiaoliA Beijing folk star who’s equal parts charisma and sarcasm. RMB 50. 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club (5900 0969)Wu & The Side Effects, Proximity Butterfly, Rolling RollingWu Kejia and company funk up Wudaokou with fellow indies. See Feature, p76. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 13GangziMongolia’s turn to shake Gulou.

Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)MademoiselleJazz in the late afternoon, s’il vous plaît. RMB 40, RMB 20 (students). 5pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)The Roy, Mr. Graceless, The Quarter, Memophonic, CarelessBrit-pop supernovas finish off the week. RMB 40. 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)TravelerA Xinjiang folk session. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 14The RedbucksSee Sep 7 listing. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Sep 15Face by Face, RandomK(e), Bamboo PandaThe evening starts with post-rock. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Proximity ButterflyPsychedelic rock straight out of Chengdu. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 16Bird Striking, Mr. Graceless, The Flyx, Nanwu, Fruit Salad, Blue is The CountrysideNoise rock meets country on this university night. Also see “Plastered Rock Weekend” listing (Sep 18-20). RMB 20, RMB 10 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)The Incredible JSBAcoustic folk and blues. Free. 9pm. Salud, Nanluogu Xiang (6402 5086)Jess MeiderThe New York native carries on with her monthly chill-out session. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Pilot & MMIndie rockers drop a demo. Free. 7.30pm. What Bar (159 0123 6743)Su Yu, Fan Shiqi, April & BoxLove songs are always better when done acoustically. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 17Discord, International Joke, Shochu LegionOld-school punks stir up some chaos. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Li Yanfei, Lao LangThe Skyscraper frontman drops a solo EP, supported by folk legend Lao Lang. RMB 40. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)PanjirSee Sep 10 & 24 listings. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)

Sep 11: Hanggai

A pre-US tour warm-up. See listing, this page.

Sep 19: P.K.14

... plus Carsick Cars and The Gar. See listing, this page.

Proximity ButterflyChengdu rockers get psychedelic. RMB 40. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 18Daisy Fay, Yes No Break, Final Message, Blue is The Countryside, MythomaniaAlternative rock meets country. Also see “Plastered Rock Week-end” (Sep 18-20). RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Ma TiaoXinjiang folk rock. RMB 40. 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club (5900 0969)TOOKOOEmo band riles things up. RMB 40. 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Wu & The Side Effects, Buyi, Nucleus, Proximity ButterflyThe ongoing “Made in Ningxia” series featuring regulars and guests from Chengdu. Also see Feature, p76. Free. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Wu Fei, Xiao HeAvant-garde musicians collaborate. RMB 80, RMB 50 (advance). 9pm. Song Music Bar and Kitchen (6587 1311)Yugong Yishan Birthday PartyThe fifth anniversary of YGYS. Party with DJs from Retro Dance, Meiwenti Sound, The Syndicate, YEN and White Rabbit. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Sep 18-20Plastered Rock WeekendTwo nights at D-22 (Sep 18 & 20) and one night at Yugong Yishan (Sep 19) celebrate the launch of Plasteredtshirts.com. Competitions taking place on Sep 9, 16 & 18 will determine who joins Carsick Cars, P.K.14 (see photo, left) and The Gar onstage at YGYS (also see Sep 19 listing). The first 700 people get in free with sign-up (starting Sep 1). Enter to win a “Get Plastered” prize package by answering Trivia Travails (p14). Plastered T-shirts (134 8884 8855)Sep 19Black Cat BoneBlues cats cool things down. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Brave Face, Rustic, Mitu, A Mansion BandA post rock, punk and Brit-pop collective. RMB 30 (includes a drink). 9.30pm. What Bar (159 0123 6743)BuyiThe rockers go 14 years and counting. RMB 30. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Carsick Cars, P.K.14, The GarCatch the Cars in what may be their last Beijing show of the year. Yang Haisong and Zhan Pan will rock it out, too. See photo, left; also see “Plastered Rock Weekend”

listing (Sep 18-20). RMB 80. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Up & Down, Back, Candy Monster, Iron Buddha, The Raving Radio, Chinatown, 641, Maul BadlyA release party a the metal com-pilation created by the concoction above. RMB 50, RMB 40 (before 9pm). 9pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)Wang Juan, Dong Jiajia, Chanchan, Ah VaneAcoustic folk keeps things peaceful. RMB 50, RMB 30 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 19-20Tizzy BacTaiwanese indie rockers make it up for missing the InMusic Festival. See photo, p78. RMB 120 (advance tickets only). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 20Cassette, Mr. Open, SSS, Elec-Bunny, LonesEmo warms it up before Bian Yuan goes acoustic with his gypsy folk crew. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)NanwuEnd the week with folk rock. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Zhang Ming, Hao Yun, Xu Jun, Xi ZiA blues session for folk fans and harmonica lovers. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). 9pm. Tiny Salt Coffee Club (5900 0969)Sep 21KreatorGerman thrash metal legends make a Beijing visit. RMB 240-340, RMB 220-320 (advance), RMB 540 (VIP). 8.30pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)The RedbucksSee Sep 7 listing. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Sep 22Bird Striking, Stranger Strange, Streets Kill Strange AnimalsLive dangerously, get experimental. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 23Demerit, No Turning BackLocal punks battle it out with Dutch hard rockers. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Huang Shaofeng, Catcher in the RyePop and rock combine forces to raise money for orphans via the New Hope Foundation. RMB 100, RMB 70 (advance). 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Michael Dallin & TrioMellow rock. Free. 9pm. Salud, Nanluogu Xiang (6402 5086)The RedbucksThe country continues. Also see Sep 7, 14 & 21 listings. RMB 40. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

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Velvet Highway, Wang Wei & BandRocks are hard, hence these hard rockers. RMB 40. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 24Lonely China DayThe post-rock trio makes a visit to Dongcheng. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)PanjirSee Sep 10 & 17 listings. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)The PropellerSee Sep 10 listing. Free. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Terror, No Turning Back, Unregenerate Blood, The ReasonOld-school punk from LA supported by local emo rockers. RMB 120, RMB 100 (advance). 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 25Defy, Rustic, Brain CommotionA rockabilly and skate rock Friday night jam session. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Exodus, SurviveThrash metal heads from San Francisco joined by Japanese screamers. RMB 230, RMB 180 (advance), RMB 500 (VIP). 8pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Golden Driver, Steely Heart, Candy Monster, Rubber Phonograph NeedleDriver turns up the bass while Needle turns on Talking Heads. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Long Shen Dao, Lions Of PuxiLocal reggae troupe meets Shanghai reggae troupe, plus support from DJs Dan and Oscar. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Qinxuan, The Double Harvestman, Flying Ears, RusticGarage meets jazz meets punk. RMB 30 (includes a drink). 9.30pm. What Bar (159 0123 6743)The SkyscraperRock-painted blues. Free. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Sep 26BuyiThe long-standing indie rockers release their second album. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Candy Monster, Rubber Phonograph Needle, Street Kills Street Animals, MituGarage, experimental and post-punk in one go. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)DH & Chinese Hellcats, The PropellerRockabilly and reggae. RMB 40. 8pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)Section 6The Beijing Live Hip-Hop Experience gets up in the hizzy.

RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Wan XiaoliFolk gets intimate. RMB 50. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu Bar (8405 0124)Sep 27Larry’s PizzaSkate punks start their tour. RMB 40. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Liu KunLow Wormwood frontman goes acoustic. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Sep 29Lu Xin Pei, Mafeisan, Walnut RoomHeavy metal gets heavy on the ears – bring plugs. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Secret 7 LineNew school punks from Japan return to China for an encore. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 30Acid LiveFunky electro jazz. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)Cassette, SSS, Ciqin, Mr. Rodent, PoshangcunAlternative rock ends up in emo. RMB 20, RMB 10 (students). 8pm. D-22 (6265 3177)Mademoiselle et les ChinoisJazz with a Quebecois twist. Free. 9pm. Salud, Nanluogu Xiang (6402 5086)Zbigniew Karkowski, Li JinsongAvant-garde experimental. RMB 50. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)Sep 30-Oct 1Darknight EnchantmentSixteen bands play every kind of heavy metal known to man. RMB 40, RMB 60 (two days). 8.30pm. 13 Club (8261 9267) Every ThuLiu Yue Guitar TrioJazz lines read by classic guitar. Free. 9.30pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)Every FriNathaniel Gao Jazz QuartetSax it up. Free. 10pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)Every SatLiu Yuan Saxophone QuartetChina’s jazz forefather keeps things smooth in Houhai. Free. 10pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)Every SunMoreno Donadel TrioItalian pianist joined by a few Beijingers. Free. 9.30pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)

Sep 19-20: Tizzy Bac

Indie rockers from Taiwan try not to disappoint (again). See listing, p77.

Battle of the BandsThere can only be one winner

by Lisa Liang

Talent shows can be both appal l ing and entertaining. Sometimes they are both at the same time. It’s usually easy to spot the people profiting off the gimmicks – and they’re

usually not those who’ve worked up the nerve to get on stage.Then there’s the Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB), which

invites genuine musicians from around the world to compete for USD 100,000. The competition begins with country challenges (Beijing heats take place at Yugong Yishan), at which a winner is selected to take part in the world challenge in London at the end of the year.

Before the rockin’ gets a-rollin’, the Beijinger had a chat with GBOB’s co-founder Matt Walker about the contest’s philosophy.

the Beijinger: How exactly did GBOB get started? Matt Walker: My colleague Tore Lande had been organizing a competition like this in Scandinavia for over 20 years. In 2003, he decided to take the competition global and contacted me to get involved. Our intention was to create an alternative to reality TV-manufactured stars and provide a platform for real bands playing their own music. We have two main rules: no cover songs and no pre-recorded music. No karaoke!

tbj: How successful have the winning bands been?MW: All the winning bands have been successful in some way.

tbj: What have been some of the gutsier bands that you’ve seen? MW: I particularly liked Drive Like Maria, whose first gig was in the GBOB Challenge Netherlands. They came second in the World Final in London, despite the bass cutting out for their first number and the guitarist breaking a string at the start of the second (bands only play two numbers). They played on like professionals and have done well since – recently getting the guest spot with AC/DC in Amsterdam. It’s not just the winning bands that have success.

tbj: How many bands compete in the final?MW: There will be around 30 countries this year. One band from each country.

tbj: What are the judging criteria?MW: We don’t believe in rigid guidelines like so many points for stage presence, musicianship, etc. Judges keep an open mind and look for that special star quality that comes in many shapes and forms.

The Beijing heats for GBOB begin on Sep 6 at YGYS (see listing, p74). For more info and to register your band, visit www.gbob.com.

“No karaoke!”

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2009.09 p61-73 B&C - The Beijinger

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