Weekend Live Music Roundup: Keane, Helen Feng, Hurts

Let me guess: You wanted to see Keane but didn't manage to get into the Burberry party on Wednesday? Don't feel too bad – they played like only five songs. And also, you have another chance to see them – at Tango this Saturday, April 16. But the British band seems to have gotten quite addicted to this private event thing. Yes, this event is (again) invitation-only. This time, try working your guanxi with Hit FM. It’s the local music radio channel that’s celebrating its eighth birthday at Tango. Good luck!

Fortunately, money does work most of the time. If you manage not to spend too much of it during the May holiday, consider shelling out for tickets to the Hurts' gig. We’ve just been informed that the synthpop duo will play on May 14 – also at Tango. Though the price of 480 kuai (at the door) might seem hurtful, you can save RMB 100 if you buy your ticket in advance.

And sometimes good music doesn't cost anything at all. Free The Birds' lead singer Helen Feng performs her new solo works for the very first time at Migas on Friday. No charge for entry.

Here are more options: (For venue details, check the Beijinger Directory):

Thursday (April 14)

Buyi
One of the best and unique folk-rock groups Buyi brings a pleasant night. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)

Erez Eisenman, Jess Meider
Last chance to catch up with Erez Eisenman before he heads to New York. Beijing's music talent Jess Meider presents her rock session. RMB 30. 9pm. Yugong Yishan

Juglemico Project
Live drum & bass, dubstep, dub broken beat, deep techno and more to get dance with. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas

Metal Night
Scream Records presend their second metal night of the year with Siwu, Nower and more. RMB 60, RMB 40 (advance, students). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse

N.M.L.K, The Urbis, Xiao Kuai Shou
Have a look of some new products of Beijing's rock scene. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22

Red Pirates
Powerful riffs & diverse grooves. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

Friday (April 15)

Ataraxia
Italian medieval neo-folksters embrace you with darkness. RMB 150, RMB 120 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse

Christophe Jazz Quintet
Christophe brings his drawings of jazz musicians to his music session. RMB 50. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

Ephemerals' Festival
Indie folk musicians gather. Beijing's Wu Fei jams Guzheng, France's Matthieu Ha and L’Ocelle Mare plays accordion and banjo, Wu Na from Chongqing brought Guqin tunes. Only 120 tickets available. RMB 130, RMB 120 (advance), RMB 90 (under age 25). 7.30pm. Penghao Theater

Hard Rock Night
Local hardcore and metal powers gather. RMB 30. 8.30pm. Mako Live House.

Helen Feng
Free The Birds' lead singer brings her new work to Sanlitun. Free. 11pm. Migas.

Nakoma, Tiger Uppercut
Rock in Fangjia Hutong. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club

Zuo Wei, Wanderlust, Fat City
Wanderlust's Zuo Wei lauches his solo album. Have a avant-garde night out. RMB 50, RMB 40. 10pm. D-22

Saturday (April 16)

Bedstars, Flyx, Me Guan Me, Zebra Run
Wudaokou's punk routine keeps kicking. RMB 50, RMB 40. 10pm. D-22

Black Cut Bone
Blues band from Beijing with band members fromt he world. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas

Dafay & Skyscraper
Simple world in their simple lyrics and tunes. RMB 40. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

Ephemerals' Festival Closing Night
Folk legends ensemble: Chinese Xiao He, Li Tieqiao, French Mattieu Ha, Mexican Tato and many more. All kinds of folk to be presented. RMB 130, RMB 120 (advance), RMB 90 (under age 25). 7.30pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

Hit FM's 8th Anniversary
Keane is playing, but the event is invitation only, again. 7.30pm. Tango Third Floor

Hoochie Coochie Gentleman
Blues and folk rock band celebrate its two-year-old birthday. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)

Jordan Mitchell
Jordan Mitchell is back with his take on bluegrass and indie folk. Free. 8pm. The Bookworm (6503 2050)

Santas, Joe's Heart
Have a relaxing night and meet some new bands. Price TBD. 9pm. Hot Cat Club

Xinjiekou
Local hip-popsters have new works to launch. RMB 50 (first 200 get a free CD). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse

Sunday (April 17)

Mr. Freeman, He Wenyuan
Folk and world music accompanies you for an easy night. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 9pm. D-22

Salty Candy Quintet
The five-piece band shows you what is real freedom with traditional and contemporary Jazz tunes. RMB 40. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)

Swamp
Guangdong post rock legends brings their new works to the Capital. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance, students). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse