Weekend Live Music Roundup: Mamer & IZ, Yaksa, Mr. Antonio Hart

How rare is it to see Xinjiang Kazakh music genius Mamer and his band IZ to play in Beijing? When his thrumming voice encounters the layers of instrumentation, it ensnares you, opening up a secret tunnel that you’ll dive into even though you have no idea where it leads. If you missed their album release at Yugong Yishan last night (which was amazing), don’t miss their gig at Jiang Hu on Saturday; or you’ll have to go to Europe to catch their next show.

I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing that it’s not the only good show on Saturday night, and Mamer is not the only one with new work either. One of the best metal bands, Yaksa (actually, they are the best according to Midi Awards) will release an EP at MAO Livehouse, and the support comes from Left & Right and Four Five (Siwu). The choice will be easier if you have no money: indie experimentalists White+, Birdstriking and Chuiwan are assembled by Panbianr.com at Hot Cat Club, and it’s totallly free.

But what’s going on tonight? The band that always surprises you, Rustic, will play at Yugong Yishan under the theme “Never Hide.” Last time I saw them there, Ricky Sixx was wild on a wheelchair and a guitar stand was used to hit someone. We bet they would never hide. Tonight they will share stage with Brain Failure and two more bands. Other than that, American jazz master Mr. Antonio Hart is in town to play at East Shore. Maybe we can ask him if he’d like to join the ska party at 2 Kolegas.

Check the listings below for more:

Friday (July 15)

Bedstars, Xiao Kuai Shou, Syringe, Power Powder
It's all about the raucous collisions between blues and rock & roll that created punk. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Echo
A combination of Chinese traditional elements and mordern sound. RMB 30. 9.45pm V.A. Bar (5844 3638)

I Love Movies
Residence A, Larry's Pizza and more young powers cover classic soundtracks. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Jurat.T.T
A combination of Xinjiang folk and rock. Free 10pm. Amilal (8404 1416)

Low Bow, Street Kill Strange Animals, Yantiao, Zhang Peiyuan
Experimental indie night. RMB 40 (include a free drink). 9.30pm. What Bar (1334 112 2757)

Metal Night
Wudaokou's metal regulars gather. RMB 50. 9.30pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)

Mr. Antonio Hart
American master embraces Houhai in jazz. Call 133 0125 9711 to reserve a seat. Free (minimum consumption: RMB 80). 10pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe (8403 2131)

Never Hide
Ray-Ban promotes a life style with support from bands like Brain Failure, Rustic and Steely Heart. RMB 50, RMB 30 (advance). Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)

The Fool
Rock music from old Beijing hutongs. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 5269)

Ska Night
Ska it with O.N.E, The Rudeness, Skarving, Toyhead and ska DJs. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Zhang Si'an
The French folkster brings his new electro-folk project. RMB 30 (include a free beer). 10pm. Tushuguan 98 (8400 1532)

Saturday (July 16)

Candy Monster, DH & Chinese Hellcats, Skarving
Rock and swing for a hot summer night. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Dafay & Skyscraper
Simple words come with simple melodies. RMB 40. 9.45pm. V.A. Bar (5844 3638)

Fuzzy Mood, Residence A, Old Fashion, The Gray
A night of the young and the rockness. RMB 40 (include a free drink). 9.30pm. What Bar (1334 112 2757)

Indie Night
A few of Beijing's best pioneer indie bands gather, lineup includes: Birdstriking, Chuiwan and White+. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Mamer & IZ
If you missed them on Thursday don't miss them again. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 5269)

Sete Star Sept
Japanese noise metalheads joined by local hardcore punk powers. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

The Hot Club of Beijing
They aim at giving a 100% swing to its audience through Gipsy Jazz standards. Free. 8pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Yaksa
Beijing's metal favorite Yaksa's EP release. Left & Right and Four Five (Siwu) come to support. A free EP comes with every ticket. It's this weekend's must catch for metalheads. RMB 120, RMB 100 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Sunday (July 17)

Dolan
Get folky the Mongolian way. RMB 30, RMB 20 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Funky
Legendary drummer from Japan assembles Beijing’s talent to celebrate the spirit of the beat. Rock, jazz, folk and loads of fun. RMB 52. 3-7pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Wei Ruxuan
Pop singer/songwriter from Taiwan tours the city. RMB 250, RMB 80 (advance). 8pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)