Talking Pints: DJ Shadow For Beijing Return

DJ Shadow is coming back to Beijing on October 1 for his second date with the Chinese capital. The venue hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we’re told the date is rock-solid – he’s scheduled to play Shanghai on September 30, then Beijing the following night. Not much else on the show so far, other than to say that Shadow will be supported by five Swiss DJs, thanks to the involvement of Swiss cultural organization Pro Helvetia. For a look back at Shadow’s original Beijing show, at the tawdry Angel Club in November 2008, take a look here.

Rumors going around of a few big musical names said to be on their way to Beijing in the coming months – the summer has certainly been quite busy, with Suede, James Blunt and The Cranberries all on the way in the next few weeks – but unfortunately we’re sworn to secrecy for the moment. We’ll let you know when we can.

To this weekend, and, weather permitting, the Beijinger Beer Festival at Villa Castanea this Saturday (July 23) is all set to be one of the summer’s highlights. Over 30 beers to try out, live music and DJs, food on the barbecue, and a setting nearby the Fragrant Hills – with buses to take you there and back. All you need to do is buy a ticket (RMB 100, including five free beer samples, bus transport there and back, plus other giveaways) at one of the following bars: Great Leap Brewery, Paddy O’Shea’s, The Stumble Inn, The Irish Volunteer, Lush, The Green Cap, Pomme O’Shea’s and Grinders. See you there.

After the Beer Fest, on Saturday night (July 22) there’s Yen’s 7th anniversary party at 798, with Mickey Zhang, Dio, Usami and others behind the decks. Tickets are RMB 150 on the door. Get over there to wish one of Beijing’s greatest nightlife institutions a very happy birthday. If hip-hop’s more your thing, get over to Vics, where Chamillionaire is making noise from 10pm.

And finally, if you’re interested in beauty pageants, Beer Mania hosts the first round of the Miss St. Louis Kriek contest tonight (July 21). For full details, see here. Oh, yeah, it's Belgian National Day today - the perfect excuse for a few Leffes.