Weekend Live Music Roundup: James Blunt, Reflector, Dolan

Have you ever missed a band because you were just too tired to go? Have you noticed that if you do it's always the best gig ever? It's like a football match - your team always plays their best when you don't watch. If you are a music fan and a superstitious soccer fan at the same time, it always seems wise to go for the rock club over the sports bar. Try Jiang Hu bar tomorrow night, young folk rockers Namo will make the place full of happiness, or you can catch up with some of Beijing's oldest and most influential metal bands at MAO Livehouse.

At the same time, Tiger Translate Battle Of The Bands is finally coming to the semi-finals, this will be the best chance to have a glance of Beijing's young talent. The semis will be at Mako Livehouse on Friday and at MAO Livehouse on Saturday. Headliners for this weekend are pop-rockers Perdel and pop-punks Reflector.

Saturday appears to be more interesting, first we have "Captain" James Blunt playing his "heartwarming" love songs in Workers' Stadium. If you are not a big fan (and no one has forced you to go), there are plenty of other options: Mongolian folk band Dolan at Jiang Hu, Li Tieqiao's experimental jazz session at Gulou 121, metal regulars at Wudaokou or everything we've listed below.

Friday (Aug 19)

Growl Beijing
The annual rock party comes up on its fourth year, and this time it’s all about metal: Suffocated, The Face and more. RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 8.30pm.
MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Namo
Find the most honest Beijing feeling with the young folk rock band. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)

No Name Trio
Keep the gypsy jazz going. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A. Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Back to School (for Adults)
Indie rock band Not There is throwing a back-to-school party. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

The Beijing Beatles
Have an easy night with those familiar and great tunes. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998) (6436 8998)

Tiger Translate Battle Of The Bands – Semi-Final (Perdel)
Let’s make the competition more intense. RMB 70, RMB 60 (students). 9pm. Mako Live House (5205 1112/3)

Tree Music
Record label Tree Music releases their first collection of songs of Thin Man, Bingyong and more. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance). 8.30pm. Tango 3F (6461 2451)

Saturday (Aug 20)

The Beijing Beatles
The quartet brings your Fab Four favorites as always. Free. 8pm. The Bookworm (6503 2050)

Dafay & Sky Scraper
Simple tunes with simple lyrics. RMB 40. 9.45pm. V.A. Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Gang of Gin
(Ex)members of Joyside, Steely Heart, The Gar and Offset: The Spetacle gather for an acoustic night. RMB 30. 9.30pm. Hot Cat Club (6400 7868)

Hot Club of Beijing
Gypsy Jazz quartet takes over the 798 art district and takes you back in time. Free. 9.30pm. Timezone 8 (8456 0336)

James Blunt
The “captain-poet” graces Beijing with a second visit. Tickets at 400 610 3721. RMB 280-1,280. 7.30pm. Workers’ Gymnasium (6501 6300)

Li Tieqiao
The experimental legend’s Shengdongjixi project continues. This time, he plays with jazz. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Gulou 121 (8404 3430)

Tiger Translate Battle Of Bands – Semi-Final (Reflector)
The last round before the Beijing final. Rock on. RMB 70, RMB 60 (students). 7.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

The Rudeness, Skarving, Nucleus, Wu & The Side Effects
Ska, folk and blues. They are asking this question: “Wo ist zuhause, Mama?” Do you know the answer? Free. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Dolan
Pure Mongolian folk brings you to the grassland. RMB 30. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)

Saw, Surprise, Ego-Fall
Wudaokou’s metal regulars gather.RMB 50. 9.30pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)

Sunday (Aug 21)

Avril Lavigne Fans’ Party
Get on the stage and play some “Avril” chords. Everybody can be Avril Lavigne. RMB 50, RMB 40 (students), RMB 30 (advance). 2.30-4.30pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)

Liu Yue Jazz Trio
Cui Jian’s bandmate Liu Yue brings his jazz project. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar (6401 4611)

Saturday - Sunday

Nancheng (South Town) Music Festival
Punk and metal youngsters revive the rock spirit of south Beijing in the lead of nu-metal Twisted Machine and punk Misandao. RMB 80 (one day), RMB 140 (two days). 2-9pm. Mako Livehouse (5205 1113)