Weekend Live Music Roundup: Westlife, Yugong Yishan, Xiaohe

When you can buy an MP3 player for less than 100 kuai, how many people still buy CDs? But what if the album does not just provide music, but also art? (Or more specifically, twelve "leaves" doodled upon by the artist, each of which holds one song. Plus custom-designed headphones.) Would you pay RMB 488 for that? Of course, the new album called Silly’s Ballad is from folk experimentalist Xiaohe and he made only 1,000 copies. The album launch will take place at Great Leap Brewery on Saturday and the exhibition will last till Sunday. People who buy the album there will get an RMB 100 discount. I think we’ll need to go there to find out what exactly he wants to tell.

Yugong Yishan just had a full house on Monday when world music legend Huun Huur Tu played a powerful and heartwarming set there. The last time I saw so many people there was Peaches’ show. A venue like that deserves to have a grand celebration for its birthday. Its 7th anniversary will be tomorrow -- Carsick Cars, Longshendao and Beijing’s best DJs are there to be caught.

If you want to hear some new sounds, Tiger Translate Battle of the Bands has its national final on Saturday, which will be free. Also, Westlife will come with their sweetest love songs, though I don’t think you need this reminder if you had planned on going.

A great weekend for live music. Check out more options below:

Friday (September 23)

16 Mins, Arrows Made Of Desire
A little strange and very indie. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Bone
Get loud and wild with the garage guys from Australia. Beijing’s Brave Face and Yes No Break join in. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students). 10pm. D-22

The Flying Shaobing Brothers, Jurat
Randy Abel Stable gets electrified, plus pioneering sound from Xinjiang. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club

Gangzi Tuliguer
Throat sing through the wind. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). 9.30pm. Gulou 121

Hellcats
Just swing. Free. 9pm. Alanting.

M.O.P.A
Didn’t have time to see them on work days? Don't miss the extra violent and soothing set. Free. 9pm. Temple

Skarving
It’s ska time! RMB 50, 10pm. 2 Kolegas

Trio B
Jazz originals from the creators. RMB 30. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

Xia Jia Piano Trio
Have an easy jazzy night. Free. 10pm. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe

Yugong Yishan 7-Year Anniversary
The best local bands and DJs celebrate the 7th birthday of their favorite club. RMB 100, RMB 70 (advance). Yugong Yishan

Saturday (September 24)

48V, Glow-Curve
Post rick night. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance, students). 9pm. MAO Livehouse

Bone
Missed these noise makers yesterday? Take the second chance and catch local powers Residence A and Dude. Price TBD. 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse

Christmas, Qinxuan, Miss Freak, Power Powder
A little indie and a little ska next to the Forbidden City. RMB 40 (include a free drink). 9.30pm. What Bar

Ivan Corpus
A mix of soaring melodies, taut songwriting, and boundless optimism. Free. 9pm. Beiluo Cafe (8402 1126)

Jean Sebastien
Come to enjoy the electro-folk jam session. RMB 30 (include a beer). 9.30pm. Tushuguan 98

Jurat
Join the Xinjiang folk rockers' music experiment. RMB 40, RMB 30 (advance). Gulou 121

Let’s Gap Year Together
A travel website gather punk Subs and pop Perdel to spread their spirit. RMB 60, RMB 40 (advance). 8pm. Mako Live House

Punk Night
The Unsafe, Discord and more of their punk friends gather. RMB 50, RMB 40. 10pm. D-22

The Black Buttons, Randy Abel Stable
Have some danceable jazz classics, bluegrass and relaxing enjoyment. RMB 40. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

Tiger Translate - Battle Of The Bands, National Final
The "best young bands" from six cities gather in Beijing for the final fight and RMB 100,000. UK's Rebel Soul Collective and local pop rockers Perdel headline. Free (text "Tiger Translate_Name_No. of Tickets" to 13522879900. Maximum 4 tickets per person) 8pm. Tango

Xiaohe
Exhibition lasts till Sunday (Sep 25). The folk experimentalist exhibits songs from his new album, Silly's Ballad. Go check out what they sound like. Free. 3pm-7pm (Sat), 3pm-8pm (Sun). Great Leap Brewery

Wu Tun
The same old folk, always underground, always that sharp. RMB 40. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Sunday (September 25)

Jurat. T.T
Experimental folk rock from Xinjiang. RMB 30. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Suicide Silence
Metal goes extreme at Gulou Dongdajie tonight. RMB 200, RMB 150 (advance). 8pm. MAO Livehouse

Westlife
Wave the light sticks and sing along. Tickets at 400 610 3721. RMB 180-1280. 7.30pm. MasterCard Center

Photos: Xiaohe, Carsick Cars and Wu Tun