Weekend Live Music Roundup: Little Boots, Jiang Hu's 5th Anniversary

The will.i.am concert finally set its date a few days ago. Today, the event's Beijing press conference took place at the JW Marriott. Chinese American singer Shunzi and grammy nominated World music siren Sa Dingding took part in the press conference. They will both be performing at the Booey Lehoo Concert (the event's official name) alongside will.i.am, apl.de.ap and John Legend to support "greater cultural and educational exchange between the two countries." will.i.am, the Mayor of Los Angeles and some Chinese artists who couldn't make it to the press conference sent their support via video.

One good wish gathers all of these people together: "To benefit and raise awareness for the 100,000 Strong Initiative - an effort with significant support from both the U.S. and Chinese governments, to drastically increase the number of American students coming to China over four years." The concert will take place at the National Indoor Stadium on December 17, tickets can be booked now. Right, now onto the weekend.

After two unusually active weekends, most of the big names in Beijing’s local rock scene are either taking it easy or off on tour. Maybe we should also loosen up a little bit. How about starting with some gypsy jazz? Go for it with The Hot Club of Beijing at Wudaoying Hutong tomorrow. You’d like a fun rock night in a courtyard? Folk rockers Buyi jam at Jiang Hu on the same night. The cozy courtyard bar will then celebrate its fifth birthday on Saturday. There'll be more folksters performing and they have even promised a late-night DJ session.

A few hundred meters north from Jiang Hu, near the drum tower, Zajia continues projecting independent filmmakers' videos while inviting local bands to provide the live soundtrack. This time, Song Yuzhe and Travelers take over the stage. These exciting folk musicians express their modern sound through the most traditional music.

Normally, we all stay in Sunday nights but why don’t you make this weekend an exception? After playing Berlin, Paris, New York, LA, San Francisco and Tokyo, Britain's Little Boots brings her small world tour to an end at Beijing’s Yugong Yishan. Let’s show the girl some support.

Friday (November 25)

Anna Stamburg
Jazz, blues, and funky soul. Free. 9pm. Ciro's Pomodoro (5208 6008)

Buyi
Our favorite folk rock tunes echoes in the hutongs. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Fuzzy Mood, Illness Sickness, Lazy Camel
Electronic and instrumental nerds display their new lab results. RMB 50. RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Metal Ladies Night
Let’s see how heavy the girl vocals can go. RMB 50, RMB 30 (ladies). 9.30pm. 13 Club (8261 9267)

The Hot Club of Beijing
Swing with the classic gypsy jazz. RMB 30. 9.45pm. VA Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Lolaloli
Rock n’ Girls night with the electro punks. Half-price on cocktails and shots for all rock & roll ladies. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Pierre Brahin Jazz Duo
French guitarist is coming back to Tushuguan 98 flamenco-jazz. RMB 30 (includes a free beer). 8.30pm. Tushuguan 98

Saturday (November 26)

The Beijing Beatles
The best sounds from the ’60s echo in Beijing. RMB 30. 9.45pm. VA Cafe & Bar (5844 3638)

Da Bang, R.W.F, The Reason, Twinkle Star
Young rock favorites assemble. RMB 50. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

Carambola
Get some "progressive" music, enjoy the guest-cooked Fenando food (pasta & risotto), have the film (Fellini), pay the 30 kuai free beer tax, and relax! RMB 30 (includes a free beer). 9pm. Tushuguan 98 (8400 1532)

Jiang Hu's 5th Anniversary
A feast of the Beijing's folk rock for the courtyard bar's Birthday. Lineup includes Chiren, Clap, Liu Donghong, Buyi's Wu Ningyue and Byebye Thanks For Your Fish. RMB 50. 8pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Soju Legion
Punkheads gather at their favorite shelter. RMB 50. RMB 40 (students). 10pm. D-22 (6265 3177)

Song Yuzhe, Travelers
The pioneers keep experimenting with the traditional folk tunes. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9.30pm. Zajia (8404 9141)

Toyhead
Keep the ska spirit going. Free. 9.30pm. Temple (131 6107 0713)

Sunday (November 27)

Little Boots
After headlining the Music Valley Music Festival in May, the MTV Europe Music Award nominated British artist gives Beijing a second visit. RMB 150, RMB 100 (advance). 9.30pm. Yugong Yishan