Events of Note: The Best Happenings in August

Every month our editors pick the best events going on the capital so you don't have to waste your time figuring out what's hot this summer.

THE BEATMAKERS PRODUCTION GATHERING
AUG 2 – Come meet local music producers and recording artists, and learn about the contemporary processes of music making. With some of the hottest producers Beijing has to offer, you can expect a day filled with chilled out tutorials, and nerding out over the best compressor plug-ins. Free. 4pm. Dada (183 1108 0818)

PENG LABEL EIGHT YEAR ANNIVERSARY
AUG 2 – Electronic music label Peng was founded in 2006 by Pancake Lee and a bunch of his friends driven by their passion for electronic music of all shapes and sizes. It has been eight years, and it’s time to celebrate. RMB 50. 10pm. The Bar at Migas. (5208 6061) 

THE GERMEIN SISTERS
AUG 7 – Australian siblings the Germein Sisters are a refreshingly honest young female band, whose unique brand of pop/folk rock has lead them to a breadth of experiences and credits that defy their years. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 9pm. Jianghu Jiuba (6401 5269)

KOOKY SOUNDSYSTEM 
AUG 9 – For those of you aware that Divine made some of the hottest disco tracks of the ’80s, experience a night of humor-laden tunes from some of Beijing’s deepest music nerds, featuring DJs Boflex, ClubGawd, Justynn, Count of Monte Disco. Free. 10pm. Dada (183 1108 0818)

NAKOMA 
AUG 9 – A resurrected Nakoma with a new lineup, new music and new direction. This three-piece math rock band has been geometrically popping up their intense sounds around Beijing and now bring their stimulating live experience to School bar. RMB 40. 9pm. School Bar (6402 8881)

BILINGUAL IMPROV GROUP’S (BIG) MONTHLY SHOW
AUG 9 – If the summer heat is getting you down, find your chuckles with the Bilingual Improv Group. Every month this hilarious collective dishes out impromptu laughter at Penghao Theater. RMB 40. 8pm. Penghao Theater (6400 6452)

SUMMER ORGANIC BBQ FEAST
AUG 9 – Escape from the urban jungle at Moon River Farm for a full day of organic barbecue, beer, music and fun. Barbecue food offerings include a whole Pacific-style roast pig, roast lamb by Cu Ju and grilled fish by Sue Zhou. Jing A will be premiering an Orchard Peach Ale brewed specially for the occasion. RMB 330, RMB 280 (advance). 2-9.30pm. Moon River Farm (138 1169 1305)

STREET TRASH
AUG 15 – DJ Compact Dicks and Cousin Kippy scavenge their digital libraries for the best of ’80s camp, post-punk nihilism, and B-side stadium rock anthems impossible not to cream your jeans over. For one night only, taste trumps talent. Free. 10pm. Dada (183 1108 0818)

DADA BEIJING TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY 
AUG 16 – Party with Dada, as they celebrate two years of corrupting Beijing’s youth. You can expect plenty of excellent DJs and free drinks for the freakishly dressed. DJs Ralph Zuckermann, Compact Dicks and more are sure to keep the party going till your head explodes. Free. 10 pm. Dada (183 1108 0818)

HOUSING THE BAR WITH BEN HUANG
AUG 16 – This edition of Housing brings the legendary Ben Huang groove to the DJ decks. So throw on those dancing shoes and get ready to move your body to some infectious house tunes. RMB 50. 10pm. The Bar at Migas (5208 6061)

THE SANCTUARY SUMMER COURTYARD PARTY & BARBECUE
AUG 16 – The Other Place will exhibit some of the best Beijing-based DJs spinning outdoors in this super chilled Gulou hangout, featuring music from BB Deng, Charm, Juhstynn, Ralph Zuckermann, and Zhi Qi. Also, pick up some new used threads at the THRIFT pop up shop. Free. 3pm. The Other Place (6401 3269)

THE YEAR MY HAIR FELL OUT – BOOK LAUNCH WITH BOB BLUNT
AUG 28 – Bob Blunt will hold a launch for the release of his new book The Year My Hair Fell Out. The story is a humorous peek into the moral fabric of an unfamiliar culture that’s dealing with Confucian traditions and a newfound modernity. RMB 50. 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

MOCHIPET (featured image)
AUG 22 – Street Kids and Antidote present the mighty Mochipet for a special Beijing-only gig. His sound is a blend of glitch hop, breakcore and various other sub-genres sent through a meat grinder of excellence. RMB 50. 10pm. Dada (183 1108 0818)

SYNDICATE SESSIONS
AUG 23 – In August Syndicate head honcho DJ Blackie will step up to the decks for a full on two-hour birthday bass blast. Expect only the best in tech from these drum and bass heads. RMB 30. 10pm. Dada (183 1108 0818)

THE MOLDS, BEDSTARS, BAD BOOGIE, BLUES NATION REVIVAL 
AUG 23 – A full night of dangerously raw rock ‘n’ roll. If you haven’t experienced the gutter oil raunch of these bands yet, and you call yourself a punk, you are sadly kidding yourself. RMB 50. 9pm. School Bar (6402 8881)

LOS RESIDENTES FEATURING BETOKO & CHUS
AUG 23 – Four years ago Betoko came to Beijing to open the Migas terrace with a bang. Now, with much more recognition and a number of hits under his belt, he returns bringing the added fire-power of Barcelona legend Chus with him to ensure the dance floor will get wild. RMB 50. 10pm. The Bar at Migas (5208 6061)

“THE PYONGYANG STARS” VOL. 1 FEATURING WHITE+, DA BING, LATE TROUBLES
AUG 23 – This aptly named series brings you some of the latest in cold psychedelic sounds from Beijing. It’s mind over matter in this evening of fringe music with noises that will keep you engaged and slightly disturbed. RMB 50. 9pm. School Bar (6402 8881)

SANLITUN VICE 
AUG 29 – Each summer a small group of dedicated enforcers gathers to purge Sanlitun of cheesy pop decadence one record at a time. Douse yourself in the raunchiest of colognes, throw on some boogaloo shoes, shine up your best gold chain, oil up and brace yourself for Vice. RMB 50 (those dressed in 1980s Miami style get a free drink). 10pm. The Bar at Migas (5208 6061)

SCRATCHING BEIJING
AUG 30 – Scratching Beijing is a series of short plays performed during one showcase, encouraging artists to try something out, experiment with the new, old or something bold. This multimedia performance will be followed by a Q&A session with all the creatives involved. RMB 50. 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Photos: Courtesy of the organizers