Dodge the Autumn Blues With an International Music Festival "Hi, Blues", Sep 16

The Beijingers | Sep 14, 2018 6:23 pm | Add a comment | 2005 reads

Is the knowledge that summer is ending weighing you down? Worry not, for the fiery international line up of the Beijing Music Festival "Hi, Blues" is coming to the rescue to shore up your morale in the face of approaching autumn hardships.

Beijing based music label Bluesir gathers up blues masters from USA, Japan, and China for a day-long celebration of jamming guitars, piano solos, and bass voices. Check out the lineup that will be shaking up the Laifu Live house this Sunday, Sep 16.

Billy Branch & Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi (USA)

Having played to the jam-packed Yue Space back in January, Billy Branch comes back as a headliner of "Hi, Blues" festival. The three-time Grammy-nominated harmonica virtuoso and blues master stays loyal to his Chicago Blues genre. Having been restlessly performing since the 70's, there does not seem to be a retirement coming up in the near future.

Billy Branch is sharing the stage with his musical partner of more than 15 years, star of keys, Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi. Having studied classical piano since 3-years old, Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi (simply known as Ariyo to most fans) is known for the vigorous playing and innovative technical approach that has paved the road to blues fame. Billy Branch and Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi will be heating up the pleasant rays of Beijing September sun with unflinching harmonica sounds and fiery blues.

Shun Kikuta & Blues Company (Japan)

Hailing from Tokyo, guitarist Shun Kikuta has been residing in Chicago since the '90s. As the all-too-familiar artist story goes, he had to make a living as a dishwasher while scouting for an opportunity to join a jam session in the blues clubs of Chicago. However, within six months, he blended in the scene and started playing with legendary Son Seals, Big Time Sarah, and Johnny Little John. Shun Kikita does not only perform, but also makes appearances on TV shows, radio, and teaches blues guitar.

Hang Tian & Band

The true pioneer of Chinese blues, appealing to those familiar with the genre and the newcomers, Hang Tian serves a chunk of classy blues with his sleek stage look. The musician was the first one to break the long-standing notion that Chinese is not suitable for singing blues and has been since crowned the father of Chinese blues.

Besides the listed bands, you can also hear 大泽宽 (Dazekuan) and 小岛登 (Xiaodaodeng) from Japan, Zhang Ling & Old Gun Band, Hear and see these musicians at Laifu Livehouse on Sunday. Get your ticket to the day of dancing and music here.

Never miss a gig: click here for a huge list of live shows in the city, updated daily.