My Dry November Events: Roller Derby, Nikola Madzirov, Storytelling, Beijing Community Dinners
As I am counting down the days until I get to have some mulled wine, I've noticed that I am starting to attend events that do have some alcohol-aspect, my confidence building in my endeavor to stay away from alcohol. Regardless, this week still boasts some great non-alcohol-centric events.
Tuesday, November 17:
Roller Derby
If you want to push yourself completely out of your comfort zone, or if you are just that cool, consider attending the Beijing Roller Derby practice on Tuesday. One of the most exciting and rapidly growing contact sports, how could that possibly go wrong? Skates are available for rental so don't worry if you haven't got any. RMB 15. 11am-1.30pm. Tuanjiehu Park
Wednesday, November 18:
An Evening with Macedonian Poet Nikola Madzirov
Poet, essayist, translator, and award-winning author Nikola Madzirov was born to a family of war refugees in Macedonia, ex-Yugoslavia, in 1873. He is now among the most outstanding figures of the post-Soviet generation, being compared to Tomas Transtromer in terms of poetry. He is only in Beijing for one night, so don't miss it. RMB 30. 7.30-9pm. The Bookworm
Wednesday Night Storytelling Nights
Although you'll have to try and pretend there's no booze in this establishment, storytelling is the perfect way to celebrate humpday sober. Everyone's perspective is different because they're from different countries and have led different lives: not only is this evening eye-opening, but you might even want to join in. They also have a great hot lemon tea and chai masala tea as I discovered last weekend. Free. 8pm-midnight. 4corners
Thursday, November 19:
Modernista's Night Market
Continuing with the incredible momentum of the first night market at Modernista last month, Thursday welcomes the next session. Expect all sorts of art, handicrafts, secondhand foods, drinks, knowledge sharing, and community exchange. The best of Beijing's jewelry makers, vintage lovers, book seekers, and designers will be there. Free. 6pm-midnight. Modernista
The Nightcrawlers
Just because you're not drinking doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the live music (and actually remember it). Get to Jianghu Bar to enjoy The Nightcrawlers, a Chicago blues band formed by Chicago blues legend Tom Wilson, Beijing blues veteran Weiwei, Wangzheng, and China's top blues guitar and harmonica players Eric Yu and Xiaosong. RMB 50 (door), RMB 40 (presale). 9pm-12am. Jianghu Bar
Friday, November 20
Mulan Percussion Musical
Beijing Red Poppy Ladies' Percussion was founded in 2000, gaining fame following their 2001 Chinese New Year Eve Gala Show on CCTV. This time they will perform Mulan, based on Chinese traditional drum music, kung fu, dance, and other traditional art forms. RMB 80-180. 7.30-9pm. Qinglan Theatre
Saturday, November 21
Beijing Community Dinners: Lisa Qin Discusses Children Left Behind
On November 21, BCD has invited Lisa Qin to talk about the left behind children in China at Tianchu Chaoxiangsu Restaurant in Chaowai Soho. This talk is organized by Beijing Community Dinners who organize dinners with speakers on social issues in China for those who are interested in discussing related issues at different restaurants, donating to charity, and meeting like-minded people.
China has around 61 million children whose parents migrated to urban areas to find work, leaving the child with a relative or on their own. Some of these girls and boys who are left behind do not receive sufficient emotional support or live with limited household income that hinders access to education and other services, and are often at greater risk of injury, human trafficking, violence, abuse or neglect. To sign up for this dinner, RSVP here.
More stories by this author here.
Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
Instagram: s.xuagram
Photos courtesy of organizers
