LumDimSummary: Call her DJ Little Boots

Little Boots DJ Shake Tour at Beijing’s Yugongyishan

I rarely leave the comfort of my home on Sundays.  Even more rarely do I miss a chance to join in a BJ FOoDiEs dinner like the one they just hosted at Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar (where they raised RMB 3,028 for Little Flower Project).

But I am a big fan of UK electro-pop star Little Boots as you can see from my pre-event post here.  Her tracks are catchy and from the first time I heard her perform at Beijing’s China Music Valley (CMV) Festival aka Pingu Music Festival, I couldn’t stop listening to Meddle, Stuck on Repeat and Remedy.  

And maybe I’m just an idiot, but I did not realize that her worldwide “Shake DJ Tour” covering Paris, Berlin, New York, SF, LA, Beijing, Tokyo and London would not actually be Little Boots herself performing, but rather her standing behind the decks as a DJ. She opened with a J.Lo remix and at one point, she played some of her music, but it was just not what I expected.  

This is more along the lines of what I was hoping to witness:

This video is proof of just how talented she is. She’s got all her gadgets, she’s clapping, playing the piano and singing all at the same time, it’s incredible!  To see her go from a performance like this to just standing behind DJ decks seems like such a downgrade. I‘d love to hear other people’s opinions from either her fans or others who came out to Yugongyishanon Sunday night to see Little Boots on stage.  Like I said, maybe it was just me not getting my facts straight, but I was seriously disappointed!!

At least I got to see a rare DJ performance by one of my all-time favorite Beijing DJ’s - Bobby Dropper.  That’s all I’m saying (if only I got a photo of him too!). 

Luckily, I got some cool LDS Snapshots of Little Boots’ DJ Set at Yugongyishan:

Little Boots’ “Shake DJ Tour” Beijing Stop at Yugong

Victoria Christina Hesketh aka Little Boots

The first time I heard UK’s electro-pop starlet Little Boots was during one of Beijing’s summer music festivals – China Music Valley (CMV) Festival aka Pingu Music Festival who also hosted Avril Lavigne and in the same line-up as Ladytron, The Editors (who were AMAZING) and KT Tunstall. I liked her music so much, I got all her songs and listened to them on repeat for at least 2 days straight.

This Sunday, she’s back in Beijing (from Toyko and before that San Francisco, LA, NY, Berlin and Paris) and performing her Shake DJ Tour at Yugongyishan with the one and only Bobby Dropper opening for Little Boots (even more reason to leave the comfort of your home on a Sunday night).

Tickets are RMB 100 (presale) or RMB 150 (door charge). Get presale tickets online here.

“MTV Europe Music Award nominated British artist Little Boots topped the BBC Sound of 2009 poll ahead of the likes of White Lies, Florence and the Machine, La Roux and Lady Gaga and she also received a BRIT Critics Choice nomination. She was also listed on Esquire magazine’s list of sixty “Brilliant Brits 2009″

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, November 27, 2011
• Time: 9PM
• Tickets: RMB 100 (presale), RMB 150 (door)
• Presale: Online here.
• Location: Yugongyishan
• Address:  3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng district  东城区张自忠路3-2号段祺瑞执政府旧址西院
• Website: Yugongyishan’s site

Save-the-Date: BICCO’s Christmas Charity Dinner

As soon as Thanksgiving is over, the trees, lights and holiday decorations come flooding out as everyone begins gearing up for Christmas and New Years! Hopefully by now, most of you have awoken from your turkey comas and you are in the holiday mind set to begin Christmas shopping and party planning.

There are many upcoming gala dinners, holiday balls and Christmas dinners coming up in the next few weeks, but be sure to mark your calendars and save the date for this event in particular – “Unlock the Future”, which is a Christmas Charity Dinner and Silent Auction that will take place on Saturday, December 10.

We have a goal of raising RMB 200,000 in ONE NIGHT with all funds raised on this evening to be donated to Beijing International Committee for Chinese Orphans (BICCO)‘s Shunyi Orphanage Rehabilitation Program to help support over Chinese orphans and children with disabilities.

“Without this program and the work of BICCO, many of these children would not leave their beds or even have a chance at a potential future outside of the walls of this state-run facility.” – Amy Zima, organizer of Unlock the Future Christmas Charity Dinner

Hosted at Kagen Japanese BBQ Restaurant, there will only be 200 seats available and all charitable guests will be treated to 10 dish menus created by Alan Wong and his top chefs at Kagen, a champagne toast and select wines paired with a lovely meal.

Acoustic musician David Mitchell will be performing several different instruments and there will also be other live music entertainment including some Christmas Caroling (just part of the jolly holiday spirit!).

The event will also be featuring great silent auction prizes including Apple products, a private dinner for 10 at Hatsune by owner Alan Wong paired with wines by Wine Republic (valued at RMB 13,000), a 2-night weekend stay at The Westin, a Hummingbird spa package (valued at RMB 7,000), a GungHo! pizza party, handmade necklaces from April’s Adournments, a custom Hutong Tour by Bespoke Beijing, a Punjabi Indian Feast and with many other restaurant vouchers around town.

Sign up early at either who get pre-sale price RMB 600 or you can also pay RMB 800 at the door (if there are any seats left!).  To book your seats in advance, you can either purchase tickets at Kagen Restaurant, Hatsune Sanlitun branch, or Ivy Academy at East Lake Villas.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 10, 2011
• Time: 6:30PM Cocktail Reception, 7:30PM Dinner
• Location: Kagen Japanese Hot Pot & BBQ Restaurant
• Address:  Located below the Original Hatsune on Guanghua Lu
  • B1/F, Bldg C, Heqiao Dasha, 8 Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang District
  • 朝阳区光华东路8号和乔大厦C座地下1层
• Tickets: Only 200 seats available! RMB 600 (pre-sale), RMB 800 (at the door)
• Tickets are available for sale at Kagen Restaurant, Hatsune Sanlitun restaurant and Ivy School in East Lake Villas (Suite C-101 No. 35, Dongzhimenwai) Call: 8451 1381
• For more information: Call 135 2034 1984

Dance to DJ Danny Rampling at PUNK

“Danny Rampling is a bonafide music visionary and a revolutionary dance music pioneer. “

Dance fanatics, TONIGHT head over to PUNK tonight as British dance music pioneer Danny Rampling will be behind the decks spinning his trance-dance tracks.

“Rampling is firmly back in the musical limelight, where he belongs, sharing his passion for music with a wealth of experience as we journey forward through the unprecedented evolution of contemporary culture.”

Free cover before 11PM (it’s RMB 50 after 11PM), so get there early and get the party started..for the rest of us who will be stumbling in after midnight!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, November 18, 2011
• Time: 10PM
• Location: PUNK (Opposite House)
• Address: B1 floor of The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯11号
• Website: Click here.

Time Out’s Sunday Salon: Operatic Tenor Fan Jingma

Time Out Beijing’s Sunday Salons are arguably some of the most well-done regular events Beijing has to offer.

Held once a month and always on Sunday evenings around 7:30PM, they host incredibly talented Classical musicians to come to The Bookworm and play extracts from their music in an intimate setting, followed by an opportunity to discuss their inspirations behind the music together with their audience.

“This is a unique opportunity to listen to the great musicians from China and ask them questions directly about their incredible talents.” – Nancy Pellegrini, Time Out BJ & SH’s Classical & Performance Editor

This Sunday, November 13, Time Out has invited one of China’s most established and respected operatic tenors Fan Jingma.

“A prize-winner in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, Fan Jingma’s colourful life includes making his own violin, selling his own pirated CDs, working with digital orchestra technology and reinventing China’s opera training. Join us for an unforgettable evening with one of China’s most fascinating musicians.” 

The best part – bring in this month’s copy of Time Out Beijing and entrance ticket is only RMB 20!

Event Details:

• Date:  Sunday, November 19, 2011
• Time:  7:30PM
• Price: RMB 30 or RMB 20 if you bring copy of the November issue of Time Out Magazine
• Location:  The Bookworm
• Address:  Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼
• Tel: 6586-9507
• Website: http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/features/Performing_Arts/12024/Sunday-Salon.html

TONIGHT: Peter Kruder DJs at Club Tango

“Peter Kruder is one of those emblematic names that lead a whole decade and inspire myriads of DJs, producers and clubbers all over the world. And as successful as he is, he never lost track of the underground.” 

TONIGHT (Saturday, November 12, 2011) Remix Maestro Peter Kruder is DJing at Club Tango. 

Whether with Kruder & Dorfmeister, Voom:Voom or his solo project Peace Orchestra, Vienna’s Peter is widely recognized for being responsible for some of the finest electronic music in the last thirteen years.

“It’s very exciting stuff, not just because of Kruder’s rock-solid abilities as a DJ, but because of his stature in the scene, being the cofounder of G-Stone Recordings and instrumental in making Vienna one of the world centres of dance music.” – Ross Goulding, Time Out’s Nightlife Editor (click here for full article)

Peter Kruder wants to give you one of his latest tracks, “Young Girl”.  Download it here: “Young Girl” by Peter Kruder

Event Details here:

• Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011
• Time: 10PM-late
• Tickets: RMB 60 (Presale); RMB 100 at the Door
• Presale Ticket Locations: Hotel G | Ciro’s Pomodoro | Crepanini | Plastered T-Shirts | Bed | Le Igosso 798 | Bridge Cafe | Pekotan | Gori
• Online Ticket Sales: ClubZone.cn
• Location: Club Tango
• Address: 79 Hepingli Xijie, Dongcheng district  东城区和平里西街79号

Steve Aoki at Yigongyishan TONIGHT

“Aoki’s never-ending globe-trotting brings him to our lovely, dirty city to play some quality electro tunes.” – Time Out Beijing

Steve Aoki is the man behind Dim Mak Records and credited with launching the careers of some of the influential acts of the past decade including Bloc Party, The Kills, MSTRKRFT, The Bloody Beetroots, Mystery Jets, The Rakes, The Gossip and more. Since founding the label, he’s stepped into the limelight as DJ, artist and producer.

Thanks to M Agency, Steve Aoki will be making his way to Beijing, playing TONIGHT at Yugongyishan and DJ Saul (Resident DJ of Punk) will be opening for Steve Aoki!  But if you are already attending The Chi Fan for Charity After-Party at Hatsune Sanlitun, then you can still catch Steve Aoki afterwards as he will be playing late night until 4am.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 5
• Time: 10PM-4AM
• Price: RMB 150 Presale, RMB 200 Door
• Buy Tickets here: http://shop68161459.taobao.com/
• Location: Yigongyishan
• Address: 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng district 东城区张自忠路3-2号段祺瑞执政府旧址西院
• Website: Click here.
• Email: meticket.asia@gmail.com

LDS Hook-Up: Two FREE Tickets to AKON Concert

Multi-platinum R&B Superstar AKON is coming to Beijing’s MasterCard Stadium this Friday, November 4 and LDS has the Hook-Up for YOU!

See below for your chance to win 2 free tickets to Akon’s concert this Friday!

“Known for his West African-styled vocals with East Coast and Southern-styled hip hop beats, Akon’s China debut is Beijing’s must see event of the year.” 

Just a Few Reasons Why Akon Rocks:

• His real name is Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam
• Akon is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs
  
• More than just a singer, Akon is also a talented songwriter and producer.
• He launched the career of Lady Gaga and T-Pain.
• He’s worked with big names from Dr. Dre, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly,Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Quincy Jones, Eminem and Whitney Houston. 
• Click here for my favorite AKON video.

LDS HOOK-UP

For your chance to win 2 FREE TICKETS to AKON’s Concert this Friday night, answer the following question in the comment section:

What are your top 3 favorite songs/collaborations by AKON and why?

To answer, click here and scroll down to comment section.  Be sure to leave your email address so I contact the winner directly!

Deadline is Tuesday, November 1 at 6PM.

For those of you who are already going, don’t forget to stop by Nathan’s Famous concession stand in the stadium to say hi (I’ll be there!) and to get your chili cheese dog fix!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, November 4, 2011
• Time: 7:30PM
• Location: MasterCard Stadium (formerly known as Wukesong Stadium)
• Address: Fuxing Lu in Haidian District, 海淀区复兴路五棵松文化体育中心
• Tickets: RMB 280-1680
• Buy Tickets: Click here to purchase your tickets

So Money: Punk’s Guest DJ Oliver $

Oliver $ is a Berlin born and based DJ/Producer currently releasing music with famous labels MADE TO PLAY, Grand Petrol, and Front Room Recording and he’s bringing his sick house beat to Punk TONIGHT (Saturday, October 22, 2011).

“Oliver $ production has always been solid, but his most recent work has propelled him to limelight and making him one of Europe’s rising stars and most sought after acts.” – Punk in The Opposite House

Some of his top tracks include the hit song by Aloe Blacc “I need a Dollar” and “Doing Ya Thang,” which became, easily, one of the summers surprise hits. The track was on the top 5 of the BEATPORT charts for 5 weeks, and still in the top seller.

Listen to a Taste of how Money Oliver $ is:

Oliver $_Doin´ Ya Thang by oliverdollar

Aloe Blacc_I need a Dollar_Oliver $ Edit by oliverdollar

The Opposite House presents Oliver $ Oct. 22 @ PUNK by The Opposite House  

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 22
• Time: 10PM-late
• Location: Punk in the Opposite House
• Address: Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district  朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼
• Website: www.barpunk.com

Hot Tip: Invitation to the Italian Trio Concert Tonight

From L to R: Stefano Canuti (Bassonist), Stefano Giavazzi (Pianist), Arnaldo de Felice (Oboist)

A great tip from the Time Out team -

Tonight the Central Conservatory Concert Hall will be hosting an exciting chamber music concert, the Italian Trio Concert and all are invited to attend this free sitting! A great opportunity presented by Sam Su, Time Out’s multi-talented Sunday Salon music critic, all you need to do is turn up to witness this concert in person.

Sponsored by Puchner, this Italian Trio Concert is part of a China Concert Tour.

See below for Concert Program:

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011
• Time: 7:30PM
• Venue: Beijing Central Conservatory Concert Hall
• Presented by Puchner: www.puchner.com

Save the Date: 

The Rock is Here: Modern Sky Music Festival 2011

Are you prepared for three solid days of rock and roll?

Rock. Metal. Thrash. Electro. Folk. Experimental. 

This year’s Modern Sky Music Festival is going down in Huairou over the next three days – October 3, 4 and 5.

3 days of music, 3 days of creativity.

Out in Huairou, Modern Sky is a great excuse to escape the city into the countryside, breathe some fresh air and rock out to some great local and international artists.

Headliners: 

October 3:  

• The Whip (UK)
• Super VC
• Lenka (Australia)

October 4:  

• The Go! Team (UK)
• Hanggai
• Carsick Cars

 October 5:  

• Mogwai (UK):
•  The Ocean (Germany)

Ticket information is available in Chinese here. An English language ticket guide is also available here.

Prices:

• 1 Day Ticket is RMB 150 (RMB 120 in advance) 
• 3 Day Tickets RMB 350 (RMB 300 in advance) 

Rumor has it that tickets for the express bus from Shaoyaoju to the venue in Huairou are sold out, so you may need to arrange for your own transport out there either through public transportation or taxi.

Directions to Modern Music Festival 2011:

Venue: Huaibei International Ski Resort, Huairou, Beijing

Take bus number 916 from Dong Zhi Men to Huai Rou Bei Da Jie. From Huai Rou Bei Da Jie, there is a free shuttle bus service from the Qing Chu Road roundabout to the festival. More information to follow as it becomes available.

Sunday Salon: Young Violin Soloist Gao Can

Time Out Beijing’s Sunday Salons are some of the most well-done regular events Beijing has to offer.  Always on Sunday evenings around 7:30PM, they host incredibly talented Classical musicians to come to The Bookworm and play extracts from their music in an intimate setting, followed by an opportunity to discuss their inspirations behind the music together with their audience.

“This is a unique opportunity to listen to the great musicians from China and ask them questions directly about their incredible talents.” – Nancy Pellegrini, Time Out BJ & SH’s Classical & Performance Editor

This Sunday, Time Out has invited Gao Can, who is arguably China’s most respected and fastest-rising young violin soloist. Incredibly accomplished at such a young age, he has already won awards at the Michael Hill and Alberto Curci international competitions and appeared with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, recorded film soundtracks and collaborated with Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, among others. Gao Can is now a professor at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music and he is the founder of Beijing New Music Ensemble. In September he plays the music of Belgian composer/musician and ‘King of Violin’ Eugène-Auguste Ysaye (1858-1931), who besides being the stuff of legend, is known as the world’s first modern violinist.

Listen to some of Gao Can’s magic here:
Gao Can – Concert Violinist by gaocanemperor

Event Details:

• Date:  Sunday, September 25
• Time:  7:30PM
• Price: RMB 30 or RMB 20 if you bring copy of the September issue of Time Out Magazine
• Location:  The Bookworm
• Address:  Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼
• Tel: 6586-9507
• Website: http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/features/Performing_Arts/12024/Sunday-Salon.html

China’s Brightest Artists: The Creator’s Project 2011

Spanning three days and bringing together some of China’s brightest creative minds, alongside innovative artists and musicians from overseas, The Creator’s Project is back in Beijing from September 15-18 in the world famous 798 Art District partnering with UCCA gallery.

For 3 days straight, you can have your fill of music, film and art.

MUSIC: They will be hosting performances by Mount Kimbie, Supermarket, PK14, Glasser, Optimo and Zhang Shouwang of the famed Chinese indie rock band Carsick Cars.

FILM: They will also be premiering a selection of shorts by Ray Lei, a new film by Peng Lei, Runscape by Map Office, Spike Jonze and Arcade Fire’s Scenes from the Suburbs, and Logorama by H5.

ART:  All weekend, we’ll have a wide variety of interactive installations on display including new work from Aaajiao, Francis Lam (aka DbDbking) and Joao Vasco Paiva, Feng Mengbo’s brand new Bruce Lee VJ Project, Life on Mars Revisitedby David Bowie, Mick Rock and Barney Clay and Room With A View by UVA.

Click here for full rundown of performances, installations, film screenings and workshops and panels.

To RSVP for The Creator’s Project, please click here and sign  yourself up!

Here’s what went down at The Creator’s Project 2010.

The Creator’s Project Event Details:

• Date: September 15-18, 2011
• Time: Throughout each day
• Addresses:
  • For musical performances:
    • 798 Space: 4 Jiuxianqiao Road Chaoyang District, Beijing China
  • For exhibitions, panels and films:
    • UCCA: 798 Art District, No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District Beijing, China 100015
• Website: http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/events/the-creators-project-beijing-2011

LDS Hook-Up: Free Tix to Black Rabbit Music Festival

An all-day festival in Beijing Chaoyang Sports Park with headliners Ludacris and 30 Seconds to Mars, Black Rabbit Music Festival will be held in both Beijing and Shanghai on September 17 and September 18.

Organized by Taihe Live and Split Works, this should be a pretty diverse festival with a line-up including everyone from local artists like Hanggai and Carsick Cars to Ludacris…sure, why not?

Be among the first to get in touch with me and get the LDS HOOK-UP to FREE Tickets to Black Rabbit Music Festival! This offer comes on a first come, first dibs basis so if you want to get hooked up, just email – kristen@lumdimsum.com before noon on Wednesday, September 14.

Line-Up Includes:

• Ludacris
• Thirty Seconds to Mars
• Titus Andonicus
• Grandmaster Flash
• Gold Panda
• Perfume Genius
• Saigon
• Lil Ray
• Carsick Cars
• Hanggai
• The UK B-Boy Champs
• (see flier for all artists)

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 17
• Tickets: RMB 210 (presale), RMB 300 at the door
• Purchase Tickets: www.sendmetickets.com
• Location: Beijing Chaoyang Sports Park
• Address: 3.5km east of 4th Ring Road, 77 Yaojiayuan Rd.
• Website: www.hei-tu.com

Grand Opening Weekend: Haze by M Agency

“The new messiah is here. The posse that brought you White Rabbit Club now brings you Haze.”

- The M Agency

Haze Lounge/Nightclub is Beijing’s newest underground club because it’s literally underground in a basement of a cafe in a shopping mall and also quite possibly the after-hours club Beijingers have been begging for since White Rabbit shut its doors on Lucky Street.

Haze is located in the basement of On The Corner Café, located on Guanghualu Soho (the white building with a lot of circles).

With free entrance, everyone is welcome to celebrate their opening weekend and see what Haze is all about.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 2- Saturday, September 3
• Time: 10PM-late
• Location: Haze Nightclub
• Address: 22 Guanghualu SOHO A101

Upcoming Events Line-Up in October & November:

M Agency will be hosting AZARI & III live set in October 2011 & Steve Aoki in November 2011

About M Agency

The M agency is specialized in electronic music engagement, through musical event production, booking, the promotion of international & local music talent. The M agency is pushing forward the electronic music culture for an everyday growing audience in China.