Hanggai Band
Hanggai Band is an Inner Mongolian folk music group that specializes in a blend of folk music and modern styles such as punk rock. A folk outfit composed of ethnic Mongolians, the band is captivating Beijing’s rock-heavy music scene with a contemporary feel. It combines primarily traditional Mongolian instruments — the morin khuur, or horse-head fiddle, and the tobshuur (two-stringed lute) — with a throat-singing technique (hoomei) that has been handed down over the course of more than two millennia and elicits the rolling plains of the Inner Mongolian grasslands. Indeed, the band’s name is an ancient word that refers to a heavenly combination of the best of the Inner Mongolian landscape — big blue skies, mountains, rivers and trees.
Time: 8:30 p.m., March 22
Tickets: 80-180 yuan
The Next Door Band
The Next Door Band is a Chinese rock band that wants to pump up hope and braveness in youth. They use the true attitude and sounds to express their passion for music and their unique thoughts towards life and the world. They may be restless but not at all despairing, may be doubtful but not at all provocative. Through their typical way, they sing positively about youth, culture, music, life attitudes and many other things. While enjoying the excitement brought by live shows, they keep a passionate and young heart. The band members have worked together in sharing the same love for music. With numerous efforts, they have played at the Strawberry Festival and many more important festivals in China.
Time: 8:30 p.m., March 23
Tickets: 120 yuan
Gentle Grape
Beijing-based indie band Gentle Grape was crowned champion at the Midi School Bands Contest last year. Their earnest attempt to deliver the message of pursuing their dreams as a young band touched the judges. Influenced by U.S. rock band Blink-182 and Canadian rock band Sum 41, Gentle Grape has gained a growing fan base with its pop sounds, fast-paced melodies and upbeat lyrics. In 2015, Gentle Grape released an EP through online crowdfunding. It planned to collect about 5,000 yuan (US$800) in two or three months. More than 7,000 yuan was collected in four hours.
Time: 8:30 p.m., March 24
Tickets: 60 yuan
Venue: B10 Live, North Area, OCT-LOFT, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城创意文化园北区B10现场)
Metro: Line 2 to Qiaocheng North Station (侨城北站), Exit B