Kang Mao (SUBS) Photos: James Tiscione/GT

Wang Jian (DH & The Chinese Hellcats)

 

Zhang Shouwang (White+)

 

Li Nan (Voodoo Kungfu)

Santa's stuffing Beijing's stocking with plenty of shows this weekend just in time for Christmas. Here's your guide to the hottest acts in town, as well as some insight on Christmas from musicians poised to put cheer into your festive season. 

Everybody was kungfu jivin'

What would Christmas be without fake blood and hellish shrieking?  Watch frontman Li Nan from pagan folk metalists Voodoo Kungfu mark the occasion with a proper sacrifice to the rock gods Friday night at Mao Livehouse (9pm, entry: 100 yuan).

What's your favorite Christmas song?

None of them. I don't like Christmas, it has nothing to do with me.

What's your impression of Christmas?

It's a pretty serious holiday for Christians that should be respected, not commercialized like it has been. 

What do you want from Santa?

You shouldn't be sending presents, especially if you're not Christian.

Hellcats homage

Wang Jian, guitarist and leader of rockabilly big band DH & The Chinese Hellcats honors the king of kings with swing Saturday night at Yugong Yishan (9pm, tickets: 150 yuan at the door/100 yuan pre-booked, support from Steely Heart and Omnipotent Youth Society).

What's your favorite Christmas song?

"Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee and of course "Run, Run, Rudolph" by Chuck Berry. They are great melodies with bluesy guitar riffs that are fun to play.  

What's your impression of Christmas?

The first time I saw Santa was on a Coca-Cola can. Then I found out Coke actually designed the Santa everybody is familiar with. 

What do you want from Santa?

A Gretsch Spectrasonic guitar. Even though I have more than 10 guitars, you can never have enough of a good thing. Also, a Chanel bag for my old lady (the band's lead singer, Wang Hui).

Dreaming of a White+ Christmas?

Zhang Shouwang, guitarist for Carsick Cars, performs with his experimental rock band White+ for a full-on indie holiday at D-22 tomorrow (10pm, entry: 60 yuan/50 yuan students, support from Hedgehog and Mr Graceless).

What's your favorite Christmas song?

I don't really listen to them. I never pay attention.

What's your impression of Christmas?

I saw a cartoon when I was a kid with Santa in it, but I think Christmas is kind of like Valentine's Day - it's just to get people buying stuff. 

What do you want from Santa?

If he can just make sure that the world doesn't end in 2012, that would be fine. Also, free practice rooms for the younger bands coming out.

Big love for SUBS

Kang Mao, frontwoman for high-energy garage punk outfit SUBS, harks with the heralds at Dos Kolegas, (9pm, entry: 50 yuan, with support from Candy Monster and Skarving).

What's your favorite Christmas song?

I actually like the classics such as "Jingle Bells" and "Ode To Joy."

What's your impression of Christmas?

As a kid, I remember seeing a friend wearing Santa hats and passing out gifts. I thought: "Hey, that looks like fun." In China, holidays are all about eating huge meals. In the West, it seems it's about getting together and partying. I don't like stuffing myself, I'd rather rock. 

What do you want from Santa?

If I was Santa, I'd think giving presents is meaningless. Our world needs more than that. We need to cherish not just Christmas, but every day and make sure we use it do something we've never done before.