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The 2024 Beijing International Canal Arts Fest is only one week away (taking place from Oct 2 to Oct 4 at Funstown) and we have a killer line up of entertainment for you! From captivating musical acts and dynamic dance troupes to killer DJ sets, attendees can expect an immersive experience that showcases both local and international talent as well as highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of canal culture.
Plus we even have bands and dance troupes traveling from abroad to perform at the festival, so this really is one event you don’t want to miss!
Also don’t forget, the fest is completely FREE. All you need to do to enter is register by scanning the QR code below.
Live Music
Joyside
Founded in 2001 in Beijing, Joyside is one of the most prolific and influential independent bands in China, with three full-length albums, two overseas releases, five EPs, and three videos to their name. Often hailed as the “most charming romantic rock band” in the Chinese pop music scene, they have played a significant role in shaping the early 21st-century independent music landscape in China, impacting a generation of artistic youth and pop music fans.
In 2019, Joyside participated in the iQIYI original music variety show Band’s Summer 2, where they secured a spot in the annual HOT5. As the first mainland rock band to trend on Weibo, they enjoy a strong following among contemporary youth and international fans. Major platforms like CCTV, CGTN, and Zhihu have featured them, while fashion magazines such as Men’s Health and Bazaar continue to follow their journey. Their concerts frequently sell out, marking them as both a representative of Beijing’s youth scene and a chronicler of modern Chinese culture.
The band has toured Europe and participated in major music festivals, and they have composed theme songs for various projects, including the Women’s World Cup for Nike China, advertisements for BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and tracks for TV dramas like The Bad Kids and A Long Season, as well as films like The Restless Sea.
Bola Suriana
Bola Suriana was formed in Morelia, México all the way back in December 1989. The band prides itself on carrying forward Mexico’s historical and cultural legacy, focusing on the traditional and popular music of Mexico and Latin America, particularly the indigenous and Mestizo music of Michoacán.
As one of Mexico’s most internationally recognized bands, they have released 20 albums and have participated in a large number of tours and festivals throughout much of Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, as well as North and South America. The band has even traveled to the Xochimilco canals in Mexico to shoot music videos and promotional films and also participated in the online broadcast of the second Beijing International Canal Art Week.
Cosmodrome
Hailing from Nuremberg, a city along the Rhine-Danube Canal in Germany, Cosmodrome’s music sounds like rock mixed with an orchestral soundtrack in space. Their music includes some chunks of dubstep, electro, pop and metal which hit you out of nowhere like an asteroid field. Their lyrics perfectly fit the science-fiction genre and they deal with deeply emotional subjects. Through their music, they hope to guide you out of the endless dark towards a distant, bright star.
They released their first single in April 2021 and soon gained recognition with their track “STARCHILD” being featured on a Spotify editorial playlist, amassing over 1.5 million streams and more than 350,000 views on YouTube. In 2023, Cosmodrome embarked on a tour in China and performed at Midi Festival, Nanyang, to over 40,000 people.
In 2024, they were invited by the Chengdu Foreign Affairs Office and the German Consulate in Chengdu to participate in the “Chengdu European Culture Season” series and held their own concert. The band’s activities in China have caught the attention of German media, and German national television is currently producing a documentary about them.
Djang San 张思安
Djang San, originally named Jean-Sebastien Hery, first arrived in Beijing in 2000. He has since become skilled at playing a range of traditional Chinese instruments as well as being able to sing in Mandarin and has released over 60 albums.
His music primarily features the ruan and other traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, guzheng, and dizi, while also incorporating elements from various ethnic minority music, including Mongolian throat singing, Kazakh dombra, Yunnan hulusi, and Uyghur music. His styles range from jazz, electronic, rock and traditional music to experimental and folk.
Having spent many years in China and France, Djang San defines his creative style as a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, aiming to create a completely new musical genre. He seeks to build a bridge between cultures through his music. During this art week, he will also collaborate with French musician Nicolas Mege for a performance.
Sophie De Quay
Sophie de Quay is a pop duo consisting of vocalist Sophie, who was born in the picturesque city of Geneva, Switzerland, by Lake Geneva and the Rhône River. She grew up in Singapore and New York and studied Chinese at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In 2006, she teamed up with multi-instrumentalist and music producer Simon to form Sophie de Quay. The duo has performed nearly 250 shows across 15 countries and regions, including Switzerland, Lebanon, Spain, China, Japan, India, Singapore and the United States.
Sophie de Quay embodies the diverse cultural characteristics of Switzerland while incorporating musical elements from around the world. Their innovative and open modern style presents a unique blend of electronic pop music. In 2023, they toured China at the invitation of the Swiss Embassy, and in 2024, they participated in the “Joyous Spring Festival” in Paris, performing classic Chinese songs in Mandarin.
Peter O
Peter O is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer, and songwriter originally from Scotland. He has been performing music for many years and currently resides in Beijing, where he often performs as a solo artist or with a band. His carefully crafted songs detail the human condition, from the sweet romance of expectation, to the gentle suffering and melancholic mayhem that inhabit our world. These songs are delivered in a range of styles that have at their core the voice of an authentic storyteller.
He also composes music for film projects, art installations, and video game applications. One of his recent projects brought together Irish and Miao musicians for a live performance of his original songs. His latest work is an album titled Companion Ladder, featuring a diverse range of styles from solo performances to multi-instrumental arrangements, and from blues to jazz, all centered around themes of human destiny.
James Holt
James Holt, from Chicago, USA, has won the hearts of local music fans with his unique style of country and folk music. His work is filled with a love for and dedication to American traditional culture, reflecting his deep connection to the land.
The Washington Ship Canal, located in Washington State, is a waterway rich in history and cultural significance. It was once a place where early pioneers toiled, witnessing the development of the American West. Drawing inspiration from this story-laden landscape, James Holt has created many popular songs. His music shares the stories of the Washington Ship Canal and Chicago with the world, allowing more people to appreciate the charm of American country and folk music.
Cold Summer
Born from a shared love for rock music and a thirst for creative expression, Cold Summer emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Colombia, Greece, Australia, Ecuador and Russia, this band of friends united their diverse backgrounds and musical influences to craft a sound that is both familiar and refreshing. From electrifying covers to soul-stirring originals, Cold Summer expects to captivate audiences with their raw energy and unwavering passion for the craft.
Billowing Fairy Tale 波澜壮阔的童话
Billowing Fairytale, also known as 波澜壮阔的童话, was established in Beijing in 2003. With their distinctive melodies, iconic guitar riffs, and rich, elaborate arrangements, they have influenced the aesthetics and development of several generations of young bands. Their journey has taken them from venues like Happy Paradise to Nameless Heights, MAO Livehouse, Jiangjin Jiu, and Yuguang Yishan, and they have performed multiple times at the Midi Music Festival. In recent years, their continuous creation and touring have reshaped young music fans’ perceptions and gradually dismantled their stylistic labels.
DJs
RK
RK began learning the erhu when he was aged five, which has brought him a unique quality and style to his music. While he was studying in the US he regularly did DJ sets at parties and following his return to China began performing as DMC RK in various places around Beijing. His music style is tropical house, hip-hop and funky soul and he loves to build up emotion in his sets to get the audience pumping.
Fury West Horse
With over a decade of experience behind the decks in the West and over five years spinning music in the East, this furious Italian stallion has entertained crowds with groovy tunes, bouncy beats and disco hits all over the country. An ex-club and current vinyl store owner, he is now one of the most active DJs in the capital. Loved by locals and foreigners alike, his versatile and unpredictable revival DISCO & HOUSE sets have defined the post pandemic nightlife in Beijing – and as long as he gallops, this scene will not only stay alive but keep growing from strength to strength.
EI Mar
DJ El-mar, originally from Germany, has been a defining force in Beijing’s nightlife for over two decades. His journey behind the decks began when he was just 15 years old, spinning in nightclubs across Europe. A career milestone came in 1999 when he performed at Berlin’s iconic Love Parade, the world’s largest open-air electronic festival, where he captivated an audience of over 1 million.
Throughout his illustrious career, DJ El-mar has shared the stage with legendary acts like Fatboy Slim and has mesmerized crowds in top venues from Ibiza to the Philippines. With a footprint in over 80 cities across China, making him a true maestro of the electronic music scene.
Dance
Torch 薪火
The Xinhua Dance Company is composed of graduates from top dance institutions in China, including the Beijing Dance Academy and the Central Academy of Drama. They are widely acclaimed for their strong dance foundation, innovative styles, and bold choreography. The company has won numerous awards, including the Lotus Award and the Peach and Plum Cup, and its key members have starred in various dance dramas such as Dongpo, Red Jade Green and Qingyi. They have also represented China in significant events, including The Great Journey and the Beijing Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Siam Smile
The Siam Smile Dance Troupe, based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was established in 2010. They have been invited multiple times by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to participate in cultural exchanges and tourism promotional activities between Thailand and China. They have participated in various cultural events both domestically and internationally – having performed in over 48 countries worldwide – showcasing traditional Thai dance through carefully choreographed performances that highlight the richness of Thai culture and folklore, aiming to pass on local traditions to the next generation.
During Canal Arts Fest they will present a variety of traditional Thai court dances and folk performances, along with fashion shows featuring costumes from the four regions of Thailand and a Muay Thai demonstration.
You can check out the full schedule for the fest below:
The 2024 Beijing International Canal Arts Fest will be taking place at Funstown, Oct 2-4, from 11am until 9pm each day. The fest is free to attend; you just need to register in advance by scanning the QR code in the poster above.
XIDIANJIYI FunsTown西店记忆funstown
18a Fangjiacun, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District
朝阳区高碑店乡方家村甲18号
Sponsor: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism
Organizer: Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center, Beijing Chaoyang District Bureau of Culture and Tourism
Special Cooperation: Beijing Time, the Beijinger
Special Thanks: HELLMANN’S
READ: Dive Into the 2024 Beijing International Canal Arts Fest, Oct 2-4
Images: the Beijingers
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