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The music scene in Kunming is still a work in progress, but many big steps have been taken in the last years to lay the foundation for what should eventually be one of the more vibrant music scenes in China. The 'hardware' for a music scene is coming into place as there are a growing number of venues around the city serving as platforms for performers. At the same time, the 'software' is improving as well, with a growing number of Kunming-based bands - and DJs - performing around town. One of those DJs, Jezz aka Jeremy Elrick, is focusing on further developing his own DJ skills - as well as the Kunming club scene – through a regular series of parties he throws with fellow UK DJ Menace. Jezz recently won a YouTube Ten Minute Mix competition for DJs around the world, earning him a spot for one of his mixes on Ministry of Sound Radio. GoKunming sat down with Jezz to find out more about the direction he sees the Kunming club scene heading: GoKunming: Why are you based in China, and more specifically Kunming? Jezz: "I'm based in China in general as it's a chance to get access to nightclubs and experience that I feel I wouldn't have elsewhere. That's not to say I'm out there blagging, just that the system in the West makes it very difficult for a DJ in limbo between the bedroom and nightclub... China is an ideal training ground. Kunming is, at least in my humble opinion, one of the most exciting cities in China. It is relatively small and the scene is still in its infancy but already there are some great people, the vibe is really positive and I see a lot of potential." GK: With regard to the club scene in Kunming, what do you see as the main advantages and challenges? Jezz: "I love the fact that the scene is small, everyone knows each other and there's a very Bohemian feeling about it all. I can go to a party and at the same table there'll be DJs, VJs, Bar managers, MCs, Party Organisers.... all putting their heads together.... and I love being in a certain place in time where I feel like something positive will emerge." "At the same time I feel like despite all the creativity floating around there are often not enough people out and about to enjoy it all. I would say in Kunming at the moment there are only enough partygoers at any given time for one party, which is a shame as the development of a scene requires more options and more people to appreciate those options." GK: What are your current goals with regard to Kunming and China?
"Uprock, for me at least, was a step in the right direction: a club with music as its most important aspect - as opposed to revenue - has always got to be the basis of a scene and that in itself was a development for Kunming. My own personal goals are simply to develop my skills... I have my own sound which has been well received outside of China but unless you are a Top 10 DJ the majority of the time you are playing music to keep the floor moving... and that takes experience." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jezz and Menace will bring another of their 'Innocence' series of parties to Uprock tomorrow, May 10. Joining them will be DJ Jeffery the Wind. Music starts at ten, admission is free. Related articles: Music under the stars at Kunming Outdoor Music Festival Uprock aiming to put Kunming on Asia's club circuit Tags: Jezz, live music, Ministry of Sound, Uprock, YouTube
Friday & Saturday: KIA spring drama at TC/G Nordica TC/G Nordica will host Kunming International Academy's spring drama today and tomorrow. The play, 'The Patchwork Girl of Oz' starts at 7:00 both evenings – a donation of 20 yuan/person is suggested. Friday: English movie and discussion at Chicago Coffee Chicago Coffee will host its weekly English movie and discussion at 7pm. Admission is free with any purchase – call 5389288 for movie details. Friday: Vodka bar opening w/DJ Liu Yan Speakeasy Bar is celebrating the opening of its new Tropicana vodka shot bar upstairs with a party featuring DJ Liu Yan and the People's Rhythm Percussion. Saturday: Jezz & Menace at Uprock On Saturday night DJs Jezz and Menace will bring another of their 'Innocence' series of parties to Uprock. Joining them will be DJ Jeffery the Wind. Music starts at ten, admission is free. Saturday: Polish party at The Hump Bar The Hump Bar will be hosting a Polish party on Saturday night, with the party's organizers encouraging all to "dress like a Polish person". According to a flyer for the party, there will be Polish music, vodka and juice, mad dog shots, real Polish culture and Polish girls. The fun starts at 10:00, admission is free. Tags: Chicago Coffee, DJ Liu Yan, Jezz, Kunming International Academy, Menace, Speakeasy, TC/G Nordica, The Hump Bar, Uprock
'Sounds of the Yunnan Countryside' at Yuansheng Studio Sounds of the Yunnan Countryside returns to Kunming this week - there's performances coming up on 12th, 16th and 23rd April. The program is a collection of traditional music and dance performances by Yi, Bai and Wa performers based at Yuansheng Studio in the Loft/Chuangku art compound at 101 Xiba Lu. Yuansheng's performers have played around Asia, Europe and the US (where they performed at the Kennedy Center) and last year were featured in a piece about Kunming by The New York Times. Tickets for the 8:30 pm performance are 80 yuan. Friday: English Movies & Discussion Chicago Coffee's first movie night takes place this evening - 7pm. Friday: Sunrise Party at The Hump Bar The Hump Bar will be holding an all-night party tonight scheduled to last until sunup on Saturday morning. The 'Hello Sunrise' party will feature the musical stylings of JP and his guitar from 9-11 pm, followed by a foursome of DJs – Jezz, Tantrum, Moon Unit and Menace – playing until the sun comes up. Tequila sunrises will be on special for 12 yuan. Admission to the party is free. Saturday: Hystereo Party at Uprock Uprock will be hosting an electro bash on Saturday night featuring DJ Christian plus As Done by Robots. The free party starts at 10 pm. Tags: DJ Christian, Jezz, Menace, Moon Unit, Tantrum, The Hump Bar, Uprock, Yuansheng Studio This weekend around Kunming there is will be a good mix of events and activities from the opening of the city's newest club to folk and blues concerts, from Swedish art to free golf for women on International Women's Day. Here's a preview of some of the things to do around town this weekend: Friday: Exhibition opening at TC/G Nordica TC/G Nordica will host an opening for Swedish painter Per Johansson beginning at 8 pm. Johansson's exhibition, "Dance of Light" will be on display at Nordica's upstairs gallery from tonight until March 26. Nordica is located within the Loft (创库) art compound at 101 Xiba Lu, near the Baiyao Chang bus stop. Admission is free. Friday: Chinese neo-folk at Yuansheng Studio Chinese neo-folk singer Liu2 (刘2) will bring his guitar and quirky lyrics to Yuansheng Studio also inside the Loft art compound. The performance in Yuansheng's theater begins at 8:30 – tickets are 30 yuan or 15 yuan for students carrying their student ID card. Friday: Uprock Grand Opening Tonight is the grand opening of Kunming's newest – and perhaps most ambitious – club, Uprock. From 10 pm on, the new split-level club will feature the sonic stylings of DJ DSK in the downstairs lounge plus Mr Stokes, recently transplanted from Shanghai, playing upstairs to what may be Kunming's biggest dance floor. Both DJs will be cutting vinyl only. Tsingtaos and gin tonics will be on special for 10 yuan. Admission is free, and the first 50 guests to enter will receive a free Uprock mix CD. Saturday: Women's Day at Moonlight Corner Saturday is International Women's Day, and Moonlight Corner Thai Cuisine, itself owned by three Thai women, has a day of activities and specials for the ladies of Kunming. All women will be entitled to practice their golf swing at Expo Golf Center (located in the same building) from 1-4 pm, with special golf games and prizes. In the evening there will be a party with new set menus and games. Saturday: Women's Day at the Silver Spoon Cafe The Silver Spoon Cafe will also be celebrating Women's Day with 10% off all food and drinks for women. At 6 pm the Silver Spoon will also host a free concert by singer/songwriter Nathan Stokland. Reservations are encouraged for groups. Saturday: Blues band at Yuansheng Studio Saturday night Yuansheng Studio will host another night of music, this time featuring local blues band Fang (坊). Admission for the 8:30 pm show is 20 yuan. Saturday: Uprock All Stars Uprock's opening weekend continues with a nine-DJ party to showcase Kunming's top DJs. DJs Kris, Shonny, Echoo, Jezz, Jiang Nan and Mr Stokes will be playing upstairs with the dance floor while DJs Christian, Menace and DSK will be playing to the downstairs lounge. The free party starts at 10 pm, with Tsingtaos and gin tonics on special for 10 yuan. Admission is free, and the first 50 guests to enter will receive a free Uprock mix CD. Tags: DJ Christian, DJ DSK, DJ Kris, DJ Menace, Echoo, Fang, Jezz, Jiang Nan, Liu2, Moonlight Corner, Mr Stokes, Shonny, Silver Spoon Cafe, TC/G Nordica, Uprock, Women's Day, Yuansheng Studio
Kunming's first – and probably last – snow of the winter is melting away and spring appears to be returning to the 'Spring City'. After a long, subdued holiday with few events around town, things are starting to pick up as students return and the city emerges from its hibernation. Here's a look at some of what's happening around Kunming this weekend: LomoKM exhibition at Halfway House A three-day exhibition and photo contest organized by LomoKM opens today and runs through Sunday night at Halfway House. The exhibition is a celebration of LomoKM's second year of existence featuring hundreds of photos taken according to lomography's "Shoot – don't think" philosophy. 'Scream & Shout' at The Hump Tonight The Hump Bar will feature a night of electronica with DJs Jezz and Christian and special guest DJ Shonny. Vodka and Red Bull will be on special for only 12 yuan, with music and dancing expected to last until the wee hours of the night. Concert: Nathan Stokland at Chicago Coffee Chicago Coffee in the Think UK residential complex off of Jiaoling Lu will be hosting an evening of music by singer/songwriter Nathan Stokland on Saturday night. The free show starts at 7:30 and will feature songs from Stokland's new album "Our November Footsteps". Image: LomoKM Tags: Chicago Coffee, DJ Christian, Halfway House, Jezz, lomography, LomoKM, Nathan Stokland, snow, The Hump Bar |
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