Gigs to watch out for in January

Christmas is over, and like many others, Shanghaiist is still nursing a hangover from all the holiday cheer received on our trip back home. Lucky for us, we came back at a perfect time, with many exciting gigs coming up in January. Here is a look at the shows we don't plan on missing out on......

January 3rd - The Queers at Yuyintang

Rarely does a reputable punk band of this calibre make its way to Shanghai. Recently celebrating their 25th anniversary, the Queers have nearly a dozen albums under their belts and have co-headlined tours with the likes of NOFX and the Screaching Weasels. Playing what is described as 'Ramones meets Beach Boys' the Queers show will be a sure fired way to forget the cold winter outside.

Jan. 8th -10th - Jue Festival (DJ sets) at various venues

Suspiciously quiet for most of 2008, those wonderful promoters over at Split Works are looking to start 2009 with a bang. And what a bang it is. Three nights of impressive DJ lineups at various venues around town. Check out their webpage, www.juefestival.com, for a complete list of shows. We recommend checking out South Rakkas Crew and we are ENFANT TERRIBLE.

Jan 11th - DOA w/ Demerit at Yuyintang

Instead of taking our word on why you shouldn't miss DOA, you should heed that of Henry Rollins and David Grohl. Both of who are on record describing how huge DOA was to the forming of the Hardcore scene in the late 70s and early 80s. Hell, this is a band that had the likes of Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys opening for them back in the day. Touring with them are one of China's best hardcore bands, Demerit, and one Shanghai's favorite indie rockers....Boys Climbing Ropes.

Jan 16th-17th - Jue Festival - Ourself Besides Me, Carsick Cars, Demerit and more at Zhi Jiang Dream Factory

Teaming up with Maybe Mars Records, Split brings us two nights of great bands. Jan 16th, Demerit is back in town fresh off their tour with DOA to show Shanghai how hardcore is done. While on Jan 17th an impressive lineup of Ourself Besides Me, Carsick Cars, Snapline and AV Okubo will take the stage.

DISCLOSURE: This writer is the organizer for the 3 Jan show of The Queers and the 11 Jan show of DOA w/Demerit

Video of the Queers