"Searchlights of Voice" is a new label founded by members of existing labels D.O.G. and Drunkard. To kick off their founding, they have arranged a big two-day opening shindig at School – night one goes indie as the ever-popular Mr. Graceless, rock 'n' roll stars from Taiyuan, Three Kings, indie-pop poets out of Zhengzhou, Limi, ambient pop artist Jeaqi, and Ming Xu make some noise.

RMB 100

Prajnasonic – the Beijing-based electronic label kickstarted by four of the scene's more intriguing electronic artists with an affinity for cold, intricate beats – showcase their sublabel Atmos which gives its members and other musicians a chance to shake loose and burrow into new territory and genres. For the occasion, they've invited Dalian ambient artist Ruining and Jinan producer EASYEAST, two acts who released some truly stellar work last year. Rounding out the bill is Re-TROS drummer and producer Huang Jin and 777.

RMB 80

Omni Space's 'Xian' series hits its 15th installment, shining a spotlight on some of the scene's hardest working bands, including the white-collar upbeat folk rockers Laoban and The Alcoholic who'll bring their bubbly brand of urban folk to Omni Space alongside Lhasa, Tibet new age electro funk singer-songwriter Tenzin Dolkar whose alternative pop music has garnered attention. Plus, indie rock groovers (with a dab of trip-hop through in for good measure) Star 69.

FREE

Wudaokou's 13 Club kicks off the new school semester with a brutally good lineup featuring the metal and hardcore scenes' most brutal acts – including post-emocore outfit Life Awaits (who'll be dropping their long-awaited sophomore album soon), as well as heavy metal veterans SAW, hardcore acrobatics Laisee, aggressive death metal act Evil Thorn, and more. Expect mosh-pits galore at this one.

RMB 130

After a hiatus, Su returns to the stage with a vengeance and plenty on his mind – the deep and rustic-voiced singer is known for blending impromptu instrumental and world music – taking the best of Eastern and Western musical concepts, using guitars, vocals, flute, cello accompaniment, and Indian musical instruments to create a unique experience for all. Support from multi-instrumentalist String AKA Xian.

RMB 150

From his beginnings as one of Chicago's most thrilling young trumpeters, to his current status as an internationally renowned musician, composer, and bandleader, Marquis Hill has worked tirelessly to break down the barriers that divide musical genres from contemporary and classic jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, to neo-soul. He brings his latest album, Modern Flows Vol. II, with its seamless blend of jazz interplay, hip-hop-infused rhythms and socially conscious spoken-word to Blue Note. Read our recent interview with the renegade jazz artist here.

RMB 160-360

Wait, rewind. The Grammy-nominated UK pop star Craig David has canceled his Beijing and Shanghai gigs on account of visa issues. With 15 million albums sold worldwide, and his recent album The Time Is Now rising through the ranks, the artist is sure to have a decent following in China. Unfortunately, they'll need to wait for another chance to see him live.

Wacken Open Air has a kind of mythic stature among metal festivals around the world, and each year Chinese bands battle it out to gain a spot at the prestigious German festival – and what a battle we've got this year, as long-standing veteran black metal band Ritual Day face off against thrash renegades Ancestor, seasoned Mongolian heavy metal troupe Dream Spirit, and many more this epic evening in Wukesong.

RMB 180

Founded in 2003 by vocalist Mao and bassist Aki, SID (シド) are a juggernaut visual kei band that's not afraid to mix up their brand of bombast pop with hard rock kicks and dynamic instrumentation. They were named Top Pop Artist from Billboard Japan Music Awards in 2010, and have toured all over the US and Asia. They swing through Beijing as part of their 15th year anniversary.

RMB 580

Relax a bit this Sunday with classic jazz tunes by the Dimitry Strelianny trio featuring trombone player Terence Hsieh.

FREE