Yugong Yishan has torn down the velvet curtains and generally roughed up the premises that used to house the short-lived Rui Fu and is set to open in its new digs with a bang on September 22. Details of who will be performing at the opening bash are still TBA, but what we do know is that Abigail Washburn of Sparrow Quartet fame will be plucking on her banjo there on Saturday September 29. Washburn will be joined by local musicians for a jam session similar to Sparrow Quartet's collaboration with Hanggai that Danwei TV recorded during their tour of China at the end of last year.

Abigail Washburn plays a mean clawhammer banjo and sings haunting bluegrass tunes in both English and Chinese. She has toured China several times after turning down an offer to study law at Beida in order to pursue a career in music. Her performance with the Sparrow Quartet at The Star Live in November 2006 was one of the most memorable gigs of the year. You can take a listen to some of her soulful songs at her MySpace page.

The New Yugong Yishan
Location: 3 Zhang Zizhong Lu, (next to the former Duan Qirui government building, about half way between Lotus Lane and Dongsishitiao), Dongcheng District.