Culture

Festival of fun for city's island

By Han Bingbin (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-25 08:49

More music concerts are moving out of stadiums and arenas nowadays to an environment that's friendly, not just to the ears, but also the eyes, nose and even mouth.

The upcoming festival Beijing Wave is ready to wash over local fans with its enchanting natural location.

Amid the Yongding River, Jinglang Island is, as the locals say, a treasure ball in the mouth of a wandering dragon. The organizer of the festival says aside from enjoying the music visitors will be able to stroll in the fresh air along the paths through the forests and watch egrets flash across the water.

Beijing rock band Carsick Cars are ready to take the stage at the Jinglang festival with a mixture of English and Chinese songs.

 

But first and foremost, there's quality music on offer. Music giants and pioneering singers from both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, including Xu Wei, Crowd Lu, Europa Huang, Zeng Yan and Carsick Cars, will perform during the three-day festival, offering listeners a feast of both rock and folk.

"I've seen pictures of the island and it is a very strange and funny place," said Zhang Shouwang, the lead singer of Carsick Cars, who is looking forward to the forthcoming event. "If the weather permits, it should be a pleasant experience."

With lots of experience performing at foreign music festivals, Zhang said that domestic music festivals still lag behind in acoustics techniques and stage design. But local festivals still remain attractive to him as, "local organizers and audiences have more passion toward rock music".

The band, known for their self-composed songs in English, will perform favorites from previous albums as well as new songs from the upcoming release.

Other singers, too, will debut songs. Newly-emerged singer and songwriter, Zeng Yan, is planning to perform all eight songs from her non-released debut album, which festival-goers will be able to buy at the festival before it hits the shelves.

Zeng, whose parents used to run a herb business, is less curious about singing in the arms of nature.

"My parents often took me to the mountains and woods when they were collecting herbs," Zeng said. "I often sang there."

Zeng said singing in the woods is a fantastic experience, but this time it'll be even more attractive as she will have a large audience listening to her sing.

Apart from the fun of performing, both Zhang and Zeng are interested in the festival as fans.

"I have been a fan of Xu Wei since I was a child," said Zhang. "I will go to listen to him sing."

Zeng's voice lit up when she knew she would have a chance to hear Xu sing.

Both singers have also expressed their will to exchange ideas with other singers, Taiwan singers especially.

"My company has already arranged me an appointment with Europa Huang," Zeng said. "It's a studying process."

Approximately 10 artists from Taiwan will join the show. Among them, the most anticipated is Crowd Lu, who was crowned the best new singer at the 2009 Taiwan Golden Melody Awards.

Lu will be accompanied by Taiwan folk singer Europa Huang, who also works as a therapist. He has been well received in both Taiwan and the Chinese mainland for his warm and crisp melodies. His songs, often depicting the country life in Taiwan, often convey a sense of quietness.

The festival will also feature well-known Taiwan cuisine offering the snacks of a common Taiwan night market.

So, after feasting their ears, eyes and noses, music fans will finally have a chance to feast with their mouths.

China Daily

Zeng Yan will perform songs from her album I Am Singing a Dream (not yet released) at this year's Jinglang music festival, which will be held in Mentougou district at the end of August. Photos provided to China Daily

(China Daily 08/25/2010)