草莓音乐节::Strawberry Music Festival in Beijing

Strawberry Music Festival ‘09

Here in Beijing, independent record label Modern Sky has filled in the outdoor festival gap via their first annual Strawberry Music Festival, which will run from May 1-3 in Tongzhou Canal Park, about 12 miles east of CBD.

“The Strawberry Festival promises to be three days of music, clean air (hopefully) and unexpected love,” said Modern Sky Founder Shen Lihui in an email message. “It will be a great springtime event.”

Headlining acts include experimental indie American hipsters Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu, as well as about 60 additional artists spread across three stages, with a heavy emphasis on the indie rock side of the sonic spectrum.

Local heavyweights Brain Failure, Hedgehog, Casino Demon and Re-TROS, among others, will perform at the eco-friendly festival, as well as an all-star lineup of local electronic-flavored acts, including LIman, Sulumi, Dead J and Pet Conspiracy.

The festival, spread across 1,000,000 square meters, is slated to become an annual spring event along with the Modern Sky Music Festival, which is scheduled, god willing, to take place each October.

Full schedule: The full lineup, sans exact performance times, can be viewed here.

WHEN: May 1 to 3
WHERE: Tongzhou Canal Park
TICKETS: Three day passes for the event are limited to 3,000 and will go for 180 RMB (available until Apr 27). Daily entry: 80 RMB. Comprehensive information can be found here.
FOR PEOPLE WHO: Enjoy a festival atmosphere, dig sunshine, smiles and appreciate independent music and youth culture.

DIRECTIONS:

Bus: Routes 322, 342, 728, 938 to Fourth Ring Road, 938 9 Road, Dongguan Bridge bus station; from Subway Line 1, exit at Sihui. Transfer to 322 at Dongguan Bridge Station; from Guomao (Line 1) to 938 Dongguan Bridge Station.