Rockin' in the free(ish) world!

Received this text message today:
Going to a beijing punk rock band show. Should b a unique cultural experience. 9oclock. Interested?

Response:
HELL YES I AM SO IN.

Not being the Chinese-punk-rock type myself, I was stumped as to what one wears to such an event, so I googled it-- what to wear punk rock china. I was pretty sure that searching for this on the internet was very unpunk, but so is wearing a sweater vest and pumps. I figured it wouldn't hurt to do a little research. Shockingly enough, it turns out that I do not own the appropriate attire (steel-toed boots, pants with "lots of pockets," Nirvana t shirt), though my outfit didn't really matter, after all. The idea that I might attempt to blend in anywhere in China is kind of hilarious. Punk music has been pretty underground during the past 20 years in China, but there's a definite following, although not so much in a city like Jinan, which is relatively quite traditional. Consequently, not too many girls with fishnets on their arms... I must say I was a bit disappointed over the lack of punk attire, but what can you do.

We arrived at the Bandjo Bar a little before 10, and Brain Failure was already performing. They weren't bad! Definitely fun, and though there was moshing and a bit of body surfing, I was more a voyeur than anything else. I tried to capture the moment, but it doesn't translate very well into still life. Those crazy Chinese!

small but very devoted crowd

The highlight of the evening was clearly this photo, when Brad and I got our picture taken with the lead singer. Apparently the band is kind of famous, as far as Chinese punk rock goes...

Me, my first CelebrAsian, Brad
ps We all look normal in real life. Not so much here.
pps Helloooo, Facebook!

ROCK ON!