Every Thursday, the Beijing Weekender distills City Weekend's database of nightlife events down to the weekend parties, concerts and live shows that you simply can't miss.

FRIDAY

If you haven't heard about it enough already, here's your final reminder: Simple Plan is in town, and they're playing at Yugong Yishan this Friday. Tickets for this intimate gig haven't yet sold out, so rock up early and get them at the door. For something a little less intense on the first Friday of the new year, check out up-and-coming Mongolian band A Jinai at Dos Kolegas. They signed to Modern Sky earlier this year and are a good bet for entertainment. And I hope all you party-goers are rested up from New Year's, because Morse is back in town at Haze, where local DJs Mickey Zhang and Dio will host another awesome night of electronic dance music so you can dance the night away.

SATURDAY

The buzz has been growing steadily for The Underground Rebel Bingo Club, so much so that I'm not sure it really counts as underground anymore. They've told us to expect the unexpected, so I guess there won't be that much bingo going on... Whatever happens, it's sure to be an interesting night. Then there's the Kickeyes Masquerade Ball at Lantern, where they're unveiling the new styles of Kickeyes "shades". If you don't know what Kickeyes is, they're those funky felt frames from Nono Muaks all the cool kids are wearing. You get a free pair on entry, so don't worry about bringing your own. And if you're up for a little rock 'n' roll, and maybe one last trip out to D-22, check out my new favorite band, Residence A. They're taking the stage with CAssette and Youxi.

SUNDAY

I'm really intrigued by the show at Yugong Yishan this Sunday, entitled The New Gang of Four. They're got three male performers, all of who are veterans of the Chinese pop music scene, and they'll have a secret special guest for female vocals. I find it interesting that they'd theme the show after one of the most notorious groups of the Cultural Revolution, especially for what will probably be a fairly low-key pop-rock show.