The Honorable Sir Kipp Whittaker will be back in charge of this column next week, but for now:

Don’t miss Toe tonight (Sep 4). The Japanese instrumentalists play Yugong Yishan from 9pm. We grabbed a word with them in the run-up to the show. You can read that here

Kenny G is back – again! The permed purveyor of closing time compositions toots at Beijing Exhibition Theater from 8pm tomorrow night (Sep 5)

Montreeal-based up and comers Blue Hawaii play Dada tomorrow night (Sep 5). Get your fix of trip-hop from 10pm.

Two of the biggest names in the Beijing band spectrum get it on this weekend (not in any aggressive manner, of course): Subs officially release their new album with a special performance at Yugong Yishan on Saturday night (Sep 6). It could be one of the last chances to see them in the flesh for a while as they prepare for a US tour later this year.

On Sunday night (Sep 7), Nova Heart bring their signature flavor of electronica out to Yugong Yishan where they’ll be rolling out the first single from their forthcoming album. They’ll be joined by Australian tour buddies The Cairos.

Troubador Jim Kroft has begun his period of residency at Jianghu. His next performance is on Saturday night (Sep 6) and he’ll wrap things up with performances on Sunday and Monday (Sep 7, 8). Stop by and catch him. Go here to read the interview that we got with the singer-songwriter before he started his term in the city.

Finally, tomorrow (Sep 5) marks the start of the ten-day music and art extravaganza that is the Beijing Sonic Electronic Music & Art Festival. You can look forward to a week and a half of live DJ sets, live music performances and art exhibitions over at Dangdai Moma. Go here for more information.

Today is Beyonce’s birthday. What better reason?

Enjoy the extra long weekend. Here‘s a list of some jolly good music events going on around town.

Photo: Kai ‘Oswald’ Seidler (Flickr)