Just east of the Drum and Bell towers, due north of Tiananmen Square, a new club is reaching out to Beijing music lovers far and wide. Offering a spectrum of options to suit a broad palate of listening taste, Mao Livehouse officially opened its doors at the beginning of March. In just its first month of operation, the lineup schedule boasts eclectic talent that ranges from jazz bands, DJs, to local celebrity rock and punk bands.

Mao promises music for the people, by the people. The club is run by a well-groomed team of management and investors. The sponsorship of a Japanese record label and speaker company is combined with the experience of local producers and musicians.

Mao's construction and design evokes a serious sensibility in terms of music appreciation. Its discretely painted black facade might be easy to miss if you're not looking for it. The sound-proof interior is industrial-chic and minimalist. Exposed piping, an iron-rail staircase, and a brightly painted mural on one of its concrete walls are just about the only items of decor. The raw environment allows little distraction from its sole purpose as a music venue.

After a quick walk through the floor plan, it's not hard to imagine its use as a movie theater in the past. The main stage and performance area resembles the shape of an auditorium, without the seating arrangements. An ascending step partitions the floor and continues on an incline to the back wall. The pitted dance floor provides easy access to the stage as well as a fair amount of movement area. Still, expect an intimate crowd flowing through the 400 square-meters of standing-room-only space.

An intimate loft and lounge is tucked into a separate corridor. Retro-flavored upholstered furniture and low-rise coffee tables efficiently fill in the nook. The bar presentation is humble, with equally priced drinks to match (20 RMB basic cocktails, 15 RMB Tsingtao beer). But obviously, this isn't the place for drinking fancy liqueurs or curling up in plush sofas. Much like its patrons, Mao is strictly there for the music.

Mao Livehouse
Address:111 Guloudong Dajie, Dongcheng District.
Tel:6402-5080.