September 04, 2008

By By Berwin Song, Beijing

Beijing-based independent rock label Modern Sky will hold its second annual Modern Sky Festival on Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Beijing's Haidian Park -- China's first outdoor concert event since security concerns around the Beijing Olympics led to several being postponed or cancelled (Billboard.biz, May 30).

A statement posted on the label's website reads: "the Modern Sky Festival will return on time for the 'Shi-Yi (Oct.1, National Day)' holiday."

Performances will be held on two band stages and one DJ stage, but the artist line-up has yet to be announced. Although the label claims it had considered Lou Reed, Blonde Redhead, and Bright Eyes as possible headliners, the online statement says it has "cancelled" those plans.

While Modern Sky CEO Shen Lihui said in the statement that it was "regrettable" that the international performers could not be invited, he added: "for the young Modern Sky Festival, the important thing is its annual continuation and growth." No reason has been give for the decision not to invite overseas performers.

Last year's inaugural festival was designed to celebrate the label's 10th anniversary. It was also held at Haidian Park over three days around the October 1 National Day holiday.

The line-up featured more than 120 Chinese bands on four stages, with New York City-based Yeah Yeah Yeahs headlining. The label reported that over 50,000 people attended.

It appears the Modern Sky Festival will effectively serve as this year's replacement for the Midi Music Festival, the longest-running outdoor pop/rock music event on China's festival calendar. As previously reported, this year's Midi Festival was cancelled in May due to security concerns around the Beijing Olympic Games. No rescheduled date has been announced.

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