Great Lake Swimmers' First Show in China 'Amazing': Road Report

Toronto's Great Lake Swimmers have been making waves in their homeland for years with their melodic folk-rock sound -- their 2009 album 'Lost Channels' was shortlisted for Canada's prestigious Polaris Prize. But how will their music be received by an audience worlds away? Frontman Tony Dekker and his bandmates are finding out as they embark on their first tour of China. Tony's blogging all about their experiences exclusively for Spinner. In this first installment, the band are introduced to vodka and banquets, Chinese-style, and play their first show in Beijing.

Wednesday Jan. 6, 2010 - 2:30pm

We are just about to land in Beijing after nearly a 14 hour flight. We flew north from our connection in Newark, to within 100 kilometres of the North Pole. The flight has been made somewhat more comfortable by watching 'Back to the Future,' 'The Shining,' the 30 Rock Christmas special and several episodes of 'This American Life' with Ira Glass on the in-flight entertainment.

I have no idea what to expect when we land, and further, what an audience in China would want to do with a humble folk band from Canada, but I'm wearily excited to find out.


Thursday Jan. 7, 2010 - 10:55am

Our arrival in Beijing last night was met with a monolithic banquet arranged by our host, Al Di. Despite nearly falling asleep at the table from extreme jet lag, we kicked things off right, with several toasts involving a particular Chinese vodka. Amazing.

After a little walk around the neighbourhood where we are staying, this morning we are on our way to see the Great Wall. We've been here for less than 24 hours and already everything is really awesome. Our first show tonight in Beijing is in an historic Chinese government building. Sounds right up our alley.

Friday Jan. 8, 2010 - 3:30pm

Our show last night in Beijing was amazing. The warmth of our first Chinese audience inside the hall was a perfect contrast to the bone-chilling weather outside. We met up with a lot of Canadian and American expatriates too, which was somewhat unexpected but wholly welcomed. I broke a guitar string during the set, which is unusual and a bit of a drag, but fixed it quickly amidst cheers from the audience and an impromptu Grateful Dead-esque jam-out (also unusual, but a pretty great moment).

We've just now arrived in Chengdu, a city known for, among other things, the reproduction of the Panda Bear. And, by all accounts, the food. I can't get over how wonderful the food is here. Each new meal tops the previous one, and being vegetarian, I'm blown away by the variety and quality of the dishes here. Tonight we're playing at a place called Little Bar, and I understand it's been crucial and formative for Chinese rock bands here. I'm excited to check it out.