("Get Up Stand Up " by Shaggy)
C:Union / 喜窝
C:Union，Let Loose in Music
If you are a sports fan and bar lover, it's unlikely that you have never been to the Paddy Field or Elephant and Castle. If you are a music fan who likes to hangout, then you are out of touch, if you haven't been to C:Union.
Music Magnet Hidden in the Shade
Located and hidden in a tranquil corner on Shuiyin Rd in the busy Tianhe District, a few minutes' walk away from Guangdong Dance School and Guangdong Modern Dance Company, C:Union presents its musical banquet every night quietly and secretly. Low-profile doesn't mean few customers. On the contrary, by word of mouth C:Union has become a symbol of good music and a relaxed atmosphere amongst a wide circle of people. The boss, Xiaodao, of the Dai minority nationality in remote Yunnan province, is a musician himself, so he really knows the magic and power of rhythm, of which C:Union has become a magnet luring customers from all walks of life. As Xiao Dao explained, the name says what the place all about, "C for C note, C:Union just expresses our wish to bring people together with music."
It's not easy to find the plain bar without some guidance. It lies in the thick shade of trees and at the back of Tianyi Plaza. It's like searching for some mysterious house, and the entrance of the bar is so simple, even a little bit shabby, and can easily be overlooked. Nevertheless, the glass door divides two worlds. Once you get into it, the reggae music floating in the air, and the lazy, laid back atmosphere immediately has you seated and feeling reluctant to move. "The rhythm of reggae music is similar to the rhythm of heart beats. No wonder the place is naturally relaxing," a regular at the bar told me.
Simple Living Room Delivers an Easy Lifestyle
C:Union is a little bit different from other bars or clubs downtown. There are almost no decorations on the walls except for several paintings by local artists, and photos of parties. The ventilation pipe on the ceiling is exposed; there are no luxury sofas, no delicate ornaments and even no menu. All the food offerings are on a blackboard behind the bar, but who cares about such trivia with such a marvelous live band performance and a relaxed bunch of people all around. This is not a place for business or partner hunting, but for following the notes flowing from the strings, keys and voices, swinging you body or just closing your eyes and enjoying the free and comfortable life-style of the moment. Xiao Dao told us: "The bar is like the living room of my home. I would like to invite people to share this easy and simple life-style."
Foreign Bands Light up The Bar
People choose C:Union, at the same time, C:Union chooses its people. Many bands set up by foreigners living in Guangzhou are attracted to the bar. "Many foreign bands ask to perform in our bar. It is said that once having performed in C:Union, the fees of a band will soar," Xiao Dao smiled. "Any specific requirements for the bands?" "Well, no, but you must get through the audition," the experienced boss said.
During our interview, a Brazilian band's expressive performance lit up the bar. People couldn't help singing and dancing along with the singer. The performances are not like serious concerts, but rather family get-togethers, with fun and intimacy.
"I really love the atmosphere mixing Chinese and Western styles here," a French regular told me. Someone even loved the place so much that they decided to stay and work. Antoine, who came to Guangzhou four years ago, turned himself from a customer to an employee for the bar due to his love for it. "The music here is the best," he said with pride.
Beyond the Music
Other than the periodic shows presented by bands from home and abroad, you can also find table football and darts. The drinks here are all at a reasonable price, with cocktails at RMB 30 yuan/glass and Newcastle Brown, Erdinger and Beamish RMB 40 yuan/glass.
After staying in Guangzhou for almost 20 years, Xiaodao owns C:Union and another bar in Shenzhen. He said he'll keep on building his "living rooms" in more cities and share his life and opinions with friends.
Luckily, Guangzhou has his first "living room". Not everyone can afford and lead Xiao Dao's lifestyle. However, whenever you would like to slow down and get loose, C:Union is always there waiting for you.
More about C: Union at www.cunionbar.com
(Writer: Helena Zhang, Alan Devey; Photographer: Lu Kaisheng)
*Helena dedicates the special to SL with much affection and hereon says goodbye to Life of Guangzhou.*
