It began because the bar was too far. A couple of local bands had booked Shanghai’s Live Bar for a gig, but knew few people were inclined to make the 40-minute trek to the venue. Besides, rock shows weren’t bringing them in by the droves anyway. A special draw was needed to promote live music in Shanghai.

So these bands rented a couple of buses, bought a few cases of Shanghai’s cheapest, strongest REEB beer (REEB, which is "beer" spelled backwards), and billed the night as a REEB-fueled rock-and-road adventure spanning multiple bars and bands. And lo, they christened the concert "Get in the Van".

Now we’re up to the third Get in the Van event; the buses are no longer necessary because the venues are centrally located, but people really dug the bus ride and free beer, so the event lives on and gathers steam. This time, local Shanghai bands The Dropkicks, The Rogue Transmission and Boys Climbing Ropes support Beijing favorites 24 Hours and Gar.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are five of China’s hardest-working bands.

The Dropkicks
The Rogue Transmission MySpace
Boys Climbing Ropes MySpace
24 Hours MySpace
The Gar MySpace China