As we speak, the three members of Saskatoon rock band Wide Mouth Mason are in China, preparing to begin their first Chinese tour. A Chinese tour is an incredibly rare event for a Canadian rock band (WMM's label, Warner Music Canada, claims that this is the first time that a Canadian rock band has been extended an invitation to tour China and we can't think of an example off the top of our heads to dispute the claim).

Why are Wide Mouth Mason in China? Well, first off, it's pretty frickin' cool. More importantly, however, they have a Chinese release to promote. Warner have put out a Chinese-exclusive WMM Greatest Hits CD, which pulls songs from all four of the band's albums. It also features a previously unreleased cover of... wait for it... Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Damn lucky Chinese!

Once WMM fly home from China next week, they'll do a string of club shows in Toronto. The only other Canadian gig they have lined up at this time is a big New Year's Eve show in their hometown of Saskatoon at the Centennial Auditorium.

Finally, WMM will appear in The Recruit, the latest film starring Al Pacino. In the movie, WMM play themselves, performing "Reconsider," which also happens to be the latest single off of their Rained Out Parade album. Fancy that.