The first big musical event in 2011 is the jazz in winter festival. This has been running for six years now and it’s the perfect way to spend a cold and frosty Sunday night.
Various pubs and cafes and concert halls around town will be hosting host a bunch of different bands; some local, some guests. All the information you need is on this website.
The best bet is to buy your 2,500 yen ticket at Tsutaya. This will get you into all venues, so you can go where the wafting sax and plinking piano take you! The ticket also includes a free glass of something smooth to enjoy with the jazz. Nice.
A guide to a few of the venues…
1. Bee Station
This is where the great windbeat recorded their masterpiece! This live house is very clean, very new and, although somewhat lacking in atmosphere, has a great PA system. The sound of jazz here will probably be better than any other venue. Plus there is plenty of space unlike some of the other joints
Find it down the Harimaya shoutengai. (The wooden one opposite Obiyamachi)
2. Fancy Labo (?) Ring
Despite the strange name, this event space has a lot going for it – size, atmosphere, and well stocked bar and really friendly staff. Cross the road east from Louis Vitton and you’ll see it on your right (4th floor)
3. Pub Lounge TOWN
When not being used as a venue, this little place is a brilliant choice for a bit of alternative karaoke, especially if you are musical. They have a piano, drums and percussion all available for you to use as you sing along to your fave Beatles track… but anyway, back to the Jazz festa. Here is one of our recommended bands, the Eiji-trio playing at town. They will be appearing somwhere this year too, and are well worth a listen! Check out this video.
You’ll find the venue just north of obiyamachi.
See all you smooth hip jazzy types, nodding your heads appreciatively at the bar in one of these locations.
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