Volume 04, Number 10
Music
Local outdoor music festivals
By Ben Meehan
If, like me, you can't find the time (or energy) to head over to one of the bigger festivals this year, don't despair—there are plenty of outdoor summer music festivals that are a lot more accessible, laid back, good for all the family, and a lot easier on the pocket.
Independence Day celebrations
Jun. 23 (Sat.)
This year at Roppongi's US families Mitsui Compound, the American community will host their annual 4th of July celebrations. A fantastic outdoor event with plenty of live music, you can't go wrong with the minimal ¥1,000 entrance fee, (free for kids under 5 years old) which includes refreshments. For exact line-up please check the Weekender June 15 issue.
Shin-ten-do-chi Open Air Party
Jul. 14 (Sat.) Opens 12pm Starts 6pm
Hitotsumatsu Beach Chosei-village, Chiba Prefecture (south of Kujukuri) A beach party of the dance music variety, ¥500 entry to a packed line-up of domestic talent. DJ`s include: Ryo, Hoshi-s, Masamoto, So, Otake-xx, Taku-Tatanabe, Moyashi, Koichi, Tetsuya.h.c, Kuni, Psycle, Kaneda, Magnum, Akinari, and Matsunami.
Shinagawa European Music Festival
Jul. 21 (Sat.) 2–10pm
The European Music Festival will take place right outside the Dubliners Irish Pub in Shinagawa, next to Shinagawa Station (Konan exit). If the St. Patrick's Day concerts the Dubliners put on are anything to go by, this promises to be an excellent free event. Seven acts featuring music and dance from Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, and England will be showcased from 2pm until 11pm directly outside of the bar. Seating will undoubtedly be limited so get there early!
The Azabu Juban Summer Festival
Aug. 19 (Fri.)–21 (Sun.), 3–8:30pm
Although not essentially a "music festival", a lot of music is featured at this well-known festival. Last year they had a jazz standards band, some acoustic acts, and a very satisfying Bon dancing /disco session on the Saturday night! My advice would be to head to the main square, of course, once you have had your fill of yakitori and yakisoba...
Brent O' Learys Beach Party Aug. 2007
Always a fun event, Brent brings together the best of Tokyo foreign talent to perform at Kamakura Beach for a good cause. All proceeds from the event go to The Christina Noble Children's Foundation. Previous lineups included a live belly dance show, funk band "The Conducters" and "The Beautiful Losers". Date and lineup for this year is yet to be decided, please check: www.brentoleary.com for more updated information.
Piata Music Evening
Aug. 23 (Thurs.) and 24 (Fri.)
If you head to the pedestrian deck plaza at Tamachi Station's West Exit during Obon week, you will find a free live jazz concert. There will also be an outdoor bar, stalls, and free giveaways.