 February 20 Yoshid Brothers Release "Hishou" |
 The Yoshida Brothers are something of an anomaly. Rock stars with classical roots, their music showcases the place where tradition meets youthful irreverence. Their sound is at once rooted firmly in the ancestral sounds of northern Japan, while infused with the energy of contemporary interpretation.
”Hishou,” released February 20 on Domo records, continues the exploration of marrying new phrasings to traditional sounds. The result is at once sentimental and respectful of the past, while also forging a sonic bridge to the future.
Having explored rock and world music themes in previous releases, this album marks a return to basics for the brothers, highlighting their commitment to and reverence for the historic art of Tsugaru-Shamisen. Available in stores or online through Domo Records.
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| March 9 June Kuramoto at Norris Pavilion |
Asia America Symphony Association will present another “East meets West” experience with legendary Koto virtuoso June Kuramoto, founding member of the superstar jazz group, Hiroshima. The program also features the David Benoit Trio. Kuramoto will perform at Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates on Friday, March 9 at 8:00pm. Norris Pavilion is at 501 Indian Peak Road. Tickets are $35 General, $50 Preferred. For more information please call (310) 377-8977, or visit asiaamericasymphony.org.
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| March 10 Green Milk From The Planet Orange at The Smell |
On Saturday, March 10 at 7:00 pm, Green Milk From The Planet Orange will perform at The Smell in Downtown Los Angeles. at Also on the bill are Yip/Yip, Akimbo, and Radical Posture. Green Milk from the Planet Orange are a trio of guys straight out of Tokyo who claim to be the “new wave of progressive rock.” Influenced by American classic rock bands like the Doors, Black Sabbath, and Jefferson Airplane, Green Milk has toured the US before, and has recorded two CD’s for US release. The Smell is at 247 South Main Street. Tickets are $8
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| March 11 Naoko Takada Live in Cerritos |
 Marimbist Naoko Takada will perform at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. The Tokyo-born artist is a "First Prize" recipient in the Young Concert Artist International Audition and the winner of the "Beracasa Foundation Prize." She first appeared as a soloist with the Tokyo Symphony and the Tokyo Chamber Orchestra at the age of 11, and has since appeared with the Houston Symphony, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, and the China National Symphony Orchestra. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is at 12700 Center Court Drive in Cerritos. For more information, please call (562) 916-8501 or visit cerritoscenter.com. $22.50 General, $15 Students/Teachers/Seniors.
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| April 7 Taiko Project in Concert |
Fresh off their recent victory in the Tokyo International Taiko Contest, TAIKOPROJECT is set to perform at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo on Sunday, April 7 at 8:00 p.m. TAIKOPROJECT was founded in 2000 in Los Angeles and was conceived by Bryan Yamami with the idea of bringing together the best young taiko players in North America to create a theatrical show celebrating American taiko. That show, “TAIKOPROJECT: (re)generation,” blends taiko with storytelling, spoken word, music, hip hop choreography, video multi-media, and dance. For information visit: taikoproject.com. $35 orchestra, $30 balcony, $20 Students and children under 15.
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| Apriil 26 Keiko Matsu Live at Vault 350 |
 Award-winning pianist and innovative composer Keiko Matsui, who deftly combines Asian and Western styles, is set to play at 94.7 the WAVE's Live Jazz Thursdays at Vault 350 in Long Beach on April 26.
Doors will open at 6 pm and the Tokyo native will play one show and two sets - 8pm & 10:30pm. A multi-level nightclub, Vault 350 offers excellent amenities, service, and fine food. Live Jazz Thursday’s is the destination for good fun and great music.
Advanced Price: $25.00; Mezzanine Price: $25.00. Vault 350 is at 350 Pine Avenue. Call (562) 590-5566. |
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