Kensuke Shoji at Barbès
Kensuke Shoji
Monday, October 21 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Barbès – 376 9th Street (at 6th Avenue), Brooklyn
Suggested Donation: $20
South Slope, Brooklyn, bar and performance space Barbès presents Gifu native Kensuke Shoji. Shoji is a jazz violinist and bluegrass fiddler who joined his father's bluegrass band as a teenager. As a young adult he moved to the U.S. to study jazz violin with Matt Glaser and Christian Howes.
Kensuke Shoji
Dedicated to improvisation, Shoji moved to New York City in 2013 to play with Alex Hargreaves, Barry Harris, Jacob Jolliff, Maria Muldaur, and more. He leads a band every Sunday evening at Sunny's Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and works as a sideman on the road with groups such as Deadgrass and others. Visit Shoji’s website to learn more.
Barbès suggests a donation of $20. Donations are accepted in person on the day of the show or on Barbès’s website.
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JAPANESE JAZZ TRUMPETER TO PERFORM AT JOE’S PUB
Shunzo Ohno: EVOLUTION
Friday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)
Admission: $36
Celebrating 50 years in New York and his groundbreaking First Prize International Songwriting Competition Award for the iconic composition "Musashi," Shunzo Ohno brings Metamorphosis, the energetic ensemble and always riveting performance to Joe's Pub.
Making history as the first jazz composer to win this prestigious award and the first Japanese-born musician to achieve such recognition, Ohno’s celebration at Joe's Pub will be a multicultural experience, with his unique jazz and classical instrumentation. Hailing from Japan, Ohno made his mark in NYC over the last 50 years, touring with legendary masters Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Gil Evans, and more. His life story of overcoming challenges and his thrilling live performances have attracted fans of all ages.
Don't miss Grammy Award-winning artist Shunzo Ohno's fearless performance, inspiring compositions, and the Lotus Chamber Music Collective, part of his dynamic Metamorphosis Ensemble, as they return to Joe's Pub with a sonic experience evoking hope and resilience. There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person. To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website.
Featuring
Shunzo Ohno — Trumpet
Jerome Jennings — Drums
Quintin Zoto — Guitar
Noah Rott — Piano / Keys
Jeremiah Edwards — Bass
Sasha Ono — Cello
Emily Garrison — Violin
Katherine Kyu Hyeon Lim — Violin
Molly Goldman — Viola
With cinematic rhythms and inspiring melodies, Ohno captivates audiences worldwide. In his pursuit of global harmony through music, Ohno declares, "We are all Dreamers, and together, we triumph."
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Tokyo to New York at Bargemusic
Bargemusic: Here and Now Series presents THOMAS PIERCY - TOKYO TO NEW YORK 東京とNY
Friday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Bargemusic – 1 Water Street, Brooklyn (GPS address)
Admission: $35
Bargemusic’s Here and Now Series presents music with Thomas Piercy, clarinet and ohichiriki; Aaron Wolff, cello; and Marina Iwao, piano. Three of the works are world premieres composed for Thomas Piercy by composers Miho Sasaki, Michael Schelle, and Emilio Teubal, and a composition by Dai Fujikura will have its New York premiere. Rounding out the program will be a masterpiece from 1992 from Pulitzer Prize-winner Tania Leon.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Tonada Productions or Bargemusic.
Program
Dai Fujikura “Hop” for clarinet, cello, and piano (2019) (US Premiere)
Tania Leon “Arenas d’un tiempo” for clarinet, cello, and piano (1992)
Miho Sasaki “黎明-reimei-Dawn” for ohichiriki, cello, and piano (2023) (World Premiere)
Michael Schelle “Kingfish Levinsky” for clarinet, cello, and piano (2023) (World Premiere)
Emilio Teubal “The Offspring of MMXX” for clarinet, cello, and piano (2023) (World Premiere)
AKIKO YANO AT JOE’S PUB
Akiko Yano | ©Sony Music Artists
Akiko Yano Trio feat. Will Lee and Chris Parker
Sunday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)
Admission: $35
A resident of New York City, Japan's beloved pianist/composer/singer-songwriter Akiko Yano will perform at Joe’s Pub for the first time in four years. Joining her onstage will be Will Lee (The Fab Faux, The Brecker Brothers, The World’s Most Dangerous Band) and Chris Parker (Stuff, The Brecker Brothers).
To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website. There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person.
Akiko Yano | ©Sony Music Artists
About Akiko Yano
Since her debut album, Japanese Girl (1976), which was recorded in LA with Little Feat, Akiko Yano has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians, including Yellow Magic Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, The Chieftains, Toninho Horta, Marc Ribot, and many more. She spent years recording and touring as a trio with Anthony Jackson on bass and Cliff Almond on drums. Her duets with the late electronica artist Rei Harakami and pianist Hiromi showcased her genre-free, creative, and pleasantly adventurous musical artistry. Yano’s latest duo project is with Tsugaru Shamisen virtuoso Hiromitsu Agatsuma.
She has released 27 original albums, three on Nonesuch Records: AKIKO YANO, LOVE LIFE, and PIANO NIGHTLY. T Bone Burnett produced her 27th original album, akiko, in 2008. In March of this year, Yano released I Want to See You So Badly, a collaboration with Soichi Noguchi, the sixth Japanese astronaut to journey into space.
Yano has also composed music for and lent her voice to several films created by Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli.
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SHUNZO OHNO AT JOE’S PUB
Shunzo Ohno: Incite/Insight
Sunday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Joe's Pub at The Public Theater – 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)
Admission: $30 (exclusive of service fees)
Join Shunzo Ohno's Ensemble and the Lotus Chamber Music Collective for an energetic night of soulful music, delicious food, drinks, and great company. The invigorating set list will feature crowd-pleasing hits and new compositions. Enjoy a night of jazz in NYC with Grammy Award winner Shunzo Ohno together with your friends and family!
The Musicians
Shunzo Ohno – Trumpet
Clifford Carter – Piano and Keys
French Jacob – Guitar
Thierry Arpino – Drums
Leo Traversa – Bass
Emily Garrison – Violin
Katherine Kyu Hyeon Lim – Violin
Jay Julio – Viola
Sasha Ono – Cello
There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person. To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website.
ABOUT SHUNZO OHO
Shunzo Ohno's live performances are known for their uplifting, joyful energy. His euphoric mastery creates a captivating celebration of the power of music.
He has collaborated with legendary musicians such as Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Larry Coryell, Machito, and the master arranger/composer Gil Evans, as well as international musicians across South Africa, France, Italy, and Japan.
Throughout the pandemic, Ohno remained committed to his mission of sharing a global perspective. He will present his new works of riveting Jazz and Classical String Chamber instrumentation with his distinguished Metamorphosis Ensemble.
Ohno’s story has been the subject of biographies and documentaries. The documentary short Never Defeated: The Shunzo Ohno Story highlights his remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of an auto accident, which permanently damaged his mouth, Ohno created a unique approach to his performances and trumpet skills. Diagnosed with life-threatening throat cancer, he fought relentlessly and emerged victorious. This became a turning point for Ohno, leading to the production of award-winning albums and garnering global recognition for his works.
His twelve annual visits to the communities affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster in the northeast region of Japan continues in the Fall of 2023, creating transformative healing and bonds of friendship.
Commissioned by Ushio Publishers, Shunzo continues to inspire younger generations with his book and video, You Can Do It, available on YouTube.
Through his music, Shunzo Ohno's legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of the music scene. He serves as an inspiration to people around the world. Learn more at his website.
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TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK
THE BRICKS NYC: 漸 – zén – TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK
Friday, September 8 through Saturday, September 16
Opening Reception and Live Performance: Friday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Blue Gallery – 222 E. 46th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
In collaboration with the Tokyo University of the Arts (known as Tokyo GEIDAI), THE BRICKS NYC will be presenting TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK at the Blue Gallery. The week-long exhibition is the third for THE BRICKS NYC. Each year, organizers choose one kanji that represents the concept of the event. This year, they have selected 漸 (zen), which means “evolutionary” or “progressive.”
Along with New York-based artists, professors and postgraduates will represent the Crafts, Japanese Art, and Design departments from the diverse fields of study at Tokyo GEIDAI. They will showcase their modern Japanese works, which enhance traditional Japanese art techniques. Workshops, Japanese tea ceremony experience events, concerts, and a panel discussion will also be held during the exhibition period.
Related Events
Duo YUMENO ©Robert Essel
Opening Night
Friday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
To kick off the exhibition, participating artists will be on hand at the opening reception. Duo YUMENO will perform live at 7:00 p.m.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience
Saturday, September 9
1:00 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. (Limited to 15 guests per session)
Admission:＄30 per person for each session
Tokyo GEIDAI with Morin Soma and Kino Maho from the Urasenke New York School will serve matcha in an elegant, modern setting inspired by the traditional Chakai style. They will use the finest unique utensils from the Japanese traditional culture of matcha drinking. Tea will be served with a small seasonal wagashi (confectionery) from Japan.
To register, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page and select your desired session.
Harvest Moon Melodies Art Song Concert
Sunday, September 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Admission: $20 Adults | $50 Families (Two adults and children) | $20 Students
"Otsukimi" is a Japanese tradition in September to appreciate the full moon and to express gratitude for this year’s harvest and hope for the year to come. GEIDAI graduates Soprano Naoko Nakagawa and pianist Junko Ichikawa present art songs and piano music with the themes of the moon and autumn. The program includes Japanese traditional folk songs and art songs as well as selections from famous operas. All ages are welcome.
Designer Nana Yamasaki (YAMMA) will provide costumes, and jewelry artist Keiko Kubota-Miura will provide jewelry and accessories.
To purchase tickets, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.
JAA Maui Relief Fund Panel Q&A
Monday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m.
JAA Hall – 49 W. 45th Street, 5th Floor (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Admission: $30 (Profits will be donated to the JAA Maui Relief Fund)
Special guest Yasunori Tanioka, a professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts, will lead a panel discussion based on the theme “Potential Roles of Japanese Art for Society.” Participating panelists include jewelry artist Keiko Kubota-Miura, Nihonga artist Takashi Harada, and composer Satoshi Kanazawa. The discussion will be in Japanese.
To register, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.
Silver Leaf Workshop
Friday, September 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $250 for both days | $150 for September 15 only
Norihiko Saito, a professor in the Tokyo University of the Arts Department of Japanese Painting, will lead a two-day workshop focusing on basic application and advanced techniques using silver leaf. The workshop covers how to apply super-thin Japanese silver leaf on a painting. Saito will lecture about the decorativeness and understanding of "Ma” (space) in Japanese paintings. Participants can attend Day 1 only but must attend both days to complete their own hands-on work. Attending Day 2 only is not offered. Limited to 12 participants.
To register, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.
Closing Event: Live Jazz and Sake Tasting
Saturday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Admission: $30
The Yoshiki Miura Jazz Quartet will perform with special guest Asako Tamura (soprano). A sake tasting will be led by SAKE GENERATION Inc.
To purchase tickets, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.
New York-Based Artists
Ushio Shinohara
Mizue Sawano
Keiko Kubota-Miura
Atsushi Ohashi
Takashi Harada
Rica Takashima
Mayumi Ohashi
Professors and Postgraduates from the Tokyo University of the Arts
Department of Crafts
Hiroki Iwata
Tomomi Maruyama
Hikaru Kamata
Yasunori Tanioka
Norihiko Ogura
Ryo Mikami
Nobuyuki Fujiwara
Nanako Yamada
Miyuki Imai
Mariko Saji
Ayumi Kubo
Heesoo Kim
Kie Imai
Shinnosuke Kameoka
Minako Nakai
Itsuki Hayano
Luwei Shan
Hiromu Noda
Department of Japanese Painting
Norihiko Saito
Killi Okaji
Naho Uno
Tianyi Chin
Kohei Sakamoto
Daisuke Takamori
Akane Yamamoto
Kumpei Yoshikawa
Department of Design
Kazuyuki Hashimoto
Manami Washino
Midori Takai
Yamamoto Hikaru
Shuri Tsuruta
TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK is hosted by the Tokyo University of the Arts and THE BRICKS NYC with support from Tokyo University of the Arts Alumni Association of New York; Yoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd; Blue Building; WAON NY; het Lab Music & Arts; and SAKE GENERATION, Inc.
About THE BRICKS NYC
THE BRICKS is a nexus for arts and music comprised of Tokyo University of the Arts (GEIDAI) alumni. The alumni have been individually active in and around New York but decided to come together to launch THE BRICKS in the Fall of 2021. GEIDAI is the only national university in Japan that offers solely fine arts and music education, allowing the group to focus on celebrating the interdisciplinary mesh of different art styles.
The name "BRICKS” was inspired by red buildings on the grounds of Tokyo University of the Arts in Ueno, Tokyo. Commonly known as "Aka-renga,” the buildings have stood since the early Meiji era.
Generations of talented artists entered the history-filled bricks of the Blue Building, reminding alumni of a time when their community was filled with diverse musicians and artists.
For more information, please visit the group’s website.
Gallery Hours
Daily from noon until 7:30 p.m.
Except Friday, September 8 (open at 6:00 p.m.) and Monday, September 11 (closes at 5:30 p.m.)
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!
Shoko Nagai at Barbès
Shoko Nagai's TOKALA
Friday, July 28 from 8:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8:00 p.m.)
Barbès – 376 9th Street, Brooklyn
Suggested Donation: $20
Shoko Nagai's TOKALA explores the captivating sounds that bridge the ancient bond between Japan and the Middle East through the Silk Road. This remarkable cultural exchange has left an indelible mark on Japanese culture. Through the music of TOKALA, we are invited to appreciate and understand the enduring connection between the Far East and the rich Islamic world of the Middle East.
Shoko Nagai (center) performs with Satoshi Takeishi (percussion) and Frank London (trumpet) at Barbès in March
PERFORMERS
Shoko Nagai – Accordion, Voice, Piano
Satoshi Takeishi – Percussion
Frank London – Trumpet
No ticket is needed for entry, but Barbès staff will collect donations during the performance.
Shoko Nagai is a 2023 NY Foundation for the Arts Fellow in Music/Sound and a 2023 M³ (Mutual Mentorship for Musicians) Fellow. Learn more about her unique musical journey, please visit her website.
Shoko Nagai (center) with Frank London (left) and Satoshi Takeishi
Klavierhaus to Spotlight Japanese Pianists
Love Letter from Japan
Wednesdays in June at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Klavierhaus – 790 11th Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets)
Admission: $25 in advance | $30 at the door
Klavierhaus, New York City’s premier fine piano showroom, presents some of the finest Japanese pianists in the world this June.
Produced by Jim Luce and Charles Carlini, the series promises to be a month-long celebration of the deep musical and cultural ties between Japan and New York City.
Each Wednesday in June, with sets at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., you can witness some of the most talented Japanese pianists in New York City, showcasing their unique styles and sounds to create an unforgettable musical experience.
Grab your tickets now at Klavierhaus’s website and immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Japanese jazz pianists. JapanCulture•NYC.com members will receive a special promo code for a $5 discount. Not a member? Join now by clicking here.
Love Letter from Japan Lineup
June 9 – Miki Hayama
Miki Hayama
Grammy-nominated pianist Miki Hayama studied jazz piano with the renowned jazz pianist Sadayasu Fujii in Kyoto and came to New York in 2003 after graduating from the Osaka College of Music. She has toured and/or recorded with Roy Hargrove, JD Allen, Kenny Garrett, Vincent Herring, Christian McBride, Ralph Peterson, Greg Osby, Mark Shim, and others. She is featured in a rare solo piano setting at Klavierhaus at 7:30 p.m.
June 14 – Yayoi Ikawa
Yayoi Ikawa
As a composer and arranger, Yayoi Ikawa received commissions from Modern Music Society of Tokyo, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Montreal-based sculptor David Baumflek. She is a veteran of bands led by Reggie Workman, Michael Carvin, Howard Johnson, Michal Urbaniak, Butch Morris, Craig Harris, Lenny Pickett, Frank Lacy, Lonnie Plaxico, Fostina Dixon, and others. She is featured in a rare solo piano setting at 6:00 p.m.
June 21 – Toru Dodo
Toro Dodo
Grammy-nominated pianist Toru Dodo was born in Tokyo and started playing classical piano at age four. In 1995, after graduating Meiji University in Tokyo, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and graduated summa cum laude in 1998. Following his graduation from Berklee, Dodo moved to New York. Dodo has released five solo albums, all produced by legendary guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo for the Japanese label Jazz City Spirits. He has performed with Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Louis Hayes, Ruth Brown, and Terumasa Hino, among others. At this concert, he will be joined by special guest singer Alicia Olatuja.
June 28 – Miki Yamanaka
Miki Yamanaka
Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” (Mike Jurkovic in All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most intimate release, Stairway to the Stars, features Jazz masters Mark Turner and Orlando le Fleming. Additionally, Yamanaka has emerged as a leader of the New York Scene via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series titled “Miki’s Mood,” where she features a veritable who’s who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator, drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers.
“Our Japanese Jazz Piano Series is a celebration of the deep musical and cultural ties between Japan and New York City. We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented Japanese pianists in the city to share their unique musical perspectives with audiences."
— Jim Luce
About the Series
The Japanese Jazz Piano Series is the inaugural event of the new weekly Klavierhaus Wednesday Night Concert Series, which features curated sets of today’s most interesting pianists in jazz today. It is a must-see event for anyone who loves jazz music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Japanese jazz or simply looking for a night of great music, this series promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
GUITAR MASTERS SERIES: TSUTOMU NAKAI
Japanese jazz guitarist Tsutomu Nakai will perform with his quartet at Zinc
Monday, April 3 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:15 p.m.
Monday, April 3 from 8:30 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.
Zinc – 82 W. 3rd Street (between Thompson and Sullivan Streets)
Admission: $25 in advance | $30 at the door
Jazz Guitarist Tsutomu Nakai is one of the hottest and in-demand musicians in New York City right now. His exceptionally unique guitar work is beautiful and strong, yet versatile. His mastery of improvisation is evident while emphasizing the melody above all else. This is the essence of Nakai’s style.
Tsutomu Nakai at Zinc Bar NYC 2017
He brings his quartet to Zinc on Monday, April 3 for an evening of standards and original music. Pianist Lafayette Harris, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Dwayne "Cook" Broadnax will perform with him.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Zinc’s website.