If the pop and rock of Japan’s outdoor music festivals aren’t quite your thing, fear not: several venues around the country will play host to a lively mix of jazz and classical events this summer.
Jazz Fusion Top: Tokyoites don’t have to travel far to get their summer jazz fix; Tokyo Dome City Hall will host Blue Note Japanese Jazz-Fusion Summit on July 20. This one-day event combines rock, funk and city pop, with five great groups on the roster. Highlights include performances by the Katsushika Trio, composed of former members of the prolific jazz fusion band Casiopea, and the Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra, led by trumpeter Eric Miyashiro.
Yokohama Asahi Jazz Festival: Jazz fans should head to the Children’s Natural Park Baseball Field in Yokohama on July 20 for the Yokohama Asahi Jazz Festival. This event celebrates more than 30 years of jazz excellence and features five amateur bands selected through open auditions. Established musicians also complete the roster, with notable acts such as Ryota Kikuchi, Yasuko Agawa, Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring.
