North American J-pop concerts 2006

[nmskalmn]

Salia - Salia is one of the talents who works under Mr Koshi at Big Fighter Project. She's a singer who did the theme song "Trust" for Vandred and the Cutey Honey Flash theme. She has also sang the popular Sentai Ranger show "Gaoranger" opening and ending themes. Other accomplishments include appearing on stage in 1999 at the Super Hero Spirit concert and in 2000 at the Girls Anime Song concert.

Mr "New Jack" Takuro - Another talent of Big Fighter Project. It is a rarity we see male vocal singers at anime conventions and Mr. New Jack is going to prove they exist in the industry. He's known for his theme songs to Sentai Ranger shows "Dairanger," "Kakuranger," and even the opening to the popular anime Dragonball Z. Mr. New Jack brings his over ten years of musical experience to Katsucon for your delight and enjoyment.

Funny Stones: Akiko & Maro - Now for our final set of guests from Big Fighter Project. They sing, they pose, they cosplay! They're Akiko and Maro of Funny Stones. These two professional cosplayers have posed all over the place in shows, ads, and promos in Japan. They will be bringing their costumes, and will also be singing for us at Katsucon 12 as well.

As a final note, you can expect Salia, Mr. New Jack, and the Funny Stones pair to perform their songs on stage at Katsucon 12. Be sure to be there to welcome them, and to cheer on these newcomers to their first convention experience in the U.S. at Katsucon 12!

Salia
Mr "New Jack" Takuro
Funny Stones: Akiko & Maro
Katsucon 12
17-19 February 2006
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20008

[nmskalmn]

Mari Iijima is a singer and songwriter with numerous top 10 albums in Japan and even a few English-language albums released in the US (where she’s been living the past several years). But anime fans everywhere know her as the irrepressible Lynn Minmay from the classic series MACROSS. MACROSS redefined anime for a generation, exemplifying the epic scope, complex characters, and sheer spectacle that have since become hallmarks of the genre. That series was later incorporated into ROBOTECH, where it was totally rewritten for an American audience. In January, ADV Films is finally releasing the original MACROSS series with a brand new English dub. And best of all, Mari Iijima will be playing her original role as Minmay in the new version! You can learn more about Mari and her career at www.marimusic.com!

Some of the guests who will be bringing their formidable talents and skills to New York Comic-Con will be Greg Ayres, Mari Iijima, Youka Nitta, and Sook Sim, among others. Notably, Ms. Iijima and Mr.Ayres will be lending their talents for a special New York Comic-Con evening of entertainment called Anime Exodus, which will take place at The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St. (TriBeCa) beginning at 8pm. Mari Iijima will sing at 10pm and Greg Ayres will be spinning music for the entire evening. Shuttle buses will be available from the Javits Center to The Knitting Factory beginning at 8pm (there will be no return service available).

Mari Iijima
New York Comic-Con
24-26 February 2006
Jacob Javits Center
New York, NY

[nmskalmn]

Don’t miss Hiromitsu Agatsuma, the “messiah” of Japanese traditional instruments! A virtuoso on tsugaru-shamisen (a three-stringed lute played in the fast aggressive style which originated in northern Japan), Agatsuma performs with a lively ensemble of traditional Japanese taiko drum, cello and piano, in a vibrant acoustic set—a testament to his constant exploration of the range of his instrument. Agatsuma’s trademark bridging of rock and traditional music creates an appealing pop sensibility from this new instrumental fusion without losing the essential Japanese folk spirit. Now a pop star in Japan, Agatsuma performed at Lincoln Center in 2004, following his sold-out U.S. debut at the Japan Society in 2003. The concerts will feature a world premiere piece by an American composer and guitarist Scott Johnson, written especially for the band.

Hiromitsu Agatsuma
Agatsuma -- North America Tour --　
3 February 2006 - Philadelphia PA
5 February 2006 - San Antonio TX
8-9 February 2006 - New York, NY

[nmskalmn]

D'espairsRay US Live“Global Infection” 決定!
2006/02/23(Thu)
The AVALON @ NYC
open: 7:30pm start: 9:30pm
前売：US$15
当日：US$17
Avalon：(47 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011) w/Trashlight Vision & Suicide City

2006/02/26(Sun)
MEGACON @ Orlando, Florida
start: 1:30pm
Megacon：Orange County Convention Center 9800 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
※コンベンションの入場券が必須

http://www.despairsray.jp/live_index.html

[nmskalmn]

Dir en grey comes to America!

The japanese sensation that is Dir en grey will be performing in the United States for the first time ever with their highly anticipated "Showcase Tour" on the following dates:

March 17th @ SXSW Red Rum venue WARCON stage 7 pm (industry only)

March 21st @ Club Avalon: New York City tickets available for purchase at 1:00 p.m. EST
Feb.25th (ticketmaster and avalon box office), http://www.nyavalon.com/

Concert Date (03/21/06)
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. EST
16+ age
Price $29

March 23rd @ Avalon Hollywood: Los Angeles tickets available for purchase at 1:00 p.m. PST Feb.25 (ticketmaster and avalon box office), http://www.avalonhollywood.com/

Concert Date (03/23/06)
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. PST
All ages
Price $29

Dir en grey
Showcase Tour
17 March 2006 - SXSW
21 March 2006 - NYC
23 March 2006 - LA

[nmskalmn]

Led by the spread of Okinawa Music and the emergence of a young generation of Tsugaru Shamisen performers, Shamisen has stepped over the boundaries of "traditional instrument" to become recognized as a multi-genre instrument. It is apparent that Shamisen has grown into a familiar instrument for everyone. The image of "Shamisen" has also changed overseas. Many famous composers, such as Ry Cooder, David Lindley, Levon Helm (The Band) and David Byrn (Talking Heads) have incorporated the emotion and energy of Shamisen/Banjo in their songs. Shamisen/Japanese Banjo began to fascinate the audience and simultaneously cultured people's respect towards traditional instruments.

The main theme of this proposal is to feature Shamisen as JAPAN NITE's 10th anniversary event to show the world the interesting and fascinating qualities that Shamisen and Japanese traditional instruments possess.
Texans naturally have a respect towards Roots music, and that combined with the world's largest music convention (and the flock of music fans that it lures) should cause a huge f eedback. We predict that Shamisen will be the most talked-about event in SXSW, with its news quickly spreading nation-wide.

We intend to select traditional Shamisen performers, one from each style. We also plan on inviting ex-square member/gagaku player Haruhiko Senba's group to have a mixed lineup that will feature both traditional and contemporary styles. Roukyoku player Kunimoto Takeharu and the bluegrass band he performed with in the states will also be a candidate. A session with an American traditional musician will be great.

We'd also like to think about the possibilities of having a concert in major US cities. Such concerts can be promoted by receiving comments from American artists that are fans of Okinawa music/Tsugaru Shamisen.

Mika Uchizato
Umekichi
Takeharu Kunimoto
Yasukatu Oshima
Keisho Ohno
Japanese Traditional Nite ~Everything about Shamisen~
17 March 2006 - Austin, TX Creekside @ Capitol Place
18 March 2006 - New York, NY @ Joe's Pub
22 March 2006 - Oakland, CA @ Yoshi's Bar
23 March 2006 - Los Angeles, CA @ McCabe's Guitar Shop

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Ms. Ishida first broke onto the music scene singing for the Sailor Moon R series. Since then, she has taken the industry by storm, providing theme songs for such notable series as Pretear, Ai Yori Aoshi, Litle Snow Fairy Sugar, Gunparade March, Texhnolyze, the Ah! My Goddess tv series, Shakugan no SHANA, and This Ugly and Beautiful World, just to name a few. She also sings the ending theme song for the videogame Red Ninja: End of Honor.
In addition to her anime work, Ms. Ishida also has two full- length albums out- sweets, and Yoko Ishida-All of Me. Somehow, in the midst of her busy schedule, she also finds the time to serve as co-host of the popular radio program Okui Masami Kiss 3.

Yoko Ishida
Kawaii Kon 2006
14-16 April 2006
Ala Moana Hotel
410 Atkinson Drive
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-4722

[nmskalmn]

In support of their album "Full of elevating pleasures" which came out in the States on March 7th,they will have showcases in Miami and New York. In Miami, they areperforming as part of the music convention called M3 supporting DJ Krush. in New York, they are sharing the stage with the Ark who is currently suporting the Darkness and Princess Superstar who is being featured in a track by Kool Keith. It is going to be at the Bowery Ballroom and we hope to see you in Miami and New York!
March 22nd MIAMI@M3 (NATIONAL HOTEL) BOOM BOOM SATELLITES/DJ KRUSH
March 23rd (THU) NY@THE BOWERY BALLROOM BOOM BOOM SATELLITES/THE ARK�/PRINCESS SUPERSTAR

BOOM BOOM SATELLITES
US showcase
22 March 2006 - New York, NY
23 March 2006 - Miami, FL

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Sakura-Con is very excited to welcome musical guests Camino. Camino is a six-member band based around Tokyo, Japan. They produce powerful music filled with guitar riffs and electronic melodies.

Camino
Sakura-Con 2006
24-26 March 2006
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101-2350

[Princess_Of_Roses]

KOTOKO
A-Kon 17
June 9-11 *probably just preforming the 9th*
Adam's Mark Hotel and Convention Center
400 North Olive Street
Dallas, TX 75201

[Super Ichiban]

Lead singer for L’Arc~en~Ciel, one of the biggest rock bands in Asia, HYDE is finally making his long-awaited US debut as a solo artist with the release of his latest album “FAITH” on June 27, followed by a concert at Slim’s in San Francisco on July 5.

“FAITH” includes the hit singles “COUNTDOWN” used as the theme for the Japanese release of the Hollywood blockbuster “STEALTH”, and “SEASON’S CALL” used as the theme song to the popular anime tv series “BLOOD+”. The US Version of “FAITH” will also come with a special Bonus DVD featuring music videos for both “COUNTDOWN” and “SEASON’S CALL”.

HYDE
July 2
House of Blues
Anaheim, CA
(Added 4/13)

July 5
Slim's
San Francisco, CA

[nmskalmn]

Good news for US hyde fans. Thanks Super Ichiban

[Hazuki]

You lucky people in the US You get to see Hyde

[SunshineSlayer]

The whole Hyde thing better not be a April Fools joke.

edited to add: it looks legit, but I've already been burned by that Ayu at e3 thing today.

[sora2522]

T.T stupid hurricane...washed mi from louisiana to california. and i doubt mi mom'll let mi go see the concert for High and Mighty Color T.T

then again, if i never came to california, i'd never get hooked on HnMC XD

[SunshineSlayer]

The Hyde tickets sold out in less than 10 minutes! Luckily I was there right when they went on sale at 10am, but I checked back 6 or 7 minutes later and it says they are sold out. Congrats Hyde. If he can sell out in less than 10 minutes in the US, with next to no promotion and only 2 days notice, there is no reason why more Japanese artists can't play here.

haha, and now it looks like the Tofu Records site has been crashed.

[mi|kshake]

Everyone in the US is soooo lucky. Am so jealous of you guys. I'll just go & watch Roentgen Stories and sulk *hmph*

[nmskalmn]

Blood IV fue creado en el año 2005 y esta formado por Osada (baterista) Inoue (vocal) Kobayashi (Bajo) y Atsumi (Guitarra). Es un grupo que mantiene una calidad impresionante de Hard Rock/Heavy Metal que no se deja llevar por la moda ni por el tiempo. Aun produciendosencillos Hard Edge, ofrece un sonido Heavy y compacto.
Este grupo es tan poderoso gracias a Inoue que fue el Vocalista de Ex-Concerto Moon que tiene una voz impactante, a Kobayashi que domina la guitarra de 7 cuerdas con maestría, a Atsumi que toca el bajo de 5 cuerdas irradiando una monstruosa energía y a Osada en la batería deleitandonos con su poderoso performance de una batería y media.
Ellos tienen la fama en pretty pony~pretty pony~pretty pony~ón de ser una del las bandas que presentan los mejores Live Performance.

No puedes dejar paser esta gran oportunidad de ver a esta poderoso agrupación en la Expo Mango y Comic TNT 11. http://blood4.main.jp/

BLOOD IV
BLOOD IV MEXICO遠征決定！
TNT11
28 April - 1 May 2006
El Centro de Convenciones TLATELOLCO
Av. Manuel González No. 171 Entre Lerdo y Eje Central Col. Tatelolco
Cuauhtemoc
C.P. 06900
México

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TsuShiMaMiRe was formed in 1999 when Mari (vocals, guitar) Yayoi (bass) and Mizue (drums) were still university students. They are a Japanese all girl trio with a unique style that blends elements of punk, avant garde, free jazz, ska, surf and funk.

The name of the band is actually gibberish - the members created it by combining the words they liked. Categorizing their music style may be difficult - it's a complex and original blend of creativity, cuteness, weirdness, funny and scary. Their world shows the influences they received from Japanese traditional folk songs and mythologies and takes the audience on a trip through the weird-yet entertaining world of TsuShiMaMiRe. All the songs display their savvy skill with the instruments. Each track is full of great guitar riffs, heavy & powerful bass and skillful drum play.

TsuShiMaMiRe's debut album "Pregnant Fantasy" was released in August 2004 in Japan and on November 1st 2005 in USA from BENTEN TOKYO. They have a number of live performances under their belt, including headlining the Suicide GIrls Burlesque Tour and a performance at the world-famous SXSW festival. Having just returned from headlining Japan Nite 2006, the ladies of TsuShiMaMiRe are excited to be making their first convention appearance at Anime Central 2006. Learn more about them and check out their music before you see their show on their official website (http://sister.co.jp/TsuShiMaMiRe/index_e.html) or their MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/tsushimamire).

TsuShiMaMiRe
Anime Central 2006
5-7 May 2006
Hyatt Regency O'Hare & the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
9300 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, IL 60018

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A-Kon 17 proudly presents the newest project from the legendary Japanese rock icons HAKUEI and Chisato: PENICILLIN nano
LIVE in concert Saturday Night June 10th at A-kon's Main Events Hall.

PENICILLIN nano PROFILE:
Apr 2006 PENICILLIN's vocalist HAKUEI and guitarist Chisato form a new project "PENICILLIN nano" which plans to release a single and album this Summer 2006.

PENICILLIN History:

* Feb 14 1992 PENICILLIN is formed
* May 30 1994 "Penicillin Shock" - Indies Debut Album
* Mar 15 1996 "Blue Moon/tenshiyo mezamete (angel awaken)" - Major Debut Single
* Sep 20 1996 HAKUEI's Solo Debut
* Sep 24 1996 Chisato's Solo Debut
* Oct 25 1997 Anti Drug Charity Event "ASIAN EYES" in Thailand - First Overseas Live
* Jan 15 1998 6th Single "ROMANCE" released - Oricon Top 10 Chart for 6 weeks
* Jun 06 1998 Chisato's solo project "Crack6" begins
* Apr 2006 HAKUEI and Chisato start "PENICILLIN nano"

----------

PENICILLIN's Anime Themes:

* Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo (TV) : Ending Theme Song - "ULTRIDER"
* Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoiyo! Masaru-san (TV) : Opening Theme Song - "ROMANCE"
* Shinseikiden Mars (TV) : Opening Theme Song - "hanazono kinema (flower garden cinema)"

PENICILLIN nano
A-Kon 17
9-11 June 2006
Adam's Mark Hotel and Convention Center
400 North Olive Street
Dallas, TX 75201

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Mari Iijima is an accomplished singer and songwriter who has released numerous top 10 albums in Japan. Her critically acclaimed debut album, "Rosé" was produced by renowned composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Throughout her career she has won several awards including the Japan Audio Society Golden Jubilee Award for her songs "Vacation" and "D", voted by both Japanese & American judges. Mari was also nominated for the 2000 Los Angeles Music Awards' Best Pop Artist for her first English album "No Limit". Last year, Mari released her most recent album "Wonderful People" which she collaborated with today's hottest musicians including members of the John Mayer Band. The album quickly became a smash hit and stayed on the top of an Indie album chart for over 5 consecutive weeks. Mari's hits include "Do You Remember Love?", "Cecil's Umbrella", "One Gram Of Happiness", and "Love Is A
Miracle". Mari has also appeared in film, television, and on radio in both Japan and the U.S. She voiced the character of Lynn Minmay in the Super Dimensional Fortress Macross TV series. Two years later, Mari would reprise that role in the Macross: Do You Remember Love? movie. She most recently starred in the short feature film Green Tea-r and also wrote and performed the theme song "Petal". The film won the top honor of Grandprix at the Takazuka Film Festival in Japan and also had a showing at the Berlin Film Festival.

Mari will be performing on Friday night of the convention and will be leaving AMA on Saturday for a business appointment.

Mari Iijima
Anime Mid-Atlantic
16-18 June 2006
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North 3rd Street
Richmond, VA 23219

[JesA]

ive never heard of any of them except Dir en Grey,Ellegarden, and HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR. i wish someone like BoA,Ayu, or Momusu would come to Florida. thats the only really big place i have access to....sure, i'd have to travel from Kentucky, but it'd be worth it.

[Princess_Of_Roses]

Originally Posted by Akurei

If someone is willing to go then of course. And I know my sister is going to want to come since she likes them as well.


How much is the badge?

the badge is normall 30-35 bucks...not much and u get into the concert for free..but most likely if you want something autographed u have to pay for it

[nmskalmn]

Kumiko Kato to perform at Shiokazecon!
Sounday Records and Shiokazecon are happy to bring you Kumiko Kato live in concert. Kumiko is excited to return to Houston to perform for her many Texas fans. She will be opening for HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR Friday April 28th at 7:30pm. She will be holding a Q&A panel and signing autographs on Saturday April 29th (times to be announce later). Copies of her first single "Thinking of You" will be available at the convention.

Kumiko Kato has been added to Shiokazecon.

[nmskalmn]

Anime North 2006 is proud to announce KOTOKO, as our special Japanese music Guest of Honor....

Establishing a dominant presence at the forefront of J-Pop and techno/trance music, newcomer KOTOKO is the hot, vocalist/songwriter associated with IVE, a music artists group based in Sapporo, Japan. IVE has been producing musical arrangements for various visual novels and dating sims for years and had launched into the anime music world with their premier artist, KOTOKO.

2004 became KOTOKO’s breakout year, as her full-length debut album, “-hane-“ (the music from which was used as the ending theme for the Japanese entertainment news show, “Anime TV”) was released in April by Geneon
Entertainment (Japan). Her clear and originative voice, coupled with her creative musical lyrics that fuse elements of J-Rock, techno/trance and J-Pop, as well as an immensely captivating stage presence, has attracted legions of fans.

KOTOKO’s melodic talents are showcased on her first maxi CD single,“Oboetete iiyo” (“You can keep remembering”) which includes“DuDiDUWa*lalala,” the ending theme for the anime series, “Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu” (Tweeny Witches) released in Japan in summer 2004. In November, her second maxi CD single, “Re-sublimity” (featuring “agony,” the opening theme song to the anime series Kannazuki No Miko) shot up to #8 on ORICON’s weekly singles chart. (Note: ORICON is Japan’s equivalent of the BILLBOARD charts). U.S. anime fans will already be acquainted with KOTOKO through her theme songs to Please Teacher! (“Shooting Star”) and Please Twins! (“Second Flight”).

Her ending theme song, “Chi ni Kaeru ~on the Earth~” can be heard on the anime series Starship Operators, while theme song “agony” is featured on Kannazuki No Miko, both of which are available on DVD from Geneon Entertainment. With a meteoric rise in popularity, KOTOKO followed up her hot streak with a second album, “GARASU NO KAZE” (Waving wind of glass), which was released in Japan last summer.

With her first album, “-hane-“ scheduled for domestic release in June from Geneon Entertainment, KOTOKO continues to earn her status as one of the foremost music artists to watch on the anime scene, both in Japan and
in the U.S.

KOTOKO OFFICIAL WEBSITE (Japanese language only)

http://www.geneon-ent.co.jp/rondorobe/music/kotoko/

KOTOKO
Anime North 2006
26-28 May 2006
Toronto Congress Centre
650 Dixon Road
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 1J1