5th Annual Japanese Jazz Series · Jazz has become one of the most transformative and beloved music genres around the globe. In hosting the Japanese Jazz Series, now in its fifth

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE JAPAN INFORMATION & CULTURE CENTER, EMBASSY OF JAPAN

Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan1150 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 | TEL (202)-238-6900 | FAX: (202)-822-6524

www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/

Media Contact: Publicity Coordinator, Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of JapanPhone: 202-238-6947 Email: [email protected]

5th Annual Japanese Jazz SeriesPresented at Blues Alley Part of the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival

WASHINGTON DC, (March 1, 2018) – The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, DC, is proud to present the fifth annual Japanese Jazz Series at Blues Alley. Soon after the United States gave birth to jazz, its soulful sound made its way to Japan, evolving into a vibrant scene. The Japanese Jazz Series has become a highly anticipated musical celebration during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, where contemporary Japanese and American Jazz artists celebrate the musical bonds the two countries share. This year, four groups of Japanese Jazz greats will perform at Washington DC’s Blues Alley, each bringing their own unique interpretations and original sounds to this beloved art form.

Akiko YanoMarch 26, 2018 || Monday 8PM & 10PM Shows || Blues Alley Jazz Admission: Ticketing through Blues Alley

Akiko Yano began playing piano at the young age of three, and demonstrated promising talent. Born in Tokyo and raised in Aomori, Japan, she relocated to New York in 1990, where she has collaborated and toured with some of the world’s most renowned musicians. To date, the renowned pianist & musician has released 27 original albums.

Co-sponsored by the Japan Foundation and Blues Alley Jazz Society. For artist information, please visit: https://www.akikoyano.com/english/.

© Kazuhiro Fujita




Eri YamamotoMarch 27, 2018 || Tuesday 8PM & 10PM Shows || Blues Alley Jazz Admission: Ticketing through Blues Alley

Since moving to the United States in 1995, Eri Yamamoto has established herself as one of jazz’s most original and compelling pianists and composers. She has a deeply empathetic report with her long-standing trio members. The pianist is joined by David Ambrosio on the bass, and Ikuo Takeuchi on the drums.

Co-sponsored by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan and Blues Alley Jazz Society. For artist information, please visit: www.eriyamamoto.com/.

Yoko MiwaMarch 28, 2018 || Wednesday 8PM & 10PM Shows || Blues Alley Jazz Admission: Ticketing through Blues Alley

Internationally acclaimed pianist/composer Yoko Miwa is quickly becoming known as one of the most powerful and compelling performers on the scene today. Joined by Will Slater on the bass, and Scott Goulding on the drums, her trio - with its remarkable telepathy and infectious energy - has brought audiences to their feet worldwide.

Co-sponsored by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan and Blues Alley Jazz Society. For artist information, please visit: www.yokomiwa.com.

Senri OeMarch 29, 2018 || Thursday 8PM & 10PM Shows || Blues Alley Jazz Admission: Ticketing through Blues Alley

A New York Resident for the past decade, Senri Oe is making a name for himself as an innovative, engaged, and highly creative member of the Jazz Community. Though he has proved his skill as a songwriter, pianist, and singer, he prefers to describe himself simply as a jazz musician who loves to write music and perform piano.

For artist information, please visit: https://peaceneverdie.com/styled-13.

© Rika Yamamoto

© Lauran Marie Brown

© Jonas Gustavsson




5th Annual Japanese Jazz Series at Blues Alley Monday Shows || Akiko YanoMon. March 26, 2018, Shows at 8PM & 10PM [Tickets through Blues Alley]

Tuesday Shows || Eri YamamotoTues. March 27, 2018, Shows at 8PM & 10PM [Tickets through Blues Alley]

Wednesday Shows || Yoko MiwaWed. March 28, 2018, Shows at 8PM & 10PM [Tickets through Blues Alley]

Thursday Shows || Senri OeThur. March 29, 2018, Shows at 8PM & 10PM [Tickets through Blues Alley]

Blues Alley Jazz 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Jazz has become one of the most transformative and beloved music genres around the globe. In hosting the Japanese Jazz Series, now in its fifth year, the JICC is excited to bring back the unique and beautiful sounds of renowned contemporary Japanese and American Jazz artists in celebration of the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Pictures are available for download at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/22vicsmebb2hz9n/AAA33wXiBWp2E14HQ1AWjYt5a?dl=0

WHAT

WHEN

WHERE

WHY

PICTURES

# # #

ABOUT THE JICC The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan in Washington DC is the region’s #1 authoritative resource for Japan-related information and culture, a gift sponsored by the people of Japan since 1981. As part of the Embassy of Japan’s public outreach program, the JICC is deeply committed to enriching the relationship between the people of Japan and the United States through an active, vibrant cultural and informational exchange. For more information, please visit http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc.

For media inquiries, please e-mail the Publicity Coordinator at [email protected].

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2018 Festival, March 20 - April 15, includes four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information, or check out Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest), and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).

Documents

5th Annual Japanese Jazz Series · Jazz has become one of the most transformative and beloved music genres around the globe. In hosting the Japanese Jazz Series, now in its fifth