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Hamamatsu, the “city of music”. Color it up with JAZZ in the fall!

This article was written in 2019.

Please check the website for information on this year’s events.

“Music Town” Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu City can be reached in about an hour and a half by Shinkansen from both Tokyo and Osaka. This is a “music town” where world-renowned musical instrument manufacturers gather. The Act Tower that stands in front of JR Hamamatsu Station has a harmonica motif, and music concerts are often held at Kitara, the plaza at the north exit of the station. This time, I would like to introduce you to ways to enjoy music in the music town of Hamamatsu.

“Hamamatsu Jazz Week” is coming again this year

“Hamamatsu Jazz Week” begins on October 19th (Saturday). Hamamatsu Jazz Week, where the sounds of jazz reverberate throughout the city, started in 1992 and is now in its 28th year. This is a cultural event sponsored by Hamamatsu City, Yamaha Corporation, Yamaha Music Foundation, Hamamatsu City Cultural Promotion Foundation, Shizuoka Shimbun, and Shizuoka Broadcasting. During this period, jazz will be played throughout Hamamatsu, making Hamamatsu a veritable music town for nine days. is.

During the event period, performances will be held at music halls such as Act City Hamamatsu, Create Hamamatsu, and Kajimachi Yamaha Hall.

Entertainment “Street Jazz Festival” where musical notes begin to dance

Although music is always overflowing in our daily lives, we may not have many opportunities to listen to live performances. Music heals people’s hearts, and performances captivate people’s hearts. People who are having fun performing and people who are listening to music while feeling comfortable share the same space, and people gather together again as if they are being invited into the space.

You can experience this atmosphere at the “Street Jazz Festival” to be held on October 26th (Saturday) and 27th (Sunday). Once you get off JR Hamamatsu Station, you’ll find local bands from Hamamatsu and the surrounding area gathering at Kitara in the north exit plaza and Zaza City Hamamatsu, where they have fun playing music.

51 years of life dedicated to music "Bill Evans 90th Anniversary 2 Days Special Project"

Do you know American jazz pianist Bill Evans? He is a musician who devoted his entire short life to jazz and continued to play the piano.There is no doubt that there are still many fans and artists who have been influenced by his music.

Talks and live performances will be held over two days, October 24th (Thursday) and 25th (Friday), where you can learn about the 51 years of his life dedicated to music. It will be held at Machi Yamaha Hall.

Jazz critic Mr. Shinya Takagi will appear in the talk, and trumpeter and pianist Mr. Mao Sone will appear in the live trio led by Mr. Hiroyuki Takubo. For two days, you can enjoy Bill Evans’ worldview that has evolved with a modern approach.

Atmospheric JAZZ NIGHT to enjoy with alcohol

On nights when the weather starts to cool down and it starts to feel like autumn, I recommend going to a jazz club in the city for a drink.

On October 21st (Monday), “Jazzy Night! ~ Enjoying the world of anime + α with jazz ~” will be held at The Theater. Recently, songs that everyone knows, such as Ghibli jazz, have been arranged and are very approachable. On this day, you can listen to anime songs arranged by jazz pianist Mr. Masahiko Sato in the enchanting voice of Hamamatsu City native Akiko Uesugi. Don’t miss the powerful live performance that can only be experienced in an atmospheric theater space.

Additionally, during the “Hamamatsu Jazz Week” period, you can enjoy live jazz music at 34 stores in the city. Why not stop by on your way home from work or at night when you want to have another drink, and spend some relaxing time listening to the sounds of jazz while holding your favorite alcoholic beverage in hand?