Karaterice proudly presents the 3rd edition of the successful Love Mode live music event.  This edition focuses on the beautiful fusion of traditional Japanese music with contemporary Pop, Jazz and Classical music elements. 

Featured Artists for Love Mode - Japan Beat

Zan: 

A young & brilliant Japanese tradional instrument duo who have united to produce a style of music like no other.  Zan formed to explore the potential of innovative style of music while appreciating traditional Japanese culture.  Zan is comprised of:

Shin Ichikawa - Seven string Koto.  Fascinated by the Koto at a young age, Shin moved to Tokyo to study the instrument under the Hikaru Sawai style.  Within a year and a half, this talented musician quickly earned a name for himself after entering many recitals and contests.  He has won many awards including the 9th Kenjun Memorial National Koto Contest (Silver Award) & Akita City Recommendation of art.

Akisha Kominato - Vocals & Shakuhachi. Akisha was born in a family of traditional Japanese Folk musicians and started studying performance and a very early age.  At age 5 he won a singing contest and realized his talent as a singer.  His performance studies also included the Shakuhachi, Fue (Japanese flute), Taiko & Hayashi.  During trips to Indonesia & Thailand a young Akisha was astonished by the expressive and emotional sound of the ethnic music.  This influenced him to study Classic Style Shakuhachi Play and eventually lead to his mentorship under Shakuhachi master & National Living Treasure, Goro Yamaguchi .  After graduating from Tokyo University of Fine Arts & Music, Akisha has been involved in sessions involving Japanese traditional music as well as fusion and bossa nova.

Together, Shin & Akisha, as Zan are challenging the J-Pop Music scene.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/zanmyspace

Love Etc.:  

Formed in 2005, Love Etc., has amazed audiences with lead vocal Yasuyo's blissful live performance and strong vocals, and Tsubasa (piano/keys) hypnotic melodies. The addition of drummer Yukata and bassist Danny Zanker, provides a solid foundation upon which the band builds solid and beautiful soundscapes. They have become regulars in the NYC live music circuit playing at Knitting Factory, Arlene's Grocery, Pianos, CBGB's, and The Mean Fiddler.  Their most recent show at Brooklyn Museum, was a big success and will be followed by a performance at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's Cherry Blossom Festival.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/loveetc

Happy Fun Smile: 

happyfunsmile performs an eclectic mix of okinawan pop, electric folk songs (ultraminyo), supersweet ballads (enka), festival rhythms and obon beats. utilizing the sounds of the taiko drum, chindon, sanshin, accordion, bass, and keys, happyfunsmile extols the virtues of o-pop and chindon to an ever-growing congregation!

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/happyfunsmile

Special Guest Appearance by: 

Ladybug: Melodic Folk Rock Duo

Homepage: http://www.ladybug.cc 

Date & Time:

Friday May 9th

Doors: 6:30PM  Show: 7:00PM (early show) 

Venue:

Knitting Factory - Tap Bar

74 Leonard Street (Bet. Church & Broadway), NYC

MAP

Cover:

$10.00   All Ages 

Sponsored by Sapporo Beer

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