When & Where: The 22nd Tokyo Summer Festival, Songs of the Earth/Music in the Streets, with a concert or event nearly every evening till Aug. 5. Venues range from the acoustic perfection of Opera City and Kioi Hall to the picnicking and promenading vibe of Yoyogi Park.
Crowd: Yes, you can be sure of that, but it'll be crowds of tuxedos one night, yukata the next. Since each evening's event is in a different place, and ticket prices are affordable, expect an eclectic mix.
Big names: Gilles Apap's classical-meets-klezmer, bluegrass and Gypsy music will be a fascinating evening. More traditional classical can be found at the hands of violinist Ivry Gitlis, cellist Mario Brunello and much-loved Japanese pianist Michie Koyama. Takeshita Kazuhira sings a unique style of Japanese folk music accompanied by shamisen. Youssou N'Dour's exhilarating Senegalese music is an unforgettable live experience.