This weekend, musicians from home and abroad will take the stage at The Yokohama Jazz Promenade, aiming to solidify the Kanagawa port's reputation as the city of jazz in Japan.
Live music will be in the air at some of the city's most prestigious venues and concert halls, with more up-close-and-personal shows in the many local clubs — but visitors are also encouraged to pick up a "Jazz Map," and take a stroll around the open-air tourist spots that will host amateur performances throughout the weekend.
Most of the action centers around the Minato Mirai district, with venues such as the Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Hall and Landmark Tower Hall hosting some of the stand-out shows. Wanting the event to cater to veteran fans as well as the uninitiated, organizers say there will be "everything from traditional to contemporary and even latin-infused music."
Almost 1000 km to the southwest, another port-town will grab the attention of jazz seekers, with the 21st annual Sunset Jazz Festival taking place in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Oct. 9.
The Yokohama Jazz Promenade takes place on Oct. 8 and 9. For information, call (045) 221-0212 or visit www.jazzpro.jp/en.php. For a Jazz Map, visit jazzpro.jp/info/map.html. For information about the Sasebo event, visit www.sunset99live.com.