Bossa Aoyama hopes to bring a soothing atmosphere and fresh sounds to Tokyo's Aoyama neighborhood this weekend.
Various artists will perform during the Bossa Nova-themed music event. Musicians will fan out from Aoyama's Gaienmae Station at around noon and perform in stores, public spaces and even on the streets into the evening. The festival is supported by local schools, nonprofit organizations and the Embassy of Brazil.
Featuring Japanese and Brazilian musicians, Bossa Aoyama is meant to celebrate the close relationship between the two countries. The event was founded in 2008 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova music and 100 years of Japanese citizens emigrating to Brazil. This year, more artists are getting involved. Marcos Bezerra Abbott Galvao, the Brazilian ambassador to Japan, particularly recommends new talent Bluebell, who comes from Sao Paulo.
"I hope the soothing melodies and passion of the event will touch Japanese hearts, who we feel are our brothers," Galvao said.
Unfortunately, the workshops on how to play instruments such as the guitar and pandeiro are already fully booked, however, for those who are still in the mood to make their own music there will be a Brazilian percussion workshop at CI Plaza that doesn't require reservations.
Bossa Aoyama takes place around Gaienmae Station on the Toei Ginza Line in Minato-ku, Tokyo, on Oct. 22 and 23. It is free to participate. The Brazilian percussion workshop takes place at CI Plaza (Kita Aoyama 2-3-1) on Oct. 22 from 2 p.m. For details, call (03) 5775-3251 or visit www.bossa-aoyama.jp/about/index.html.