There’s an interesting phenomenon happening in the north of Japan. We have a Mecca of Jazz culture that’s been steadily developing especially in the last decade with large festivals like Sapporo Mirai (Future) Jazz and Sapporo City Jazz, now 9 and coming up on 11 years in the running respectively.
Both festivals bring a rich offering of musical culture to our fair city but there’s one special thing that really sets the Sapporo Mirai Jazz festival apart. The musicians are all VOLUNTEERS.
The first time I attended this parade of musical talent you could’ve told me this and I wouldn’t have believed you because these are some of Sapporo’s top quality professional musicians as well as passionate amateurs on the stage.
Fast forward to today and I’m here in the green room with ladies and gents bedecked in shimmery blue shirts prepping to open the 4 day extravaganza with the toe tapper “New York, New York”.
A number of youths are here too as guest vocalists with the Sapporo Jazz Choir. I’m also a guest with vocal group Honey Vee. I’m planning to come again next Saturday and see one of my personal favorites, Johnny Kuroda and Dixie Prince, a group of wildly fun guys in red vests and straw brimmed hats bringing hot New Orleans style jazz to the stage and right down the center aisle!
With four full days of bands and artists to enjoy at the incredible price of just ¥2,000 per day or the all access pass for just ¥5,000, the future is truly looking bright for jazz lovers in northern Japan.
If you miss the live show be sure to check out the replay on Jcom channel 11 starting from May 28th.
Delaina Miyazaki 