Don't-miss gigs 7/16-7/29

Fri July 16-Mon July 19

Tito Jackson

As the second eldest son of the Jackson family, Tito brought in support for his siblings by making up the strong chorus and adding in his guitar skills. This is Jackson’s first performance at the Blue Note. Since the debut of the three Jackson son’s, Tito’s been often overlooked while working in a behind-the-scenes role. In 2003, however, he finally announced the release of his own album which was a full-blown guitar effort. This time around Tito is dedicating his performance to his late younger brother, Michael, by presenting a round of the Jackson 5’s greatest hits.

Time: Fri July 16-Fri July 16 5.30pm open, 7pm start & 8.45pm start, 9.30pm start; Sat July 17-Mon July 19 5pm open, 6pm start & 8pm open, 8.45pm start
Location: Blue Note Tokyo (Full details & map)
Tickets: ¥8,400

Fri July 16

Inclusive Hardcore Vol.26: Born From Pain + Thorn + Birthplace + Break Your Fist + Guerrilla Crowz + Slick Scratch and more

This is the 26th instalment of this party, and the main event is all about ‘inclusive hardcore’. Taking the main stage at the event is Holland’s Born From Pain. What’s more, with young Japanese act Thorn, this show definitely has variety. This event stares Japanese and international rock right in the face.

Time: 6pm open, 6.30pm start
Location: Antiknock (Full details & map)
Tickets: ¥3,000; ¥2,500 adv

Wed July 21-Sat July 24

Kirk Franklin

Born in Texas in 1970, Kirk Franklin debuted in 1993 and won a belated Grammy Award in the Contemporary Soul and Gospel category. His most recent release, 2008’s ‘Fight of My Life’ has a simple urban vibe, with choral arrangements which has led to developing his buzz and popularity as an artist. His next release is highly anticipated, so in the meantime catch him live.

Time: 7pm & 9.30pm start; Sat July 24 6pm & 9pm start
Location: Billboard Live (Full details & map)
Tickets: ¥9,500-¥11,500

Sat July 24-Tue July 27

Adrian Belew Power Trio

Following in the sound footsteps of greats like Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads and Kind Crimson, guitarist Adrian Belew finally returns to the Blue Note after a span of 3 years. For this set of performances, Belew’s latest album, ‘E’ is being showcased under the guise of the Adrian Belew Power Trio. Belew and his chameleon-like guitar skills have gained the respect of a diverse set of artists, and with the Blue Note’s seating set-up for this run the audience will certainly be able to experience his technique and stage presence up close.

Time: Sat July 24, Sun July 25 4.30pm open, 6pm start; Mon July 26, Tue July 27 6pm open, 8pm start
Location: Blue Note Tokyo (Full details & map)
Tickets: ¥8,400

Sun July 25

Legend of Rock 5th Anniversary in Hibiya Yaon vol.2

This non-Japanese artist copy-band event, Legend of Rock has been, up until now, blowing out the speakers at Duo Music Exchange for more than 50 editions of the event over 5 years. This time around, they are celebrating passing the 50th mark, but also their 5th birthday. To usher this in they are bringing to the stage the ‘summer’s best live’ at a Hibiya outdoor concert venue, giving it the air of all the rocking glory of the 70s. The line-up says it all: Jimisen (Jimi Hendrix), Mr. Jimmy (Led Zepplin), Townzen (The Who), Von Halen (Van Halen… who else), Makin’ Love (Kiss), along with other acts like Rainbow (Knights of the Rainbow) and The Beggars (who will be giving you your dose of The Rolling Stones), along with bands who cover Deep Purple, and The Beatles cover band The Beatvox (which is not a beat box band, so rest easy). Just reading the names you can feel the tidal wave of rock-ness gushing out, and will certainly know more or less what kind of flavour to expect. This will definitely a show full of enthusiasm and a great outdoor concert to get your rock-on.

Time: 12.30pm open, 1pm start
Location: Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall
Address: 1-3 Hibiya-koen, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Tickets: ¥3,500
Website: www.legendofrock-show.com

B.o.B

In May of this year, his single ‘Nothin’ on You’, off of his first album ‘The Adventures of Bobby Ray’ hit the top spot on The Billboard Hot 100. The hottest new face on this year’s hip hop scene, B.o.B, is coming to Japan. At the tender age of 17 he signed with a label and now at 21 is displaying his diverse musical skills on a variety of instruments as well as playing the part as a rapper and producer with immense talent. Don’t miss out on seeing this newcomer powerhouse live.

Time: 5pm open, 6pm start
Location: The Garden Hall, Yebisu Garden Place
Tickets: ¥6,000 (plus one drink)

Wed July 21-Thur July 22, Sat July 24-Sun July 25

Glory Gospel Singers from New York

Well-known artists such as Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin have heaped praise on this entertainment gospel group who have appeared in musicals and films. This time around they are doing a run of special concerts that will be giving the audience the full impact of their powerful and moving performance. Their call-and-response style production is especially popular so this chance to see them live and really get a feel for their legendary energy is not to be missed.

Wed July 21
Time: 7pm start
Location: Hachioji Citizen Hall
Address: 32-1 Ueno, Hachioji, Tokyo
Tickets: S ¥6,500; A ¥6,000

Thur July 22
Time: 7pm start
Location: Yokohama Kannai Hall
Address: 4-42-1 Sumiyoshi, Naka, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Tickets: ¥6,500 reserved seats

Sat July 24
Time: 2pm start
Location: Nakano Zero Hall
Address: 2-9-7 Nakano, Nakano, Tokyo
Tickets: ¥6,500 Seat S; ¥6000 Seat A

Sun July 25
Time: 1pm & 6pm start
Location: Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall (Full details & map)
Tickets: S ¥6,800; A ¥6,500

Website: tate.jp/gos2010/

Wed July 28

Them Crooked Vultures

Linking together Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, with Led Zepplin’s John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl of Foo Fighter’s fame, this supergroup is something big. This one-off show will be the perfect early start for Fuji Rock fans or a dose of the festival for those who can’t make it out to Naeba later this month. Unfortunately, if you’re reading this now and don’t have your ticket yet it’s already sold out – as well it should be. With this many Fuji Rock superstars in one place, it’s going to be sight to behold – if you’re lucky enough to have scored a ticket.

Time: 6pm open, 7pm start
Location: Shibuya AX (Full details & map)
Tickets: Sold Out

Wed July 28-Sun Aug 1

Joyce with Special Guest Celso Fonseca

Discover the attraction of Brazilian music, or deepen an already strong love affair with the music with this set of performances featuring singer-songwriter Joyce with special guest sound creator Celso Fonseca. The performance promises to cross bossa nova rhythms with singing into a live jam session that can’t go wrong.

Time: Wed July 28-Fri July 30 5.30pm open, 7pm start & 8.45pm open, 9.30 pm start; Sat July 31-Sun Aug 1 5pm open, 6pm start & 8pm open, 8.45pm start
Location: Blue Note Tokyo (Full details & map)
Tickets: ¥8,400

Thur July 29

Fuji Rock Festival '10 Pre-Night

The tent is located so that campers can get the best locations; they usually get to Naeba before noon on Thurday, however people are still arriving well into the evening or Friday morning. This year is no exception with participants from this year’s festival and last all coming together on Thursday July 29 for a free show open to anyone. With fireworks, bon odori dancing and a premium raffle drawing are all a part of this special event. The line-up is published the day of, which not only adds an element of excitement but also makes it a must-see. Every year, the locals go ahead and have fun with the artists who’ve arrive early, lending the whole thing a faintly party-like atmosphere that lingers on into the night – provided they don’t have to perform the next day. (More about Fuji Rock Festival '10 here)

Time: Thur July 29 night
Location: Naeba Ski Resort (Yuzawamachi, Niigata) Oasis area & Red Marquee
Admission: Free
Website: www.smash-uk.com/frf10/