It took a fair leap of imagination to transplant the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Festival from the shores of Lake Geneva to Kawasaki, but last year's inaugural event was enough of a success to spawn a second edition. Once again, the festival is spread across a variety of venues, starting at the snappily titled Kawasaki Civic Auditorium of Culture and Education before moving on to spots including Club Citta and Plazasol. The musical lineup is unlikely to ruffle many jazz-feathers, featuring the oh-so-smooth likes of guitarist Lee Ritenour, pianist Michel Camilo and saxman David Sanborn, plus homegrown stars like Masato Honda and Takuya Kuroda (pictured) – and, most bizarrely, Jefferson Starship.
November 16
Jazz Orchestra of the Concertghebouw; Michael Camilo & Tomatito
Doors 6pm; Gig 7pm. Kawasaki Civic Auditorium of Culture and Education
November 17
Hiroko Kokubu Special Trio
Doors 3.30pm; Gig 4pm. Lazona Kawasaki Plazasol
November 18
Masahiro Sayama What's What
Doors 3.30pm; Gig 4pm. Lazona Kawasaki Plazasol
November 19
Takashi Obara
Doors 6.30pm; Gig 7pm. Lazona Kawasaki Plazasol
November 20
Club Jazz Party Night (Immigrant’s Bossa Band, Fox Capture Plan, etc.)
Doors 6pm; Gig 7pm. Club Citta
November 21
Jazz Orchestra of the Concertghebouw; Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin
Doors 6pm; Gig 7pm. Maeda Hall, Senzoku Gakuen
November 22
Takuya Kuroda Sextet; Ayaka Hirahara with Makoto Hirahara, Aika
Doors 6pm; Gig 7pm. Maeda Hall, Senzoku Gakuen
November 23
David Sanborn; Masato Honda BB Station
Doors 3.30pm; Gig 4pm. Teatro del Giglio Showa, Showa University of Music
November 24
Jefferson Starship
Doors 4pm; Gig 5pm. Club Citta