Anime Chicago » Music

X Japan at Lollapalooza

Jamie Sanchez — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:14:45 +0000

X Japan will be making Lollapalooza history this summer on the main stage! The heavy metal group is known in the anime community for their musical contributions to the movie X and pioneering the visual kei movement. No word yet on when they’re scheduled, but if you enjoy discovering new bands, attending music festivals or have a strong devotion to J-Rock, it may be worth springing for a three-day pass (August 6-8). Visit AnimeNewsNetwork for details.

Update: The band is scheduled to play on Sunday, August 8, two acts before Soundgarden.

Utada “In The Flesh”

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:07:34 +0000

J-Pop singer, songwriter and all-around idol Utada will be performing at the House of Blues on Tuesday, February 2nd as part of her “In The Flesh” tour. Utada Hikaru is best known for her work with the Kingdom Hearts franchise as well as a few songs from Evangelion. Sorry, the youngin’ have to sit this one out as the show is 17+. Show starts at 8pm. Purchase your tickets in advance through Ticketmaster.com for $23.

Polysics 2010

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:45:43 +0000

Just announced: Polysics are returning to Chicago during their US release tour of We Ate the Machine! The show is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at the Double Door, 1572 North Milwaukee Avenue. Doors open at 8pm. Buy your tickets in advanced through TicketFly.com for $12.

UPDATE: Band member Kayo (synthesizer, vocoder, vocals) will be leaving the band after this tour. This will be your last chance to see her!

Peelander-Z

Jamie Sanchez — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:50:43 +0000

Over-the-top performances are the goal of super-sentai punk band, Peelander-Z. Hailing from the planet Peelander in the Z area, they’ve come to Chicago to rock on Saturday, October 3rd, 8pm for a 21+ show. Opening acts include Farewell Captain, Math the Band and Catch a Tiger. Purchase your $7 ticket for the Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake) through TicketWeb. MAD TIGER! MAD TIGER!

Dir en Grey at Metro

Jamie Sanchez — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:03:05 +0000

The former visual kei band Dir en Grey (what is their current official genre, anyway?) will be stopping by Chicago on their North American tour. Check them out at the Metro (3730 N. Clark Street.) on Monday, November 16th for an all-ages 6pm show. No word yet on the opening acts and the ticket price will be kind of pricey at $22.50 plus processing fees. Pickup tickets through MusicToday.com.

Shonen Knife at Schubas

Jamie Sanchez — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:35:36 +0000

Female J-Pop/Punk trio Shonen Knife will be stopping by Chicago during their North American tour! They’ll be at the Bottom Lounge (1375 W Lake St., Chicago), one of my favorite venues as it offers good acoustics and great views from just about anywhere. As it is a bar, this is a 21+ show. Doors open at 8pm on Tuesday, October 20th with opening acts White Mystery, The Dials, and The Alright Alreadies. Purchase your tickets for $15 + service fees through TicketWeb.com.

Distant Worlds

Jamie Sanchez — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:37:51 +0000

Announced today: The Chicagoland Pops and Festival Choir are returning to the Rosemont Theater on December 12th for another performance of Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy. This concert will feature new music, the Chicago Mages, and Susan Calloway. But the best part? Nobuo Uematsu will be performing live! Tickets start at $19 and the $150 luxury package includes a prime spot, a signed CD and an opportunity to meet the performers, including Nobuo-san! Sales open Monday, July 27th at 10am at ticketmaster.com. The Rosemont Theater is located at 5400 N. River Road, 60018, 847-671-5100.

Intro to Taiko

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:18:59 +0000

If you’ve ever been curious about those giant Japanese drums, here’s a workshop to discover more. The Japan America Society of Chicago offers regular 5-week courses that involve a presentation, basic drumming rhythm and techniques, as well as a performance with fellow classmates. $35 Members of the JASC and $40 Non-Members. Seats are limited. Call (312) 263-3049 or email programs@jaschicago.org for more information.

Stephen Says Hello!

Jamie Sanchez — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:15:31 +0000

Hello! This is Stephen from the Spoony Bards – if you discovered the site through Anime Central, welcome!! If you didn’t discover the site through Acen, then you are welcome as well! There are a lot of exciting events coming up this summer in the Chicagoland area for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture.

The most-loved Mitsuwa is hosting a Japanese Gourmet Foods Fair on June 14th! For more information, check their website at Mitsuwa.com.

I hope to see some of you around the area – make sure to come back and check out details in the near future for more local Japanese festivals, special events, and concerts!

Koto Sound Team Kyara

Jamie Sanchez — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:25:40 +0000

Free event tonight at Northwestern University! Open to the public! The Program of Asian and Middle East Studies and The Art Institute of Chicago are sponsoring a concert featuring the acclaimed Koto Sound Team Kyara from Nagoya, Japan. Their mix of classical and contemporary music will be performed in six compositions: Anime, Koto Concerto, Chidori, Fantasy of Stars, Midare, and Aurora. The concert starts at 7pm at The Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, located at 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Read more details at www.wcas.northwestern.edu.