Welcome to the World of Tsugaru Shamisen

I traveled north to Aomori this past spring for Golden Week, and the friend who so graciously hosted me was living in the city of Tsugaru, home of the art of Tsugaru shamisen.… Continue reading →

Yoshida Brothers at Yoshi’s Jazz Club

Thanks to a last-minute tip from Tokyo Mango via Twitter, a friend and I had the opportunity to see the Yoshida Brothers at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco on Thursday night. The… Continue reading →

Peter Bjorn and John / Fujiya & Miyagi / Ill Ease @ Bimbo’s

First of all, I should note that I am officially done with my first year of graduate school.  I submitted my last paper this morning and an intense feeling of relief immediately overtook… Continue reading →

The Shins @ The Warfield

I saw The Shins for the fifth time in my life last night. Unfortunately, due to schoolwork, I entirely missed Viva Voce, who I've seen before and adore. But yes, The Shins. My… Continue reading →

of Montreal / The Blow / Rubies @ Great American Music Hall

Briefly (for the February 2, 2007 show): 1. Rubies – Endearingly, awkwardly indie girl pop.  Potential but some growing to do.  They definitely need to get a drummer and stop using a drum… Continue reading →