Let's Enka! with JERO: Concert and Talk

Subtitle: 
Behind the Scenes of the Japanese Ballad
Activity Type: 
Lecture
Performance
Presenter: 
JERO
Date: 
Saturday, June 9, 2012 - 19:30
Event Status: 
As Scheduled
Location: 
333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
Cost: 
$22 for Japan Society members, $28 for non-members

Pittsburgh-native, Tokyo-based enka superstar JERO makes his New York debut at Japan Society! With his smooth voice and hip-hop stylings, JERO has breathed new life into this sentimental Japanese music genre often associated with themes of one’s hometown, lost loves and sake. Often referred to as the “Japanese blues” or “Japanese country music,” enka’s melodies and required vocal techniques make it a quintessentially Japanese musical style. Since releasing his debut single Umiyuki (Ocean Snow) in 2008, JERO has received the Japan Record Awards Best New Artist award and has appeared on Japan’s most prestigious New Year’s music spectacular Kohaku Uta Gassen. In this intimate evening, JERO will talk about his relationship with the Japanese world of enka and serenade audiences with his own original songs as well as enka classics including those of Misora Hibari (美空 ひばり) and Itsuki Hiroshi (五木ひろし) among others.

Following the concert, a limited number of JERO's CDs will be available for purchase and JERO will be autographing his albums. Additionally, JERO totebags will be on sale for only $10. All proceeds from totebag sales will be donated to JERF, Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

TICKETS
$28/$22 Japan Society members

UCIS Unit: 
Asian Studies Center
Non-University Sponsors: 
Japan Society
World Regions: 
Asia
East Asia