JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — Sonic Symphony, Sumo + Sushi, Wynton Marsalis
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
After an unusually warm spring, it’s finally starting to feel like summer. Enjoy some seasonal events this month that celebrate the best of both fine and fun arts.
This month’s highlights include:
SEGA/MGP Live
Saturday, June 8, 3:00 p.m.
United Palace, 4140 Broadway
$61.56-$142.56
Get ready to run down memory lane at Sonic speed! Sonic Symphony is an immersive live experience that celebrates more than three decades of music from SEGA’s iconic mascot. From the classic 8-bit and 16-bit tunes to rock and EDM songs, this concert will take you on a musical journey through the colorful world of Sonic the Hedgehog. Relive your favorite Sonic moments, brought to life by a full symphony orchestra. Sonic Symphony will be an electrifying tribute to the music that has defined generations of gamers, old and new. Don’t miss the chance to experience the sounds of Sonic like never before!
GKIDS
June 9, 11
Various theaters
Various prices
From the creators of Spirited Away and Ponyo, and Academy Award-nominated director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, comes a gorgeous and adventure-filled adaptation of The Borrowers, one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live out of sight of humans. But when brave and tiny Arrietty is out gathering supplies, she is discovered by Shawn, a human boy, and they begin to form a friendship that blossoms into an extraordinary adventure. This sumptuously animated and heartwarming story features the voices of Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Moises Arias and Carol Burnett.
GKIDS
June 10, 12
Various theaters
Various prices
Tenth anniversary screening! When shy, artistic Anna moves to the seaside, she stumbles upon an old mansion, and the mysterious young girl, Marnie, who lives there. The two girls instantly form a unique connection and friendship that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. As the days go by, a nearly magnetic pull draws Anna back to the Marsh House again and again, and she begins to piece together the truth surrounding her strange new friend. Based on the young adult novel by Joan G. Robinson and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (The Secret World of Arrietty), When Marnie Was There has been described as “Ghibli Gothic,” with its moonlit seascapes, glowing orchestral score, and powerful dramatic portrayals that build to a stormy climax. The English voicecast includes Hailee Steinfeld, Kiernan Shipka, Geena Davis, John C. Reilly, and Vanessa Williams.
Courtesy of Bluenotejazz.com
June 11-13, June 14-16
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis with the Future of Jazz Septet
Blue Note New York, 131 West 3rd Street
$85 bar area, $155 table seating (JLCO performances)
$95 bar area, $165 table seating (Future of Jazz Septet performances)
The Blue Note Jazz Club and Jazz at Lincoln Center—two renowned New York cultural institutions—come together for a landmark residency in which the legendary Wynton Marsalis performs for six nights (two sets per night) at the Blue Note Jazz Club June 11-16. These performances mark a historic event as Marsalis, a nine-time Grammy Award winner and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, headlines the Blue Note for the first time since 1991, and these two iconic cultural centers unite. Marsalis’ historic shows highlight this year’s Blue Note Jazz Festival, marking its 13th anniversary this summer with performances at venues across New York City.
Aubrie Legault Photography
June 15-16, 21-22
Duggal Greenhouse, 268, 63 Flushing Avenue (Brooklyn Navy Yard)
$83.07-$401.34
Sumo + Sushi is the ultimate “edutainment” experience. You don't have to fly to Japan to experience the excitement and fun of this 1,500-year-old sport! Learn about the history, rules, and culture of Sumo followed by over 12 live exhibition matches and a Q+A with the wrestlers. The most genuine way to learn about Sumo is from a former Sumo wrestler who has lived and breathed the experience firsthand. Sumo + Sushi is proud to partner with Konishiki, who will host this year’s events! He is the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach ōzeki, the second highest rank in Sumo. Throughout his legendary career, he won the top division championship three times. After retirement, Konishiki honors his Hawaiian roots through live musical performances and has released many albums as a Hawaiian singer. He also consistently gives back to his community through the Konishiki Kids Foundation to help underprivileged children from Hawaii to experience Japanese culture.
GKIDS
June 23-24, 26
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
Various theaters
Various prices
Acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii pushes further into the world and concepts first developed in his groundbreaking film Ghost in the Shell, considered one of the most important and iconic anime films ever made. With its thought-provoking speculations on artificial intelligence, which have only become more relevant in our present world, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence celebrates its 20th anniversary returning to cinemas in a lustrous new 4K restoration! In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction. A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention of Public Security Section 9, a unit specializing in counter cyber-terrorism. Batou and his still-human partner Togusa embark on a journey through a technological dystopia, taking on ferocious Yakuza thugs, devious hackers, government bureaucrats, and corporate criminals to uncover the shocking truth behind the crime.
Courtesy of Livenation.com
Tuesday, June 25, 7:00 p.m.
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place
From $48
MAN WITH A MISSION, the Japanese wolves known for their unique blend of rock and pop music, returns with their summer Kizuna no Kiseki North America Tour to perform in major cities across North America, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Morrison (Red Rocks) and Mexico City! Man with a Mission has gained a huge following both in Japan and abroad, thanks to their high-energy live performances and catchy, genre-defying music. The band’s signature sound is a mix of rock and pop in English and Japanese with heavy guitar riffs and electronic beats.
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