Summer's Climax Approaches
Now in it's 16th year, Kyushu's most popular outdoor music festival, Sunset Live, is just around the corner. What began as a party in the parking lot of the former Sunset Cafe has now become a must-go event for music lovers enjoyed by over 15,000 people in three days. Over the years, dozens of bands representing various genres have performed on three stages, including some of Japan's most popular acts such as Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Ego-Wrappin', Tokyo Incidents, Kishidan, and Tomoyuki Tanaka (Fantastic Plastic Machine). Don't worry if you don't know the names - you'll catch the vibe.


Kyushu Style
Despite the festival's growth and huge scale, Sunset Live has retained it's originality, friendliness and warmth. It's not a Fuji Rock clone; Sunset Live predates that by years. Commercialism is contained, and responsible environmentalism is practiced and championed.

By the Sea, By the Mountains
Held on a natural crescent-shaped beach in Keya, just one hour from Tenjin, a day here is like a day spent overseas. To one side, low and lush mountains. To the other, a calm bay ideal for swimming. Bands appear on three stages. The biggest acts appear on the Palm Stage, more alternative music on the Beach Stage, and new this year, acoustic acts on the Sunset Stage. Each area sports colorful booths selling refreshments and tasty foods prepared by some of Fukuoka's most "genki" restaurants and bars. For chill-out time, take a walk on the beach, cool off in the sea, or catch some shade inside the umi-no-ie beach huts. In addition to live music, other entertainment such as trampolines, BMX performances, and festival fashions will keep you amused.

Original Sunset Live CD - "Love and Unity"
Curious about Sunset Live's sound?
Check out this brand new Original Sunset Live compilation CD:
Sunset Live "Love and Unity"
A two CD set with 33 hit songs by artists who have previously performed at Sunset Live; ska, dancehall reggae, rock, surf-rock, and crossover.
Includes official theme song for Sunset Live, "Sunset" written by Home Grown and featuring 12 guests from other bands.
Released: July 16, 2008 / ¥2,940 Info: www.homegrown.jp

2008 Band Line-Up
This year 80 bands (23 on Friday, 21 on Saturday and 36 on Sunday) will perform on three stages! Check the Sunset Live website for a complete lineup www.beachcafesunset.com Meanwhile, here's a partial list.

Aoyama Thelma - Pop and R&B singer
Hear her sing her hit "Soba ni Iru ne"

Boom Boom Satellites - Big Beat Nu / Skool Breaks
Electronic music duo since 1997

Dengeki Network - Stunt Rockers
Huge cult following in Japan & overseas

Jamosa - J-Pop/J-Urban artist
Formerly in AZIZ (all female rap band)


Chris Murray - Ska / Acoustic / Rock
Canadian singer-songwriter since late 80s

Kenji Suzuki & The Jammers - Psychedelic jam band
Session guitarist with the likes of Bono, Seal and Annie Lennox

Crazy Ken Band - Funk / Soul / Pop
Popular crowd-pleasing pop

Little Tempo - Dub
Japanese dub band - also a favorite here


PUSHIM - Japanese Reggae
A regular "hit" at Sunset Live

SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS - Heavy Jazz
Internationally acclaimed unique heavy jazz

Double Famous - Urban World Music
Unique and eclectic urban nomadic sound

Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys - DJ & percussion group
Return after reuniting at Sunset Live 2007


Environmentally Conscious
Sunset Live's organizers have been involved in and led beach cleaning activities since the festival's inception. Besides enjoying the music and the "party", organizers hope festival-goers will experience the nature, and be reminded of the importance of protecting this nature for future generations. This year a "4R" policy will be implemented and recycle processing equipment will be on site.

Food & Drink
Over 35 restaurants and bars operate colorful stalls serving a huge variety of festival foods. You can find almost anything there, including Jamaican jerk chicken, Thai curry, yakitori (free range chicken), nasi goreng, beef & pork satay, noodles, beer, cocktails and even champagne!

Fukuoka Now @ Sunset Live
Stop the presses! Fukuoka Now has just decided to have a booth at this year's Sunset Live! Look for us near the Sunset Stage. Drop by for festival, transportation, and artist information in English and other languages. Princess Manzon, our cover girl this month, along with all the Fukuoka Now staff will be in the booth, so drop by and say "hi!". Check our website in late August for more details about our booth. You can bet we'll have something cool happening there.

Special Fukuoka Now Discount Tickets!
Fukuoka Now has a limited number of specially priced (cheap!) tickets to Sunset Live!
¥4,800 for one-day advance tickets! Save ¥1,000 on each ticket!
Click here for details!

Full Price Tickets
Advance Tickets
1 full day ¥5,800
Late entry (19:00~) ¥4,800
3 days ¥15,000
Available from Ticket Pia
P codes:
294-174 (1 day tickets) / 782-085 (3 day tickets)
Tel: 092-708-9944

Door
1 full day ¥6,800
Late entry (19:00~) ¥5,800
(3 day tickets are not available on the day)

Sep 5 (Fri.) Open: 12:00 / Start: 12:30
Sep 6 (Sat.) & Sun 7 (Sun.) Open: 11:00 / Start: 11:30

Sunset Live is held at Keya Beach Campsite 2589 Keya, Shima-machi, Itoshima-gun, Fukuoka


Getting There...
Sunset Live is held on Keya Beach, about 30km west of Tenjin. Parking is available, but we recommend taking a shuttle bus from Tenjin (Nishitetsu Tenjin Bus Center), or Hakata Sta. Reservation required. More info: 092-525-2215







Bus Information

Nishitetsu Bus Schedules from Fukuoka
(¥1,500 one way, ¥2,800 return) *Reservation required

From Fukuoka to Sunset Live
9/5 (Fri)

Hakata Sta. (Chikushi Ent.)
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00

Tenjin (Nishitetsu Tenjin Bus Centre)
11:30
12:30
13:30
14:30
15:30

Sunset Live
12:30
13:30
14:30
15:30
16:30


9/6 (Sat) 9/7 (Sun)

Hakata Sta. (Chikushi Ent.)
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00

Tenjin (Nishitetsu Tenjin Bus Centre)
9:30
10:30
11:30
12:30
13:30
14:30
15:30

Sunset Live
10:30
11:30
12:30
13:30
14:30
15:30
16:30

From Sunset Live to Fukuoka
9/5 (Fri) 9/6 (Sat) 9/7 (Sun)

Sunset Live
19:00
22:00

Tenjin (Nishitetsu Tenjin Bus Centre)
20:00
23:00

Hakata Sta. (Chikushi Ent.)
20:15
23:15


Showa Bus Schedule (Keya Line) (¥640 one way)

From Maebaru Sta. (north entrance) to Sunset Live
9/5 (Fri.)
11:12
12:57

9/6 (Sat.) 9/7 (Sun.)
9:42
11:12
12:57

From Sunset Live to Maebaru Sta. (¥640 one way)
9/5 (Fri.) 9/6 (Sat.) 9/7 (Sun.)
20:30
21:30

Nishitetsu Bus Tel: 092-525-2215

Showa Bus Maebaru Branch Tel: 092-327-5611

Google Map Link