Flashback Fraser!
After a year in Osaka, Fraser just couldn’t stand being away from Fukuoka. So he’s back and behind the bar at the recently renovated “Sam & Dave” in Tenjin. The booths and stage have been replaced with a new standing bar and bigger dance floor!
On the cover: Ndongo N’diaye
At 214 centimeters, Fukuoka Rizing’s center, Ndongo is the tallest player in the BJ (Basketball Japan) League. The 30-year-old Senegalese signed with the NBA San Antonio Spurs in 2000, and later played in the NBA Summer Pro League for the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers. He’s also seen plenty of international action in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Ndongo speaks five languages including French, English and three Senegalese dialects – and soon Japanese? Fukuoka Now welcomes Ndongo and the other foreign ball players to our town, and we encourage all of our readers to go see the games and support them! Website: www.rizing-fukuoka.com
Know someone who might look cool on our cover? Send a photo and brief introduction to cover@fukuoka- now.com
db Clifford
“db Clifford” in Fukuoka
Born in France but based in Toronto, Canada, Clifford has just released his first CD, “Recyclable” on BMG JAPAN. Clifford was in Fukuoka for a mini-live show and to promote the CD. Filled with melodic numbers, it’s sure to strike a chord with Japanese radio listeners. Pick up his CD at any local shop and hear it for yourself! Website: www.myspace.com/dbclifford
Fukuoka Prefecture Culture Awards
On Nov. 11 Renicke Volker, a native of Bremen, Germany, along with four others, will be awarded the Prefecture’s highest award for their contributions to society. Volker worked as the principal conductor for the Basel City Opera and then for five years, beginning in 1976, he worked as the principal conductor for the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra. Twelve years ago he moved to Shima-machi in Fukuoka Prefecture, and uses Fukuoka as a base for training, instructing, and conducting musicians. The ceremony will be held on Nov. 11 at ACROS Symphony Hall from 13:00. Admission is free, but reservations recommended. Tel: 092-643-3382
It’s a Boy!
Congratulations to Love FM AJ “Pez” and his wife Tomoko on the birth of their first son, Joey William Perry who was born on June 24th weighing 2,900 grams. First words: “Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!”
Pixie’s Big B-Day
Australian local glamor queen, and owner of Fukuoka’s only foreign owned talent agency – the Foreign Talent Club, Pixie Garnaut celebrated a big birthday at Akasaka Dining Magenta on Oct. 12. It was a “seventies” theme party – or is this a prediction for next year?
Oktoberfest Fukuoka 2007
Over 530 turned out for Fukuoka’s first-ever full-scale Oktoberfest event on Oct. 12 – and what a success! Complete with a German band, German beer and food, and even men in sexy lederhosen! Congratulations to Parveen Akther (TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd.) and others on the organizing committee for launching what will surely become a highly anticipated annual event. Info: www.fukuoka-oktoberfest.com
