Gaikokujin Star Tanjo 2012

Sunday, Nov. 25, saw the third annual Gaikokujin Star Tanjo event take place at the stylish JR Kyushu Hall. With eight incredibly talented finalists, DJ sets, an African drumming group, radio DJ contest, acrobatic dancers and a range of ethnic foods and drinks, it was a diverse and jam-packed evening for the 481 attendees.

Photo gallery:

The first 200 guests of the night were lucky to be treated to a free glass of sparkling wine in the elegant lobby of the JR Kyushu Hall. With a hair and makeup stand plus a wine bar and a photo booth, there was no shortage of things to see before the first acts arrived on stage.

Drumming group Mamafriqa kicked off the entertainment with a flash-mob style entrance as one drummer snuck through crowds to take the audience by surprise as they began their set.

Next up was the final stage of Love FM’s competition for their newest radio DJ. The two finalists had to answer a series of weird and wonderful questions, from “should high school students follow their dreams?” to “do you answer your phone when you’re on the toilet?”, as well a rap battle in both English and Japanese. An applause contest declared Brit Joel Challender the winner.

Finally, the stage was set for the night’s main event – Gaikokujin Star Tanjo! The first finalist onstage was Canadian Jaye Lowe, from Fukuoka, who delivered a classy and soulful performance accompanied by a double bass. Qi Tianyu, from China, was next up, whose cover of Beyond’s “遥かな夢に” was a hit with the crowds. A change of tone followed and Wisconsin-born Hannah Conklin performed her own song “All I Want Tonight Is You”. Accompanied with just her own acoustic guitar, her style was earnest and gracious – she even thanked the applauding crowds half-way through. Then the three-strong female group Kakure Pony, from Oita, executed a dazzling cover of Adele’s “Rolling in The Deep”, full of energy, subtle flourishes and a neat dance routine to match. The group commented after the event that they were very pleased to be placed third, an improvement on their 2011 place.

Then Keith Harrison Lauher performed an incredible number on his acoustic guitar in his distinct two-handed style, showcasing his seriously impressive techniques that led to him later being crowned the winner of Gaikokujin Star Tanjo and the receipt of the ¥100,000 cash prize! Keith was followed by a vivacious original song by Shawntae Olivia Stephens. The judges commented on her powerful style and attitude before the penultimate finalist Eric Nicholas performed a gentle and meaningful acoustic piece, and the judges remarked on his originality. The performances really ended with a bang as the American DJ J.P. GUNNz closed the competition with his own potent and powerful mix “Deadly Beats & Skratches”, which included some disc-spinning acrobatics.

After the presentation of awards, there was a performance by the popular Samurai Ballers and Das Funkt got the crowd pumping in his final DJ set, complete with an impromptu performance of “Gangnam Style”, featuring 13 dancers from Beppu, Oita.

With food and drinks ranging from kebabs to burritos and Russian fare, from Coronas to vodka cocktails plus a selection of wines, there was no shortage of delicious refreshments. Participating booths included Kebabooz, Restaurant Nina, El Borracho, Illy, Danshiro Kitchen, Suraj, SBC and more.

It was a lively evening with a diverse lineup of entertainment and a perfect party for those interested in Fukuoka’s international community. Our warm congratulations go to Keith who has earned the well-deserved title of Kyushu’s most talented foreigner for 2012. See you at the next Gaikokujin Star Tanjo event in 2013!

Video Report
Have you seen our video report of the night? Here it is – enjoy!

Performer’s Medley
Here’s a medley of the main performers of the night.

Photo Booth
Check here for your photo – or maybe a friend’s? Click here!

☆☆☆Next Party☆☆☆
Standby for the NEXT Fukuoka Now party coming up in February, 2013! Details on the Fukuoka Now website and Facebook page!