Welcoming the New Jets 2008
It’s that time of year when fresh recruits on the JET (The Japan Exchange and Teaching) program land in Fukuoka to begin their jobs as foreign language educators and cultural ambassadors. Our cameras caught a few snaps at the official welcoming party for this year’s group of 43 newbies. Welcome!
Isla de Salsa 2008
The annual two-day outdoor “Borderless music festival” celebrating world music moved to a new venue near Momochi Beach this year. Saturday was a smashing success as a crowd of 2,500 enjoyed performances by 8 bands, including world-famous “La 33” and 100 dancers! Unfortunately, a sudden thunderstorm caused Sunday to be canceled. Access NPO Tiempo Americano’s website for ticket refund details www.isla-de-salsa.jp
Jay Gutta, Brooklyn Rapper
August 8th kicked off the Beijing Olympics, but it also was a big night here in Fukuoka as up and coming Hip Hop & Rap artist Jay Gutta performed at both Infinity and Mars to celebrate the release of his third CD, “3rd’s a Charm”. Jay was joined on stage by other members of the TZENT crew, friends and supporters, making for a particularly busy Friday night at Infinity. If you haven’t already checked out his sound, access his website for news updates and sound previews. You’ll want the full CD soon enough. www.myspace.com/guttagutta
Harvey Leder at Billboard Fukuoka
Canadian artist, and veteran performer on Fukuoka’s live music scene, Harvey Leder and a long list of other local musicians performed at Billboard Live Fukuoka on Aug. 16. Both stages were near sellouts. For more info on Harvey and his latest release, “Rock Bottom” contact harveyleder@hotmail.com
Fukuoka Now’s Fireworks After Party
334 guests, many donning yukata or jimbei, made their way down to La Boheme Qualita after the Ohori Park Fireworks Festival for a night of drinks and entertainment. Highlights included a kakigori-eating game and a best-dresser contest with prizes for the winners. The international crowd was also treated to a stunning performance by a dance group from Tiempo Iberoamericano. Next: Full Moon Party at “With the Style” on Oct. 17.
Drink Like A King!
Fukuoka gained another international watering hole this summer. James Bradford of Avon Drinks proudly threw open the doors to his ‘Quintessentially British’ Three Kings British Pub in Daimyo on July 18. Appointed with imported furniture from the UK, two big plasma screens to show the best of British Sport and TV and over eight lines of real ale, the Three Kings is poised to make everyone feel like a king. Weekday lunch, weekend brunch and Sunday roast on the horizon. Meanwhile enjoy the happy hour specials. Cheers! Tel: 092-403-3622
Obituary Notice – Robert “Bob” C. Hill
Past away at the age of 71 after an over ten-year-long battle against cancer. Bob was a jack-of-all-trades, a designer, racer, pilot, a Mac fan, a Harley Davidson advocate, and an eloquent educator to so so many for so long. Originally from the USA, he also spent time in Africa and the Caribbean, and then to his beloved Fukuoka City where he lived for over twenty years.
