LIve Music | Geekscape

‘The Legend Of Zelda: Symphony Of The Goddesses’: Celebrating The 30 Year Musical Journey Through Hyrule

by Matthew MorrellMarch 8, 2016

There was an immediate hush over the packed house at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts as the concert hall lights dimmed. Just as quickly as the murmurs ceased, an eruption of applause rose as accomplished conductor Amy Anderson ran out onto the stage. Along with the backing vocal talents from Cal State Fullerton choir, there could not have been a better way to celebrate the phenomenal orchestrated powerhouse from one of the greatest games to have come from the original Nintendo Entertainment System: The Legend of Zelda.

After a few words from Shigero Miyamoto reflecting on the past thirty years, the audience was swept away on a two hour and fifteen minute journey from one of the most epic scores in video game history.

As opposed to epic film scores from such greats as Star Wars (1977) or Lord of the Rings (2001), for those of us who grew up with the 8-bit title, the iconic music that accompanied Zelda filled in the gaps to the limitations of the visuals on the NES. Thanks to the works of Master Koji Kondo, the music of Zelda aided in expanding our imaginations beyond what was presented to us.

Through the passing years, and advancement in hardware, it was always the music that made playing through any iteration of fabled Hyrule something greater. Something vast beyond the pixelated realm. There was an adventure beyond what could be displayed on an SNES, GameCube, or Wii. That music nested into our brains like a Loftwing, and grew from a simple adventure game into something else entirely: A Legend.

Celebrating 30 Year Musical Adventure in Hyrule

So if you’re thinking to yourself, “Should I spend my hard earned money on a live, fully orchestrated presentation of Zelda with beautiful backing visuals in HD on a massive screen?” That answer is absolutely.

Please see the Link (wink) below to see when and where to catch the next show. Again, it is highly advised to purchase tickets well in advance. You will undoubtedly be surprised how many fans will come flocking to this magnificent event.

Don’t let the prices scare you off either. This is nearly two and a half hours of orchestrated nirvana. You may even be equally lucky to be treated to a double encore. In short, you most certainly will be left on the edge of your seat through this symphonic wonderland from Nintendo, and the Symphony of the Goddess – Master Quest.

Check the 2016 Schedule and Purchase Tickets Here

The Saint Mort Show Episode 124: Kevin Sitaras of In Case It Rains/Rivers Monroe Returns

by SaintmortApril 18, 2015

Kevin Sitars returns to the podcast to promote the In Case It Rains EP release and we discuss music, Rivers Monroe and the recent announcement that he’s gonna be on the Warped Tour.

Check out The Saint Mort Show Live at TanoshiiCon on April 25th

Pick up your copy of the Ghoulies Double Feature from Scream Factory.

Follow Saint Mort on Facebook and Twitter and SoundCloud.

If you really like the show get Matt something nice off his AmazonWishList

Subscribe to Us on iTunes

The Saint Mort Show Episode 116: Awaking Mercury

by SaintmortFebruary 6, 2015

I’ve been trying to get Awaking Mercury on the show for about two years but we finally got our schedules to sync up. The band came over and we talked music, get into a long discussion about early christian rock and they perform two songs.

This episode is powered by Scream Factory pick up some DVDs from www.screamfactorydvd.com

Follow Saint Mort on Facebook and Twitter

If you really like the show get Matt something nice off his AmazonWishList

Subscribe to Us on iTunes

J-POP SUMMIT Music Line-up

by Kari LaneJuly 18, 2014

Music is what J-POP SUMMIT is all about! Come out to Japantown for the free event and check out some exciting Japanese pop and rock acts!

Live Music

J-POP SUMMIT attendees are invited to catch some of the hottest Japanese pop and rock acts in a series of FREE afternoon concert sets on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown’s Peace Plaza as well as at a special FREE open-air live concert, “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” in city’s downtown Union Square on the evening of Saturday, July 19^th beginning at 6:30pm.

Music headliners scheduled to perform this year include the U.S. concert debut of famed pop music superstar Tomomi Itano, as well as the popular idol group Tokyo Girls’ Style, which also makes its first-ever U.S. appearance at J-POP SUMMIT. Others set to perform include the amazing beat box vocal skills of DAICHI, a special musical performance by Harajuku fashion model/singer Una, Japanese pop singer Kylee, the U.S. debut of the kimono cosplay idol duo YANAKIKU, and the hard rocking sounds of J-rock bands Pinky Doodle Poodle, and the all-girl punk rock trio, The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass.

Full details on the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert are available at:

http://www.j-pop.com/2014/j-pop-live-at-union-square.

Also catch May’n at Slims for a special solo show on Sunday as the closing event of the Festival, on Sunday, July 20^th. Details at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/mayn-at-slims.

Tomomi Itano

Tokyo Girls’ Style

DAICHI

Una

Pinky Doodle Poodle

The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass

The J-Pop Summit Line-Up Has Been Announced!

by Kari LaneJune 9, 2014

The line-up for 2014 J-Pop Summit Festival has been announced and it is an impressive one! The theme this year is “POP Is Our Tradition” and this year’s festivities will be highlighted by the appearance of a unique array of top Japanese pop, rock and Kawaii acts.

The J-Pop Summit Festival will be held in San Francisco’s Japantown district on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th. The event is FREE to attend (though there are some activities that will require an admission fee)! There will be concert sets by some of Japan’s hottest pop and rock acts that will take place throughout both days on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown’s Peace Plaza, as well as at a special open-air live concert, “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” in the city’s downtown Union Square on the evening of Saturday, July 19th.

Check out the line-up info below!

Headliners scheduled to perform this year include pop/rock/anime singer May’n, the popular idol group Tokyo Girls’ Style, which makes its first-ever U.S. appearance at J-POP SUMMIT, the return of the amazing beat box vocal skills of DAICHI, a special musical performance by Harajuku fashion model/singer Una, the U.S. debut of the kimono cosplay duo YANAKIKU, and the hard rocking sounds of J-rock bands Pinky Doodle Poodle, and the all-girl punk rock trio, The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass. Details and specific set times will be posted on the official 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival website at: www.J-POP.com.

2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival Music Artists:

May’n – Special Appearance AT UNION SQUARE ON Saturday, JULY 19^th & Headline Show at SLIM’S S.F. ON Sunday, JULY 20^th

Japanese pop/rock/anime star May’n (pronounced “Main”) is known as the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy Sheryl Nome from the blockbuster anime film, Macross Frontier, as well as many other popular anime series. Her powerful rock and pop vocal style has drawn critical acclaim and legions of fans. In addition to a very special appearance at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE, the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival proudly presents a May’n Special Live Concert at the famous SF live venue, Slim’s (333 11^th St., San Francisco, CA 94103) on Sunday, July 20^th,at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are available along with special VIP show packages that include an exclusive artist meet-and-greet. (Quantities are limited) More details on the Slim’s show are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/mayn-live-concert-at-slims.

Tokyo Girls’ Style – Two live shows On July 19^th & July 20^Th

Tokyo Girls’ Style is a massively popular Japanese teen idol vocal group and will make their U.S. debut at J-POP SUMMIT this year. The group will perform at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE on Saturday, July 19^th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20^th. Tokyo Girls’ Style consists of 5 teenage girls whose funk and disco sounds infused with glossy urban appeal have garnered the group a massive following in Japan. Additional info is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/tokyo-girls-style.

As part of the U.S. debut of Tokyo Girls’ Style, the J-POP SUMMIT Festival and the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) will also present the U.S. theatrical premiere of Count Five to Dream of You, an inspiring feature film starring Tokyo Girls’ Style set in all-girls high school that captures the short-lived and unforgettable moments of adolescence. Also set to premiere is Kotodama – Spiritual Curse, a J-horror movie about a haunted school based on the bestselling book “Gakkou no Kwaidan,” in which members of Tokyo Girls’ Style play the leading roles. Both films will screen at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema following the group’s special appearance. Advance ticket sales start on June 3^rd at the JFFSF website at: www.JFFSF.org.

Daichi – Two live shows On Saturday & Sunday July 19^th & July 20^Th

The 23-year-old Japanese human beat-box, DAICHI, taught himself his amazing vocal skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, DAICHI can create more than 50 different sounds using only his voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody simultaneously. DAICHI is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers. DAICHI will perform at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE on Saturday, July 19^th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20^th. Additional info is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/daichi.

UNA – Two live shows On Saturday & Sunday, July 19^th & July 20^Th

Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career in 2010. It didn’t take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks and edgy fashion style Una represents a new type of model capable of expressing not only Kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. Una also has a budding singing career and has performed with top artists including Katy Perry and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. She will appear at J-POP SUMMIT in support of her newest single, “BOOM BOOM BOOM,” and will participate in this year’s HARAJUKU KAWAii!! fashion events as well as perform at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE on Saturday, July 19^th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20^th. Additional info available is at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/una.

Yanakiku – Live Performance on Saturday, July 19^th

YANAKIKU is a unique Japanese kimono cosplay duo consisting of members Yana and Kiku. In 2013, they performed for international audiences at Hyper Japan (London) and TIFFCOM (Japan) and have garnered a massive following for their costume and dance performances. YANAKIKU makes their U.S. debut at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival and will perform on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Saturday, July 19^th and participate in the Festival’s cosplay contest and events. The duo will also host a meet and greet session and have a selection of merchandise available for sale to attendees. Additional info is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/yanakiku.

Pinky Doodle Poodle – Live performance on Sunday, July 20^th

Pinky Doodle Poodle is a high energy, female fronted rock band from Tokyo that formed in 2008. The group features lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist Yuria, a successful Japanese anime singer often heard in popular video games in Japan as well as on solo records and with her band Honey Bee. Pinky Doodle Poodle just completed their first full-length record which was produced by Goo Goo Dolls member Robby Takac. The 10-song self-titled album, Pinky Doodle Poodle, was released worldwide in the spring of 2014 on Takac’s Good Charamel Records. Pinky Doodle Poodle will perform on Sunday, July 20^th on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown. Additional info at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/pinky-doodle-poodle.

The Akabane Vulgars On Strong Bypass – Live Set On Saturday, July 19^th

The Akabane Vulgars On Strong Bypass is an all-girl punk rock trio from Tokyo and returns for their third consecutive concert appearance at J-POP SUMMIT. A favorite with Festival-goers, the band plays in support of their two newest releases “Proclamation” and “Live in Brooklyn.” Catch the Akabane Vulars on Strong Bypass on Saturday July 19^th for a powerful live set on the Pagoda Main Stage. Additional info at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/akabane.

Stay tuned for additional J-POP SUMMIT Guest of Honor, programming and event announcements!

About J-POP SUMMIT Festival

Launched in 2009, J-POP SUMMIT Festival is an annual street fair held in San Francisco, CA that celebrates Japanese popular culture. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, film, art, fashion, gaming, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a prominent platform to showcase the latest pop trends and creative innovations from Japan.
The 5^th annual J-POP SUMMIT held in July 2013 welcomed more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Japanese festivals in the United States. In addition to the original Festival held in Japantown, new attractions include the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area’s premier dedicated Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, and sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, which have each further enriched the experience. Additional information about J-POP SUMMIT Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

The Geekscape Guide to Concert Etiquette

by Noel NoccioloJune 16, 2008

This past weekend, Kanye West thought it was a good idea to piss off an entire audience full of people by starting his performance at 4:30 in the morning after they had waited for hours. While Geekscape can’t save you if an artist dicks you over, our very own Noel Nocciolo (aka Ears on the Pulse) is here to offer some friendly advice to keep you from getting beat up by girls this summer.

I recently attended a concert and had one of the most bizarre experiences Iâ€™ve ever encountered at a show of ANY kind, ever. As a result, I started thinking about Concert etiquette, and how it is not really something you learn in cotillion, or from books; like when I read Tiffanyâ€™s Table Manners For Children in my youth. With the emergence of modern rock and popular music, the times have changed us. Whether we realize it or not, or even CARE to realize it, our experience as a spectator changes with the times.

The event, which precipitated my writing this, was seeing Jakob Dylan and his band, the Gold Mountain Rebels, at the Blender Theatre At Gramercy in New York City. I was invited by my friend, Stefanie, who manages bands and runs a record label, and as a result of both of those things, (as well as an overall love for music) she attends an enormous amount of shows annually. Stefanie is a huge fan of Jakob Dylan and his Father, Bob, respectively. After having what proved to be a religious experience with her months prior, in the front row for Bob Dylan (with Elvis Costello opening, solo-acoustic) at which time we actually made and held eye contact, no joke, with the Man Himself, I was thrilled to come with her to another Dylan Family Experience.

In case you are unfamiliar, Jakob Dylan = Smolderingly sexy. Talented. Wears a crisp suit or suit-like outfit. And chill. This is not a trip to the Warped Tour. This is a crowd that would be at home seeing Counting Crows. Granted, the venuesâ€™ air-conditioning was out in New York Cityâ€™s record-breaking June heat, but the show was also sold out, and people were there to be entertained. We dealt with it, and frankly, Iâ€™ve experienced worse heat for great art (cough cough, AUSTIN CITY LIMITS).

I am voluntarily becoming the Emily Post or Amy Vanderbilt for Rock-Concert Etiquette. I shall highlight some things to consider when venturing out of oneâ€™s home for a show. Let us begin.

1) The first point I shall make known is a kind reminder that a concert in a public place is not a private jam-session in your living room. If you have a half a million or more dollars sitting around to pay your favorite artist to come over and play for you in the privacy of your own home, then you may disregard. Sorry folks, but this is not how it works for (most) of us. There are other people watching the show, too. You do not have to purchase drinks for these other people, become best friends or braid their hair, just acknowledge that they, too, paid money to come out to the show (or they, too, are on someoneâ€™s guest list and have a vested interest in the artist.)

2) Since this is not a private jam-session, in which youâ€™re choosing the set list, the artist is NOT obligated to play the songs you scream out in the quiet in-between-songs portion of the show. If you are in the front section of the venue, chances are that he or she will hear you the FIRST or SECOND time you yell for a particular tune. To continue to yell out a request, not once, not twice, but FIFTEEN TIMES THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, is not only obnoxious and disrespectful to those around you, it is disrespectful to the artist who is fulfilling his or her end of the bargain and is playing for their allotted time. They picked a set list! Though they do not travel with a stone carver who etches such set lists into permanence each night before the show, it still exists! And the artist will play whatever they darn well please! If you are not feeling it, you may leave, or go to another stop on the tour and hope for your Dream Show. But please, pretty please with sugar sprinkles on top, do not continue to yell for something, be it the obscure or the Top-Forty hit. The artist knows how he or she wants their show to go. This is their job, be it glamorous or unconventional, it is what puts money in their pocket, and breakfast cereal on their kidâ€™s table. Do outside people enter your office job and demand you change the font on your Word program?

3) Iâ€™ve been â€˜That Person Holding Up Their Cell Phone At A Showâ€™ and Iâ€™m sure you have, too. The backlight of a cell phone has become the lighter-in-the-air of our generation, except that with a cellie, youâ€™re sharing the experience of the show across the miles with your unlucky friend who either 1) wasnâ€™t so lucky on ticketmaster.com when the show tickets went on sale or 2) lives elsewhere but still wanted to hear *insert song title here* if, like, ohmygod they played it. If you choose to be that person, please be discreet about calling and holding up the phone. Not everyone around you wants the vibe to be compromised by your cell phone backlight. Itâ€™s just not as sexy as the lighter-in-the-air.

4) My friend-from-college, Mariel, with whom Iâ€™ve shared two Bonnaroos and two Langerados, and many miles on the road to and from, thought I should definitely mention how this â€˜humbleâ€™ writer took the pen that was holding my messy summertime hair in place, and deflated several beach balls during the first few songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakersâ€™ headlining set at Bonnaroo 2006. While you might be shocked by this, yes, I do realize now that I was being a pain in the ass (sorry, Emily Post, but this is rock and roll) and ruining peopleâ€™s fun, but when a living legend is trying to perform, is it so wrong for him not to be distracted by beach balls? And is it so wrong for him to not have to dodge stray balls while heâ€™s playing? Is it so wrong for us, who have waited patiently for his set to begin to not be hit in the face by your â€œsummer festival fun props?â€ These are all important questions of Concert Courtesy, kids.

Though Iâ€™ve related the Bob Dylan concert with Stefanie to be a â€˜religious experienceâ€™ (I can count Tori Amos, Tom Waits, Wilco, Bjork, Arcade Fire, and on and on and on among these experiences) we are not in church. No one is suggesting that you be muted in your prayer. You can talk! You can laugh if the artist makes jokes! You can clap and yell appreciatively! You can be psyched when he finally plays that B-side that only the hard-core fans know after youâ€™ve seen ten shows this tour! But how about when you do all these things, you donâ€™t carry on a conversation with your friend as though you are in Starbucks having a venti double no-foam latte, without coming up for air whatsoever. Please do not be this person. You are only going to irk everyone around you and be shushed like a kindergartener. We are not in kindergarten. We are all adults. Why spend money on concert tickets when you can put their album on at home and talk incessantly with your friends? Please spare us all and stay home.

Respect the artist, respect your fellow fans, and have a wonderful, polite experience. Please tip your bartender, and get home safely.

The above photo is compliments of the indie band Racing Kites, currently on tour this summer. Check out their dates and music at www.myspace.com/racingkites and on a near future episode of Geekscape.