International Jazz Day at Satin Doll Roppongi

Come out for a jazz champagne brunch to celebrate International Jazz Day, now in its eighth year. In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. Jazz, an American art form, is now recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity. 

International Jazz Day has been celebrated in over 190 countries, but here in jazz-crazy Tokyo, which has more than ten times the number of jazz clubs as NYC and millions of jazz fans, International Jazz Day has been largely ignored. Event organizer David Russell of 2021 Communications decided to change that by renting the Satin Doll club in Roppongi for two days and hiring a dozen musicians. The result is a traditional New York-style Champagne Jazz Brunch for two consecutive days — April 29 and 30. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the show will run until 3:30 p.m. That’s a lot of time to relax and party and still have your evening free.  

Putting on concerts is only halfway to the goal of International Jazz Day. It’s also about bringing music to the people and making it easy for people to get to hear the music. Russell threw out the high-priced Music Charge/Table Charge model that Tokyo clubs typically use, and set a single package price that includes music + food + Champagne. Then he negotiated fees with everyone involved. With the help of Seiko Watch, which generously offered to co-sponsor the event, he was able to slash the total price by more than half. 

“The result is undoubtedly the best deal in live music during all of Golden Week: Three hours of great music, good food, and free Champagne all for just ¥3,000 (bar drinks are only ¥500 extra). “The musicians are really excited about this, and so am I. The bands are different each day, but both shows are going to be fantastic. This is by far the best way to kick off Golden Week.”

Reservations are a must: www.satin-doll.jp or 03-3401-3080

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