Chris Murphy on Live Music

Greetings and salutations. Here is a general guide to live music in Sendai City. It is by no means complete. I occasionally stumble into small alley taverns at 2 in the morning but can never quite remember where they are. Sendai is by no means the live music capital of the world. Sorry, western artists rarely come to Sendai. Tokyo and Osaka are usually the only cities that can afford to bring Western musicians over. If you look hard enough I’m sure you’ll find something that appeals to your tastes. Tickets for larger venues can be obtained in the basement of the AMS Department store, Vivre, 141, or Mitsukoshi Department stores. Tickets for most other venues can be purchased at the door. Well, without further ado, here goes

Advance: Also a recording studio, Advance occasionally hosts a variety of amateur musicians. I’ve only seen a handful of performers at this place. Shows cost between 500 and 2000 yen. This place doesn’t sell alcohol but there is a convenient store around the corner that can satiate your midnight cravings.

American Blues: tiny 2nd floor den of inequity run by a tattoo covered girl (yakuza?). Sits 10-15 max but always has guys jamming. They even let you get up and sing (and occasionally let Paul A. break guitar strings). Some backstreet off Chuo dori. (Thanks to F.Dobson)

Bar, Isn’t It?: Date One Bldg. 3F, 3-9-13 Aoba-ku (022) 262-0901 on Ichibancho, above Royal Host. Usually only disco. Occasional live music. Manager wants to promote more live music, so check with the phone number. (Thanks to R. Sherrin)

Birdland: Nestled beneath a parking garage, Birdland is a live house showcasing up-and-coming amateur rock, punk, and alternative. Shows cost between 500 and 2000 yen. This place doesn’t sell alcohol but there is a beer machine nearby and the owners have an “anything goes” attitude. Rock on, Birdland!

Kento’s: Kokubuncho. Hard to find salaryman bar on a side street. Nice club aimed at those with money. Features “oldies”. (Thanks to R.S.)

Kotodai Park: On warm Saturdays and Sundays, Kotodai is host to some decent live music. Shows are free and the atmosphere is casual and laid back. Even the salarymen loosen their ties for a bit. Located across from City Hall.

Kurisu/Chuo Road: Every night students go, guitar in hand, to Chuo Dori to play their hearts out for anybody who’ll lend them an ear. And how much was that fine for loitering anyway? No fee for listening to these aspiring artists but I’ve been tempted to hand some of these kids money for their own private karaoke box, making the streets more pleasant for dinosaurs such as myself.

Macana: Larger venue for those acts signed on Japanese indie labels. Much bigger than places like Birdland and Advance. Because the music is recognized by more Japanese, live shows tend to be more, well, lively. Shows cost between 1500 and 5000 yen. Located on Ichibancho by the Disney store. Rock on, Macana!

Metro: across from Disney store on Ichibancho. Small basement club with occasional live music. This club has a capacity of 40 people, but always sells 100 plus tickets, leading to uncomfortable crowding during big events. (Thanks to R.S.)

Park Side Live: intersection of Jozenji-dori and Ichibancho, below Pepe Gonzalez and above convenience store. New club, converted from restaurant. They knocked out the kitchen and built a nice, big stage. (Thanks to R.S.)

Pipeline: Located underneath the American Club Bldg. B1F, 1-10-11 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku (022)221-5152 Usually “Oldies/Rockabilly music on Friday nights, Saturday nights vary. Cover is around 800 yen. (Thanks to R.S.)

Samba-Samba: Azur Bldg. 20F,1-1-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku (022) 711-3955 Brazilian restaurant featuring George on guitar doing a great solo performance on most nights. Features Gypsy Kings style music. Special Live nights with bands. (Thanks to R.S.)

Sun Plaza: Located behind Sendai Station, Sun Plaza has artists recognized by the general public. I’ve never been to this hall but if Japanese pop-music sounds interesting then this is your place. Beck was here a little while ago. Tickets for this hall are generally expensive and overpriced but, hey, it’s Japan.

Tsutsujigaoka Park: Like Kotodai, this park has occasional live music. This park is located behind Sendai Station, about five minutes from Sun Plaza. The band shell is in the back of the park hidden by a small group of trees and shrubs. Listen for the music.

Seinen Bunka Center: Located five minutes from Asahigaoka Subway Station, this hall has monthly performances by the Sendai Philharmonic. I saw Mahler’s Fifth performed here and I enjoyed it. Tickets are usually around 4000 yen. If you still have your student ID tickets are only 2000 yen.

Shanghai Club: A cool, big jazz bar with live jazz. If you can eat the ramen (jigoku) you get 20% off the bill. Located on Kokubuncho in the Lion Building. (Thanks to F.D.)

St. Marc’s: Located in Yaotome, this cool restaurant/bakery has a piano player (sometimes jazz, sometimes classical). Great bread tabihodai. (Thanks to F.D.)

Vilevan: Located by Sendai Station, Vilevan is a great place to get a last drink before catching the midnight train. Friday and Saturday nights have occasional jazz performances. Usually very crowded but this place has got Bass Pale Ale and Guinness.