"Mita Freeman at 60" Concert on July 22-23, 2015

Mita Freeman, Hikashu's guitarist, turns 60 this month and the special concerts will be held at La Mama, Shibuya, on July 22 and 23.

In Japanese culture, there is a tradition celebrating one's 60th birthday as "Kanreki." As the oldest member of the band, Mita is the first to reach that age.

And this one is really special. First of all, Hikashu does appear, and this time it is announced that Makigami won't take lead vocals. Therefore, we all could experience Hikashu without Makigami's singing at last.

And there's a lot of interesting bands as well. Freeman Alley is a duo of Mita and Shimizu Kazuto, Hikashu's pianist. As we all know, Mita is a big fan of American jazz and standards, and Freeman Alley is a realization of his long-time dreams - singing his old favorites, like Mona Lisa (a famous song by Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke, and others), with a piano accompaniment. And this time, Reichi (vocals) will be appeared as a special guest.

Lipnitz 21 is a resurrection of the band with the same name. Lipnitz is a guitar trio playing improvised music, had been active thoughout the 80s. The members were Mita (guitar), Sakaide Masami (bass), and various drummers. And this time the line-up is completely renewed - and that's very interesting one. Both Hayakawa Takeharu (bass) and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums) are first-call musicians for jazz and avant-pop scene in Tokyo, and they play together in public for the first time.

And Lu-inch is the Mita's first band, formed in late 70s and still (very occasionally though) active, and all the important members are included in the line-up.

Adachi Sendensha is a company of publicity in Fukuoka. Their main attraction is a traditional chin-don music, and they show their expertise as a special guest.

As noted before, this event is one-time only and never to be repeated. Experience the sheer absurdity of this phenomental guitarist.

(Mita Freeman threw a pitch for the concert while Sakaide Masami and Sato Masaharu, both appear the concert, showing some mischief in the background.)


July 23 and 24, 2015
"Mita Freeman at 60"
@ La Mama
Shibuya, Tokyo
July 23: Lipnitz 21 - Mita Freeman (guitar), Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums), Hayakawa Takeharu (bass)
Freeman Alley - Mita Freeman (vocals), Shimizu Kazuto (piano), Reichi (vocals)
Adachi Sendensha
July 24: Hikashu Special - Makigami Koichi (theremin, cornet, shakuhachi), Mita Freeman (guitar, vocals), Sakaide Masami (bass), Sato Masaharu (drums) and guests
Lu Inch - Mita Freeman (guitar, vocals), Sensui Toshiro (drums), Iwah (guitar, vocals), Sakaide Masami (bass)
open 19:30 (July 23) 19:00 (July 24)
adv 3,000 yen - at door 3,500 yen each
Tickets available at the venue's box office, Lawson Ticket (L-76369), and eplus
lamama.net

La Mama, Shibuya, Tokyo