Yukiko in New York City Day5

Yukiko visits Greenwich Village. Chess players play at Village Chess Shop.














Yukiko was invited to Shakespeare's "HAMLET" performed by Company East from Tokyo. La MaMa Experimental Theater Club has for the last 47 years been melting pot for creating and presenting theatrical works from all over the world.


Mamoun's falafel restaurant in Greenwich Village serves middle eastern food. Half falafel sandwich (ground spiced chickpeas and fava beans shaped into a ball) costs only $2.50.




Yukiko attended a jazz performance at Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village.
Perfomance by Robin McKelle.

Miracle

Yukiko's second performance was at Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar in NYC. Mr. Ashford and Mrs. Simpson are husband and wife, singer-song writer and production team. Their successful carrier started in 1960's. They wrote music for artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye. They were hosting this event for a night.
On Thursday night at Sugar Bar, aspiring singers get together and each takes place on stage. The venue is packed with artists and music lovers.
Yukiko decided to present Jazz Standard, "All Of Me." Another exciting performance opportunity awaits her in few hours.
Excellent House band of keyboard, drums, lead guitar and bass guitar players.
Yukiko with the band leader. Take a look at a video of Yukiko on stage!!
Watch Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my1r42A_hi4&feature=channel_page

After her performance, she was called by the band leader. He invited her to perform at Village Vanguard ,the world- famous jazz club since 1935 in West Village, NYC. She expect to perform there on Feb. 2nd.
In the audience, .....you may not believe this....., there was Kathleen Battle(キャサリーン　バトル) who is one of the most prominent opera singers of the world. Yukiko is standing behind her to find a moment to speak. She is surrounded by her fans.

以前、ゆきこは音楽大学にてソプラノを専攻。当時はキャサリン. バトルのCDを聴きながらレッスンに励んでいた。その後、複雑な身体不和に基づく声帯の変化を理由に、ジャズ歌手としての道を選ぶ。キャサリン　バトルは、ゆきこのパフォーマンス終了後、個人的に彼女を呼びとめた。そしてひとこと　『Yukiko, you were so great!』　
ソプラノを諦めざるを得なかったくやしい過去を乗り越え、ジャズミュージックを学ぶ現在も、自ら疑問をなげかけながら試行錯誤を重ねる毎日である。今回、本場のニューヨークにてジャズを表現した自分を、以前の師匠に認められたことによって、アーティストとしての彼女の新たな目標が明らかにされた。
ゆきこにとって、感無量で涙がとまらない夜であった。　.....Yukiko in New York City is to be continued.....

Yukiko in New York City Day4

Sidewalk is icy in the neighbourhood of Harlem apartment. Yukiko walks 10 minutes to the subway station. Temperature today is high, 2c degrees and low, -4c degrees.


Yukiko walks around the heart of Harlem on 125th street. Apollo Theater started in 1914 where all Stars like Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and James Brown, were made and Legends were born.


In Harlem, it's such a exciting to shop shoes, dress, bags and, off course, Obama-goods.

Yukiko makes her first debut in NYC

Street performer at the 42nd street subway station.
Intense neon signs at Times Square. This city never sleeps.
She attended Broadway Musical "In The Heights." Unbelievable!!!!!
Watch Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Rd7Cpx-Ss
Dinner at the Italian restaurant.
don't tell mama is a piano bar in NYC, often Broadway star and cast members drop by and share their talents.
http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/
After having one beer, she is ready to make her first appearance as a performer in NYC.
Watch Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CcJdyPx7LI&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUBmMN5tFzQ&feature=channel
NYPD Police men are always on duty in Times Square.

Yukiko in New York City Day3

Yukiko visits the rehearsal for up-coming off-off Broadway production, "REDEVELOP" (DEATH VALLEY) at The Chocolate Factory Theater. All the panel moves between stage right to the left. Microphone hangs from the ceiling. Objects are hidden above the grid. Inside of a wind chime is a another microphone. The entire space is used carefully as a set.

Technical booth is mounted with high-tech devises to maneuver two sets of surveillance cameras, microphones and lighting instruments during the show.

Within two weeks, they expect to have the opening!

Yukiko in New York City Day2

George asks some questions about her photos.
He is curious about where she comes from. Till late night, they kept talking about the music, their love.
Next week, they will perform together at Columbia University, NYC
Yukiko shows a little gift to George. It's a small hand-made doll crafted by her students.
Yukiko and George meet first time in Harlem apartment.

She studies her music. She expects to have a performance at Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar on Thursday night.


She walks around Times Square and theater district. Tomorrow, she will attend the Broadway " In The Hights" which won Tony Award, the best musical last year.






Yukiko rides a subway first time in NYC.

Grocery Shopping

Yukiko drops by neighborhood grocery shop....
and finds Belgian beer "Blue Moon."

Yukiko in New York City Day1

Yukiko arrived in NYC Harlem apartment.
She spends nice relaxing time with a glass of red wine. She calls her family and friends" Hello, I jut got here!"